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City Cast Chicago

Simone Alicea

It's officially spooky season. To get into the spirit, we made a bracket of some of the scariest things Chicagoans may encounter. 

Vote on which of these Chicago experiences gives you the chills. We'll announce the winner soon!

 spooky at first, the City Cast Chicago podcast team broke down 

why these could be the stuff of horror films

With spooky season officially here, we’re getting into the spirit by holding a tournament for the scariest things in Chicago. From haunted hotels to thrilling intersections to Chicago’s underworld (aka lower Wacker), the City Cast Chicago team will crown a winner. Disagree with our picks? <a href="https://chicago.citycast.fm/best/spooky-scary-chicago">Vote in the first round and prove us wrong</a>.
Good News: <a href="https://www.beyondthescreen.org/">Beyond the Screen</a>
What’s not scary? Becoming a City Cast Chicago Neighbor! You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at <a href="https://membership.citycast.fm/">https://membership.citycast.fm/</a> 
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our <a href="https://chicago.citycast.fm/subscribe-hey-chicago-newsletter-illinois">Hey Chicago newsletter</a>. 
Follow us<a href="https://twitter.com/CityCastChicago"> @citycastchicago</a>
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 2 episode: 
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.architecture.org/open-house-chicago/about">Chicago Architecture Center</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.windownation.com/">Window Nation</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.steppenwolf.org/">Steppenwolf Theatre</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://timelinetheatre.com/">TimeLine</a></li>
 <li>
<a href="https://membership.citycast.fm/chicago">City Cast Neighbors</a> – Through Oct. 3 when you sign up, you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Chicago</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://membership.citycast.fm/chicago?utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=websitemenu&amp;utm_campaign=websitemenu">Become a member of City Cast Chicago</a>.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info<a href="https://citycast.fm/advertise/"> HERE</a>

What Are the Scariest Things in 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

Stepping into Sheep Cult Comics, you’re surrounded by whimsical, winding caverns of cloud-like shelves, presided over by sculpted sheep heads.

Co-owners Emma Akins and Trevor Hormel opened the shop this year because they wanted to create a space where local artists of all experience levels can sell their work and receive a fair cut of the profits. They 

“I feel like our biggest accomplishments are the times a 13-year-old kid comes in with a zine they made,” Hormel said. “You can get some really unique stuff from people who might be considered outsiders. It’s exciting to see people get to create something and put it out into the world for the first time.”

Hormel designed and crafted free-form sculptures for the store’s displays based on drawings that Akins made. He used wooden shelves as a skeleton, then constructed frames around them with chicken wire, burlap, and concrete.

“I grew up going to a lot of roadside attractions because my dad loved them,” Hormel said. “So, I really wanted to create something like that, where it doesn’t necessarily look good, and it just looks like someone built something.”

Akins and Hormel said they’re stocking “anything you wouldn’t find in the Barnes and Noble across the street.”

low-budget DIY zines printed off home computers

$30 one-of-a-kind hand-risographed art anthologies

, Sheep Cult Comics sells all kinds of printed works with a focus on autobiographical stories, photo zines, poetry, and comics.

“What I love about comics is that we artists have gotten really good at portraying an emotion in just one panel,” Akins said. “It gives you a moment in time where you can just be with the character in whatever they’re feeling, and I think that makes us feel less alone.”

Sheep Cult Comics also regularly hosts makers’ markets, comedy shows, and 

Sheep Cult Comics Celebrates Local Chicago Comic Artists

Keep It Local

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Chicago

I’ve compiled a list of stores where you can find the newest graphic novels, affordable used comics, or even your next favorite board game. Most of these stores also host regular events where you can meet fellow nerds 🤓

 (duh), you’ll find AlleyCat Comics at 5304 N. Clark St. It’s full of graphic novels and trinkets featuring all your favorite characters. Head to the back of the store to dig through 

⛱️ Catch them during the last few weeks of summer if you want to read your new comic on their back patio!

comic book shop and board game store had a baby

, it’d look like Goblin Market at 2868 N. Lincoln Ave. On the store’s first floor, you’ll find a curated selection of graphic novels and comics, plus an extensive section of supplies for roleplaying games, like Dungeons & Dragons. The basement is home to board games and stationery from local artists.

🏳️‍🌈 On the second Friday of every month, Goblin Market hosts a 

. Visit the shop tomorrow from 6-8 p.m. to meet new people who love all things comics, sci-fi, and games.

Dark Tower Comics (Lincoln Square and Logan Square)

Dark Tower Comics at 4835 N. Western Ave. and 2641 N. Kedzie Ave. offers hundreds of new comics and thousands of trade-ins, plus 

. The Logan Square location has an extra room in the back where people regularly 

🎲 Every Saturday from 11 a.m -7 p.m., the Logan Square location hosts 

 where you can try out some of their games for free!

First Aid Comics (Little Italy and Hyde Park)

 at 1142 W. Taylor and 1617 E. 55th St. stocks a wide variety of comics and graphic novels from Marvel, D.C., and independent publishers. They also have trading cards, role-playing games, and board games!

👀 New releases are available every Wednesday. Check out their 

 to get a taste of what you’ll find in the shop.

I’ve compiled a list of stores where you can find the newest graphic novels, affordable used comics, or even your next favorite board game. Most of these stores also host regular events where you can meet fellow nerds

Some of the Best Comic Stores in Chicago

Your Guide To Chicago’s Comic Book Stores

Emily Mack

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 with the mayor at City Hall for a candid conversation — 

Mayor Johnson Answers Your Toughest Questions

, Johnson attributes part of the lingering deficit to progressive policies quashed by City Council last year — namely, his 

However, he doubled down on policies that passed like the social media amusement responsibility tax, which is, indeed, 

, though funds remain tied up in escrow due to legal trouble. They’re slated to go toward mental health care.

“I'm gonna continue to fight hard to protect the interest of working people,” he said, but acknowledged it will take cooperation from Springfield. “ There's only a few levers that I have absolute control over.”

On data centers and the forthcoming quantum campus:

, Johnson supports the ongoing construction of a quantum campus on Chicago’s Southeast Side. He emphasized the need to build in an area that has lacked development since the steel mills closed decades ago.

When asked, point blank, whether he’d want a quantum campus in 

 neighborhood, the mayor said, “What I want is development.” He added that it will also require work from state lawmakers to ensure it doesn’t come at the expense of residents.

Similarly, regarding data centers, Johnson said it will take multiple bodies of government to prevent them from growing in Chicago.

Recently, the Chicago Board of Education passed a budget that avoided layoffs proposed by Chicago Public Schools, as the district faces persistent shortfalls. Meanwhile, concerns over under-enrollment linger. If it were up to him, Johnson said school closures would be off the table. However, the mayor no longer has much power in that arena.

Chicago votes on its first-ever fully elected school board this November, a change which Johnson said he fully supports (though he 

Stay tuned for more on that front — and check out our 

🎧 Listen to our talk with the mayor

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 with the mayor at City Hall for a candid conversation — full of YOUR questions.


A conversation with Mayor Brandon Johnson

Mayor Brandon Johnson Answers YOUR Tough Questions

Whether your perfect karaoke night involves performing to an entire bar or renting a room for a more intimate experience, you’ve got options! For even more inspiration, check out our guide to the 

My biggest karaoke fear is searching up the song I’ve been planning to sing all week, and finding out the bar’s machine doesn’t have it. 

 at 1659 W. North Ave. will never let that happen! Their digital karaoke system can instantly download any song of your choice. Plus, it’s free to sing in front of the whole bar after 8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.

👯 Do you ever get stressed out singing alone? Louie’s Pub has a solution for that too. Their professional 

 will do your backup vocals upon request!

Green Light Korean Pub & Karaoke (West Ridge)

 at 2519 W. Peterson Ave. is my friends’ favorite place to host their birthday parties, in part due to their wide selection of soju. They offer private karaoke rooms, so you can spend the night putting on an exclusive show for your friends.

💵 You pay by the hour to reserve a room for up to 20 people. On Thursdays, they offer a 

 — small rooms (up to six people) are just $15 an hour and the largest rooms (up to 20 people) are $30 per hour!

If you can’t decide whether you want to jam out in a private room or delight a room of strangers with your beautiful voice, don’t worry! 

 at 610 W. 24th Pl. is the best of both worlds.

 is ready to help you create the perfect gathering, whether it’s for a corporate outing, a birthday party, or even a wedding reception. Their space can accommodate up to 200 people!

If you close your eyes and picture a karaoke bar, it probably looks something like 

 at 3556 W. Belmont Ave. It’s got the wood paneling of a classic Chicago dive bar, and it’s lit up with neon pink lights. Karaoke starts at 10 p.m., but make sure to put your song in early because it gets busy!

😴 If you love going to bed at a reasonable hour, Alice’s Lounge hosts a 

! The karaoke machine’s available from 7-10 pm and drink specials include a $10 Alice’s Sour cocktail and $4 beers.

Whether your perfect karaoke night involves performing to an entire bar or renting a room for a more intimate experience, you’ve got options! For even more inspiration, check out our guide to the best karaoke bars in town.

City Cast Chicago's Guide to Karaoke Bars in Chicago

Your Guide To Karaoke Bars in Chicago

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

Karaoke Bars vs. Private Rooms vs. Neighborhood Bars

The karaoke ecosystem is vast, and it helps to know what kind of vibe you’re looking for.

If all your friends were in show choir, you’ll have a great time taking over a bar where you can sing to the entire room. But if your group leans shy, double-check to make sure there are private rooms so it’s easier to peer-pressure the wallflowers to pick up the mic.

For a more casual vibe, check out your local neighborhood bar. Here are a few spots that have karaoke nights throughout the week:

The best karaoke songs are short and sweet.

 Everybody knows the lyrics. They’re easy to sing along with. I’m so sorry, no one wants to hear you sing “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” for eight minutes. (Unless you have a private room, in which case, the night is yours!)

90% of karaoke is about being a good audience member!

 Bring the energy and get in the mindset to be your friends’ biggest hypeman.

 to prevent stage fright! If you know microphones make you flighty, have a song ready in your back pocket or lock down a duet with your most confident friend.

It’s super easy to get lost in the sauce in a private room. The servers don’t want to awkwardly stand there while you scream-sing Miley Cyrus’ "Wrecking Ball." (No matter what you’re going through.) Consider designating a few friends to 

manage drink orders and work together to gather empty glasses.

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

City Cast's Guide to Karaoke

The Art of Karaoke

(So were the vibes, if I’m being honest). So, let's not take September sitting down. Summertime Chi WILL continue for one more month, I’m officially announcing right now. This guide will not include pumpkin spice. It will not include light jacket reminders. Instead, here’s how to make the ABSOLUTE most of September.

Lately, most Chicago Bears talk has hinged on the team’s stadium standoff. (

, by the way.) But now it’s time to pivot to actual football. Last season was enough to turn even the grouchiest sports-haters — myself included — into megafans. Will they keep making fourth-quarter history? 

September marks fall theater season here in Chicago. For musical fans, there’s 

 about 1980s teens and hip-hop, at Definition Theatre.

 at the Goodman Theatre, based on the memoirs of a trapeze artist, and 

 at Lookingglass Theatre, which follows Tennessee Williams and Marlon Brando.

Another theater gem this month: The 9th annual 

Chicago International Latino Theater Festival 

kicks off Sept. 17. Latino Heritage Month runs through mid-October, making it the perfect time to 

. More official ways to celebrate include:

The Cubs’ Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month Celebration

 | National Mexican Museum of Art | Pilsen | Sept. 16

“Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of Día de Muertos” opening

 | National Mexican Museum of Art | Pilsen | Sept. 25

returns to Douglass Park the weekend of Sept. 18, and this year William Shatner is a special guest. Headliners include Twenty One Pilots, Iggy Pop, Tool, Pierce the Veil, Elvis Costello, and (my idol) Alanis Morissette. Meanwhile, many — many! — 

All month long, we’ll continue covering Chicago’s ongoing 

. The mayor must submit his own proposal by Oct. 5. Here at City Cast, we’re also gearing up for the general election on Nov. 3. (Remember? 

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

This month, I am seeing two of my favorite artists on back-to-back nights. I’m starting with Jungle at the United Center Sept. 10, followed by Noname at Park West Sept. 11.

Public pools close the day after Labor Day, and fall technically starts Sept. 22. But as stated above, I’m pretending September is still true summer. Catch me tanning at the Montrose ledge month-long, 

 and the Seadog (one of my favorite attractions) 

I’m visiting Lithuania for the first time this month! But I’m a bad Lithuanian. I know nothing about my heritage. So, I’m excited to 

, a two-day celebration of ambient and electronic music throughout the Garfield Park Conservatory’s nature campus. I’m also looking forward to reading at 

, an open mic by the Guild Literary Complex in collaboration with Brighton Park Poets. Palabra Pura is a bilingual reading series that showcases the work of Latino writers in Chicago.

I’m finally moved into my new place, and now it’s time to party! I’m making good use of 

, and will endeavor to build a nice charcuterie plate from 

. Also, if anyone has a line on where to find inexpensive large rugs, let me know!

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

A guide to things to do in Chicago in September 2026

City Cast Chicago's September 2026 Guide

Your Guide to September 2026 in Chicago

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

Chicago Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Amid a summer of foodborne illnesses, intense weather, and ever-rising grocery prices, many Chicagoans are exploring ways to grow their own food, said Sam Koentopp, the Farm Programs Manager at Urban Growers’ Collective.

“Our food system is not set up in a way to support our health and the health of the environment, and more people are seeing that,” Koentopp said.

By operating eight urban farms and teaching people to grow their own food, 

 aims to change that while providing affordable, fresh food on the South and West sides of Chicago.

“We’re all about what happens when we put our hands in the soil and connect with the earth and each other,” Koentopp said.

 in a container on your patio or front steps.

“Start with something really simple that you’re going to be excited to eat,” Koentopp said.

Isn’t it kind of late to be planting a garden?

Nope! You still have plenty of time. Some warm-weather crops — like green beans, cucumbers, turnips, and collard greens — grow very quickly and will be ready to harvest before cold weather sets in.

Other plants — like carrots, lettuce, radishes, broccoli, and cauliflower — don’t mind the cold at all! Koentopp said some of them even taste better after they’ve survived a frost.

Where can I find affordable supplies and more information?

, high-quality potting soil, and a small container. And one of the best things about gardeners is that they love to share!

“Gardening is not a solo endeavor,” Koentopp said. “Just a little bit of curiosity about your neighbors’ gardens can open up pathways for you to reduce costs and connect with your community.”

It’s common for gardeners to trade seeds, share supplies, exchange harvests, and reveal their most effective methods.

Urban Growers Collective regularly hosts 

 is Sep. 5 from 10 am- 12 pm, and it’s all about the fall growing season.

Stick around after the workshop for their weekly Saturday 

, where you can hit the farm with their experienced gardeners and get some hands-on experience.

Amid a summer of foodborne illnesses, intense weather, and ever-rising grocery prices, many Chicagoans are exploring ways to grow their own food

City Cast Chicago's Guide on Growing Your Own Food

How To Start Growing Your Own Food

Vote on which of these Chicago experiences gives you the chills.

What's the Scariest Thing in Chicago?

Find the best of everything that Chicago has to offer.

Chicago’s Best

Chicago's Best

. 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.

Chicago's Best

What's the Scariest Thing in Chicago?

Simone Alicea

City Cast

What Are the Scariest Things in Chicago?

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Your Guide To Karaoke Bars in Chicago

The Art of Karaoke

Your Guide to September 2026 in Chicago

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