Serena, IL Arts & Culture and More

This Giant Rockford Landmark Has Been Hiding in Plain Sight

A TikTok video has Rockford residents discovering a giant basketball hoop hiding near the Sports Factory in downtown Rockford.

Rockford, IL · 3d

everafterinthewoods.com

publisher · 11.4K followers

8 Old-School Illinois Bowling Alleys Where Shoes, Lanes And Food Still Cost Like 1985

A bowling alley in Illinois started out as a 1911 garage, and it later became a filming location for Groundhog Day. Yes, the Bill Murray one, and I can’t stop smiling at that detail. Another spot rolls on 12 wood lanes beneath a historic theater. A third still keeps...

Illinois · 17h

Naperville Community Television (NCTV17)

Naperville native’s filmmaking debut shines on silver screen

Naperville native Mary Jane Deer is telling stories on the big screen. Her film “Line Cooks” debuted at the Naples International Film Festival on Oct. 23, in one of two sold-out showings. “I’ve always loved storytelling,” Mary Jane Deer said. “I love how it can connect people and...

Naperville, IL · 1d

Q985

Big 2027 Shows Announced for Rockford That You May Have Missed

Rockford’s 2027 entertainment calendar now includes Jim Gaffigan, Wynonna Judd, Tesla, Sammy Kershaw and Ron White at Hard Rock Live and the Coronado Theatre.

Rockford, IL · 1d

Q985

partner publisher · 51.9K followers

This Northern Illinois Drive Has TikTok Falling in Love

A scenic drive through northern Illinois caught the attention of a Colorado woman, and longtime Route 2 travelers understand why.

Illinois · 1d

97ZOK

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.

partner publisher · 230.7K followers

CBS Chicago

Soul Train Awards held in Chicago for the first time

Thursday night was a homecoming for one of Chicago's cultural treasures, as the Soul Train Awards arrived in the city where the iconic show originated. The taping of the awards show brought stars to the Loop.

Riverside Brookfield Landmark

Vegan on Broadway is Brookfield’s newest street fest

Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just want to break from an omnivorous diet for the first time, Brookfield’s newest street event is for you. The inaugural Vegan on Broadway event, featuring live music and vendors selling vegan hot food, vegan baked goods, vegan snacks to take home, jewelry, merchandise and more, was held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Brookfield Shops and along Broadway Avenue. A second installment is scheduled for this Saturday, Nov. 7, at the same time.

Brookfield, IL · 19h

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...

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.

Q985

publisher · 6.0K followers

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 · 1d

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...

publisher · 6.0K followers

WBEZ

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?...

chicagoagentmagazine.com

partner publisher · 99.2K followers

Best Dressed: Jill Silverstein, Compass

Jill Silverstein, an entrepreneur born in Detroit, is known for her transparency, reachability and a driven work ethic; she establishes strong, long-lasting relationships with her clients. Her attention-to-detail complements her understanding of design and construction, providing a competitive edge to those she represents. Jill takes pride in her role as a fierce negotiator, constantly breaking records around the city. She ranks among the top 5 female agents in Chicago. Outside of real estate, she is an avid fashion fan, especially vintage finds.

Chicago, IL · 4d

WGN News

Poet Luis J. Rodriguez honors journey from gang life to service award

Growing up in East Los Angeles, Luis J. Rodriguez joined a gang at 11, battled heroin addiction and spent time behind bars, but today he's one of the country's most celebrated poets.

partner publisher · 98.0K followers

Prime Timer

Chicago Med season 12 episode 5 recap: Wu wins chief resident as a kidnapping case unravels

Chicago Med season 12 - Source: Instagram/@nbconechicago In Gaffney Medical Center in Chicago Med season 12 episode 5, "Baptism by Fire," a petrified kid is brought in by Dr. Annie Wu, and a trio of burn victims arrives with a terrifying story of captivity. While what seems to be an injury sustained after running away from home turns into an interstate kidnapping case spanning decades and a family living in fear, Wu and Dr. John Frost square off for chief resident, and Sergeant Trudy Platt examines a cold case she's been chasing for years. Based on Rotten Tomatoes' episode guide, the episode w...

publisher · 6.0K followers

WBEZ

In acclaimed 'Once Upon a Time in Harlem' documentary, a Chicago journalist emerges from obscurity

At the height of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s, the city bustled with activity. People recited Langston Hughes’ “Weary Blues” poem on street corners. Duke Ellington delivered electrifying performances at the Cotton Club. A’Lelia Walker, daughter of millionaire Madam C. J. Walker, drew an enviable guest list to salons at her townhouse.

Chicago, IL · 23h

ABC 7 Chicago

partner publisher · 193.3K followers

KATSEYE concert at Chicago's United Center postponed due to illness

The sold-out KATSEYE concert at the United Center was postponed Thursday due to an illness of one of the group members.