City Cast Chicago
💐 Your guide to May in Chicago
May 4, 2026 · — Michelle Navarro
May the fourth be with you! There is so much to enjoy in Chicago this May. Check out our guide for things to do, tips on how to make the best out of the month, and the news stories we are following.
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Activating A Historic Space With Dance
From May 6-9, visit the Driehaus Museum to experience its historic 1926 Murphy Auditorium as it's never before been seen. Witness how multi-hyphenate artist Brendan Fernandes transforms the Museum’s 1926 Murphy Auditorium into a dynamic site for sculptural installation, movement, sound, and dance. Visit driehausmuseum.org for details and schedules of the performances.
What's CITY Talking About
State Panel Reports ‘Illegal and Violent Conduct’ in Midway Blitz
After more than 60 interviews and 100 hours of body-camera footage from federal agents involved in Operation Midway Blitz, the Illinois Accountability Commission submitted its final report last week and recommended that law enforcement and prosecutors investigate. [WTTW]
Gas Over $5 a Gallon
For the first time in four years, Chicago area gas prices have surpassed $5 a gallon. Prices at the pump have increased due to the war in Iran and a recent outage at a Northwest Indiana refinery. [Axios]
Bally’s Casino Moves Opening Date
Last week, officials were out on the Bally’s construction site for a ‘topping’ ceremony to celebrate the forthcoming permanent casino with plans to open early next year. The company wants to convince lawmakers to extend the operation of its temporary casino in River North. [Sun-Times]
What To Do
Monday, May 4
- 🎻 Loteria Monday | Simone’s Bar | Pilsen | $5 donation to play
- 😂 Doug Benson | Zanie’s Comedy Club | Old Town
- 🪑 Chair Aerobics | Palmer Park | Roseland | Free
- 🏃♀️ Monday Night Run and Drinks | Wild Goose | Ravenswood | Free
- ♟️ Monday Chess | Riverside Public Library | Free
- 🤘 School of Rock Chicago | Various Locations | Free
- 🪄 The Close-Up Show | Chicago Magic Lounge | Ravenswood
Tuesday, May 5
- 🍹 Cinco de Mayo | Punch Bowl Social | Fulton Market
- 🗣️ Bird Haven Farm | The Newberry | Near North Side | Free
- 🗣️ Tipsy Trivia | Daisy’s Po-Boy and Tavern | Hyde Park
- 🎶 “Chicago” the Musical | The Auditorium | Loop
- 🖼️ Free evening admission | Museum of Contemporary Art | Streeterville
- 😂 South Loop Stand-Up | Reggies | South Loop | Free
See you around!
Free · Daily