City Cast Chicago
⁉️ Think you know your Chicago streets?
August 19, 2025 · – Emmi Mack
Hey Chicago! Have you gotten caught in the rain lately? Chicagoans who trekked out to Avrom Farm Party were hit especially hard — check out photographer Michael Brandt’s shot of storm clouds rolling over the Wisconsin sky.
👇 Now, onto more rainy news plus a special edition street quiz!
What's CITY Talking About?
Flooding in Chicago. Also, Cool Cars For Auction!
Heavy weekend rain left thousands without power while streets, highways and basements are still flooded. On today’s podcast, we discuss an effort to install new flood detection systems across the city. Also, Klairmont Kollections — Chicago's coolest car collection — is going up for auction. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
What Cool Kids Are Wearing Back to School
Chicago Public Schools started up again Monday, which means back-to-school fashion is in full swing. A few high schoolers shared their style choices with WBEZ. Looks like baggy jean shorts and knee-high converse are fully back in! [WBEZ]
UChicago Freezes Ph.D. Admissions
Ph.D. admissions are on pause in several subjects across the University of Chicago's Division of the Arts & Humanities. Additionally, the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice is pausing all Ph.D. admissions, while the Harris School of Public Policy is pausing some. Current students should not be affected by the change. [Inside Higher Ed]
Is The ‘Old Chance’ Coming Back?
Like most Gen Z-Millenial cusp Chicagoans, I grew up on “Acid Rap.” When Chance the Rapper’s debut mixtape dropped in 2013, it blew our collective minds. Of course, the artist has changed a lot over the years. (We all have.) But as reviews pour in for his new album, “Star Line,” fans wonder if the “old” (read: edgier) Chance is back. The rapper himself weighs in. [Block Club]
Sponsored Content
Drinks, DJs, and Drag Bingo
Two days left before Adults Night Out: Block Party kicks off at Lincoln Park Zoo! Bring your best dance moves (or your best head bob), show off your skills at mini golf, and test your luck at drag bingo for a chance to win fierce prizes. Get tickets while you can!
Do You Know Chicago’s Street Quirks?
Knowing your Chicago streets is not just a life hack. It’s a true skill — a skill I often lack. But in my defense, certain quirks complicate things. Street quirks are the focus of today’s quiz.
What To Do
Tuesday, Aug. 19
- 💃🏻 Tuesdays on the Terrace | Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago | Streeterville
- 🧪 Science Social | Green Eye Lounge | Bucktown
- 👠 “13 Going on 30” | Rooftop Cinema Club | Fulton Market
- 🏀 Sky vs. Storm | Wintrust Arena | McCormick Square
- 🦜 Guided Exhibition Tour: "Winging It" | Newberry Library | River North
- ⚾️Brewers vs. Cubs | Wrigley Field
- 🎵 Zander Raymond & Saapato | Comfort Station | Logan Square
- 🚲 “Bike Vessel” | Dawes Park | Auburn Gresham
- 🎷 Heisenberg Uncertainty Players | Fulton Street Collective | West Loop
- 🍽️ Maria’s Patio Jam | Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar | Bridgeport
- ✈️ “Top Gun” | Mary Bartelme Park | West Loop
- 💪 Backyard Basics Fitness Club | 1928 N. Richmond St. | Logan Square
- 🍺 Tipsy Trivia | Daisy’s Po-Boy and Tavern | Hyde Park
- 🧱 LEGO Night | Blackstone Branch | Kenwood
- 🍷 Petra van Nuis & Andy Brown Duo + Pre-Concert Wine Tasting | Colvin House | Edgewater
Wednesday, Aug. 20
- 🎆 Fireworks | Navy Pier
- 🕺🏻 Pisco Disco | Tanta Cocina Peruana | Streeterville
- 🍷 Wine Fest on the Beach | Shore Club | North Avenue Beach
- 🎥 Fugue State Film Festival | Comfort Station | Logan Square
- 🔉 The Intimate Register | Experimental Sound Studio | Ravenswood
- 🇨🇳 Confluence & Reflection | CSI Project Space | Bucktown
- 🌳 if a tree falls | Roman Susan | Rogers Park
- 🍹 Bottomless Margaritas & Fireworks on the Riverwalk | 6:30-9 p.m. | $42 | Riverwalk
- 🎥 "Swoon" | Chicago History Museum | Lincoln Park
- 🎵 Hiatus Kaiyote | Riviera Theatre | Uptown
- 🎞️ “Casablanca” | Lake Shore Park
⏰ Now, once again, I implore you to please fill out our annual reader survey. Time is running out to (potentially) win a $250 Visa gift card and some Hey Chicago swag!
Free · Daily