City Cast Chicago
😋 Mother’s Day brunch recs
May 7, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Hey Chicago! It’s Wednesday — Mother’s Day is Sunday. The time to plan is now. And if you leave everything to the last minute (like me), don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some walk-in brunch gems.
🐝 Also: The buzz on beekeeping in Chicago.
What Chicago's Talking About
Chicago Home Gardening — and Beekeeping
Bonnie McDonald and Michael Johnson have tended their home garden (and bees!) in Edgewater for about a decade. In today’s episode of City Cast Chicago, they offer tips for beginners. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Schakowsky's Retirement Leaves Open Seat After 26 Years
On Monday, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky announced her retirement from Congress. The 80-year-old has represented Illinois’ 9th District since 1999. State Sen. Laura Fine, of Glenview, entered the race the following day. [Tribune 🔒]
- Related: Meet Kat Abughazaleh, the 26-year-old also running for Schakowsky’s seat. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
The Silver Room Needs $200,000
For 20 years, the Hyde Park store threw beloved free block parties that ended in 2023 after becoming a ticketed event. Now, Silver Room is asking for help to pay off block party vendor debts. Owner Eric Williams is trying to raise $200,000 in the next 30 days. [Block Club]
- Related: Here’s why Chicago street fests are struggling. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Play from Steppenwolf Wins Pulitzer Prize
“Purpose,” which follows a prominent Black political family in Chicago, has won the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The play was written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and commissioned by Steppenwolf Theatre. It had its world premiere there in 2024. [Sun-Times]
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Navy Pier: Where fun is always in the forecast
With skyline views from the Centennial Wheel, exciting cultural events, and local flavors, Navy Pier is yours to discover all season long.
What To Do
Wednesday, May 7
- 🏠 Hull House Theatre celebration | 6-7:30 p.m. | Free | Little Italy
- ♣️ “Diary of a Black Illusionist” | 7 p.m. | $42+ | Andersonville
- 👠 Housewives Trivia | 7-9 p.m. | Free | $25 | Near North Side
- 💞 Speed Dating | 7-10 p.m. | $13+ | West Town
- 🍽️ Secret Dinner Party | 7-10 p.m. | $15 | River North
- 🎵 Just Nesh | 8 p.m. | $30+ | Hyde Park
- 🎶 Ichiko Aoba | 8 p.m. | $35 | Pilsen
Thursday, May 8
- 🍹 Tequila Thursdays | 5:45 p.m. | $10 | Streeterville
- 🍝 Roma Festa | 6-8 p.m. | $28+ | River North
- 🎥 “Left Behind”: panel discussion | 6:30 p.m. | $18+ | Lincoln Square
- 🎭 Antigone Reimagined | 6-7 p.m. | Free | River North
- 👟 How Sneaker Culture Revolutionized Modern Fashion | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | $15 | West Loop
- 💥 Off the Page: A Queer Comics Reading | 7-8:30 p.m. | $12 | Ukrainian Village
- 🎭 “At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen” | 7:30 p.m. | $15+ | Edgewater
And now, I leave you with some visual treats: the best looks from the Chicago Fashion Coalition’s Met Gala party and City Cast Chicago producer Michelle Navarro’s kittens.
Free · Daily