City Cast Chicago
😬 Wait, what happens to CTA now?
June 3, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Hey Chicago! While lawmakers were sweating it out in Springfield, we Chicagoans spent the weekend scurrying between street fairs. Perhaps you bumped into the mayor at Windy City Hot Dog fest or watched Frank the Tank housing dogs. Down Milwaukee at Seventh Corner Gallery, this semi-disturbing gem by Flo Pizzarello was on display. And yes, I did buy it:
At Do Division, I also spotted some cool threads by Sin Clarity and enjoyed Y La Bamba’s serene Saturday night set.
The party continues with more fests next weekend so rest up! For now, onto the news 👇
What Chicago's Talking About
What Exactly Is in the State’s $55B Budget?
The spring legislative session officially ended Saturday night. On today’s podcast, the City Cast Chicago team is breaking down some last-minute moves out of Springfield. Plus: Canadian wildfire smoke and Chonkosaurus on the Chicago River. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
How Fake IDs Power Chicago's College Scene
“But does it scan?” That was the constant question regarding fake IDs when I was underage. It persists today, especially among Chicago college students. Fakes are also, apparently, inflation-proof, available online for $50 to $100. However, officers have confiscated more than 12,000 in Chicago so far this year. [Sun-Times]
Cute Pics from PAWS Chicago's Mass Adoption Event
PAWS Chicago held its annual Angels With Tails event on Sunday in River North. Forty retailers lent their storefronts for puppy (and cat) perusal. Indulge yourself in the pics. [Tribune 🔒]
Bucktown’s Refurbished Shuffleboard Court Opens
The public shuffleboard court at Senior Citizens Memorial Park in Bucktown sat neglected for years. Now, thanks to volunteer efforts, it’s reopened with new concrete, paint, and benches. [Block Club]
What To Do
Tuesday, June 3
- 🎨 Mosaic Art Making | Various Times | $45 | Bronzeville
- 🚉 Low Line Market | 3-7 p.m. | Free | Southport Brown Line
- 🌮 Taco Tuesday Takeover | Free Admission | 4 p.m. to Midnight | Forest Park
- ⁉️ Trivia at Sterling | 5-7 p.m. | TBD | Loop
- 📕 Bookclub in June: “Hitchhiker’s Guide” | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Free | Lincoln Park
- 📖 Authors on Tap: Melissa Febos and Jessica Hopper | 7-8 p.m. | Free | Loop
- 😂 Giggle Hour | 7-8:30 p.m. | $12 | Bucktown
- 🎭 “She Who Dared” | 7:30 p.m. | $60+ | Loop
- 🎶 Chappell Roan versus Olivia Rodrigo | 8-11 p.m. | Free | Humboldt Park
- ✊ Rock Paper Scissors | Free| 9 p.m. | Logan Square
Wednesday, June 4
- 🎲 Adult Game Night | 4 p.m. | Free | Wrightwood
- 🍻 Meet New People Chicago Riverwalk Bar Crawl & Fireworks Show | 5:30-9 p.m. | $28 | Riverwalk
- 🎥 “From Hilde, With Love” | 6:30 p.m. | Free | Lincoln Park
- 🍷 Galit X Sphera Wine Dinner | 6:30 p.m. | $238 | Lincoln Park
- 🍹 Bottomless Margaritas & Fireworks on the Riverwalk | 6:30-9 p.m. | $42 | Riverwalk
- 🎥 “Old Heart” | 7:30 p.m. | $23 | West Town
- 🤣 Humpday Comedy | $20 | 8 p.m. | Bucktown
- 🎤 Comedy open mic | Free | 8 p.m. | Logan Square
✋ But wait — some good CTA news! Local DJs are turning up at the 95th/Dan Ryan station, three times a week now through Oct. 31. A Pride Train is also running on the Red Line throughout June.
Free · Daily