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

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Movement to divide Illinois into two states gains traction in suburbs

A meeting is scheduled on Saturday in Barrington.

News

A long-shot movement to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="split Illinois into two" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/12/04/illinois-counties-vote-state-split-separatist-new" data-vars-content-id="658d88ab-cafd-4b4a-84fd-d93d82c39fef" data-vars-headline="Movement to divide Illinois into two states gains traction in suburbs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/12/04/illinois-counties-vote-state-split-separatist-new" target="_self">split Illinois into two</a> states is finding support beyond rural downstate counties and into parts of the Chicago suburbs.The latest: Saturday morning, New Illinois will hold meetings in Barrington to give updates on the push for a new state.

Judge orders MRED to restore Zillow home listings

A court ruling restores Zillow's access to Chicago-area listings amid a fight over private sales.

Real Estate

A federal judge ordered the company that distributes most Chicago-area home listings to restore <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/20/chicago-homes-zillow-mred-listings-cutoff-compass-private-listings" data-vars-content-id="2ac3f004-c19c-48ca-bdfc-e1e9d07a2c79" data-vars-headline="Judge orders MRED to restore Zillow home listings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/20/chicago-homes-zillow-mred-listings-cutoff-compass-private-listings" target="_self">Zillow</a>&#x27;s access to its database — at least for now.Why it matters: Buyers who visited Zillow were not seeing the full scope of homes for sale after MRED, the major multi-listing service for the Chicago area, cut off Zillow&#x27;s access to its portal this week.

Food Fight: Best Caesar salad in Chicago

Our crew crowns standout Caesars from Armitage Ale House, Zarella and Pizz'amici.

Food and Drink

As part of our regular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food Fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/18/best-chicago-breakfast-sandwiches-doma-samira" data-vars-content-id="1066e234-18e5-4d60-942b-3e7065d8bfb7" data-vars-headline="Food Fight: Best Caesar salad 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/2026/05/18/best-chicago-breakfast-sandwiches-doma-samira" target="_self">Food Fight</a> series, we are hailing the venerable Caesar salad and arguing over the best one.

Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness

A new report says Americans — especially young people — are talking to their neighbors less and less.

Culture

Over my many years in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" data-vars-content-id="d31adcca-b0d5-4da7-a520-628b691cda06" data-vars-headline="Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" target="_self">Chicago</a>, it has been my neighbors who made me feel most at home. Why it matters: A new report says Americans — especially younger people — are talking to their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neighbors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" data-vars-content-id="d31adcca-b0d5-4da7-a520-628b691cda06" data-vars-headline="Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" target="_self">neighbors</a> less and less. Honestly? That bums me out.

How to avoid Memorial Day traffic in Chicago

Travel early in the morning on Sunday for the least traffic.

Holidays

Chicagoans leaving for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Memorial Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/memorial-day-weekend-2025-federal-holiday-meaning" data-vars-content-id="896d46b8-6a3d-4c19-9cbf-00e3242579f1" data-vars-headline="How to avoid Memorial Day traffic in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/memorial-day-weekend-2025-federal-holiday-meaning" target="_self">Memorial Day</a> roadtrips on Thursday or Friday afternoons will hit the worst traffic of the holiday weekend, per INRIX traffic data.The big picture: Despite soaring gas prices, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA is predicting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/advocacy/memorial-day-travel-forecast-safety-tips.html" data-vars-content-id="896d46b8-6a3d-4c19-9cbf-00e3242579f1" data-vars-headline="How to avoid Memorial Day traffic in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/advocacy/memorial-day-travel-forecast-safety-tips.html" target="_blank">AAA is predicting</a> the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="busiest Memorial Day ever" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/12/memorial-day-travel-forecast-record-aaa" data-vars-content-id="896d46b8-6a3d-4c19-9cbf-00e3242579f1" data-vars-headline="How to avoid Memorial Day traffic in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/12/memorial-day-travel-forecast-record-aaa" target="_self">busiest Memorial Day ever</a> for travel — making strategic timing essential.

Where to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago

<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.

<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.

Things to Do

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.

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.

A table that shows Memorial Day weekend 2026 road traffic forecasts by day. Worst driving windows are Thursdayfrom noon to 9pm, Friday from 11am to 8pm, Saturday from noon to 5pm, and Monday from noon to 5pm.