Axios Chicago Weekender

September 11, 2025
π¨ Hi, friends! Make it an art-filled weekend with some of these neighborhood art walks.
Today's newsletter is 665 words β a 2.5-minute read.
1 big thing: Art festivals taking over your block
As Chicago eases into fall, one way to experience new neighborhoods before winter forces us inside is to check out art walks and festivals.
Here are a few happening this weekend:
πΌοΈ Lakeview East Festival of the Arts
- The fest features more than 150 artists repping a range of styles β paintings, sculpture, photography and even furniture and jewelry. Plus, live music.
- 11am-7pm Saturday-Sunday along Broadway from Belmont to Hawthorne.
- Free, but $5 suggested donation.
πΆπ½ββοΈRavenswood Artwalk
- Stroll along the train tracks at Ravenswood, where artists will open studios and galleries, while you enjoy a pop-up beer garden, food trucks and fun for the kids.
- 11am-6pm Saturday-Sunday at Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, from Irving Park to Lawrence.
- Free, but $5 suggested donation.
ποΈ Highwood Arts, Crafts & Drafts
- Shop local art from sculptures, paintings, photography, jewelry, clothing, furniture and ceramics. Plus, beer!
- 11am-7pm Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday.
- Free
- Explore the vibrant Pilsen arts scene when artists open up their doors to show their work.
- South Halsted between 17th Street and Canalport in Pilsen.
- Free
2. More things to do this weekend
Walk or run for pups and head to the South Side to hear live music.
π’ Art on the Mart: City Circle Heart
- The fall projection schedule kicks off with a celebration of Arts of Life, a 25-year-old Chicago non-profit that provides studio space and instruction for disabled artists and brings their work into the mainstream, including on the Mart.
- 7:30-8pm every Thursday through Oct. 5 and Dec. 4-28 at The Mart in the Loop.
- Free
- Stop by the Northwest Side outdoor fest for local bites, drinks, activities and entertainment for the little ones.
- 4-10pm Friday and noon-10pm Saturday on Northwest Highway (between Raven and Newark) and Centennial Park.
- Free, but $5 suggested donation.
πΎ PAWS Chicago 5K
- Grab your furry friends and raise money for the pet rescue as it celebrates 25 years of helping animals in need.
- 7:30-11am Saturday at Montrose Harbor.
- Registration starts at $45.
Anthony Rizzo retirement celebrations
- Join the Cubs in celebrating All-Star and World Series champion Anthony Rizzo's retirement before they face the Tampa Bay Rays.
- 1:20pm at Wrigley Field.
- Tickets start at $83.
π΅ Englewood Music Fest
- Listen to live performances, like Gospel singer Le'Andria Johnson and DJ Caleeb at the South Side festival.
- Noon-9pm Saturday at Kennedy-King College.
- Free, but register here.
β‘ Electrify Expo
- Discover and drive new EVs and eBikes with live entertainment and food.
- 10am-6pm Saturday-Sunday at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates.
- Tickets start at $20.
πΌ Whiplash
- Watch the 2014 Academy Award-winning film with the Chicago Philharmonic's live soundtrack.
- Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm Saturday at the Auditorium Theatre.
- Tickets start at $48.
3. "Only Murders in the Building" and other premieres this week
Here's what's new on Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Prime Video, Paramount+, BET+ and PBS.
What we're watching: A new season of "Only Murders in the Building," a Miranda Cosgrove-led romantic comedy, and a documentary about the history of Black television.
"Only Murders in the Building" season 5 available now on Hulu
State of play: Following the mysterious death of their doorman, Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short) and Mabel (Selena Gomez) investigate and eventually discover old and new criminal threats in New York City.
The latest: A podcast hosted by series star Michael Cyril Creighton will air in tandem with this season, featuring guests Martin, Short, Gomez, showrunner John Hoffman, Christoph Waltz, Jane Lynch and Keegan-Michael Key.
"The Wrong Paris" available Friday on Netflix
The intrigue: Miranda Cosgrove stars in this rom-com about a woman who thinks she has signed up for a dating show set in Paris, France β only to discover the show is actually set in Paris, Texas.
"Seen & Heard: The History Of Black Television" available now on HBO Max
What's inside: This documentary explores the history of Black representation on TV β from stereotypes to authentic storytelling.
Zoom in: It features commentary from Issa Rae, Shonda Rhimes, Tyler Perry, Lena Waithe, Oprah Winfrey and the late Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
Thanks for reading! Know someone whose weekend needs a boost?
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