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City Cast Chicago

Emily Mack

 opened to the public Saturday — perhaps you know it as The Belmont, the name dominating its exterior marquee. Or, like my friends, you’re simply referring to it as New Berlin.

Taking up the space of the former queer club Berlin, comparisons are inevitable. They’re also welcome, according to manager Marcus Devin, who was a Berlin regular.

“We’re back, but not really. It’s not the same, but it feels the same,” he said of Decibel, which operates from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Perhaps the biggest difference from Berlin is that the space operates a cocktail bar, called The Belmont, 

I visited during Decibel hours. (At 3 a.m. if you must know.) The dance floor was so rowdy, it was hard to imagine the early-evening lounge. But it was easy to imagine this spot flourishing.

Berlin, which dominated the block for almost 40 years, was the first club I ever went to. (

.) The same is true for countless Chicagoans. Berlin’s accessible location under the Belmont “L” always seemed to entice passersby.

“It was just such a welcoming crowd, the drag queens on the stage were pulling me up,” journalist Yareni Murillo 

, remembering her first legal beverage on the dance floor.

Berlin closed in late 2023 following the 

, “The magic that happened at 954 W. Belmont will never be recreated.”

Like Berlin, Decibel is a queer space. It’s owned by HV Entertainment, which operates several 

. The goal, Devin said, is creating a place for patrons to express themselves.

On opening night, the crowd was diverse in race and gender. Large groups formed on the dance floor. Shirts were peeled off. On the sidelines, people made out passionately.

 helped keep the vibe high, although future prices are not set in stone. At the door, you can expect a cover between $5 and $10. (Also not bad, IMO.)

When I asked a bartender about other changes, he simply rolled his eyes and motioned around. Gone is 

 behind the bar, replaced with a sleek, plainer backdrop and two large screens. The frosty new bar top lights up. The (eternally flooding) bathrooms were redone, thankfully.

I’m also happy to report that the short stage running through the center club is still there. Beckoning. Climbing up can make just about anyone feel like a star.

🏳️‍🌈 Have you been to Chicago’s other legendary gay bars? 

Decibel is now open in the former Berlin space on Belmont. Comparisons are inevitable.

Welcome to The Belmont and Decibel

Welcome to The Belmont and Decibel — AKA New Berlin

Find the best of everything that Chicago has to offer.

Chicago’s Best

Chicago's Best

, is a brand-new venue for magic in Chicago, but its aim is old school. Set inside the historic McCormick Mansion, guests are invited to wander around the swanky space and experience a range of magicians close up. 

, “It marks a return to the golden age of Chicago-style live magic.”

Close-up magic, pioneered at the turn of the century by 

, is no-frills magic performed in an intimate setting. 

I grew up hearing those bar stories from my dad — specifically stories of the 

My dad, Steve, was a 20-year-old bartender there in 1975. Al was a hard-drinking, dildo-wielding magician. (He’d bang it on the bar. “The divorcees love it.”) Al also had a catchphrase: GTFM, or, “Get the f***ing money.” The acronym was emblazoned on the register. “GTFM!” he’d yell if my dad was ever distracted by 

If you were one of Al’s targets, your card might end up on his forehead. Or under your drink. You’d be looking and looking for the card while everyone else laughed.

Later, Al performed at Mycroft’s Pub on Lincoln Avenue. That was something of a magic stretch for a while, with New York Lounge and the 

The elegant Hand & The Eye mansion is a far cry from Chicago magic’s rowdy dive-bar days, but it does keep the close-up tradition alive.

 in Andersonville is also relatively upscale. However, 

entering through speakeasy laundry machines

 can make you feel like a rebel. Ticketed shows are nightly, but anyone can see close-up magic in the lobby bar.

. It’s adjacent to Goodman Theatre and Petterino's, and tickets include one drink.

 is available for bookings too. I can attest: He's spellbinding. I once saw the man do dove work in a cramped Logan Square living room!

 in Lincoln Park — not exactly a magic bar, but it’s got a fantasy vibe and, usually, a tarot card reader. Had to shout out at least one Lincoln Avenue spot!

♣️ Do you remember Heba Haba Al? I wanna know!

The Hand & The Eye is a new venue marketing Chicago-style magic. But what is Chicago-style magic?

Where You Can Still See Magic in Chicago

Chicago Was — Is? — a Magic Town

at Humboldt Park! Neighbors, myself included, were crushed to hear the swan boats flew the coop in 2025 due to years of slow business. The paddleboats first came on the lagoon in 2018 and will return April 25.

Besides the swans, there are plenty of water and boat activities to enjoy as the season heats up.

 is officially upon us! Rides run daily through September, and stops include Ogilvie, Michigan Avenue, and Chinatown. It’s $10 for a one-way ticket.

Yes, I drifted down the river in one of those floating hot tubs — 

. Six friends fit into the jacuzzis which coast along the river for 90-minute rides. And although that season is over, rentable party options for the spring and summer include 

The architectural boat tours are not just for tourists. Trust us. 

, which partners with the Chicago Architecture Center, is usually the go-to option. It’s also 

Many different companies offer river kayak rentals throughout Chicago. 

, one of the larger competitors, rents from Goose Island in May, with expanded summer hours beginning later that month.

 offers weekend rentals from Clark Park beginning Memorial Day weekend. 

 also offers rentals and tours from Rockwell on the River. Even further north, Forest Preserves of Cook County offers 

canoe, kayak, and different boat rentals on the Skokie Lagoon

 offers kayak rentals along Bubbly Creek.

 REI no longer offers kayak rentals from Ping Tom Park.

If you want to get wet, Seadog is the way to go. This speedboat ride, which leaves from Navy Pier, offers 30 fast minutes bouncing around Lake Michigan. Part tour, part thrill ride. Real thrill seekers should try 

Jet skis are available to rent at outposts across the city, from 

 but the season hasn't started yet — stay tuned.

👙 Personally, though, I just hang along the ledge, usually near the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, until a passerby jet ski offers me a free ride. Works every time.

Editor's Note: A version of this article was originally published May 13, 2025. 

As we mourn the Humboldt Park swan boats, there are still plenty of Chicago water and boat activities to enjoy as the season heats up. 


Chicago Water Rides and Boat Rentals

Chicago’s Splashiest Water Activities

. The City of Broad Shoulders is home to the 

, which publishes “Poetry” magazine, plus constant

spoken word events and workshop opportunities. We’re on it year-round. But since April is 

 National Poetry Month, consider diving in deeper.

Some classic and more contemporary lyric odes to the complicated city we love. 

Hog Butcher for the World … City of the Big Shoulders

Chicago who wears her skyscrapers like a necklace ...

Chicago … Like loving a woman with a broken nose, you may well find lovelier lovelies, but never a lovely so real.

✒️ Favorite line: The whole thing! (It’s short.)

“the great stone lions outside monumentally pissed by jumbo wreaths and ribbons”

“whenever i’m at that land is chicago”

underneath my gym shoes. is a trail of salt. that last sentence is a test.

 “i’ll miss crossing guards ushering the grown folks too, like ducklings”

Chicago Public Library and plenty more organizations are hosting readings, workshops, lectures, and performances throughout the month.

 | April 8 | Call & Response Books | Kenwood

 | April 9 | Haymarket House | Uptown | Free

 | April 11 | Archer Heights Branch | Free

 | April 11-12 | Ruth Page Center for the Arts | Near North Side

 | April 13 | Portage Cragin Branch | Free

 | April 15 | Harold Washington Library | Loop | Free

 | April 19 | Offshore Rooftop | Navy Pier

Patricia Smith, Ashley M. Jones, Donika Kelly, Aimee Nezhukumatathil

 | April 23 | Poetry Foundation | River North | Free

Sijo and Sijo-song: Korea’s Poetry Form

 | April 25 | Little Village Branch | Free

Every month is Poetry Month in Chicago. But since April is actually National Poetry Month, consider diving in deeper. 

Celebrate Poetry in Chicago for National Poetry Month

Celebrate Poetry in Chicago

the city’s last Black-owned bowling alley

, closes permanently April 26. In operation since the 1950s, it was one of the South Side’s few remaining bowling alleys as the sport 

 after 98 years following the pandemic. More recently, 

 and closed its city site. My teenage haunt, Lincoln Lanes, burned down years ago …

There are just about a dozen bowling alleys left in Chicago. Lucky for us, though, they’re as fun as ever.

 in Logan Square — call in advance since there are lots of leagues. You can also form your own!

 in West Lawn is an old-school joint with a Sunday Special for big groups.

 may look old, but the manual-scoring spot is a fairly new addition to 

 in North Center is where it’s at. And if you’re at nearby businesses, keep on the lookout for those free coupons!

 in Jefferson Park has been a North Side birthday destination for over 50 years.

 in Forest Park is, yes, technically suburban, but it’s been a local staple since 1941.

 is located inside Marina City in River North, carrying on the 

long tradition of bowling within the famous complex

 in Auburn Gresham has 12 bowling lanes in addition to its 

 in River North and Wrigleyville. A free open house (with cheap drinks) for Wrigley’s summer league 

 in Bucktown is more known for, well, WhirlyBall, but the event space has several bowling lanes.

 in Goose Island, part of a national chain, 

Where You Can Still Bowl in Chicago

Sure, April showers bring May flowers. Tulips and cherry blossoms, specifically! But this month has a lot more than just rain in store. Check out all there is to do in Chicago.

. Just 130 galleries will be participating in the Navy Pier event, a drop of about 23%. (I will still be there, people-watching for outfit inspo.)

. That’s plenty of time to check out the jam-packed roster of shows at Landmark Century Centre Cinema in Lakeview.

showcasing filmmakers under 22 returns to FACETS in Lincoln Park 

, but April has extra opportunities to dive in:

CAConrad, Rickey Laurentiis, Jake Skeets, S Yarberry

 | April 2 | Poetry Foundation | River North | Free

 and stay tuned to City Cast Chicago all month long for more poetry events.

The eight-day Jewish celebration starts tonight! Here’s where you can 

, Easter is a time for special delicacies in Chicago. 

Then it’s time for carrot cake. Reader recs include:

And if, like me, you find lamb-shaped butter heartbreakingly nostalgic, you can pick some up at 

 in citywide park cleanups ahead of Earth Day on 

Last year, I tried to partake in 420 and had an ego death at Lottie’s after drinking a 5 mg soda. Know your limits — and consider hitting up these 

 on your journey. You can still enjoy a range of hemp products thanks to 

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s veto of the ban

April showers bring May flowers. But this month has a lot more than just rain, check out everything to do in Chicago!

Your Guide to April 2026 in Chicago

Your Guide to April 2026

I’m a hooligan for St. Patrick’s Day — always have been. So I’m extra excited to bring you this month’s guide. However, there’s also plenty of 

-day-drinking activities to explore all month long.

As Chicagoans, you should know the city gets down the weekend 

Plan on getting to, or avoiding, the Loop accordingly. (That goes for Wrigleyville, too.)

 and the best place to watch is between State and Columbus. Keep in mind, it’ll be a madhouse. Get there early (or just surrender yourself to the chaos of the street).

 The city’s annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at noon and stretches between Balbo and Monroe on Columbus Drive. 

 in West Loop starts at 11 a.m. It’s got beer and bands!

A festival at The Irish American Heritage Center

The South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade

 begins at noon at 103rd and Western in Beverly and ends at 115th and Western in Morgan Park.

begins at noon at Neola and Raven, then turns onto Northwest Highway and ends at Harlem Avenue.

If your antics leave you hankering for pub food, I recommend 

 for live music and shepherd’s pie and 

Another Chicago tradition? Competitive political primaries. This is often when elections are decided in this city, so study up and get to the polls.

! Regardless of where you live, anyone can vote early at those 50 sites, and same-day registration is available. If you wait till the final day, you’ll need to hit your local polling place. 

 we’re keeping a close eye on. For more details on each candidate, consider perusing these heavily researched voting guides:

 both allow you to easily compare candidates.

 offers helpful details for evaluating judicial candidates. (This year, though, 

 is a progressive option with a casual tone and 

Here at City Cast Chicago, we will keep reminding you.

👇👇👇 March is also Women’s History Month! Stay tuned to 

, where we’ll be highlighting opportunities to celebrate and learn all month long.

Your Guide to March 2026

, don’t forget about the city’s independent Black-owned bookstores. Here are some spots to support across the city.

One of the city’s newest bookstores, Honey & Hue opened in December. The Black woman-owned shop focuses on sharing stories about the experiences of Black people, Indigenous people, and other people of color.

Semicolon Books' physical shop is currently closed for renovations, but you can still order online. It’s set to reopen sometime this year. The nonprofit bookstore was founded by Danielle Moore in 2019 with the mission to amplify minority voices and provide a welcoming space for all readers. It's since provided thousands of free books to Chicago Public Schools students.  

, journalist trina reynolds-tyler, and organizer Andrea Faye Hart co-opened Build Coffee and Books. The shop sells books and zines about social justice and local politics — and 

Underground Bookstore is dedicated to historical literature. By offering a curated selection of books focused on Black heritage and history, they provide resources that can help educate and inspire.

Located in Hyde Park, this Black woman-owned bookstore showcases works by authors of color for readers of all ages. In addition to their curated selection, they host 

Since opening in 2007, this bookstore has developed a large collection of books for kids. It also hosts regular events. 

, Sadeqa Johnson and L. Michelle Smith both have signings and on Saturday, there’s a book brunch for kids.

Jurema Gorham owns this nonprofit bookstore, committed to bringing culturally relevant literature to Chicago’s youth. In addition to providing books to CPS, they also have a variety of events including a book club and a spelling bee.

Where do you get your books in Chicago? 📚

Here are five Black-owned bookstores you can support in the city.

Black-Owned Bookstores in Chicago

Check Out These Black-Owned Bookstores in Chicago

I’m an “Outsiders” fanatic — I’ve pilgrimaged to the Oklahoma sites, and Matt Dillon collages still cover my childhood bedroom wall. So, naturally, I was dying to see 

, which made its Chicago debut this week. And it was pretty good.

The cast doesn’t have the swagger of the original 1980s boys (who could?), but Nolan White provides a solid anchor as Ponyboy. The songs are corny yet catchy. The rumble is a bloody, flash-bang ballet. And as the set transforms, the barren Tulsa park remains at its core.

This is, however, a sanitized “Outsiders,” especially when it comes to Dallas Winston’s storyline. That’s a likely letdown for greaser superfans but just might make this a tuff family outing. (“Tuff” means cool.)

‘The Outsiders’ Musical: Green or Gold?

Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday means restaurants will be booked and theaters will be 

. But dinner-and-a-movie is basic anyways. A V-day cop-out if you ask me.

Dinner-and-a-movie is basic, especially on Valentine's Day. Here are unique date recs from the City Cast Chicago team.