Axios Chicago Weekender

April 30, 2026
π Hi friends! This weekend is chock-full of events and happenings, from May Day to early Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
- Good thing we've got you covered!
Today's newsletter is 900 words β a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: May Day 2026 rallies and events
After high-profile disputes over May Day plans, Chicago teachers, union members, advocates, and students are gearing up for events across the city.
Why it matters: Friday marks the 140th anniversary of the Chicago Haymarket strike that ignited the May Day movement.
So, whether you agree with the reforms that came out of it β like the 40-hour workweek β it does represent a milestone in Chicago history, one that created a worldwide movement.
What's happening: Organizers are framing May 1 as a Civic Day of Action focused on putting "Chicago over billionaires," with events planned across the city. The theme will play out in several different events and venues, including these:
- 9am: Plaque dedication at Haymarket Square, 175 N. Desplaines St., where the United Auto Workers and Italian General Confederation of Labour will add their plaques to the base of the monument.
- Noon: May Day rally at Union Park with an interfaith presentation, musical performances and a march to Daley Plaza at 2pm.
- 4pm: May Day Chalk Walk at the northeast corner of Oz Park with sidewalk chalk drawings, bubbles and civic action for families and more.
- 7pm: Chicago Trivia night to support UIC graduate students on strike at RIP Events and Entertainment, 2878 S. Throop St.
2. More things to do this weekend
- Ted Lasso star and Chicago improviser Brendan Hunt is back in town with his one-person show about growing up in Chicago and meeting the Beatles.
- 7pm through May 10, including weekend matinees at the Steppenwolf Theatre.
- Tickets start at $75
πΈ They Might Be Giants: The Bigger Show Tour
- Your favorite college rock band is back in town for a weekend run and Chicago is the last stop in the Midwest before they head to the East Coast.
- 7pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Vic Theatre.
- Tickets start at $65
π€£ Katt Williams: The Golden Age Tour
- Fresh off his latest Netflix special, Katt Williams brings his unique style of comedy to the UC. He's still one of the best touring stand-up comedians in the country.
- 8pm Saturday at the United Center.
- Tickets start at $78.25
β΄οΈ Cinco De Mayo Booze Cruise
- Why not celebrate the holiday a little early? Set sail on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River with this booze cruise featuring two DJs spinning on two different levels of the boat. If that's not enough, a Mexican flag is included with every ticket purchase.
- 3pm Saturday at 900 South Wells. Must be 21+.
- Tickets are $35
- Chicago actor and writer Pam Dickler penned this unbelievably true story of how the far right tried to use her theater company to torpedo the reelection of President Barack Obama in 2012.
- 5:30pm Saturday and 7:30pm Sunday at the Apollo Theatre. The show runs through May 17.
- Tickets are $31.90.
π¨ Artful Afternoon
- Kids can get a jump on making Mother's Day gifts and work on garden-themed projects at this craft event.
- The event is for kids ages 3 to 13. Parents are invited, too.
- 2:30-4pm Saturday on the second floor of the Harold Washington Library Center.
- Tickets are free.
3. Streaming: "Wuthering Heights" hits HBO Max
Your couch time is valuable. Here are a few new streaming picks worth checking out.
"Wuthering Heights" β available Friday on HBO Max
- Director Emerald Fennell's Gothic, broody R-rated take on the Emily BrontΓ« classic stars Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff.
- State of play: The film was a box-office hit despite mixed reviews. HBO Max is releasing the standard and ASL versions the same day.
"Widow's Bay" β Season 1 available now on Apple TV+
- Matthew Rhys plays Tom Loftis, the mayor of a remote New England island desperate to attract tourists, as warnings about an ancient curse start coming true.
- Zoom in: Created by Katie Dippold ("Parks and Recreation") and directed by Hiro Murai ("Atlanta," "Barry"), the show promises character-driven comedy mixed with genuine horror.
"The House of the Spirits" β available now on Prime Video
- The first Spanish-language TV adaptation of Isabel Allende's acclaimed novel follows three generations of women β their secret loves, politics and conflicts β in a conservative South American country.
- Behind the scenes: The 1993 film adaptation, starring Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons, wasΒ not well-received by critics. Allende herself serves as an executive producer on this version.
"Tales From the Crypt" β Season 1 available Friday on Shudder
- Boils and ghouls can stream the cult favorite horror anthology series from the '90s β gore, profanity, macabre puns and all.
- Zoom in: It features the wisecracking Crypt Keeper (John Kassir) and a number of high-profile guest stars (Brad Pitt, Demi Moore, the late Catherine O'Hara and many more).
"My Killer Father: The Green Hollow Murders" β available now on Paramount+
- A woman accuses her late father of killing dozens of women, including his wives, in this docuseries.
- What's happening: The filmmakers spent three years investigating the claims, revisiting a decades-long mystery tied to "The Monster of Green Hollow."
πΈ Monica's psyched to see the New Pornographers Sunday at Metro. She loves the new album but really hopes they sing "Myriad Harbor" too.
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