Columbus
Secret Chicago
Chicago’s Famed Maxwell Street Market Is Returning To Its Original Home
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) this week announced that one of Chicago’s most beloved summer markets, and the longest-running open-air market, Maxwell Street Market is returning to its original home on Maxwell Street this season. This 2024 season will kick off next Sunday, May 26th on Maxwell Street between S. Halsted Street and S. Union Avenue, as well as on S. Union Avenue between W. Rochford Street and W. Liberty Street. Guests can again peruse handmade crafts and undetected treasures while enjoying live music and sensational street food from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on 6 different summer market dates thereafter. “The Maxwell Street Market has been a Chicago tradition for more than a century. It not only promotes entrepreneurship, but also provides critically important opportunities for small businesses including craftspeople, artists, farmers, restaurateurs, and re-sellers,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.”
Chicago’s “First Festival Of The Summer” Kicks Off Tomorrow
While we may be in the heart of spring, it feels like summer is just around the corner with the number of summer events and Chicago festivals that have been announcing their imminent arrivals. For many in the city, especially Lincoln Park residents, this weekend can be considered the start of summer with “the first festival of the summer” kicking off Chicago’s summer festival season when it returns tomorrow. Taking place Friday, May 17th through Sunday, May 19th, Mayfest brings live entertainment, food vendors, cover bands, and carnival games to Armitage Ave from Sheffield to Racine in the Historic District of Lincoln Park featuring over 50 artist vendors and numerous live performers. “Join us as we turn every inch of Armitage into an endless celebration showcasing all the amazing talent and businesses based in Chicago! Featuring two stages of the city’s most acclaimed bands and up-and-coming house talent,” reads the Mayfest press release.
Tickets Are Now Available For UNICEF’s Heartfelt ‘Heart Strings’ Experience In Chicago
UNICEF leads the global advocacy for children’s rights in 190+ countries around the globe, addressing important issues such as humanitarian crises, healthcare, and education. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate their impactful efforts with this groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind event! At the ‘Heart Strings’ experience, explore multisensory displays that take you deeper into music’s universal language of love, offering glimpses into children’s lives worldwide. Get a closer look at UNICEF’s important work through captivating exhibits and activities, gaining a deeper understanding into their life-changing initiatives. This groundbreaking journey forges connections and illuminates the lives of children globally! Through interactive multimedia, lighting effects, and inspiring music, attendees take part in UNICEF’s profound impact, transcending borders, cultures, and languages for a deeply moving experience that inspires everyone who sees it—and since this adventure is perfect for all ages, it’s one to uplift the entire family. Mark your calendars for June 14th when UNICEF’s ‘Heart Strings’ opens at Water Tower Place, 835 Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Ticket pricing begins at just $23, and the experience is fun for all ages.
The Museum Of Science & Industry Will Be Officially Renamed This Coming Weekend
We’re not unfamiliar with a big name change in Chicago. From Sears Tower to Lake Shore Drive, some of the city’s most iconic features will often suddenly change named either in honor of someone or due to a change it ownership. Only a couple of months ago towards the end of March, it was reported that Colombus Drive could be renamed Barack Obama Drive after former President of the United States. Now another change to a Chicago hotspot has been officially enacted, only luckily this time it’s only a slight adaption. The South Side’s Museum of Science and Industry will be renamed the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry this coming Sunday, in honor of billionaire Ken Griffin, who donated $125 million to the museum back in 2019. In celebration, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, as it will be known for short, is offering free admission on Sunday, May 19th when it will launch several new experiences made possible by Griffin’s donation.
Beloved Water Parks In Illinois, 1 Hour From Chicago, Reopens This Month
Yes, we love sprawling on a towel along the caramel fragments of minerals and the waves of Lake Michigan. Or even gaining higher ground for a leisurely splash in a rooftop pool. However, when we need a getaway—particularly a thrilling one—a formidable water park is where we head. Raging Waves Waterpark, the largest water park in Illinois, first opened in 2008 with 17 waterslides, a ¼ 14-mile-long lazy river, a 350,000-gallon wave pool, a sand area, a leisure pool, and two restaurants. Sixteen summers later, the park has expanded to cover 58 acres, adding 15 more waterslides, 43 private cabanas, 11...
Celebrate The Arrival Of Summer With Wicker Park’s Patio Palooza
When the heat rises, the air hovers muggy, and our skin borders on dewy. It’s the time of year when it’s gratifying to wander to the nearest patio and have an ice-cold beer, watching droplets perspirate down the glass. Wicker Park’s Division Street is an indisputable paradise for patio lovers, with flower—wrapped pergolas and sprawling spaces with plentiful seating for gathering as summer approaches. On Tuesday, May 21st, The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce is launching the al fresco dining season with a memorable event—Patio Palooza! This ticketed experience allows you to meander down one of the liveliest stretches of the city, enjoying hosted tasting bites from their esteemed participating restaurants. You can start your experience at either the East end at elevated neighborhood pub Bangers & Lace or the West end at Mirella’s Tavern, a newly opened American Bistro. Date: Tuesday, May 21st Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
5 Reasons To Turn Back Time And Step Into The Downton Abbey Exhibit Just Outside Chicago
Surround yourself in the Edwardian world of Downton Abbey and get a closer look at the iconic sets that made the show a global television phenomenon. The glamorous Downton Abbey: The Exhibition, ranked among the top 10 pop culture exhibitions worldwide by the Matador Network, is now in Chicago for a limited time! From exploring Mrs. Patmore’s bustling kitchen to marveling at the exquisite costumes and jewelry up close, this experience features cutting-edge technology throughout and is not to be missed. Read on to discover our top 5 reasons to visit the exciting Downton Abbey exhibit near Chicago. Step into the...
This Idyllic Island Near Chicago Is Car-Free, It’s The Perfect City Escape
Some would describe Mackinac Island as the model town for a rom-com backdrop: the car-free island is adorned with cream buildings sprinkled with pastel signages; steel lampposts garnished with bouquets of bougainvilleas; smoothly-paved streets flooded with bike riders as horse-drawn carriages gallop alongside them. It’s the type of place a city dweller goes to when they need a change of scenery. Luckily for Chicagoans, it’s only a drive away. Besides all the aforementioned rom-com setting details, visitors have been enchanted by the town trapped in amber. Mackinac Island is home to the historic Fort Mackinac, world-renowned Mackinac Island fudge, and, most notably, streets without cars. The utopia island is a road trip destination with breathtaking natural landmarks, Claude Monte-painted sunrises, and indelible sunsets. A five-hour drive from Chicago, Mackinac Island sits in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. Ferry: The Mackinac Island Ferry Company and Schepler’s Ferry offer ferry service from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan, with roundtrip tickets starting at $22.95.
The Largest Arcade In The World Is Just 30 Minutes From Downtown Chicago
While we’ll have to wait until after summer to enjoy the world’s largest maze just outside Chicago, right now you can find an enormous labyrinth made up of numerous arcade games comprising what claims to be the largest video arcade in the world. Located just 30 minutes out of the center of Chicago, the Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield opened back in 2010 with around 130 arcade games and the goal of growing into an establishment that could provide arcade gaming at a level not seen in Chicago before. Owner Doc Mack’s mission began when he came across a barn filled with arcade games destined for destruction back in 2010. Only 8 functioned at the time but after buying them all for $5,000 he fixed as many as he could and opened up Galloping Ghost Arcade. By 2014, that number had grown to over 885 arcade games. A number, that Galloping Ghost Arcade says, represents the largest permanent collection of arcade video games on the planet.
Chicago Will Now Experience Post-8pm Sunsets For Almost 3 Months
With the sun rising this morning at 5:31 a.m. and sunset tonight taking place at 8:02 p.m., today we will experience a whopping 14 hours, 30 minutes, and 40 seconds of daylight but the best part is that we’re now experiencing post-8 p.m. sunsets and that will continue through to Friday, August 8th. We’re also in for more than 4 months of post-7 p.m. sunsets with the next sunset before 7 p.m. taking place on Sunday, September 15th! The longest day of the year, aka the summer solstice, is just over a month away on Thursday, June 20th when the sun will rise at 5:15 a.m. and set at 8:29 p.m. meaning the day will measure 15 hours, 13 minutes, and 41 seconds. More information on Chicago sunrises, sunsets, and daylengths can be found at www.timeanddate.com.
Secret Chicago Is Teaming Up With The Iconic B96 Radio On New Weekly “In The Loop” Show
Heads up, Chicago! We’ve teamed up with the city’s longest-running Top 40 radio station, B96, to collaborate on a weekly Friday show “In The Loop” to ensure you’re well-prepared for your weekends in the Windy City from here on out. We’ll be channeling our expertise on weekly news, plans, and events through the radiowaves of the prestigious radio station and help guide you through those gridlocked Friday mornings alongside the well-known and well-loved voices of Moug & Karla! Whether driving down LSD in the summer sun or battling the frosty city streets of the Windy City in winter, “In The Loop” will help kickstart your Fridays each week and make sure you’re blown in the right direction. Our local Secret Chicago correspondent Masen Colucci will be joining the two experienced radio maestros to dive into the best plans and events going down in Chi-Town.
Step Into UNICEF’s Heartfelt Multisensory Experience Celebrating The World’s Children In Chicago This June
UNICEF leads the global advocacy for children’s rights in 190+ countries around the globe, addressing important issues such as humanitarian crises, healthcare, and education. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate their impactful efforts with this groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind event! At the Heart Strings’ experience, explore multisensory displays that take you deeper into music’s universal language of love, offering glimpses into children’s lives worldwide. Get a closer look at UNICEF’s important work through captivating exhibits and activities, gaining a deeper understanding into their life-changing initiatives. This groundbreaking journey forges connections and illuminates the lives of children globally! Through interactive multimedia, lighting effects, and inspiring music, attendees take part in UNICEF’s profound impact, transcending borders, cultures, and languages for a deeply moving experience that inspires everyone who sees it—and since this experience is perfect for all ages, it’s one to uplift the entire family.
Lil Wayne Will Perform At The Illinois State Fair This Summer
An incredible array of summer events and activities are beginning to announce themselves in Chicago as the hottest months of the year draw ever closer. While there’s loads to do in Chicago, you’re prepared to travel a little out of our urban jungle, the historic Illinois State Fair in Springfield offers an already enticing 10-day summer schedule, and now none other than five-time GRAMMY award-winning Lil Wayne has been added to the 2024 State Fair Grandstand Line-up. The Illinois State Fair announced the news yesterday revealing that the “multiplatinum rap icon Lil Wayne” will headline the Grandstand on Wednesday, August 14th. He joins the list of performers that includes the Jonas Brothers, Smashing Pumpkins, Keith Urban, and Mötley Crüe.
3 Buildings In The Chicago Area Have Been Named In The State’s Most Endangered Historic Places
From old bars and historic movie theaters to iconic industrial buildings, when a Chicago mainstay closes or is demolished it plucks at the heartstrings knowing we’ve lost a key component of the city’s fabric. You need only look at the new 400 Theaters or the Blommer Chocolate factory’s recent closure for a reminder of that. Luckily Chicago is a city that strives to protect its history and identity and in recent years we’ve seen the likes of the Ramova Theatre and the Morton Salt complex reborn as exciting new establishments. Non-profit organizations are consistently fighting for historic preservation by spotlighting those buildings most under threat and now Landmarks Illinois, the state’s leading voice for historic preservation, has released its 2024 list of the Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois.
The Ultimate Guide To Chicago Farmer’s Market 2024 Season
It’s beginning to feel a lot like summer—the air is muggy, and droplets have begun to collide with the city almost every other day. There are so many activities to look forward to in the month of June, such as movies in the park, free outdoor concerts, etc. An early awaited affair kicked off a few weeks early—the Chicago Farmer’s Markets. The Chicago Farmer’s Markets for the 2024 season have officially begun. These beloved neighborhood markets feature countless vendors selling meat, cheese, dairy, fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, coffee, juice, ready-to-eat meals, and more. Here’s the 2024 schedule: Address: 5917 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660 Time: 3 pm – 7 pm
Five Reasons You Have To Check Out This Awe-Inspiring Titanic Exhibition Before It Closes
Titanic: The Exhibition has traveled around the world in places like Macau, Moscow, Latvia, and Sydney. Now it’s dropped anchor in Chicago, and has had a phenomenal run so far. But what exactly should you expect at Titanic: The Exhibition, and what’s made it such a beloved experience? Below are our top five reasons why this moving exhibit is worth exploring. Titanic: The Exhibition has recreated sections of the liner—many that will be recognizable to fans of the many shows and movies made about the ship. This will put you in the shoes of the passengers and crew as you...
Every Chicago Traveler Needs To Review This 6-Month Passport Rule
If you’re a Chicagoan traveling internationally, we have some insight for you in this summer. You may think that since your U.S. passport hasn’t expired, it can be used for international travel, and you’re good to go on your trip. However, that might not be the case. In fact, certain places require a passport with a validity of at least three to six months from the date of entry. Don’t let the potential stress and inconvenience of being unable to board a plane for your dream trip due to passport issues ruin your travel plans. Take the proactive step of checking...
Tickets Are Available To This Colossal Dinosaur Exhibit Opening Soon In Chicago
The Jurassic-themed exhibition is coming to Chicago just in time for the summer and you can snag your tickets now! With over 80 specimens of life-sized moving replicas such as T-rex, Stegosaurus and Ankylosaurus, Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience promises to give you an out-of-this-world experience! This Dinos Alive exhibition will transport you back millions of years to an age where the largest animals to ever set foot on our planet existed. You will go on a fascinating journey where you get to meet and interact with massive, life-sized moving dinosaurs. It is a blend of moving replicas of dinosaurs and virtual ones. There will also be a unique virtual aquarium that takes you on a dive deep into the depth of the seas where you get to experience what it’s like to be in the presence of some of the most magnificent sea giants!
New Chicago Spot Named One Of The Most Beautiful Restaurants In The USA
Chicago’s hospitality scene is no stranger to awards and accolades. Bars and restaurants around the city are consistently picking up national recognition for excelling in various areas. Only last month, 3 Chicago establishments were named in a ranking of the 50 best bars in the country, and before that, 2 Chicago breweries made a list of the 10 best new breweries in the country. Now another establishment has been honored in OpenTable’s selection of the 50 most beautiful restaurants in the US. “In honor of PEOPLE’s 50th anniversary, the editors at OpenTable and PEOPLE teamed up to crown 50 restaurants as the country’s most beautiful” read the release. “These super-stylish stunners deliver unforgettable dining experiences. There are mountaintop chalets with modern rustic touches, glammed-up Art Deco mansions with a view, and mirror-and-glass paneled sky-high stunners. These are our picks for the 50 most beautiful restaurants in the US.”
Lincoln Park’s Blissful ‘Uncorked’ Wine Crawl Returns This Week
In a thriving metropolis like Chicago, you’ll find fantastic cocktail bars, bustling brewpubs, and places for a top tier glass of wine all over the city. When it comes to the latter, however, there will be a particularly alluring assemblage of the city’s best wines concentrated in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood this week for the annual Lincoln Park Uncorked. Taking place from 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 9th, Lincoln Park Uncorked: An Armitage – Halsted Wine Stroll offers the perfect moment to experience some of the city’s best wine vendors in one single day while simultaneously perusing products at local businesses and sampling light seasonal fare. “Gather your fellow wine aficionados for Lincoln Park Uncorked: An Armitage – Halsted Wine Stroll!” reads the release. “Take a picturesque stroll through one of Chicago’s most charming neighborhoods while stopping at local businesses to sample over 30 seasonal wines and light fare from Lincoln Park eateries. From bold reds to crisp whites, there’s a taste for every palate.”
Secret Chicago
1K+
Posts
8M+
Views
Secret Chicago tracks down the best things to do in the city, from quirky restaurants and hidden bars to the best exhibitions, shows and nightlife in Chicago.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.