
City Cast Chicago
‼️ Putting Chicago’s slumlords on blast
September 11, 2026 · — Michelle Navarro
Join us for Printers Row Lit Fest tomorrow at 3 p.m., where our host Jacoby Cochran will speak with James Beard Award-winning Michael Gebert, author of “The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining.”
Don’t miss out on the best weekend in Chicago’s literary scene with tons of booksellers, discussions, readings, and programming for everyone. And it's completely free, on South Dearborn, from Ida B Wells to Polk Street.
Now on to news and your weekly news quiz!

What's CITY Talking About

Sox & Amtrak Big Potential Move. Plus, Bears’ Opener
White Sox minority owner Justin Ishbia released stadium renderings, confirming the team is considering a move to the South Loop and assisting Amtrak’s proposed facility relocation and expansion to Bridgeport. On today’s podcast, we break down the details, including how neighborhood groups, local officials, and fans are feeling about it. Plus, we lay out our biggest concerns heading into the Bears' season opener, and talk traffic preparation for Mexican Independence Day celebrations. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Are Democratic Socialists Losing Ground in Chicago?
After New York elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani, members of the Democratic Socialists of America are hoping for success in Chicago. But internal clashes locally may get in the way. Chicago DSA endorsed six City Council candidates running in the Feb. 23 election, leaving out two formerly endorsed alders. [Block Club]
Could a Landlord Registry Stop Slumlords?
A landlord with nearly 70 neglected properties in Chinatown and Bridgeport repeatedly borrowed money against his properties. Now they could be resold to new owners, leaving current residents and business owners worried about higher rents and displacement. Advocates believe a landlord registry could help identify bad landlords. [Illinois Answers Project]
The Rage Room Started in Chicago
Rage rooms seem to be an ongoing trend, but did you know that the first appeared in a Chicago motel? In 1962, the Frustration Room laid out lamps, plates, and other household objects to throw against the wall. [WBEZ]
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What To Do
Friday, Sep. 11
- 🇩🇪 German American Oktoberfest | Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Irving Park | Lincoln Square | Free
- 🎶 Throwback Music Fest | Gladstone Park | Norwood Park
- 🪩 2000s Dance Party | Metro | Wrigleyville
- 🌿 Plantasia | Garfield Park Conservatory
- 🎉 Hispanic Heritage Night | Gallagher Way | Wrigleyville | Free
- 🛍️ Lisa Says Gah Pop-up | 1421 N. Milwaukee Ave. | Wicker Park
- 🎵 Ruidoteca: El Barrio Sonidero | Ramova Theatre | Bridgeport
- 🎶 Com Truise | Sleeping Village | Avondale
- 🖼️ Emma Xhaxho opening | Art City | Goose Island | Free
Saturday, Sep. 12
- 📖 Printers Row Lit Fest | Dearborn Street between Wells and Polk | Free
- 🎨 Wicker Park Fine Art Fair | Wicker Park | Free
- 🇩🇪 German American Oktoberfest | Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Irving Park | Lincoln Square | Free
- 🎶 Throwback Music Fest | Gladstone Park | Norwood Park
- 🧶 Renegade Craft Fair | Division between Damen and Ashland | Wicker Park
- 🎸 Evanston Folk Festival | Dawes Park
- 🇲🇽 El Grito Chicago | Grant Park | Loop
- 🖼️ Ravenswood Artwalk | Ravenswood between Lawrence and Irving | Free
Sunday, Sep. 13
- 🇲🇽 El Grito Chicago | Grant Park | Loop
- 🌭 Maxwell Street Market | Maxwell between Halsted and Union | Near West Side | Free
- 🖼️ Ravenswood Artwalk | Ravenswood between Lawrence and Irving | Free
- 🎶 Throwback Music Fest | Gladstone Park | Norwood Park
- 📖 Printers Row Lit Fest | Dearborn Street between Wells and Polk | Free
- 🛍️ Secondhand September Vintage Market | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village | Free
- 🎸 Evanston Folk Festival | Dawes Park
- 🧶 Renegade Craft Fair | Division between Damen and Ashland | Wicker Park
- 🇩🇪 German American Oktoberfest | Lincoln Avenue between Western and Irving Park | Lincoln Square | Free
- 🎉 Both Sides of the Street | Ramova Loft | Bridgeport
I give everyone permission to at least be a little Mexican this weekend. Be kind, be hospitable, spend money at small Mexican-owned businesses, and please protect one another.
Free · Daily


