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Keep It LocalSeptember 24A crowd lines the sidewalk outside the Music Box Theatre in Chicago, where the marquee advertises the 61st Chicago International Film Festival beneath the theater’s iconic vertical neon sign.

‘Tis the Season of Film Festivals

Here are the film festivals in Chicago that you won't want to miss in September and October 2026.

Keep It LocalSeptember 24Five rows of plush red velvet seats face a closed red curtain inside the historic Music Box Theatre in Chicago.

Your Guide to Chicago’s Indie Theaters

Ditch the megaplex and check out this guide to our favorite indie and historic movie theaters in Chicago.

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Keep It LocalSeptember 17A shop with a lot of lights on the ceiling. The ceiling is also what looks to be intricate golden tile. In the shop, there is a bench to sit along with a table with stools

Edgewater Candles Has Scents For Every Mood

I reached out to the experts at Edgewater Candles for help setting the scent vibe for this fall.

Keep It LocalSeptember 17An old school VW van parked on the street in front of a lamp and brick building

Your Guide To Chicago’s Scents

Whether you want to make your own candles or get a new one every month, there’s a candle shop out there for you!

Food & DrinkSeptember 16Two people at a table holding up their drinks. On the table there's a martini with olives.

7 New Spots to Dine and Drink

Seven new bars and restaurants in Chicago — including two hot Thai spots.

Chicago, ExplainedSeptember 15A composite photo of three people. On the left is a man in glasses and a dark suit. In the middle is a man in a blue suit, on the right is a woman wearing blue feathers and with white hair

The Latest Candidates Running For Mayor

Mayor Brandon Johnson officially launched his reelection campaign, joining a race that includes roughly a dozen other challengers.

Keep It LocalSeptember 10A large entrance in a store in the shape of a sheep. There are books along both sides of it

Sheep Cult Comics Celebrates Local Chicago Comic Artists

Step into Sheep Cult Comics, a whimsical new shop in Wicker Park.

Keep It LocalSeptember 10Comics on display in what looks to be a multicolored customized bookshelf

Your Guide To Chicago’s Comic Book Stores

I’ve compiled a list of stores where you can find the newest graphic novels, affordable used comics, or even your next favorite board gam...

Chicago, ExplainedSeptember 8Two men sitting across from each other at a table looking at the camera. The man on the left has his arms crossed and is holding a piece of paper. The man on the right has a suit on and is showing a peace sign

Mayor Brandon Johnson Answers YOUR Tough Questions

Mayor Brandon Johnson told City Cast Chicago he’ll announce whether he’s running again Sept. 13. And that’s not all he said. We sat down...

Keep It LocalSeptember 3A woman singing into a mic. A man is holding up what looks to be a tv screen

Your Guide To Karaoke Bars in Chicago

Whether your perfect karaoke night involves performing to an entire bar or renting a room for a more intimate experience, you’ve got opti...

Keep It LocalSeptember 3A woman singing into a mic with her finger pointed up. There's a man behind her holding a screen

The Art of Karaoke

Karaoke is pretty serious business, and I want to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.