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

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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.

Where to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago

Culture

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Patrick&#x27;s Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/09/a-very-chicago-st-paddys-day-treat-green-beer-chips" data-vars-content-id="8ac240d0-8f6f-43d7-9d5d-3c21243ad310" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate St. Patrick&#x27;s Day in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/09/a-very-chicago-st-paddys-day-treat-green-beer-chips" target="_self">St. Patrick&#x27;s Day</a> is one of the liveliest weekends in Chicago.The vibe: From the downtown and neighborhood parades, the river dyeing and, of course, the food and drink specials, here&#x27;s how to celebrate Chicago style.

A very Chicago St. Paddy's Day treat: Green beer chips

The St. Patrick's Day release includes a "lucky bag" contest for free chips for a year.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Patrick&#x27;s Day " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/03/11/st-patricks-day-parades-return-chicago-illinois" data-vars-content-id="a2249c21-ac46-4944-b510-e1e3e065b856" data-vars-headline="A very Chicago St. Paddy&#x27;s Day treat: Green beer chips" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/03/11/st-patricks-day-parades-return-chicago-illinois" target="_self">St. Patrick&#x27;s Day </a>in Chicago usually means two things: Dying the river green and drinking beer.Driving the news: Chicago&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Local Style Chips" data-vars-click-url="https://localstylechips.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq6Ga5SQhtUzeI9QQiM_7WZhIZTjQQUncbAn0yc5U1gGG8fiSv6" data-vars-content-id="a2249c21-ac46-4944-b510-e1e3e065b856" data-vars-headline="A very Chicago St. Paddy&#x27;s Day treat: Green beer chips" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://localstylechips.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq6Ga5SQhtUzeI9QQiM_7WZhIZTjQQUncbAn0yc5U1gGG8fiSv6" target="_blank">Local Style Chips</a> is celebrating the holiday with a new flavor that combines both traditions, plus a chance to win a special, salty prize.

How to celebrate Women's History Month in Chicago

From wine tasting to pop-ups, here's how Chicago is marking Women's History Month this March.

Women&#x27;s History Month marks a time to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women locally and globally.The big picture: Throughout March, events across Chicago will bring women together to celebrate, connect and uplift each other. We&#x27;ve rounded up a few ways to celebrate around the city.

Galentine's Day events and celebrations in Chicago

From cocktail making to roller-skating, Chicago has a jam-packed Galentine's Day weekend.

Grab your girlfriends — Valentine&#x27;s Day weekend isn&#x27;t just for couples. It&#x27;s also a time to celebrate friendships with drinks, dancing and laughter!

How to celebrate Black History Month across Chicago

From a variety show to New Edition-themed paint and sip, here are some ways to celebrate Black History and culture in Chicago.

From art to dance to comedy, here&#x27;s how to celebrate Black History Month across Chicago.

Where to celebrate and honor MLK in Chicago this weekend

From music to art to community services, these MLK Day events are happening around Chicago this month.

Monday marks the commemorative day honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.The big picture: Whether you&#x27;re using the holiday as a day of service or taking time to learn more about the civil rights icon&#x27;s legacy, here are a few events happening around town.

The insiders' guide to Chicago's Christkindlmarket

Your local guide to Chicago's Christkindlmarket.

Holidays

Even if you hate the stinky cheese, being shoulder to shoulder or you&#x27;re just a Scrooge, at some point as a Chicagoan, you will probably experience the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christkindlmarket" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/12/13/favorite-christkindl-chicago" data-vars-content-id="8d1166b7-71fd-4643-bd19-ca91be0a821b" data-vars-headline="The insiders&#x27; guide to Chicago&#x27;s Christkindlmarket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/12/13/favorite-christkindl-chicago" target="_self">Christkindlmarket</a>.We&#x27;re here to guide you through it.

Signs your dog is holiday-stressed — and what to do

How to tell if your dog is stressed and needs some extra love.

Environment

The &quot;most wonderful time of the year&quot; can also be the most stressful time of the year. And, we&#x27;re not the only ones feeling anxious.The big picture: With disrupted schedules, out of town guests and extra travel, our pets can pick up on the added stress of the holidays.

20 Chicago holiday pop-up bars to check out

20 festive bars to visit in Chicago this weekend.

☃️ &#x27;Tis the season to stay warm and get festive with holiday pop-up bars. Here&#x27;s your local guide to where to go this season.The vibe: These limited-time bars offer a cozy and fun place to meet with colleagues or friends to enjoy holiday-themed decor and specialty cocktails.

How to get the "Classy Clark Griswold" look this Christmas

Chicago residents are turning to full‑service installment teams for holiday lighting ease.

The holidays are already filled with stress from planning, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spending" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/holiday-sales-2025-nrf-forecast-trillion-dollar" data-vars-content-id="cdc4186e-e14e-44cd-927c-14f3f74b8f75" data-vars-headline="How to get the &quot;Classy Clark Griswold&quot; look this Christmas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/holiday-sales-2025-nrf-forecast-trillion-dollar" target="_self">spending</a> and hosting. Homeowners and businesses are taking at least one thing off the list — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decorations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/26/best-christmas-holiday-decorations-decor-shops-illinois" data-vars-content-id="cdc4186e-e14e-44cd-927c-14f3f74b8f75" data-vars-headline="How to get the &quot;Classy Clark Griswold&quot; look this Christmas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/26/best-christmas-holiday-decorations-decor-shops-illinois" target="_self">decorations</a>.The big picture: Similar to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;pumpkin concierges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/14/porch-pumpkin-delivery" data-vars-content-id="cdc4186e-e14e-44cd-927c-14f3f74b8f75" data-vars-headline="How to get the &quot;Classy Clark Griswold&quot; look this Christmas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/14/porch-pumpkin-delivery" target="_self">&quot;pumpkin concierges</a>&quot; in the fall, there&#x27;s high demand in Chicago and the suburbs for professionals who handle everything from the initial design to the hanging of lights and greenery to the disassembling.