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

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The giant Pabst Blue Ribbon sign that once towered over downtown Chicago

Here's another installment in our "History Mystery" series investigating archival photos of Chicago.

History

This week&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="History Mystery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/05/history-mystery-palmer-house-construction-state-hotel-fire-potter" data-vars-content-id="bf1c97c2-1dd4-4c65-9f80-d90863844b04" data-vars-headline="The giant Pabst Blue Ribbon sign that once towered over downtown Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/05/history-mystery-palmer-house-construction-state-hotel-fire-potter" target="_self">History Mystery</a>&quot; features a long-lost photo of a neon beer sign that once welcomed people to downtown Chicago. <ul><li>The Pabst Blue Ribbon billboard lit up the night sky at Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue decades before Millennium Park existed.</li></ul>

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling to retire

The police chief leaves after helming a department that saw historic drops in homicides last year.

Public Safety

Chicago Police Department Superintendent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Larry Snelling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/08/14/chicago-police-superintendent-larry-snelling" data-vars-content-id="d67f76c4-c9a6-4c8b-97a5-c51044bb8464" data-vars-headline="Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling to retire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/08/14/chicago-police-superintendent-larry-snelling" target="_self">Larry Snelling</a> announced Wednesday that he&#x27;ll retire July 15 after more than three decades with the department. Why it matters: Snelling was Mayor Brandon Johnson&#x27;s first pick to lead CPD and oversaw a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drastic reduction in homicides" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/10/crime-decline-homicides-october-trump-national-guard-scotus-johnson" data-vars-content-id="d67f76c4-c9a6-4c8b-97a5-c51044bb8464" data-vars-headline="Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling to retire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/10/crime-decline-homicides-october-trump-national-guard-scotus-johnson" target="_self">drastic reduction in homicides</a> during his tenure.

Chicagoans open French cottages in New Buffalo

The new cottage compound blends wellness and hospitality.

Things to Do

As someone who has rented summer homes in the Harbor Country area for decades, I was intrigued by the new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Petite Acres" data-vars-click-url="https://www.petiteacres.com/" data-vars-content-id="67435586-1052-45d9-9965-88cf93983274" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans open French cottages in New Buffalo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.petiteacres.com/" target="_blank">Petite Acres</a> cottage compound in New Buffalo, which feels like a hybrid cottage, luxury hotel and summer camp.Background: Chicago couple Jeana Anderson Cohen and Justin Cohen dreamed up the facility after a 2020 trip to a resort in the south of France.

Chicago suburbs add drones this July 4

Environmental, safety and accessibility concerns are reshaping some local Fourth of July celebrations.

Fireworks symbolize the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fourth of July" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/30/ohare-fourth-of-july-travel-weekend-united-aaa-driving-travel-illinois" data-vars-content-id="9dcf7be1-575d-47cd-86be-ba4b5dfff2c6" data-vars-headline="Chicago suburbs add drones this July 4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/30/ohare-fourth-of-july-travel-weekend-united-aaa-driving-travel-illinois" target="_self">Fourth of July</a> as much as American flags, hot dogs and sweltering heat, but some Chicago suburbs are switching things up this year.

Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more

Check out all the holiday weekend has to offer.

<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Friday</h2>✍️ The American Writers Museum presents a pop-up exhibition titled &quot;Declarations: 250 Years of Writing Toward Independence,&quot; exploring topics surrounding the Declaration of Independence. | The American Writers Museum | $15.35 | Friday - Sunday | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://americanwritersmuseum.org/america250/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://americanwritersmuseum.org/america250/" target="_blank">Details</a>🎇 Can&#x27;t catch the fireworks on the 4th? Wheaton will present fireworks, drone shows and festivities on Friday. | Graf Park in Wheaton | Free | Friday, 5:30pm | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/july4/#fireworks" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/july4/#fireworks" target="_blank">Details</a>✌Kokandy Productions is presenting a revival of &quot;HAIR.&quot; | The Chopin Theatre Mainstage | $28-$65 | Through Sept. 13 | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="http://www.kokandyproductions.com/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.kokandyproductions.com/" target="_blank">Details</a>🍺 The Graystone Tavern will serve holiday-themed food and drink specials and a July 4th happy hour from noon-4pm on Saturday. | The Graystone Tavern | Friday - Sunday | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="http://www.graystonetavernchicago.com/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.graystonetavernchicago.com/" target="_blank">Details</a><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Saturday</h2>🎆 Navy Pier will host Chicago&#x27;s Independence Day fireworks show. To celebrate America&#x27;s 250th birthday, the display will be extended by 15 minutes, making it the largest and longest in the Pier&#x27;s history. | Navy Pier | Free | Saturday, 10pm | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://navypier.org/pier-events/independence-day-fireworks/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://navypier.org/pier-events/independence-day-fireworks/" target="_blank">Details</a>🛥️ First Lady&#x27;s 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza includes a 2.5-hour lakefront cruise from the Chicago Riverwalk to Lake Michigan, 3D glasses, snacks and a bar. | First Lady Cruises | $74 | Saturday, 7:45-10:15pm | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://tracking.us.nylas.com/l/78fbe35d7adf4f43b4ec1a18e5848e76/1/d267257b59a2242d3cc7ed164f263fff51c5340c46d1cd6739a9e779c4b87c50?cache_buster=1781288083" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tracking.us.nylas.com/l/78fbe35d7adf4f43b4ec1a18e5848e76/1/d267257b59a2242d3cc7ed164f263fff51c5340c46d1cd6739a9e779c4b87c50?cache_buster=1781288083" target="_blank">Details</a>🎻 Conductor Christopher Bell will lead the Grant Park Orchestra for the Grant Park Music Festival&#x27;s annual Independence Day Salute. The program features marches and anthems, along with music by George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, John Philip Sousa and more. | Pritzker Pavilion | Free | Saturday, 7:30pm | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/events/independence-day-salute/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/events/independence-day-salute/" target="_blank">Details</a>🥁 Head to Hyde Park for the neighborhood&#x27;s 34th annual &quot;4th on 53rd&quot; parade, which includes marching bands, floats, community groups and kids on decorated bikes. A festival kicks off immediately afterward, featuring live performances and games. | 53rd Street between Hyde Park Boulevard and Nichols Park | Free | Saturday, 11am | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://4thon53rdparade.com/parade" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://4thon53rdparade.com/parade" target="_blank">Details</a>🇺🇸 The Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park is hosting a 4th of July event with live music, performances and activities for families. | John Lewis Plaza | Free. Activities are first-come, first-served | Saturday, 2-7pm | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://www.obama.org/events/the-peoples-fourth/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.obama.org/events/the-peoples-fourth/" target="_blank">Details</a>🏛️ The Chicago History Museum opens its revamped &quot;Facing Freedom&quot; exhibition. | Chicago History Museum | $17-$19 | Saturday, 9:30am-4:30pm | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagohistory.org/exhibition/facing-freedom/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagohistory.org/exhibition/facing-freedom/" target="_blank">Details</a>🎵 The Museum will also rededicate Augustus Saint‑Gaudens&#x27; &quot;Lincoln: The Man,&quot; followed by a free public concert by the Americana Concert Band. | Chicago History Museum | Free | Saturday, 4:30-7pm | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagohistory.org/event/americana-concert-band-performance/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagohistory.org/event/americana-concert-band-performance/" target="_blank">Details</a>🦅 Brookfield Zoo Chicago celebrates America 250 with family-friendly activities and special $2.50 kids admission. | Brookfield Zoo Chicago | Saturday, 9:30am-6pm | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/activities-schedule" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/activities-schedule" target="_blank">Details</a>⚾️ Rosemont&#x27;s Chicago Dogs baseball team will host its largest fireworks display of the year and an Elvis tribute on July 4. First pitch is at 6pm. | Impact Field | $10 | Saturday, 4:45pm | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://thechicagodogs.com/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thechicagodogs.com/" target="_blank">Details</a>🛳️ Chicago Boat Company is offering private, self-captained boat rentals, duffy boats, pontoons, party barges and retro boats to enjoy the weekend. | Chicago Boat Company (Chicago River, near Navy Pier) | Saturday - Sunday | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://chicagoboatcompany.com/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicagoboatcompany.com/" target="_blank">Details</a>🍾 Cody&#x27;s Public House&#x27;s all-day Fourth of July party includes $2.50 mimosas until 2pm and other drink specials. | Cody&#x27;s Public House | Saturday, 11am | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="http://www.codyschicago.com/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.codyschicago.com/" target="_blank">Details</a>🍔 Frank &amp; Mary&#x27;s Tavern will serve up free Chicago dogs, burgers and apple pie beginning at 2pm. | Frank and Mary&#x27;s Tavern | Saturday, 11am | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="http://www.frankandmarystavern.com/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.frankandmarystavern.com/" target="_blank">Details</a>🍻 Central Park Bar&#x27;s Patio Bash includes Maplewood drafts and THC drinks. | Central Park Bar | Saturday, 12pm | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="http://www.centralparkbarchicago.com/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.centralparkbarchicago.com/" target="_blank">Details</a>🕺🏻 Estelle&#x27;s hosts a late-night holiday party, starting at 4pm with DJ Papa G. | Estelle&#x27;s | Saturday - Sunday | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="http://www.estelleschicago.com/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.estelleschicago.com/" target="_blank">Details</a>🌭 Remedy&#x27;s has free hot dogs when you buy a $2.50 shot of Malort. | Remedy | Saturday - Sunday | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="http://www.remedybarchicago.com/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.remedybarchicago.com/" target="_blank">Details</a>🥂 Olio e Piu has Bottomless Bubbles during brunch and an Aperitivo Hour from 4–7pm. | Olio e Piu | $25 | Saturday | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://www.olioepiu.com/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.olioepiu.com/" target="_blank">Details</a><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Sunday</h2>🏳️‍🌈 Pride South Side creates a space for Black and Brown LGBTQI+ folks to gather with food, music and dance. | DuSable Museum | Free | Sunday, 2-9pm | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pridesouthside.org/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pridesouthside.org/" target="_blank">Details</a>🇺🇸 Keter&#x27;s Fourth of July Weekend Celebration at Gallagher Way serves complimentary mocktails, trivia and giveaways. | Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field | Free | Sunday, 10:30am-1:30pm | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DaDlgOBHyGY/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DaDlgOBHyGY/" target="_blank">Details</a>🧘 Rosemont presents &quot;Yoga in the Park.&quot; | Parkway Bank Park | Free | Sunday, 10-11am | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://parkwaybankpark.com/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://parkwaybankpark.com/" target="_blank">Details</a>🎤 Lauren Alaina will perform at RiverEdge Park. | RiverEdge Park | $37 | Sunday, 8pm | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://riveredgeaurora.com/" data-vars-content-id="95b154a0-a070-448a-963a-c4eda3bb68fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://riveredgeaurora.com/" target="_blank">Details</a>

Tasty and tuneful new eateries in Harbor Country

PostBoy and Out There both offer a chill vibe and delicious flavor combinations.

Folks traveling to Harbor Country for the first time in a couple of years will find some delicious surprises from Chicagoans who&#x27;ve opened some of the coolest new spots in the area.<ul><li>They include a James Beard-nominated restaurant and a gas station-turned-wine bar/music venue.</li></ul>

New placemat aims to connect kids with their food

You can find it a more than a dozen local restaurants including Prairie Grass Cafe and Big Star.

Food and Drink

Children of all ages will find a fresh treat on their tables at more than 20 local restaurants this summer with the newest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="young chef&#x27;s placemat" data-vars-click-url="https://theevolvednetwork.org/young_chef_journal" data-vars-content-id="2a8e5043-69be-435f-bc8c-10516ee4585d" data-vars-headline="New placemat aims to connect kids with their food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theevolvednetwork.org/young_chef_journal" target="_blank">young chef&#x27;s placemat</a>.Why it matters: The placemat is more than just a way to keep kids busy. It&#x27;s aimed at sparking creativity and putting them in touch with seasonal foods.

Chicagoans bristle at the arrival of big bagel

We compared 6 new and old brands and came out with a surprise.

Last week, New York&#x27;s H&amp;H Bagels officially landed in Fulton Market, marking the third big national chain to enter the Chicago market in recent months — and raising some local hackles. Why it matters: Chicago&#x27;s local bagel scene has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boomed in recent years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wbez.org/curious-city/2021/04/08/yes-chicago-has-good-bagels-heres-where-to-find-them" data-vars-content-id="7f73c0d8-63dc-4c20-9628-7464970e7764" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans bristle at the arrival of big bagel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wbez.org/curious-city/2021/04/08/yes-chicago-has-good-bagels-heres-where-to-find-them" target="_blank">boomed in recent years</a>, adding to an already strong base of stalwarts like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New York Bagel &amp; Bialy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newyorkbagelandbialy.net/" data-vars-content-id="7f73c0d8-63dc-4c20-9628-7464970e7764" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans bristle at the arrival of big bagel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newyorkbagelandbialy.net/" target="_blank">New York Bagel &amp; Bialy</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BroBagel" data-vars-click-url="https://brobagel.com/" data-vars-content-id="7f73c0d8-63dc-4c20-9628-7464970e7764" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans bristle at the arrival of big bagel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://brobagel.com/" target="_blank">BroBagel</a>.

Chicago's Pride Parade, '83 White Sox and dog-friendly events for the weekend

Here's what's happening in Chicago this weekend.

After 5 seasons, Chicago bids farewell to "The Bear"

The award-winning series launches its final season Thursday night.

News

Starting Thursday night, viewers should savor the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="final bites" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/08/01/the-bear-chicago-review" data-vars-content-id="599a3117-7836-432b-84b4-947657babf2b" data-vars-headline="After 5 seasons, Chicago bids farewell to &quot;The Bear&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/08/01/the-bear-chicago-review" target="_self">final bites</a> of one of the most influential television shows to ever shoot in Chicago. State of play: FX&#x27;s &quot;The Bear&quot; will release its fifth and final season on Thursday. All episodes are available for streaming.

Aldi's blind box giveaway brings free grocery surprises

The Batavia-based grocer is mailing free themed boxes packed with snacks, pantry items and more.

When I think about a &quot;blind box&quot; program, my mind usually goes to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="collectible toys" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/10/03/popmart-toy-store-michigan-avenue" data-vars-content-id="92314700-c7a9-4328-ba06-22b3aa52c9b1" data-vars-headline="Aldi&#x27;s blind box giveaway brings free grocery surprises" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/10/03/popmart-toy-store-michigan-avenue" target="_self">collectible toys</a>, not groceries. So I was a little confused and intrigued by Batavia-based Aldi&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blind box " data-vars-click-url="https://aldiblindbox.com/" data-vars-content-id="92314700-c7a9-4328-ba06-22b3aa52c9b1" data-vars-headline="Aldi&#x27;s blind box giveaway brings free grocery surprises" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://aldiblindbox.com/" target="_blank">blind box </a>promotion that starts Monday and runs through Friday.

Food Fight: Who makes Chicago's best jibarito?

Axios Chicago reporters duke it out over who sells the best.

Fiesta Boricua may be over, but Chicago celebrates Puerto Rican-influenced culture every day with our homegrown jibarito sandwich, a treat that uses fried plantains instead of a bun for the bread.We&#x27;re duking it out over who in Chicago has the best jibarito.

Chicago weekend: Pride Fest, Black Yacht Weekend, Morgan Wallen and more

From Pride Fest and Juneteenth celebrations to art fairs, food fests and Father's Day events.

From Juneteenth celebrations to Father&#x27;s Day specials, this Chicago weekend is jam-packed.Oh, and did we mention Pride Fest, art fairs, film fests and shopping?<ul><li>Take a look and get planning! </li></ul>

World's largest Hello Kitty Café opening in Chicago

The 8,000-square-foot café will feature exclusive treats, merch and plenty of photo ops.

Culture

The world&#x27;s largest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hello Kitty Café" data-vars-click-url="http://axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/08/12/hello-kitty-cafe-experience-bay-area" data-vars-content-id="e06453c6-3757-4873-94aa-cd4f5be3431a" data-vars-headline="World&#x27;s largest Hello Kitty Café opening in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/08/12/hello-kitty-cafe-experience-bay-area" target="_self">Hello Kitty Café</a> is opening in Chicago this month.Driving the news: The company announced Wednesday that the café will open at 10am on June 26 at 360 N. Michigan Ave. at the London House Hotel.

Food and Drink 🍽

Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more

Tasty and tuneful new eateries in Harbor Country

New placemat aims to connect kids with their food

Chicagoans bristle at the arrival of big bagel

Chicago's Pride Parade, '83 White Sox and dog-friendly events for the weekend