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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)

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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

Whether you’re an experienced magical practitioner or baby witch, Chicago’s spiritual shops are a great place to learn more about the occult, practice rituals, and meet others interested in magic.

 at 2219 N. Western Ave. is part curiosity shop and part art gallery that carries antiques, oddities, metaphysical items, and “all things strange and unusual.” They also specialize in magical materials, like crystals, candles, and witchcraft supplies.

📖 This Sunday from 2-4 p.m., stop by the shop to celebrate the release of local creator Landis Blair’s debut of 

 The pocket-sized guidebook showcases historical and notable cemeteries throughout the city.

If you’re interested in learning more about magic, stop by 

 at 1407 W. Morse Ave., where you’ll find an extensive collection of occult books alongside materials for spell-making. It’s also home to 

 for magical practitioners of all skill levels.

 for local magical practitioners, including spiritual aids, fortune tellers, and healers.

Augustine’s Spiritual Boutique (Bridgeport)

Known as an “apothecary for the soul,” 

 at 3327 S. Halsted St. has specialized in custom-made oils and lotions, amulets, mojo bags (a type of medicine bag), candles, and other spiritual supplies for over 26 years. The people who work there hold an eclectic variety of belief systems, but they all aim to empower visitors to heal their mind, body, and spirit.

 if you’d like them to support you by performing a specific reading or creating a specialized candle or mojo bag.

 at 2943 W. 71st St. is a Black-owned botanica, wellness, and cultural center that combines style, wellness, and community activism. The shop carries a wide selection of 

 for traditions that originated in Africa and the African diaspora, as well as 

🎓 Tola’s Creations offers a series of 

 that cover everything from performing candle magic to creating ancestor altars.

Chicago’s spiritual shops are a great place to learn more about the occult, practice rituals, and meet others interested in magic. 

Your Guide to Chicago’s Spiritual Shops

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This month, there are countless opportunities to get involved in Chicago’s magical community and learn more about the city’s folklore and ghosts.

Here are events coming up this month where you can peruse local curators’ magical collections and hear stories of mystical happenings.

This lantern-lit festival is a celebration of Asian folklore, mythology, and autumn traditions. The market will feature local AAPI artists, makers, and food vendors. Expect artwork and handmade treasures inspired by legendary creatures, mischievous spirits, celestial beings, and more!

 takes place Oct. 25 from 3-8 p.m. at Uni Uni and Haibayo in Uptown. Costumes are encouraged!

Hex and the City is a Halloween market and party featuring more than 15 local vendors. There’s also a free photo booth, tarot readings, and other spooky activities. It’s highly encouraged that you dress up in your best witchy glam!

🎟️ The market is at Stolen Saddle, 3505 N. Clark St., Oct. 29 at 7 p.m., and 

 cost $7.34. The first 50 people to arrive will receive a free witchy tote bag.

This market brings together 40-plus vendors from Chicago and across the Midwest for a full day of dark art, taxidermy, antiques, gothic decor, jewelry, alternative fashion, and more. It’s not all about shopping; you can also enjoy live DJs, themed cocktails, a free photo booth, tarot readings, a caricature artist, and even tooth gems!

 will be at Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave., Oct. 24 from 12-8 p.m. Tickets cost $8 and can be purchased when you get there. Anyone 17 years old or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

If you’ve ever wondered if there are ghosts wandering the streets of 

. Storytellers will guide you through the neighborhoods and share stories of “folklore, fright, and history.”

👻 The tours are running through early November, and tickets are $37.40. There’s also a 

 Nov. 4 if you want the stories without the walking!

Check out events coming up in October where you can peruse local curators’ magical collections and hear stories of mystical happenings.

Explore Chicago’s Magical Markets and Folklore Tours

Explore Chicago’s Magical Markets and Folklore Tours This October

Emily Mack

It’s perfect weather to cozy up with friends at new bars and restaurants! Chicago has no shortage.

In an unassuming brick storefront lies Logan Square’s buzziest new eatery. The menu, by chef Christian Hunter, is inspired by 

Black cuisine during American colonial times

. We enjoyed the shrimp and the bean ragout.

Reservations fill up fast, but I walked in around 5 p.m. and easily snagged a table!

 in Mandarin, and the massive cocktail menu has vacation vibes. Food-wise, there’s a range of Asian dishes, from crispy tilapia curry to sesame chili udon to scallion pancakes with a twist.

 is serving tapas and pintxos — right next to sister restaurant Beatnik. It’s got Spanish staples like tortilla de patata (Spanish omelets), croquetas, and patatas bravas, but I think I wanna go for dessert. 

 — aka Barba Yianni 2.0 — in Lincoln Square

Barba Yianni was a Lincoln Square mainstay. I never ate there, but often sipped wine on the patio and heard many (many) crazy stories about Ladies Nights. After 

, the spot is back with a new (simple) name.

I’m always on the lookout for new Thai near me, so I literally ordered from Yor Yak while writing this article. I tried the Pad Thai — call me basic, but it’s a good control group. Theirs was super solid! Now time to try the sushi.

Steps away from the mural honoring the late Dolly Parton, a pop-up bar has popped up in her honor. It runs through Nov. 22 in the former Pasteur space.

More restaurants we love 🍽️

New Chicago Restaurants October 2026

6 New Spots to Dine and Drink

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Chicago. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Chicago Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Whether you want to celebrate October by drinking coffee based on a horror movie, buying a T-shirt to show off your favorite monster, or exploring a museum of true crime artifacts, there’s somewhere in Chicago for you!

, 177 N. State Street, you can explore more than 6,000 square feet of torture devices that have been reconstructed from historical documents. The fully interactive exhibits are designed to allow visitors to “enter the minds of fanatics, madmen, and murderers.”

👻 Your ticket includes a ghost-hunting experience where you can use an app to find and 

The Horror House / Cryptic Closet (Avondale)

 at 2842 N Milwaukee Ave. is a one-stop shop for scary movie merch. They have countless 

 with original designs featuring monsters from all of your favorite movies, plus a wide variety of trinkets to match.

 at Revolution Brewing, 3340 N. Kedzie Ave., Oct. 24 from 12-6 p.m. The free market will feature over 25 vendors, and the first 100 attendees will receive a free Halloween tote bag.

After you’re done shopping at The Horror House, head across the street for coffee at 

. Obviously, the drinks are on theme here! For example, they’re currently serving a corn milk peach cream soda called 

. The creepy cafe at 2843 N. Milwaukee Ave. is also packed with vintage horror collectibles and retro decor.

 to attend their next horror flick screening!

 at 1829 N. Milwaukee Ave. blends a museum experience with a 

 full of retro horror DVDs and clothing. The exhibits explore the dark and underrepresented parts of history. It’s also home to the 

 of Chicago-born serial killer John Wayne Gacy’s artwork and personal belongings.

🌙 If visiting in the daytime isn’t spooky enough for you, they offer 

 with experts who’ve investigated paranormal activity at the museum.

From a medieval torture museum to a horror-themed cafe, these spots serve up scares.

Chicago’s Spookiest Spots

Your Guide to Chicago’s Spookiest Spots

If stepping back in time to live out your mystical dreams in a century-old mansion sounds like the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit, stop by the Colvin House in Edgewater during 

Every year, the Chicago Architecture Center invites visitors to explore more than 200 architectural sites throughout the city. Among them is the 

 on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Built in 1909, the Colvin House is a prairie-style mansion that sits on a one-third acre of land along Chicago’s lakefront in Edgewater. The landmarked building features sixteen rooms, a grand staircase with a crystal chandelier, three fireplaces, and adjoining sunrooms.

Nowadays, the building is also home to the Colvin Coven, a group of spiritual people who regularly host witchy community events. (It’s also a co-working space and private events venue, run by 

One of the Colvin Coven’s recurring events is 

, when people gather at the Colvin House for tarot readings, crafting, and enjoying refreshments. Attendees are encouraged to BYOS (Bring Your Own Spell), which they can work on in community with others.

On Oct. 24 at 8 p.m., the historic mansion will transform into Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s lab. Attendees can expect an immersive theatrical horror experience, complete with actors, curated decor, gourmet appetizers, and drinks. There’s even a dance floor!

| The Colvin Coven is gathering to honor Samhain, a Pagan holiday that marks when it’s believed that the veil is thinnest, on Nov. 1 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. During the event, attendees will build a group altar for their ancestors. (Make sure to bring an object or photo that represents your loved one!) Then, everyone can create an ancestor candle to use for similar rituals at home.

🕯️ Tickets cost $33.85 and include a 

facilitated ancestor ritual and spellwork

, plus materials and instructions to take home.

Stop by the Colvin House in Edgewater during Open House Chicago.

Take a tour at the Colvin House

Open House Chicago Spotlight: Get Witchy at the Colvin House

“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

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

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

Early voting begins today at 9 a.m. in all 50 wards. Get ready to cast your ballot!

 Election Day can visit any early voting site in any ward. Find your nearest early voting site 

 at the Supersite at 137 S. State St. and the Chicago Board of Elections Office on the sixth floor of 69 W. Washington St., with expanded hours beginning Oct. 26.

These sites remain open to all Chicago voters on Election Day as well.

No ID is needed to vote if you’re registered, but it’s helpful to bring in case of any challenges.

The deadline to register to vote online has passed, but 

 at any of Chicago’s early voting sites or at your local site on Election Day.

To do that, you’ll need two forms of ID, one of which must include your current address. 

 can be used as an ID. Without proper identification, unregistered voters may cast a provisional ballot.

The deadline to update your registration online has passed. However, you can change your voting address or name on file in person at an early voting site or on Election Day at your local site. To do that, you’ll need 

, one of which must include your new address. 

If you update your registration, you must also vote at that time at that site.

 can also drop their ballots off at early voting sites. If not, the ballot must be postmarked by EOD Nov. 3.

 is 5 p.m. Oct. 29. Once you receive and fill out your ballot, make sure it’s postmarked by Nov. 3, 

 you can drop it off at any early voting site.

In addition to the top-of-the-ticket races for 

Its first-ever fully elected school board — and all 

The replacement of four U.S. congressional incumbents

And more … Stay tuned to City Cast Chicago now through Election Day for in-depth coverage on the rest of the ticket!

City Cast Chicago's Guide to Voting Early

Your Early Voting Guide

Haunted houses, big parties, buckets of fake blood … that’s what spooky season means to me. But don’t worry, we’ve also got leaf-peeping recs for the faint of heart.

, expert Yareni Murillo popped off with an extensive list of cool Halloween parties. We’ve got our eye on:

 | The Giant Penny Whistle | Oct. 17 | Pilsen | Free

Chicago’s absolute scariest haunted house, La Casa de Satanas, did not return this year 😭 But if you’re craving an off-beat scare, I like 

 in West Chicago, which was started by a local teen. It’s full of massive animatronics and ‘80s-esque scenescapes.

Don’t worry, Chicago has family-friendly fall affairs, too:

 | Oct. 15-18, 21-25 | Chicago Botanic Garden | Glencoe

West Chicago Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch

Haunted houses, big parties, leaf-peeping … It's spooky season!

Neighborhood Guides

Get to Know West Loop with Justin Kaufmann

Sidney Madden

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Your Guide to Chicago’s Spiritual Shops

Explore Chicago’s Magical Markets and Folklore Tours This October

6 New Spots to Dine and Drink

Your Guide to Chicago’s Spookiest Spots

Open House Chicago Spotlight: Get Witchy at the Colvin House

Explore Chicago’s Indigenous History

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