Chicago

blue

A guide to fun things to do in Chicago this weekend.

Axios Chicago Weekender

Weekender

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Chicago with Monica Eng, Justin Kaufmann, and Carrie Shepherd.

Axios Chicago

Standard

Chicago Alerts

Alert

Axios Chicago Partners

Axios Chicago Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Chicago Members

Membership

NBC Chicago's new studio marks end of daytime TV era

The nearly 70,000-square-foot space on the first floor of the NBC Tower is where Springer used to do his syndicated show.

Business

NBC 5&#x27;s new studio at NBC Tower marks the end of Chicago&#x27;s daytime TV production era, but bets big on the future of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local news" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/09/media-future-streaming-fox-nbc-wgn-reader-wbez-2026" data-vars-content-id="6016cc2a-e01c-455e-a923-d90534b3b4d0" data-vars-headline="NBC Chicago&#x27;s new studio marks end of daytime TV era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/09/media-future-streaming-fox-nbc-wgn-reader-wbez-2026" target="_self">local news</a>.Why it matters: The investment boosts local news — but underscores how far Chicago has drifted from its once-dominant role in daytime TV.

Berlin nightclub to reopen as Belmont and Decibel

The sister venues will be called The Belmont and Decibel and open on April 25.

Things to Do

After closing its doors in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="late 2023" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/11/21/berlin-nightclub-closed-drag" data-vars-content-id="a615ada9-ef22-42f3-9027-464119deb73e" data-vars-headline="Berlin nightclub to reopen as Belmont and Decibel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/11/21/berlin-nightclub-closed-drag" target="_self">late 2023</a>, Lakeview&#x27;s Berlin nightclub space will reopen this month as The Belmont, a craft cocktail bar, and Decibel, a dance bar.Why it matters: For 40 years, Berlin hosted a unique mix of LGBTQ and straight clubbers for late-night dance parties in an inclusive environment.<ul><li>Managers tell Axios they want to recreate that special scene.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;The goal is for everyone to feel comfortable here, as long as they&#x27;re comfortable with everyone else,&quot; says Marcus Devin, one of the new club&#x27;s managers, who previously worked at Berlin.<figure><img alt="Two men stand together in a dim venue with purple lighting. Left: glasses, blond hair, black T‑shirt with a circular cat logo. Right: mustache, blue mountain graphic T‑shirt; both wear jeans." height="2539" id="a3f98868-5c9e-427f-948e-bd483868cfa0" src="https://images.axios.com/JGyy2nBr29RJGlOFXwv5gSxvVNk=/2026/04/08/1775688782247.jpeg" width="3941"/><figcaption>Programming manager Austin Neff and manager Marcus Devin in front of the new DJ booth at Decibel, formerly Berlin. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios </figcaption></figure>Driving the news: The Belmont/Decibel (954 W. Belmont Ave.) will open to the public on April 25, pending final city approval.How it works: The club will operate as The Belmont cocktail bar in the early evenings, but pull back a curtain and morph into Decibel after 10pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.Backstory: Berlin owners Jim Schuman and Jo Webster closed the legendary club in 2023 amid union demands that they said they lacked the funds to accommodate. <ul><li>The new owner is HV Entertainment, which owns local LGBTQ clubs including Fantasy, Bobby Loves, The Closet and the Chicago Eagle.</li></ul>What&#x27;s new: Fresh lighting, a new sound system, clean remodeled bathrooms and two twinkling bars.What&#x27;s old: The &quot;retro vibe&quot; that manager and former Berlin staffer Austin Neff says he hopes to recreate with &quot;techno, house, &#x27;80s, &#x27;90s and early 2000s music&quot; spun by Berlin DJ Greg Haus.<ul><li>Berlin&#x27;s elevated dance stages that could host drag performers again in the fall.</li></ul>The drinks: Expect fancy craft cocktails at The Belmont until 10pm, but simpler drinks at Decibel.If you go: The Belmont will be open Tuesday-Saturday and charge a $5-10 cover for Decibel after 10pm.

The Hand & The Eye opens in Chicago

The Hand & The Eye joins a wave of recent openings on or near Michigan Avenue that draw crowds.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Hand &amp; The Eye" data-vars-click-url="https://www.handandeye.com/" data-vars-content-id="9f04c5aa-9004-4c61-a42c-419b9c8d9ec7" data-vars-headline="The Hand &amp; The Eye opens in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.handandeye.com/" target="_blank">The Hand &amp; The Eye</a> — touted as the largest magic venue in the world — opens in Chicago on April 18. Why it matters: Tickets are on sale for the 36,000-square-foot venue that transformed the old McCormick Mansion at 100 E. Ontario St.

Lawmakers weigh human composting in Illinois

The process turns human remains into soil and is legal in 14 states.

Climate

Illinois could soon legalize human composting — a greener death option that&#x27;s currently illegal in state.

Illinois bill pushes data center accountability

The massive bill also proposes reporting on energy and water use .

A new state proposal would require large data centers to bring their own renewable energy and disclose how much water and electricity they use.Why it matters: Illinois energy prices <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have spiked in recent years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/electric-bills-map" data-vars-content-id="6c2e6c17-2e99-425f-8533-bc7b729402a0" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill pushes data center accountability" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/electric-bills-map" target="_self">have spiked in recent years</a>, partly due to the enormous power demands of rapidly expanding data centers housing servers and other IT infrastructure.<ul><li>A recent state report warns that Illinois could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="face a power shortage by 2029." data-vars-click-url="https://news.wttw.com/2025/12/19/illinois-electrical-grids-could-face-power-shortages-and-price-increases-state-report#:~:text=Warnings%20of%20the%20potential%20shortfall,new%20generators%2C%20the%20report%20noted." data-vars-content-id="6c2e6c17-2e99-425f-8533-bc7b729402a0" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill pushes data center accountability" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.wttw.com/2025/12/19/illinois-electrical-grids-could-face-power-shortages-and-price-increases-state-report#:~:text=Warnings%20of%20the%20potential%20shortfall,new%20generators%2C%20the%20report%20noted." target="_blank">face a power shortage by 2029.</a></li></ul>

Chicago's "Lights Out" push could save thousands of birds

Thousands of birds die each spring in Chicago — but simple steps like turning off lights can help.

Environment

Chicago doesn&#x27;t have to become a graveyard for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="migratory birds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/24/chicago-bird-collisions-migratory-deaths-data-advocates" data-vars-content-id="f4f0ce32-e0ea-4ef1-9da0-14056fc348c2" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s &quot;Lights Out&quot; push could save thousands of birds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/24/chicago-bird-collisions-migratory-deaths-data-advocates" target="_self">migratory birds</a> every spring. There&#x27;s a simple solution to save these seasonal visitors.The big picture: Chicago&#x27;s Lights Out Campaign encourages buildings 40 floors and higher to turn off their lights from 11pm until sunrise. <ul><li>The lights throw off the birds&#x27; navigation, leading them to swarm and die from exhaustion or slam into the buildings. </li></ul>

Why Illinois utility bills may be too high

A Springfield proposal would limit price hikes and stop auto-renew traps that inflate power and gas bills.

Your utility bill may be higher than it needs to be — and Illinois lawmakers want to change that.Why it matters: While utilities such as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ComEd and People&#x27;s Gas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/06/07/peoples-gas-rate-increases-comed" data-vars-content-id="dbc02f70-0925-46ef-8ef4-83ca498b8f6d" data-vars-headline="Why Illinois utility bills may be too high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/06/07/peoples-gas-rate-increases-comed" target="_self">ComEd and People&#x27;s Gas</a> are not allowed to mark up the cost of electricity and heat, alternative suppliers can, driving up consumers&#x27; bills.

Neighbors split over $9B Quantum Shore project

The rift is also putting pressure on progressive quantum supporters, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker.

A group of Southsiders launched &quot;Southeast Neighbors for Quantum&quot; this week to support the nascent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$9 billion Quantum Shore campus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/20/quantum-computing-hub-south-works-lllinois" data-vars-content-id="f7fb7e66-eb9d-437b-ac19-e5a5dd95d212" data-vars-headline="Neighbors split over $9B Quantum Shore project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/20/quantum-computing-hub-south-works-lllinois" target="_self">$9 billion Quantum Shore campus</a> — just days before their neighbors plan to rally for binding benefits from the developers.Why it matters: The dueling camps are putting Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson in a delicate spot, squeezed between progressive allies demanding stronger community protections and neighbors who see the project as a long-overdue economic investment.

Pritzker re-energizes nuclear power in Illinois

Illinois agencies have been directed to start evaluating new sites for power plants.

After lifting a moratorium on new nuclear facilities last year, Gov. JB Pritzker gave the technology another boost this week with an executive order directing Illinois agencies to start evaluating potential sites for them.

Lincoln Park is using birth control to stave off rats

Eight blocks are being monitored as officials study whether contraception can reduce rat numbers over time.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rat control " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/02/16/rat-complaints-report-inspector-general" data-vars-content-id="6672cbd5-c080-4679-864e-86372c545cc5" data-vars-headline="Lincoln Park is using birth control to stave off rats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/02/16/rat-complaints-report-inspector-general" target="_self">rat control </a>experiment is halfway into its one-year pilot, and the alder pushing the project wants to see the concept citywide someday.The big picture: Lincoln Park Ald. Timmy Knudsen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="launched the project" data-vars-click-url="https://chicagobirdalliance.org/rat-contraceptive-pilot-program" data-vars-content-id="6672cbd5-c080-4679-864e-86372c545cc5" data-vars-headline="Lincoln Park is using birth control to stave off rats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicagobirdalliance.org/rat-contraceptive-pilot-program" target="_blank">launched the project</a> last August with Lincoln Park Zoo and the Chicago Bird Alliance to distribute non-toxic pellets that function as birth control for rats.<ul><li>Scientists are monitoring eight blocks in the 43rd ward, chosen based on rat activity, commercial activity and 311 complaints.</li></ul>

Chicago Park District wants your ideas for improvements

Residents can submit ideas through March 31 for projects at more than 600 Chicago parks.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Park District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/23/chicago-parks-ranking" data-vars-content-id="1897e0a3-06e5-428f-b3c3-45333b6bb0f2" data-vars-headline="Chicago Park District wants your ideas for improvements" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/23/chicago-parks-ranking" target="_self">Chicago Park District</a> is giving residents the chance to weigh in on park projects and improvements.The big picture: For the first time, the park district is hosting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="participatory budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/participatory-budgeting" data-vars-content-id="1897e0a3-06e5-428f-b3c3-45333b6bb0f2" data-vars-headline="Chicago Park District wants your ideas for improvements" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/participatory-budgeting" target="_blank">participatory budget</a> process in which Chicago residents can submit ideas for projects and improvements at the city&#x27;s more than 600 parks.<ul><li>Nine projects will be selected: three each in the North, Central and South regions.</li></ul>

Chicago tests just 0.01% of homes for lead in water

Chicago tests the same number of households as Elgin despite being 27 times the size.

Elgin officials recently found <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high levels of lead" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/06/21/high-lead-levels-chicago-home-water" data-vars-content-id="7c8764bf-4134-48cf-aa09-bca57449070b" data-vars-headline="Chicago tests just 0.01% of homes for lead in water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/06/21/high-lead-levels-chicago-home-water" target="_self">high levels of lead</a> in the water of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="70% of the homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dailyherald.com/20260114/news/elgin-again-issues-alert-after-drinking-water-samples-exceed-allowable-lead-levels-during-test/" data-vars-content-id="7c8764bf-4134-48cf-aa09-bca57449070b" data-vars-headline="Chicago tests just 0.01% of homes for lead in water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dailyherald.com/20260114/news/elgin-again-issues-alert-after-drinking-water-samples-exceed-allowable-lead-levels-during-test/" target="_blank">70% of the homes</a> they tested, prompting the western suburb to give filters to residents whose homes are connected to lead lines.Why it matters: Elgin found these dangerous lead levels by testing 101 homes, or about 0.25% of the suburb&#x27;s households.<ul><li>Chicago tests a much smaller percentage of its homes — 0.01%. To reach Elgin&#x27;s ratio, the city would have to test about 2,800 homes every six months, not the 100 it tests today.</li><li>Elgin has an estimated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="8,094 lead lines" data-vars-click-url="https://elginil.gov/2640/Elgins-Lead-Response" data-vars-content-id="7c8764bf-4134-48cf-aa09-bca57449070b" data-vars-headline="Chicago tests just 0.01% of homes for lead in water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://elginil.gov/2640/Elgins-Lead-Response" target="_blank">8,094 lead lines</a>, while Chicago has more than 400,000.</li></ul>

Chicago cold warning: How to stay safe

Bitter cold affects schools and events; warming centers, libraries open to help residents.

It&#x27;s about to be extremely cold.The big picture: The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning through noon Friday. Wind chills could drop to -40F.<ul><li>The NWS says it&#x27;s putting every available resource into forecasting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="potentially historic winter storm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/winter-storm-snow-ice-forecast-east-coast-south" data-vars-content-id="12236881-e7b6-43da-9ece-a2d44d0abf88" data-vars-headline="Chicago cold warning: How to stay safe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/winter-storm-snow-ice-forecast-east-coast-south" target="_self">potentially historic winter storm</a> that&#x27;s wreaking havoc here and across the country.</li><li>Nearly 148 million Americans were facing winter storm watches in states spanning 2,000 miles, from New Mexico to Maine, as of Thursday afternoon.</li></ul>

Local artist gives Andersonville utility boxes a makeover

The local Chicago artist revamped neighborhood utility boxes

Culture Brief

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Andersonville&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/05/07/chicago-andersonville-clark-street" data-vars-content-id="77df5cdf-020e-408d-bde6-9b641935390a" data-vars-headline="Local artist gives Andersonville utility boxes a makeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/05/07/chicago-andersonville-clark-street" target="_self">Andersonville&#x27;s</a> utility boxes have been brought to life by Chicago portrait artist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gabi Bozeman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/gabibozeman" data-vars-content-id="77df5cdf-020e-408d-bde6-9b641935390a" data-vars-headline="Local artist gives Andersonville utility boxes a makeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/gabibozeman" target="_blank">Gabi Bozeman</a>.The big picture: Through her creations in this Northside neighborhood, Bozeman is giving the community a face-to-face interaction with her work versus viewing larger murals from a distance, unable to capture the details of the art.

Environment

Illinois bill pushes data center accountability

April Earth Month events in Chicago

Chicago's "Lights Out" push could save thousands of birds

Why Illinois utility bills may be too high

Neighbors split over $9B Quantum Shore project