Villa Park, IL Lifestyle and More

This 1920s Illinois Movie Palace In Aurora Hides A Glittering Ceiling You Have To See In Person

Some of the best surprises in Illinois are tucked behind ordinary downtown storefronts and busy streets. You walk in expecting a regular night out, and suddenly you are staring up at gold details, ornate walls, and a ceiling that makes you forget your phone exists. This historic theater feels like...

Aurora, IL · 2d

foxvalleymagazine.com

partner publisher · 736 followers

Saturday, November 14 | Legendary Bands Foghat and Head East Perform At The Arcada

Legendary bands Foghat and Head East will perform at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles on Satruday, November 14, beginning at 8:00pm. After 55 years, Foghat is still going as strong as ever. Last year, the band celebrated 50 years of “Slow Ride,” the timeless anthem that put them on the global map and has not let up since.

St Charles, IL · 2d

Siliconera Nandemo

Chicago couple opens pizza from Keith Lee-recommended restaurant. Uh, that definitely shouldn’t be in there: ‘And its a knockoff? im ccryyinnn’

'I need ANOTHER pizza for FREE.'

publisher · 12.7K followers

WTTW - Chicago PBS

Caroling, Trees and the Christkindlmarket — Celebrate the Holidays With These Classic Chicago Traditions

From a mug of hot glühwein at the Christkindlmarket to a trip to the Walnut Room’s Great Tree, there are some Chicago activities that have become iconic holiday traditions. Read on for opportunities to shop, snack, carol and ride holiday trains. Christkindlmarket. The beloved German-style market is returning...

juliescafebakery.com

7 Chicago Bakeries and Shops Taking Thanksgiving Pie Orders in 2026

Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26, and the best pie orders close well before the holiday. One deadline lands tomorrow. These seven shops have posted their 2026 details. Prices and dates are the latest published figures, so check the shop before you pay. Brown Sugar Bakery. This Chatham bakery has a...

Chicago, IL · 11h

evanstonroundtable.com

publisher · 2.7K followers

New film, ‘Mouse,’ has lots of local ties

The movie Mouse, written by Kelly O’Sullivan and directed by O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, is a thoughtful, at times funny, and sensitive story about navigating grief, high school and complex mother-daughter relationships. The film is set in 2002 and filmed in North Little Rock, Arkansas. O’Sullivan and Thompson...

Evanston, IL · 1d

Hyde Park Herald

Ja’ Grill closes Harper Court restaurant after 11 years in Hyde Park

Ja’ Grill, the Jamaican restaurant and bar that has anchored Harper Court since 2014, closed last week after 19 years in business. The restaurant, located at 1510 E. Harper Court, announced the closure in an Instagram post Oct. 28 and stayed open during regular hours through its final week. When the Herald visited on closing night, the restaurant was jam-packed.

publisher · 12.7K followers

WTTW - Chicago PBS

While Sujan Sarkar Expands His Restaurant Empire, Sahil Sethi Keeps the Chicago Spots Up to Snuff

More than ten years ago, Sahil Sethi and Sujan Sarkar met in the kitchen of a Mediterranean restaurant in India. Many years, restaurants, cities, and awards later, they are still working together, with Sarkar expanding into a global presence based on the reputation of restaurants in Chicago that Sethi helps to oversee and maintain as culinary director.

partner publisher · 5.3K followers

Axios Chicago

Alley cafes and plants in the Pedway: 3 ideas to transform Chicago's State Street

From more green space to interactive installations, three winning proposals reimagine what could make Chicago's State Street "that great street" once again. Why it matters: The plans could help breathe new life into a part of the Loop that was once a retail, cultural and social attraction. Driving the news: The Chicago Architectural Club, World Business Chicago and other civic organizations on Wednesday announced the winners of this year's Burnham Prize . Context: In April, the groups called for ideas for "The Future of State" — ways to make State Street a vibrant, inviting and modern urban center. Zoom in: The three winning projects take different approaches to best utilize what already exists along State Street, as well as what new infrastructure is needed. Thickness: From Corridor to Urban Field focuses on the spaces between the buildings. It would turn parking lots into green space, alleys and the Pedway into spots to meet and drink and build elevated walkways to move through the Loop. Unlocking State Street centers on the Chicago Federal Center block, a Mies van der Rohe-designed complex surrounded by Dearborn, Clark and Adams Streets and Jackson Boulevard. The plan would move the security barriers that exist around

loudhailermagazine.com

Michelle Branch at House of Blues in Chicago, IL

Michelle Branch brings her Everywhere and Back Again Tour to a sold-out, very excited crowd at House of Blues in Chicago. Just when you thought the House of Blues was already full to capacity, you’d notice a steady stream of people still filtering in. This has to be the fullest we’ve ever seen the venue, as it was busting at the seams. It was so full, people were struggling to get in, with some people being stuck on the stairs, having to come to terms with the fact that they could not see the stage. Not that this seemed to bother them, as they looked excited just to be there. The loud buzz from the crowd reflected the anticipation in the music hall as they awaited Michelle Branch‘s performance.

chicagoconcertreviews.com

publisher · 11.4K followers

From Netflix to Skokie’s North Shore Center with writer, speaker and satirist Fran Lebowitz

For nearly 50 years, writer, speaker and satirist Fran Lebowitz has applied her sardonic wit to a variety of subjects. Reaching the “New York Times” bestseller list with “Metropolitan Life” and “Social Studies” in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, Lebowitz has more recently delivered her hilariously scathing critiques both on stage and on screen, appearing in seven episodes of the Martin Scorsese-directed conversational Netflix documentary series “Pretend It’s a City” in 2021.

Skokie, IL · 1d

Naperville Community Television (NCTV17)

Morton Arboretum’s 14th ‘Illumination’ aglow with northern lights

The Morton Arboretum puts nature in a new light this holiday season with its 14th year of Illumination. “It’s definitely The post Morton Arboretum’s 14th ‘Illumination’ aglow with northern lights appeared first on NCTV17 .

Lisle, IL · 2d

The Garden Magazine

partner publisher · 16.0K followers

Shakespeare's Plants Bloom in Evanston's Century-Old Campus Garden

Few spots on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus feel as removed from the bustle as the Shakespeare Garden. Set behind a double row of hawthorn hedges, the ([1])plot has drawn students, garden lovers and couples for generations. Its plantings are drawn from the works of William Shakespeare, which gives a visit a literary twist that few...

Evanston, IL · 1d

chicagoonthecheap.com

Illuminate 900 Shops Holiday Event

Chicago’s tallest holiday tree will be the center of the 10th annual Illuminate 900 tree-lighting event, benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation on November 19, 2026, at the 900 N. Michigan Shops in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Get ready for the ultimate holiday extravaganza with music, performances, food, crafts and of...

wluw.org

She’s Green Turns Lincoln Hall Into A Shoegaze Dreamscapes

As a light mist settled over Lincoln Park on a Wednesday night, a crowd of devoted fans wrapped around Lincoln Hall in anticipation of She’s Green. The rain-soaked evening provided the perfect backdrop for a night of dreamy guitars, atmospheric melodies, and shared moments with friends. She’s Green is an independent alternative band based in Minneapolis, consisting of lead vocalist Zofia Smith, drummer Kevin Seebeck, bassist Tedd Nordwold, and guitarists Liam Armstrong and Raines Lucas. The band is currently on their first U.S. headlining tour, with several supporting artists joining them along the way, including Starling and Witches Exist in Chicago.

publisher · 7.3K followers

Block Club Chicago

Palmer Square Park’s ‘Helping Hand’ Sculpture Removed — But Neighbors Hope To Bring It Back

LOGAN SQUARE — For eight years, the big white hand sculpture seen at Palmer Square Park was a neighborhood symbol and became synonymous with the park’s identity. But last weekend, the “Helping Hand” sculpture was removed by artist Carrie Fischer, much to the dismay of neighbors. During the takedown, dozens of neighbors asked Fischer why she was removing the sculpture, she said.

whatnow.com

5918 Catering & Events Leases Kitchen Space in Hazel Crest

Soul food will soon be prepared out of a storefront in the suburb. Matanky Realty recently carried out the lease for 5918 Catering & Events, coming to 17503 Kedzie Avenue in Hazel Crest. The owners Anthony and Rhonda Williams have been serving the Chicago area at pop-ups and have been looking to prepare their meals out of a brick-and-mortar. Rhonda told What Now Chicago it is too early in the process to announce an opening date right now.

Hazel Crest, IL · 2d

blockclubchicago.org

Trader Joe’s Uptown Store Opens Monday

UPTOWN — A Trader Joe’s is opening on the Far North Side sooner than expected. The popular grocery store chain is opening 9 a.m. Monday at 804 W. Montrose Ave. in Uptown, a company spokesperson said. Last month, the company said the store wouldn’t open until next year.

959theriver.com

Win a $100 Gift Card in the River’s Grocery Grab!

Have you been grocery shopping lately? Between the price of food and the holidays coming up, even a quick trip to the store can do some serious damage to your wallet. That’s where The River and Heinen’s Grocery Store in Naperville come in!. We’re giving you a shot...

Naperville, IL · 23h

southportcorridorchicago.com

Lincoln Park ZooLights Returns November 20 With More Than 3 Million Holiday Lights

Chicago’s holiday season is about to get a little brighter. ZooLights returns to Lincoln Park Zoo on Friday, November 20, 2026, bringing more than 3 million twinkling lights and hundreds of illuminated displays to one of the city’s favorite holiday traditions. Running through January 3, 2027, the annual...