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City Cast Chicago

Simone Alicea

Chicago has no shortage of icons and symbols — from winning sports teams to inventive architecture to whole music genres. But which is the ultimate icon that represents the city to outsiders and Chicagoans? We created a tournament bracket and are narrowing it down to just one symbol to top them all. Think we got it wrong? <a href="https://chicago.citycast.fm/best/chicago-icon-tournament">Weigh in on the matchups, and let us know what we missed.</a> Good news: <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/chicago-sky-vs-indiana-fever-chicago-illinois-08-30-2024/event/0700604D872E0F48">Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever</a> Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our<a href="https://chicago.citycast.fm/newsletter/"> Hey Chicago newsletter</a>. Follow us<a href="https://twitter.com/CityCastChicago"> @citycastchicago</a>You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 29 episode:<ul>
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What’s the ‘Most Chicago’ Thing in Chicago?

The winner of the ultimate Chicago icon bracket is the Sears Tower! 

The Sears Tower beat out the mighty Chicago–style hot dog in the finals. Plus, we think a 

What's the ultimate symbol of Chicago? (City Cast Chicago)

Have you been following the news in Chicago this week? Prove it! Take the City Cast Chicago news quiz.

Looking for a previous City Cast Chicago news quiz? Find it here.

How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events in Chicago? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.

Your Weekly News Trivia Quiz

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

What Chicagoans have been wondering. We break down why things in Chicago are the way they are and how they work.

Chicago, Explained

Kayleigh Padar

“Chicago is, and always has been, a native place.” This belief is at the heart of the 

 project, a collaborative effort uniting the Newberry Library, the Chicago American Indian community, and tribal nations with ancestral ties to the city.

To expand the way we think about Chicago’s Indigenous history, the group developed a collection of 

. Here are some of the major takeaways from this project’s exploration of our city’s Indigenous heritage.

 the Neshnabé (Potawatomi, Odawa, Ojibwe), Illinois Confederation (Peoria, Kaskaskia, and others), Myaamia, Wea, Sauk, Meskwaki, Kickapoo, Mascouten, Ho-Chunk, and Menominee peoples.

Today, the city is home to a diverse Native community representing hundreds of different tribal nations. More Chicagoans identify as Native American today than they did ten years ago, but 

collecting accurate data can be complicated

 as assimilation policies “systematically stripped” Indigenous people of their identities. In 2020, 34,543 identified as Indigenous compared to 13,337 people in 2010, according to census data.

The Chicago area has been a crossroads for Indigenous nations for thousands of years. Some lived here permanently, while others traveled seasonally in cycles tied to plant growth and animal migration. Indigenous Chicago’s 

 shows where these tribal nations lived through the mid-19th century.

What are the origins of Chicago’s name?

It’s been said that Chicago is named after the Algonquian word for wild onions — but 

. “Algonquian” refers to a large group of different languages, so there’s no single word for the plant or for the place now called Chicago.

 of shikaakwa, an Indigenous word from the Miami-Illinois language for wild onion, according to the American Name Society.

What animals and plants were significant to Indigenous communities?

In her piece, “A Myaamia Artist's Map of Chicago,” 

artist Megan Sekulich of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma

 used the waterways of northern Illinois as an outline and filled the space with plants and animals that are culturally significant to myaamiaki, the Myaamia people.

You may recognize animals like the sandhill crane (cecaahkwa), the painted turtle (mihšihkinaahkwa), the gray squirrel (anikwa), and the white-tailed deer (moohswa). Some of the plants featured include wild onion (šikaakwa), corn (miincipi), and elderberry (wiiphšalwi).

 of the illustration that you can print out and color in.

Chicago has always been a Native place. See which nations call it home and the real story behind its name through the Indigenous Chicago Project.

Explore Chicago's Native History With the Indigenous Chicago Project

Explore Chicago’s Indigenous History

Keep It Local

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Chicago

The American Indian Association of Illinois

 is a nonprofit dedicated to transforming Chicago’s Indigenous communities through education, policy reform, cultural preservation, and more. They orchestrate the 

, which regularly presents dances and drum performances throughout the city.

🥁 The Black Hawk Performance Company’s next show is Nov. 11 at noon at the Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.

Jessica Walks First, a classically trained chef and member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, started the 

 pop-up and catering service “to bring Indigenous cuisine to the forefront of Chicago’s culinary scene.” By serving traditional and modern Indigenous dishes, they aim to show how many familiar dishes originated with Indigenous people.

 to find out where they’ll be popping up next! You can also schedule private cooking classes, chef services, cultural presentations, and more on their 

 at 56 W. Adams St. is Chicago’s only all-Native artist-led arts nonprofit that advances Native art by fostering contemporary artists. Many of their exhibits feature Indigenous Futurism(s), a movement that aims to expand possibilities by imagining realities without colonial limitations.

 explores the shared kinship of collecting shells along the Shinnecock shore and, in contrast, a reference to military shells and how communities resist. It will be on display through Jan. 16.

 at 3401 W. Ainslie St. was originally founded in 1953 to help Indigenous people cope with moving to Chicago as federal policies forced thousands of people off reservations and into urban centers. Now, it’s dedicated to fostering bonds between Natives and non-Natives by hosting a variety of celebrations, workshops, food distribution events, and other community gatherings.

🪡 The American Indian Center hosts weekly free cultural classes where you can learn traditional Indigenous techniques, such as 

Support Chicago's Indigenous community and catch a dance and drum show, enjoy Indigenous cuisine, view Indigenous Futurist art, and learn beadwork and sewing at these local spots.

Indigenous-Owned Businesses and Organizations in Chicago

Your Guide to Chicago’s Indigenous-Owned Businesses and Organizations

Because I do, and I love it. Fall sometimes feels just as fleeting as summer. Luckily, we have a full guide on how to make the most of October in Chicago.

Get a head start with Tierra Colombiana Dance Ensemble’s 

 with dance, music, and storytelling at Harrison Park on Oct. 10. Then, visit the recently

 Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum in Evanston for their 

 on Oct. 12 to learn more about Indigenous histories and for guided craft activities.

Watch a Blackhawks game at the United Center.

 against the Wizards Oct. 24. Congratulations to the White Sox, who have – as of now – 

 at Soldier Field this month. The Bears only have two as they prepare 

, followed by our arch-nemesis, the Packers, on the road at Lambeau Field. Chicagoans have been chanting “Green Bay sucks” all year long. I’m sure that weekend won’t be any different.

Estimated peak times for Chicagoland are around the second week of October. Here are 

 the seasonal changes. Don’t sleep on broader Illinois’ fall colors. 

Check out this interactive fall foliage trip planner

 kicks off Oct. 16, but there’s plenty of autumn celebrations happening across the city.

 returns to Columbus Drive Oct. 24 after outgrowing State Street. Here are some more spooky events going down:

Haunted Halsted Halloween Fest and Parade

Upside Down Halloween Parade at Washington Park

All month long, we’ll continue following City Hall’s 

, the race for Chicago’s first fully elected 

Every month, the City Cast Chicago team tells you what we’re eating, where we’re shopping, and what else we’re planning for.

Michelle: Halloween and Día de los Muertos

I love walking around different neighborhoods, admiring the Halloween decorations. I’ll be setting up my altar throughout the month and visiting the National Museum of Mexican Art’s 

. I’m excited to check out the stunning 

Hooligan, Chef Christian Hunter’s Neo-Midwestern Bistro

. This is the Michelin-awarded chef’s first brick-and-mortar. Funny story: I booked a table for Hunter’s previous version of Hooligan inside Time Out Market back in January, but it was cancelled at the last minute with little explanation. A week later, Time Out Market announced they were shutting down. So this is a resy 10 months in the making.

This month, I’m looking forward to overdue friend dates and solo side quests to discover new hobbies. I can’t wait to see my friends perform in “

. And the Chicago Public Library’s maker spaces are gonna hate to see me coming because once I take 

Tickets to Get Now (Before It’s Too Late)

Wishing you a festive, cozy, and spooky October!

A full guide on how to make the most of October in Chicago.

Your guide to October

🎃 Your guide to October

Everything to know about Chicago neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Chicago Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Now that you know where to pick up some supplies

, let’s talk about where to use them! There’s no better way to get inspired than to hit the town and connect with other fiber craft enthusiasts. Chicago is home to plenty of makers’ spaces and crafting meetup groups, plus a plethora of classes and workshops.

 This social group is all about knitting, crocheting, and stitching while enjoying good company and a tasty meal. They 

 all over the city, but you’ll definitely find them at Old Irving Brewing Co. at 4419 W. Montrose Ave. 

They regularly host workshops and meetups at their crafting studio in Uptown at 4554 North Broadway, Suite 201. They’re hosting a 

 to work on your own projects in the space alongside other creators.

“Fiber friends” of all levels are welcome to 

 of over 100 members, who meet virtually twice a month to knit, crochet, and sew together. They also meet regularly for in-person hangouts and workshops with guest educators, plus they offer a monthly newsletter with 

 and a members-only Discord. Dues cost $25 per year.

Each month, sewists meet once virtually and once in-person at a different Chicago Public Library to work on their projects together. This month, the 

 at the Albany Park Public Library on Oct. 17 from 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Bring your own project, materials, and sewing machine, and get ready to “sewcialize!”

Want to connect with other fiber craft enthusiasts? Here are a few groups of sewing enthusiasts and makers who meet around Chicago.


Where To Find Chicago’s Crafting Community

There are about a bajillion different ways to use a piece of string. No matter your medium, these local Chicago shops have everything you need to start your next project, and most of them even offer workshops where you can learn new techniques.

 at 1365 N. Wells St. is dedicated to all things needlepoint, a kind of hand embroidery that’s stitched on a stiff, open-weave canvas instead of typical fabric. Beyond all the basic supplies you’d need, the shop carries a wide variety of canvases with original designs you can sew. (I’m feeling particularly inspired by their 

Get lost in over 13 rooms (and 75,000 square feet 😮) of fabrics, trimmings, rhinestones, and feathers at 

. For more than 30 years, this shop at 2121 W. 21st St. has been a staple for hobby sewists and professionals alike.

🏆 Every month, Textile Discount Outlet invites you to participate in a new 

. In October, they’re challenging visitors to create something with a $20 budget. 

 on social media with a photo of your project, and you could win a gift card!

My dear knitters and crocheters of the world, I haven’t forgotten about you! 

 at 1524 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. is a small, cozy yarn haven. Inside, you’ll find a rainbow of fibers, such as cotton, wool, and alpaca fur. (Pro tip: Make sure to check out the 

🧦 You could secure your entire winter wardrobe by taking classes at The Dropped Stitch. Check out their workshops for 

 at 1744 E. 55th St. carries everything you need for your next project, whether you’re into knitting, sewing, crochet, or embroidery. They also host 

: Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m., 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and rotating Saturday mornings at local cafes.

 of unique hand-dyed yarns. Each skein is inspired by somewhere in Hyde Park, like this 

Here's a roundup of local shops that have everything you need to start your next project, plus workshops where you can learn new techniques.

Where to Shop for Fiber, Crafts, and Sewing Supplies in Chicago

Your Guide to Fiber Crafts in Chicago

It doesn’t matter how weird and niche your favorite genre is. I’m here to prove to you that Chicago definitely has a film festival for you. And lucky for us, lots of them take place in the fall!

 Don’t be afraid to check out festivals’ volunteer opportunities — it’s a great way to get in for free!

The longest-running underground film festival in the world, CUFF exhibits “the most genre-defying, groundbreaking, and unique films,” and champions independent filmmakers who might be sidelined by traditional film fests.

The festival began Sept. 23 and runs through Sept. 27. One of the feature films is called “

,” and explores “what it costs to keep calling yourself an artist after the dream has already failed.”

The 44th annual Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival takes place Sept. 17 to 27, 

featuring award-winning feature films, social documentaries, and shorts

. It’s the second-longest-running film festival of its kind and prides itself on demonstrating the rich diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.

 celebrates emerging women and gender-expansive filmmakers. It takes place from Oct. 11 to 13 at the 

The festival’s closing night will showcase Emily Robinson’s feature-length debut “

,” which follows an actress’ attempts to contort herself until she achieves the “perfect cry.” After the show, stick around for a Q&A with the film’s creators, whose previous works include “Eighth Grade”

One of the largest film festivals in Chicago runs from Oct. 14 to 25 and features more than 

 from over 50 countries. Each year, about 45,000 people attend the festival, which spans several theaters throughout the city.

! This Sunday, check out a showing of the Spanish and Argentinian film “

” at the National Museum of Mexican Art at 1852 W. 19th St.

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

Best Chicago Film Festivals this Fall

‘Tis the Season of Film Festivals

There’s nothing I love more than walking into a movie theater that looks the same way it looked when I was a kid. You can’t fix perfect! And Chicago’s historic indie theaters know that better than anyone.

Here’s where you can get your nostalgic movie theater fix this fall!

 at 6746 N. Sheridan Road reopened this year under a new owner. I’m pretty sure everyone’s favorite indie movie theater is the one that’s closest to their home, and this one’s mine.

🤑 It’s hard to beat The 400’s prices. Evening shows cost $11 for adults and $6 for kids.

Originally opened in 1918 as the Pershing Theater, the 

 at 4614 N. Lincoln Ave. first showed vaudeville acts and silent films. It was brought back to life in January 2016 and designated a historical landmark.

🎟️ You can support the theater by joining its 

. For $50 a year, you’ll get $2 off all tickets, a 15% discount on concessions, early access to tickets, and more!

 at 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave. opened in 1915, it only had one screen. It was renovated in the ‘90s, revealing the theater’s original architecture that had been hidden under decades of plaster.

🎃 Every year, The Logan Theatre hosts a 

 to celebrate Halloween. This year, you can see classics like “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and “Casper Saves Halloween.” 

Come in a costume for an extra raffle ticket!

Much like some of the other theaters on this list, 

 at 5238 S. Harper Ave. originally opened in the 1910s. It reopened in 2023 with a new immersive sound system and heated luxury recliners. After your movie, check out its 

👻 To help you get into the Halloween Spirit, Harper Theater is bringing some beloved 

 movies back to the theater in the coming weeks, including “

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

Guide to Chicago's Indie Movie Theaters

Your Guide to Chicago’s Indie Theaters

A tournament to crown the ultimate Chicago icon.

What's the 'Most Chicago' Thing Ever?

Find the best of everything that Chicago has to offer.

Chicago’s Best

Chicago's Best

Emily Mack

. Everyone has their go-tos, naturally, but consider hitting some potentially underrated spots this summer.

Solana, on the sixth-floor rooftop of the Robey hotel, technically has the only pool in Wicker Park. It’s not big, but hey, it’s a pool! And the frozen margaritas are solid.

Tucked away in quiet Edgebrook, Whealan is essentially the ultimate splash pad. There’s also a full pool with a slide.

Everyone knows the skyline is better from the South Side, and no beach has a more beautiful view than Rainbow. It’s also arguably the city’s most historic beach, the site of 

Somewhat surprisingly, this beach has a lot of shade! It’s the perfect place to stretch out for the day if you want to alternate between sand and water, reading … or splitting a six-pack.

While not exactly “hidden,” I don’t think all Chicagoans have experienced 

A biased pick, since I’ve been leaping off here my entire life. Bonus: The curve around the sanctuary is a simple meeting point that’s not (usually) too crowded.

Open seven days a week, this pierside restaurant features a different style of music and dancing 

Right along South Shore beach and near the South Shore Cultural Center, this six-acre-plus sanctuary includes dune, wetland, woodland, prairie — and more — types of habitat. Make a day of it!

 — but don’t forget you can also swim at the park’s manmade beach. It’s Chicago’s only inland beach.

Underrated swimming spots in Chicago this Summer.

Swimming Spots in Chicago

Hidden Gem Swimming Spots

Back in April, I said every month feels like poetry month in Chicago. I feel the same way about Pride — this city stays bursting with queer energy. But, in honor of 

 Pride month, here are some local LGBTQ+ poets worth checking out.

 and all-around hometown hero. She’s also a decorated poet, often mining her Beverly upbringing for her work.

These local queer poets are worth checking out — during Pride month and beyond.

Chicago's Best

What's the 'Most Chicago' Thing Ever?

Simone Alicea

City Cast

What’s the ‘Most Chicago’ Thing in Chicago?

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🎃 Your guide to October

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Your Guide to Fiber Crafts in Chicago

‘Tis the Season of Film Festivals

Your Guide to Chicago’s Indie Theaters