City Cast Chicago
👀 Ravinia’s summer lineup
March 13, 2026 · — Emmi Mack
Green River time! Flaco’s Tacos has famously strong to-go margaritas. And this weekend, they come in Green River flavor. Grab one on your way to the river-dyeing for a galaxy-brain green moment 🤯
Don’t forget: Chicago begins celebrating St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow. Perfect your bar crawl plan now!
What's CITY Talking About
Election Day Is Almost Here
Ahead of Tuesday’s primary election, we’re diving into the open race for the 7th Congressional District. Jessica Mordacq with Austin Weekly News and Forest Park Review joins today’s podcast to discuss the candidates — plus orchids and Oscar buzz. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Charges Brought Against Ballet Folklorico Neighbor
The man who dumped liquid on students and women leaving a Mexican dance studio in Avondale was charged with five misdemeanor counts of battery. No hate crime charges were filed. In a video that went viral, a woman the man was with is heard saying, “You’re lucky ICE is not here.” [Block Club]
Protestors Fight For Legion Park Encampment
Ahead of plans to clear another Legion Park homeless encampment, advocates for the unhoused protested at a Chicago Park District board meeting. “We need a place to sleep, not another sweep,” they chanted. The meeting eventually continued with CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa saying he would meet with encampment residents this weekend. [WTTW]
Ravinia Summer Lineup
This season, Ravinia Fest will feature Paul Simon, Ricky Martin, Brandi Carlile, Billy Idol, Hugh Jackman, Emmylou Harris, St. Vincent, Gladys Knight, Rod Stewart, Chance the Rapper — and more. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will also return for its 90th Ravinia residency, with Lizzo joining them July 11. [Sun-Times]
- For now, though: Chance and his former manager are beefing in court. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
This Week’s Must-Read
As the Obama Center nears opening, surrounding neighborhoods are bracing for change. In Woodlawn, construction permits are surging while new homes remain out of reach for most locals. Affordable housing protections were enacted there in 2020. Now, activists are broadening their focus to South Shore. [Crain’s 🔒]
- Related: Why did the Obama Center take so long to build? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
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Your Chicago News Quiz
It’s a busy time in Chicago as we gear up toward Election Day (and St. Patrick’s Day). Are you paying attention to all the news? Test your knowledge!
What To Do
Friday, March 13
- 🏢 Second Fridays | Fine Arts Building | Loop | Free
- 🚀 Raks Geek: A Sci-Fi + Fantasy Speakeasy | Newport Theater | Lakeview
- 🎲 Queer Nerd Meetup | Goblin Market | Lakeview | Free
- 🎹 Tigran Hamasyan & Third Coast Percussion | Logan Center | Hyde Park
- ☪️ Iftar | Downtown Islamic Center | Loop | Free
- 🔊 Kikù Hibino: OFF.Manual | Co-Prosperity | Bridgeport
- 📷 Interval: Portraits Thus Far | Leather Archives & Museum | Rogers Park
- 🪘 Rene Avila’s Afro-Cuban Band | Dorian’s | Wicker Park
- 🎧 Shimmer-Shoegaze/Dreampop Party | DMen Tap | Avondale
- 💿 Vinyl Set: Sonido del Wero | Pilsen Yards
Saturday, March 14
- 🍀 River dyeing and parade | Loop | Free
- 🍀 Shamrock’n | Old St. Patrick’s Church | West Loop
- 🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Festival | Irish American Heritage Center | Mayfair
- 🍀 Green Day | Royal Palms | Wicker Park
- 🍀 Motion Spaces St. Patrick’s Day party | Blind Barber | Fulton Market
- 🗣️ Introduction to Oral History | Harold Washington Library | Loop | Free
- 🛍️ Handmade Market | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village
- ♻️ Community Action Day | Bob Mann Woods | La Grange Park | Free
- 🛍️ Indoor Farmers Market | Experimental Station | Woodlawn
- 👚 Mercado de Intercambio | Southside Social | Back of the Yards | Free
- 🛍️ Women’s Makers Market | Navy Pier
- 💎 Lucky Charms | Tack Room | Pilsen
Sunday, March 15
- 📽️ Filth and Freedom | Music Box Theatre | Southport Corridor
- 🍽️ Andersonville Restaurant Week | Varies
- 🎼 Women Composers for Women’s History Month | Harold Washington Library | Loop
- ♻️ Reuse-a-Palooza | The Plant | Back of the Yards | Free
- 🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Festival | Irish American Heritage Center | Mayfair
- 🍀 South Side Irish Parade | 103rd and Western | Beverly | Free
- 🍀 Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Oak Park to Merrimac | Garfield Ridge | Free
- 🛍️ Pop Up Community Market | Back of the Yards Coffeehouse
- 🥞 Maple Syrup Festival | River Trail Nature Center | Northbrook | Free
In addition to St. Patrick’s Day observed, Saturday is also Pi Day! Here are some of our favorite pies 🥧
Free · Daily