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City Cast Chicago

Sidney Madden

<a href="https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-trivia-day-january-4">It’s National Trivia Day</a>, so what better way to celebrate than with a little Chicago history quiz. What underwear were first sold in Chicago? When did the city reverse the direction of the river? What were some of Chicago’s biggest snowstorms? Executive producer Simone Alicea hosts as producer Michelle Navarro and newsletter editor Sidney Madden face off on questions about January events in Chicago history. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our<a href="https://chicago.citycast.fm/"> Hey Chicago newsletter</a>.  Follow us<a href="https://www.instagram.com/citycastchicago/"> @citycastchicago</a> You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsor(s) of this show: Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info<a href="https://citycast.fm/advertise/"> HERE</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Can You Ace this Chicago History Quiz?

What will the first month of 2025 bring? We don't know yet. But we are going to quiz you on what's happened in Chicago Januarys past.

The 1979 blizzard left Chicago covered in more than 20 inches of snow. (

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

Kayleigh Padar

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

Keep It Local

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Chicago

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

Emily Mack

OK, gorillas may not be native to Chicago, but we can still celebrate World Gorilla Day. Both of our local zoos have state-of-the-art habitats for the great apes. I visit Lincoln Park Zoo often and, last summer, toured 

Brookfield Zoo’s new $66 million gorilla home.

I know, watching gorillas at the zoo can be depressing — they’re so like us. But that’s also what makes it fascinating. Spend even a little time, and you’ll observe the sheer character of these wild animals.

 like they were on a sitcom. (Did you know 

 for male gorillas?) Binti Jua, now 38, is also still at Brookfield. Back in 1996, she famously 

At Lincoln Park, I always watch Kwan. (As a kid, my aunt Ellen gifted me a Kwan 

 — I thought he was really mine.) Kwan was once a movie star, stealing scenes in “Return to Me,” 

Of course, long before them all, there was Bushman, the first gorilla to live in Chicago. Bushman had no fancy habitat. 

If you’re interested in gorilla conservation:

Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes

Gorillas may not be native to Chicago, but you can celebrate World Gorilla Day at Lincoln Park Zoo or Brookfield Zoo.

Where to celebrate World Gorilla Day

Happy World Gorilla Day!

It’s officially fall — which means it’s officially cuffing season. Normally, I do not partake. But when my best friend Cori signed up for 222, an AI-curated meet-up app, curiosity (and FOMO) took over.

I’ve now explored multiple types of singles mixers across the city.

. After paying the hefty monthly fee, users answer a questionnaire that runs the gamut from Ye vs. Taylor Swift to your thoughts on abortion. Then the app invites you to group events matching your profile.

. I attended a seated dinner, which meant I spent almost two hours with machine-selected tablemates. Cori turned out to be the only female at her table. (My dream, her nightmare.)

My table’s gender ratio was mixed. Our conversations, though cordial, felt somewhat forced. Things got friendlier once we all moved to a nearby bar. Drinking might have helped.

Next, Cori and I tried Offline Dating Night, a happy hour at the Goose Island Taproom in West Loop. At the very least, I figured, a Google employee might buy our beers.

The bar offered three cup types: green (“Come talk to me”), yellow (“Proceed with caution”), and red (“I’m here by accident”). The showing wasn’t terrible, about 25 people, but most men were holding red cups.

Green cups in hand, Cori and I mainly talked to each other. Other women appeared to do the same. One man approached us — no connection. It seemed people were mainly there for the $3 Honkers. 

I did, however, meet a cute guy at the spot we went after to debrief …

The second Thursday of every month, Butch McGuire’s in Gold Coast turns into a sloppy, flirty mess. Entertaining to witness, but the crowd skewed 

. (Hence the sloppy flirtiness.) “Wow, you look good for 28,” someone told Cori.

The gender divide seemed even throughout the crowded rooms, and people took advantage, leaning in close to chat over loud music. Drinks were spilled. Phone numbers were exchanged. “We have nothing like this in Montana,” one out-of-town visitor told me, gushing.

I also made friends in the bathroom! It really was like being 22 again.

The singles mixers I attended were primarily straight, but plenty of queer events are coming up:

Got recs for singles like me? HMU!

Ahead of cuffing season, I explored Chicago's "singles" scene. I am still single.

Are Singles Mixers Worth It?

So, I jumped in the Chicago River. Considering 

, you might think me brave. Or stupid. But ever since 

, I’ve wondered, viscerally, what it would be like to wade in.

 was a fundraising effort for ALS research and swim education. On Friday, I took a small part in the festivities, jumping in alongside other passionate Chicagoans, some politicians, and former Bear Charles “Peanut” Tillman.

And I gotta say: Come on in, the water’s fine! Well, mostly.

As a multitude of speakers assured us before the jump, the water quality had been tested repeatedly. That didn’t 

 assuage my nerves — “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.” But I took a literal leap of faith.

Once I jumped in, I immediately forgot about the river’s nasty reputation. The water was perfectly warm. It smelled only slightly metallic. And I gotta say, floating on your back while staring up at Marina City towers is downright dreamy.

Sure, after the swim, I couldn’t stop thinking about 

. There’s a reason swimming in the Chicago River is technically prohibited. But ongoing efforts to clean the river show.

When I told my friends I planned to jump in the river, they shuddered. Visibly shuddered. 

 It was once the “Stinking River,” flowing (slow and brown) into Lake Michigan, sickening Chicagoans.

Famously, the flow was reversed in 1900. But that didn’t mean the water was suddenly clean. Treated as a dump for decades, 

 until the 1970s. That’s when the Deep Tunnel Project began to 

Fifty years later, the project is still underway, expected to complete in 2029. Who knows? By then we might be meeting each other for a dip in the Loop.

I jumped in the Chicago River. It was quite warm!

So, I Jumped in the River

What will the first month of 2025 bring? We don't know yet. So let's take a January-themed history quiz about Chicago.

Take This History Quiz About January in Chicago

How Well Do You Know Chicago's January History?

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

Chicago, Explained

More rain means more combined sewer overflow in Chicago — and it’s been 

rainy. This summer alone, Bubbly Creek’s combined sewers 

 combined sewers? And how can we prevent damage?

Most sewers in Chicagoland carry a combination of sanitary sewage (read: poop) and rainwater from storm drains. 

 were built before the advent of wastewater treatment technology and once flowed straight into waterways, hence Chicago’s “

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District — more on that later — added intercepting sewers to carry that water to cleaning plants in the early 1900s. But during heavy rainfall, even in 2025, more water can enter these combined sewers than can be cleaned, causing overflow.

This overflow can pollute waterways and flood banks, streets, and, yes, basements.  It can also disrupt the environmental food chain. But there are ways to ease the strain.

When it’s especially rainy, the WMRD declares Overflow Action Days. That’s when Chicagoans should:

Replace old or leaky faucets, toilets, and showerheads
 

In conclusion: You can be a little grody on Overflow Action Days. It's nothing compared to the grodiness of flooding sewage.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

You’ve seen the name on your ballot, and maybe you’ve passed right over it. But as former MWRD commissioner 

Kim Neely du Buclet told City Cast Chicago

, “It’s the most important agency that no one knows about.”

You can be a little grody on Overflow Action Days. It's nothing compared to the grodiness of flooding sewage.

Chicago, Explained

How Well Do You Know Chicago's January History?

Sidney Madden

City Cast

Can You Ace this Chicago History Quiz?

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How to Not Overflow Chicago's Sewers

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The latest in Chicago

🎃 Your guide to October

Where To Find Chicago’s Crafting Community

Your Guide to Fiber Crafts in Chicago

‘Tis the Season of Film Festivals

Your Guide to Chicago’s Indie Theaters

Happy World Gorilla Day!

Are Singles Mixers Worth It?

So, I Jumped in the River