Bonfield, IL Arts & Culture and More

The rise and fall of the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, IN, and what comes after it on its downtown block

By July 1982, the Genesis Convention Center was open in downtown Gary, Indiana. The city's symphony played there that month, and seniors walked in for free. Before the year was out, Prince had played the arena. Over the next decades the building held Chicago Bulls exhibitions, two Miss USA pageants,...

Gary, IN · 6d

everafterinthewoods.com

Skate Like It’s 1975 At This Retro Illinois Roller Rink Where Admission Still Costs Under $10

Free pizza slices on Wednesday nights. Add a skating session that costs less than most fast-food combo meals, and suddenly your weeknight plans look a lot more interesting. This Illinois roller rink still runs on pure old-school charm. The lights glow, the music jumps between new hits and throwback favorites, and skaters of every age share the same floor.

Summit, IL · 2d

hoodline.com

partner publisher · 3.8K followers

Fall Colors Near Peak at Starved Rock and Matthiessen, New Photos Show

Fall colors are approaching peak at Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks, according to a freshly published photo gallery documenting the scene across both Illinois Valley landmarks. The images capture vibrant fall colors, including foliage along Starved Rock's west entrance road. The gallery, published by Shaw Local, pairs Starved Rock...

North Utica, IL · 7d

Q985

Illinois Music Venues Shift, Forge Closes While Salt Shed Expands

After nine years, Joliet's beloved rock club The Forge has closed its doors for good. Meanwhile, Chicago's Salt Shed is planning something massive across the street.

Illinois · 22h

chicagostarmedia.com

Chaka Khan, Anthony Anderson lead Soul Train Awards' return to Chicago

Chicago is about to get a little more soul. The BET Soul Train Awards are returning to the city where the legendary television franchise began, bringing one of Black music's most recognizable celebrations back to its original home for the first time. The ceremony will be taped Nov. 5 at...

publisher · 12.7K followers

WTTW - Chicago PBS

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Nov. 4-10

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more. Daily Chicagoan, the newsletter from WTTW News, sends these picks to your inbox each week along with more essential recommendations from our staff. Sign up here. Wednesday, Nov. 4:

chicagostarmedia.com

Lincoln Park Zoo makes global history with International Animal Welfare Award

In a historic milestone for North American wildlife conservation, Chicago’s very own Lincoln Park Zoo has officially been recognized with the prestigious Animal Welfare Award from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). The monumental achievement marks the first time in history that a North American institution has...

fangirlish.com

Chicago Med Season 12, Episode 5 Preview: ‘Baptism by Fire’

Following the events of Chicago Med Season 12 Episode 4, taking the photos, promo, and synopsis as a starting point, let’s speculate about Chicago Med Season 12 Episode 5 ‘Baptism by Fire’!. In this episode, we’re ready to see more of Charles! His new patient will require...

CHICAGO READER

Southeast Spotlight: ETA Creative Arts Foundation

7558 S. South Chicago Ave., Box Office open Wed and Fri 10 AM—4 PM. (773) 752-3955, Email info@etacreativearts.org, Facebook ETACreativeArts, Instagram @etacreativearts. In 1971, a vision was planted on the South Side of Chicago that would grow into one of the most important Black theater institutions in the country. ETA Creative Arts Foundation was not just built to give Black artists a stage. It was built to give Black stories a home, told in first person, by the people who lived them. Fifty five years later, that vision is very much alive, and board president Markena Peavy is making sure the next generation inherits every bit of it.

insideradio.com

‘93.9 Lite FM’ Chicago To Kick Off 26th Year Of Christmas Music.

IHeartMedia AC “93.9 Lite FM” WLIT will launch its annual holiday music format Nov. 5 at 3pm, marking the station’s 26th consecutive year as Chicago’s Christmas music destination. The station will kick off the seasonal programming with a two-hour commercial-free broadcast live from the Griffin Museum...

illinoisentertainer.com

publisher · 2.0K followers

Stage Buzz: Alice Cooper, H09909, Sombr

Is bringing their eclectic fusion of hip hop, industrial, punk, and metal to Reggie’s Rock Club this week in support of their latest album, Tomorrow We Escape. Joining them are special guests N8NOFACE and Slay Squad. The chaotic duo lands in Chicago on Wednesday, November 4. You can still get tickets here. And if you missed it, check out our recent interview with Ho99o9 here.

Chicago, IL · 4d

Chicago Parents

Celebrate Diwali 2026 in Chicagoland with this family guide

Diwali is one of India's biggest holidays that occurs each fall. Also known as the Festival of Lights, the five-day religious holiday focuses on hope and positivity. The main celebration will occur on Nov. 8 this year, and the five-day lineup goes from Nov. 6-Nov. 10, 2026. For families wondering...

partner publisher · 5.8K followers

We Are Illinois

Joliet Rock Club The Forge Ends Nine-year Run As Chicago Venues Shift And Expand

The Forge in Joliet is closing its doors after nine years as a go-to spot for heavy music fans, while Chicago's Salt Shed is planning a massive expansion across the street with a new 15,000-seat outdoor stage.

Chicago, IL · 3d

Chicago Public Radio

Maybe it will happen today, one Chicago pessimist hopes. Thousands of fans do too.

It was March of 2025, and everything sucked. Finances had been tough for a few years for Chicago artist Phineas X. Jones, 53, and he was deeply troubled by the reelection of President Donald Trump. Even so, the times planted a seed for him. In spite of it all, Jones doodled some flowers and sunshine and happy little animals on his iPad, framing a monumental set of words: Maybe it will happen today.

publisher · 6.0K followers

WBEZ

Landmark status sought for Lake View house tied to city's early preservation movement

An architect’s 19th century Lake View graystone — home base for his successful efforts to preserve Louis Sullivan’s architecture and legacy — is being considered for preliminary landmark status. The Commission on Chicago Landmarks will decide Thursday whether to recommend designating the residence and studio of...

Chicago, IL · 23h

WBEZ

publisher · 6.0K followers

Meet the prolific graffiti artist whose work is all over Chicago’s Northwest Side

Editor’s note: This story first published in 2024. Street artist Joos is perhaps best known for works that resemble ribbons of dissolving color, or paint that’s been pressure washed and left blooms of pigment behind. “It’s like, is it a shadow? Is it a silhouette? What is it?...

vintageaviationnews.com

Today In Aviation History: Victor Carlstrom Completes Record-Setting Flight from Chicago to New York

On this day in aviation history, 110 years ago (November 3, 1916), pioneering aviator Victor Carlstrom completed a historic flight from Chicago to New York City. Flying a specially modified Curtiss Model R biplane and carrying a small quantity of mail, Carlstrom completed the journey in a total flying time of eight hours, 28 minutes, and 30 seconds. The flight demonstrated the growing potential of aircraft for long-distance transportation and mail delivery. Carlstrom, a Swedish-born American aviator, had become known for his record-setting flights during aviation’s pioneering years. His Chicago–New York attempt was sponsored by The New York Times and undertaken in a specially constructed Curtiss R-7, a long-range development of the Curtiss Model R military utility aircraft. The biplane featured enlarged wings and additional fuel capacity to support the ambitious journey.