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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.

Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club delivers elevated cocktails

Drinks aren't cheap, but the balance, strength and service make Kitty's a standout.

Food and Drink

I love wine, but as my friend and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Twin Cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities" data-vars-content-id="07409809-4619-4a00-8740-850296b2747f" data-vars-headline="Kitty&#x27;s Cosmopolitan Club delivers elevated cocktails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities" target="_self">Twin Cities</a> colleague Torey says, &quot;It doesn&#x27;t always love me back.&quot;The big picture: I&#x27;ve been ordering cocktails when I go out, and a tasty, balanced, strong drink isn&#x27;t always easy to find.

Taking the tipping temperature of Axios readers

Please help us take the tipping temperature of Chicago diners.

As Chicago&#x27;s tipping future hangs in the balance this month, we want to know how you all feel about the issue.Why it matters: We hope the data helps servers, restaurant owners, diners and politicians make better decisions.

Illinois pushes back on latest Trump voting order

The Illinois ACLU says it would disenfranchise millions of voters.

Election

Illinois advocates are challenging President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest effort to change voting laws" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/25/trump-elections-executive-order-citizenship-proof" data-vars-content-id="1c207705-be16-4233-a92b-7e6f3a70c53f" data-vars-headline="Illinois pushes back on latest Trump voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/25/trump-elections-executive-order-citizenship-proof" target="_self">latest effort to change voting laws</a>, which would create voter lists that the Postal Service would use to identify who gets a mail-in ballot.Why it matters: The U.S. Constitution <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="places the job of election administration" data-vars-click-url="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S4-C1-2/ALDE_00013577/" data-vars-content-id="1c207705-be16-4233-a92b-7e6f3a70c53f" data-vars-headline="Illinois pushes back on latest Trump voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S4-C1-2/ALDE_00013577/" target="_blank">places the job of election administration</a> in the hands of the states and Congress.

Happy Hour Hop reviews across the Chicago area

Checking out bargain sips and bites at bars, bistros and fancy restaurants.

Persian fries delight at Noon O Kabab in Albany Park

They feature nice sour pickles and feta but the raw onion really lingers.

Over the years, I&#x27;ve scarfed my share of fries topped with chili, cheese, giardiniera, feta, mapo tofu, truffles and more. <ul><li>But I&#x27;d never seen the combo <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Noon O Kabab" data-vars-click-url="https://www.noonokabab.com/order-now/side-orders/persian-fries-441" data-vars-content-id="668a7f3d-781d-411e-b971-06429563e08b" data-vars-headline="Persian fries delight at Noon O Kabab in Albany Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.noonokabab.com/order-now/side-orders/persian-fries-441" target="_blank">Noon O Kabab</a> showers over its Persian fries ($9.50). </li></ul>The bite: Thin cut, crispy potato wedges topped with pickles, raw onion, Persian salad, crumbled feta and spices. The verdict: I like the idea less than the actual dish, which left me smelling like a wild (Chicago) onion at a social event right after my scarfage.

Chaz Ebert launches awards for empathy and more

The first annual FECK awards will take place Saturday at the Ritz Carlton in Chicago.

Things to Do

Chicago philanthropist Chaz Ebert will be honoring folks who spread forgiveness, empathy, compassion and kindness at the first annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FECK Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://giveafeck.com/awards/" data-vars-content-id="4376bc9f-6788-4441-bb67-8b5e898b917f" data-vars-headline="Chaz Ebert launches awards for empathy and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://giveafeck.com/awards/" target="_blank">FECK Awards</a> held downtown Saturday.Why it matters: Ebert, the widow of late film critic Roger Ebert, is highlighting the work of at least four Chicagoans for their efforts to improve life around the city as part of this national award.

Shed stress and find joy with circle singing

CCS All Sings welcome crooners of all levels.

I grew up singing in the church choir (as a director&#x27;s kid) but haven&#x27;t returned to one for decades.Why it matters: Chicago is apparently full of choir refugees who, like me, don&#x27;t frequent church but still want to make joyful noise with others.Enter: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Circle Singing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagocirclesinging.com/" data-vars-content-id="0a5a97e9-d0ca-4322-a7fc-e23ee3f0e7c5" data-vars-headline="Shed stress and find joy with circle singing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagocirclesinging.com/" target="_blank">Chicago Circle Singing</a>, a loose-knit group of crooners — at any level — who gather in the South Loop for monthly All Sings with more specialized gatherings in between.

Benny the Bull's birthday: Chicago Bulls mascot celebrates at United Center

The legendary mascot gives us what a perfect day in Chicago would look like.

Sports

Chicago Bulls fans may be divided about the direction of the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" team&#x27;s rebuild" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/05/bulls-trade-vucevic-white-dosunmu-reset-franchise-michael-jordan" data-vars-content-id="88556fc6-cdb9-45d0-b2e4-52ee76ab0ce4" data-vars-headline="Benny the Bull&#x27;s birthday: Chicago Bulls mascot celebrates at United Center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/05/bulls-trade-vucevic-white-dosunmu-reset-franchise-michael-jordan" target="_self"> team&#x27;s rebuild</a>, but they unite around one thing: Benny the Bull.Why it matters: The beloved mascot is celebrating his 57th birthday Wednesday. The Bulls will mark the occasion at the United Center before their game against the Pacers.<ul><li>Expect a pregame, beach bash–themed party starting at 5:30pm in the atrium.</li></ul>

5 things to expect under new Hideout ownership

Think songwriters in the round, fiddle music, cocktails and hot dogs.

Last month, Chicagoans absorbed the news that owners of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Hideout nightclub were selling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/19/hideout-owners-sell-to-musician-after-30-years" data-vars-content-id="2eb9e6c3-271f-4e92-b960-b53d5f46e7f6" data-vars-headline="5 things to expect under new Hideout ownership" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/19/hideout-owners-sell-to-musician-after-30-years" target="_self">The Hideout nightclub were selling</a> it after 30 years to musician and former staffer Teri O&#x27;Brien.Why it matters: At the time of the sale, O&#x27;Brien was still processing her new stewardship and ownership duties and was short on future plans.<ul><li>We caught up with her a week later, after she&#x27;d done fun things like transfer the &quot;waste management accounts into my name,&quot; to see if we could glean a few more details about the club&#x27;s future.</li></ul>

Pick up an Illinois passport for America's 250th

A new Illinois passport guides visitors to 60 historic sites, from Cahokia Mounds to Pullman.

History

Illinois is putting its own stamp on the country&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250th birthday." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/black-history-250-who-decides" data-vars-content-id="7bb4c31b-b800-458a-b75b-ce75bbca4afe" data-vars-headline="Pick up an Illinois passport for America&#x27;s 250th" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/black-history-250-who-decides" target="_self">250th birthday.</a>

Bill Kurtis is ready to read, write and roam

It includes a walk along the river, writing, pancakes at Beatrix and dinner at Prairie Grass Cafe.

Legendary anchorman and &quot;voice of God,&quot; Bill Kurtis, 85, announced this month he&#x27;s retiring from his regular (and hilarious) gig as judge and scorekeeper on &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wait Wait…Don&#x27;t Tell Me" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/06/30/wait-wait-dont-tell-me-peter-sagal-chicago" data-vars-content-id="a17362b5-5eb2-4681-aaaa-a0624766b879" data-vars-headline="Bill Kurtis is ready to read, write and roam" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/06/30/wait-wait-dont-tell-me-peter-sagal-chicago" target="_self">Wait Wait…Don&#x27;t Tell Me</a>!&quot; His last show is May 23.<ul><li>In retirement, Kurtis tells Axios, he looks forward to &quot;More writing. More reading. More time on the land.&quot;</li></ul>

What David Byrne's "Theater of the Mind" feels like

The 75-minute immersive experience mixes neuroscience, memory and audience participation.

Culture

When my husband asked me what <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Theater of the Mind&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/28/chicago-theater-of-the-mind-david-byrne-goodman" data-vars-content-id="2c934ba4-8bce-423b-a081-6a61cf442890" data-vars-headline="What David Byrne&#x27;s &quot;Theater of the Mind&quot; feels like" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/28/chicago-theater-of-the-mind-david-byrne-goodman" target="_self">&quot;Theater of the Mind&quot;</a> was before we went this week, I told him I didn&#x27;t really know, despite previewing its arrival.<ul><li>Now that I&#x27;ve seen it, I still don&#x27;t quite know, and that&#x27;s a good thing.</li></ul>

Things to Do 🗓

Happy Hour Hop reviews across the Chicago area

Persian fries delight at Noon O Kabab in Albany Park

Chicago Easter brunches and egg hunts

Chaz Ebert launches awards for empathy and more

Shed stress and find joy with circle singing