City Cast Chicago
📚 Adventures at Harold Washington
June 1, 2026 · — Emmi Mack
Wanna hang with us? City Cast Chicago is hosting a live podcast taping at Switchyards on June 4 — and you’re invited! First-round spots went fast (thanks to our lovely Neighbors), so claim yours today.
I’m personally so excited to mingle with the City Cast Chicago community 😎
What's CITY Talking About
Fancy Chairs at Buckingham Fountain
The Park District unveiled 100 chairs around the Grant Park fountain over the weekend. But these aren’t just any green metal chairs — they’re French and cost about $500 a pop. The city and Lollapalooza are splitting costs in hopes of getting people to stick around and socialize (instead of snapping pics and leaving). [WBEZ]
Trump Tower Lands First Retail Tenant
More than 17 years after opening, Trump Tower has its first retail tenant: Prasino, a Mediterranean cafe, is coming to the base of the building next sumer. It will take up about 4% of unused retail space. [Crain’s]
- Also new on the Riverwalk: Naia, another Mediterranean spot. [Eater]
State ‘Top Cop’ Remains on Leave Amid Allegations
The state trooper who’s made the most DUI arrests has been on leave for six months as he faces allegations of fabricating evidence and wrongful arrests. Between 2022 and 2024, the officer made 528 arrests, 150 more than the next person. [Block Club]
Your Guide to June in Chicago
The start of June means it’s officially summertime Chi — we’re going to help you make the most of it. On today’s podcast, we talk about how to prepare for Pride Month, the Obama Center opening, and getting out on the water. And, as always, news stories to keep your eye on. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
A Library Must-Read
Hanging at Harold Washington Library is Chicago tradition. In this densely populated piece, Morley Musick interviews a range of regulars throughout the building. One refers to the space as a “default spawn point.” [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
- Did you know? Our own Jacoby Cochran is visiting every public library branch. [City Cast Chicago 🤳]
Mark Your Calendars: Malört Shots World Record
“Bad Decision for Good Cause” feels like an apt title for a fundraiser that doubles as a giant Malört toast. On Aug. 30 at Recess, the goal is to set the world record for the most people taking a shot of Malört at the same time. The makers of Malört will also match every ticket purchase with a $10 donation to Ravenswood Community Services. [Sun-Times]
- Thirsty? Deranged? Get your ticket today.
- Not thirsty? Not deranged? There ARE Chicago liquors that AREN’T Malört. [City Cast Chicago 💻]
Sponsored Content
The Middle of Everything
Ever notice how the best part of anything is right in the middle? Come see for yourself in Illinois, where you can hit the trails in breathtaking state parks. Experience classic Americana on Route 66. And even kayak through a glistening canyon of skyscrapers. It’s all right here in Illinois.
Neighborhood Shoutouts
And finally, time for a Neighborhood Shoutout! This special corner of the newsletter is for City Cast Chicago Neighbors to share their own personal recs. These could be bakeries, plant shops, non-profit organizations …
Today, Amy B. is shouting out the musical improv show Baby Wants Candy on Saturday nights at Second City: “Best laugh in a long time!”
Want to share your own shoutout? Become our Neighbor.
What To Do
Monday, June 1
- 🌕 Chicago Full Moon Jam | Foster Beach | Edgewater | Free
- 🤘 Punk Rock Monday | Delilah’s | Lincoln Park | Free
- 🕺🏻 Free Monday | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village
- 🎷 Chicago Jazz Orchestra | Jazz Showcase | South Loop
- 🎭 "GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS!” | Rivendell Theatre Ensemble | Edgewater
- 💃🏻 Partner Charleston Fundamentals | Dance Center Chicago | North Center
- 💕 Fat Speed Dating | Cafe Mustache | Lincoln Square
- 🎵 Music Bingo | Marz Community Brewing | McKinley Park
Tuesday, June 2
- 🎭 "GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS!” closing | Rivendell Theatre Ensemble | Edgewater
- 🎽 Teen Tie-Dye Party | Lincoln-Belmont Branch | Free
- 🏋️♀️ Pier Fitness | Navy Pier | Free
- ⚾️ Cubs vs. Athletics | Wrigley Field
- 🏒 Wolves vs. Eagles | Allstate Arena | Rosemont
- 🍿 Movie Trivia | The Logan Theatre | Free
- 🎧 Silent Listening Party | Field Museum | Museum Campus
- 🌮 Jerk Taco Tuesday | Jamaica Jerk Villa | Auburn Gresham
Sponsored Content
Logan Square's new headquarters for focus.
The world’s first neighborhood work club is coming to Logan Square. Our friends at @switchyards are opening May 18 at 2359 N Milwaukee Ave. Set in a 5000 square foot ex-print shop, the location will be open 24/7 with endless free coffee from Metric and Hexe—plus free bookable phone booths, fast internet, and the op to bring guests for free. Reserve a spot!
In case you were wondering … the “Bummer on Bryn Mawr” signage was removed within 24 hours. Storefront windows there, between Bernard and Kimball, are back to being totally empty 😞
Free · Daily