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

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Food fight: Best breakfast sandwiches in Chicago

From the sando at Sarima Cafe to the treats at TXA TXA and Doma, we've got you covered.

Things to Do

Chicago has no shortage of great breakfast sandwiches. Flashback: In 2022, Axios Chicago gathered<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" this tasty list " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/04/19/locals-guide-breakfast-sandwiches-in-chicago" data-vars-content-id="4c8484a4-05f8-4c34-9939-1ad94e027464" data-vars-headline="Food fight: Best breakfast sandwiches 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/2022/04/19/locals-guide-breakfast-sandwiches-in-chicago" target="_self"> this tasty list </a>of old standbys, which included the sandwich from James Beard Award-winning Kasama and the tasty traditional fare at Do-Rite Donuts. Yes, but: That was four years ago — a lifetime for Chicago businesses and palates.

Quiz: The wildest fan moments in Chicago sports history

Can you get a perfect score on the hijinks and history at local stadiums?

Culture

New Chicago stores spark long lines and retail frenzy

From Uniqlo to Oakbrook pop-ups, new Chicago-area retail openings are sparking long lines.

Business

Excitement around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new retail stores in Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/14/leica-chicago-first-store-michigan-avenue" data-vars-content-id="2992c1a0-4dc0-4557-b9e5-a86aa0c904d9" data-vars-headline="New Chicago stores spark long lines and retail frenzy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/14/leica-chicago-first-store-michigan-avenue" target="_self">new retail stores in Chicago</a> has led to long lines, and in at least one case, police on the scene.The big picture: New tenants continue to fill storefronts on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michigan Avenue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/12/president-trump-magnificient-mile-chicago-trump-tower" data-vars-content-id="2992c1a0-4dc0-4557-b9e5-a86aa0c904d9" data-vars-headline="New Chicago stores spark long lines and retail frenzy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/12/president-trump-magnificient-mile-chicago-trump-tower" target="_self">Michigan Avenue</a>, and shops with very loyal followers are popping up in neighborhoods and the suburbs.

Chicago homicides rise as violent crime drops in major U.S. cities

The city is seeing an uptick in homicides, while other violent crimes drop.

News

U.S. cities are experiencing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sharp declines in homicides" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="f56b53a7-14e6-4a6c-ad27-468727ff76a6" data-vars-headline="Chicago homicides rise as violent crime drops in major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" target="_self">sharp declines in homicides</a> this year — with one notable exception: Chicago.Why it matters: Chicago is entering the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traditional summer months for crime," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/22/brandon-johnson-violence-homicides-declining-memorial-day-weekend" data-vars-content-id="f56b53a7-14e6-4a6c-ad27-468727ff76a6" data-vars-headline="Chicago homicides rise as violent crime drops in major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/22/brandon-johnson-violence-homicides-declining-memorial-day-weekend" target="_self">traditional summer months for crime,</a> with homicides slightly ahead of last year&#x27;s pace, even as many major cities report steep declines in killings.

How to get the most out of spring in Chicago

Outdoor projects are moving to the top of Chicago to-do lists — and Lowe's spring deals events help maximize the budget.

Partners

In Chicago, spring means finally shaking off winter and getting back outside after months of frozen ground and snow-covered yards.<ul><li>Homeowners are refreshing flower beds, repairing lawn damage and resetting backyard spaces for warmer days ahead.</li></ul>Why it&#x27;s important: Outdoor spaces can transform how you live and how you feel, from small refreshes to full backyard makeovers.

The university system that powers Illinois' economy

Illinois converts public investment into lasting job growth.

Education

Illinois&#x27; economy depends on institutions that build infrastructure for the decades ahead.Why it&#x27;s important: Workforce demands are shifting, industries need talent pipelines they can depend on and communities across the state need real pathways to opportunity.

💪 South Chicago's next chapter

Fifth Third's Neighborhood Program catalyzed more than $50M of investment in Chicago.

Fifth Third Bank&#x27;s Neighborhood Program has brought $57.7 million of financial impact to South Chicago since 2021 — supporting small businesses, homeowners and neighborhood revitalization.Why it&#x27;s important: South Chicago&#x27;s history includes decades of disinvestment and discriminatory planning, leaving persistent gaps in housing access, business growth and income mobility.

Fighting hunger with care in Chicago

Every Chicago Chick-fil-A restaurant partners with local nonprofits to turn surplus food into new meals for neighbors in need

Chick-fil-A&#x27;s mission goes far beyond the drive-thru, and has real impact in every community the restaurant calls home.<ul><li>Locally owned and operated restaurants invest in people by mentoring team members, supporting schools and nonprofits and building connections that last.</li><li>They also encourage team members to pursue growth by developing leadership skills and applying for Chick-fil-A scholarships.</li></ul>

Your next road trip should be Indiana

Indiana is full of surprises — from floating cabins to whitewater rafting and epic museums.

Travel

For many travelers, the idea of Indiana begins and ends with the familiar — but step off the interstate and you&#x27;ll discover a state that subverts expectation at nearly every turn.<ul><li>You&#x27;ll find floating cabins, escapades with elephants, scuba diving, state parks, sand dunes, and more — here&#x27;s how you can plan your next summer vacation.</li></ul>

Spring smarter: Your guide to tackling this season's DIY projects

This spring, look to Lowe's to help you make your dream home projects a reality.

This spring, take on your home projects with confidence in Chicago. Whether you&#x27;re tackling DIYs, sprucing up the garden or transforming your outdoor space, Lowe&#x27;s has everything you need to get it done.Why it&#x27;s important: Spending time outside boosts your mood and enhances your lifestyle. Your outdoor space is where you relax, play, gather and make memories.

Chicago nonprofit contributing to social good — and the fund supporting it

The Chicago Tool Library lends local businesses, nonprofits and schools thousands of items to help with repair, gardening, camping and more — but it needs support to grow.

<div data-sponsor-disclosure="&quot;{&quot;logoUrl&quot;:&quot;https://images.axios.com/ibR_hnxmOdyMenOkcuDOcO5-cM8=/2025/01/09/1736439108383.jpg&quot;,&quot;headline&quot;:&quot;A message from: Xero&quot;}&quot;"></div><div style="display:none"></div>The Chicago Tool Library lends local businesses, nonprofits and schools thousands of items to help with repair, gardening, camping and more — but it needs support to grow.

Your summer guide to finding thrills IN Indiana

Indiana is the place to be for summer thrills — here’s why

If you&#x27;re looking to add a dose of excitement to your summer, look no further than Indiana.Indiana is a hotspot with everything a thrill-seeker could want, from rollercoasters and zip lines to skydiving and go karts. 🎡