austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Chicago

Sidney Madden

, we asked Axios Chicago reporter Justin Kaufmann to give us some places to check out in the West Loop, where he’s lived for 17 years.

 is one of the best BBQ spots in the city. Get the pulled pork and broccolini side.”


 has a great fountain sculpture, lots of green space, and unreal views of the Sears Tower. Also, check out the Saturday morning farmers market.”


. What more can you ask?”

Also, happy first birthday to Axios Chicago! We are happy to learn with and from you. 

Bartelme Park in West Loop. (Justin Kaufmann / Axios)

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

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.”

 your home — whether through flushing the toilet, cleaning dishes, doing laundry, taking a shower, anything. Meanwhile, water that comes 

 the home is handled by the Water Department. Think of it as drains versus faucets.

The job of MWRD, essentially, is to make sure wastewater doesn’t go back into the lake, where we get our drinking water. That’s why the agency sets Overflow Action Days. 

Editor’s note: A version of this article was originally published May 22, 2025.

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

What Are Overflow Action Days?

How to Not Overflow Chicago's Sewers

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

Chicago, Explained

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

 for help setting the scent vibe for any situation you find yourself in this fall.

Co-owners Mark Towns and Stephen Pearlman opened their store in 2022, after spending years experimenting with scents and making their own candles at home in a crockpot. (Fun Fact: The first time the couple ever sold their creations was in 2016 at the annual Edgewater neighborhood yard sale!)

Without further ado, here are Mark’s scent recommendations for every mood!

 is our bestselling scent for a good reason! Many people love the scent and say it's just the thing for relaxation.”

 scent is a beautiful ode to fine pencils, and might be just the thing for a study mindset.”

 is a woodsy spicy scent, and I love it for its clean and sharp aroma.”

You’re hosting (or attending) a dinner party: 

 scent is one of our most popular host gift candles, and it's easy to see why! People tell us they can almost feel the effervescence when they smell this one.”

 is a cozy dream. It leans more towards luxurious than gourmand, while still balancing warm spices and sandalwood.”

. All day, all night, 24/7, 365! I love this scent with all my heart — I bathe with our Palo Santo body wash, and even use our Palo Santo Rollerball to spread a little oil and scent in my hair!”

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

Edgewater Candles Has Scents For Every Mood

Whether you want to make your own candles, get a new one every month, or search for a Virgo’s last-minute birthday gift — there’s a candle shop out there for you!

 at 2021 S. Western Ave. was founded by a massage therapist who wanted to create soap that would be safe for her clients’ sensitive skin. Since then, she’s created over 30 scent variations!

🕯️ Workshop Apothecary mostly sells soaps, fragrances, and lotions, but they offer a 

This family business upcycles the bottoms of empty wine bottles and uses them as vessels for their homemade soy wax candles! Chicago Candle Co. at 1100 W. Cermak Rd. is run by a couple with two young sons who help out with imagining new and creative scents.

 collection, featuring intoxicating scents like 

Next time you’re looking for a gift, you should stop by 

at 3728 West Montrose Ave. In addition to 

, they sell home decor, jewelry, fancy soaps, and much more. And they’re opening a 

, you can also book additional experiences like a private yoga session (in their studio next door) or a tarot card reading.

 at 11336 S. Michigan Ave. was founded by a family who used the art of making candles together as a way to heal and grieve the unexpected loss of a loved one. Through their shop, they hope to help others use aromatherapy to find peace.

📦 Overwhelmed by all the options? Max Candle offers a 

! For $65 a month, you can receive a rotating selection of seasonal scented candles in the mail.

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

City Cast's Guide To Chicago’s Scents

Your Guide To Chicago’s Scents

Ahead of this weekend’s Randolph Street Market, we asked Axios Chicago reporter Justin Kaufmann to give us some places to check out in the West Loop, where he’s lived for 17 years.

Get to Know West Loop with Justin Kaufmann

A cheat sheet for getting beyond your block.

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

Chicago Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

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

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,” 

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

Neighborhood Guides

Get to Know West Loop with Justin Kaufmann

Sidney Madden

Share article

Neighborhood Guides

🎃 Your guide to October

Happy World Gorilla Day!

Are Singles Mixers Worth It?

So, I Jumped in the River

Where to Watch College Football

Your Guide to September 2026 in Chicago

7 — Yes, 7! — New Cafes

Your Guide to July 2026 in Chicago

The latest in Chicago

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

How to Not Overflow Chicago's Sewers

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

Edgewater Candles Has Scents For Every Mood

Your Guide To Chicago’s Scents