Posted inThe To-Do

The Jewish Deli, FORTS!, and more

Chicago has always been a midwestern hub for reflection and innovation aimed at making the world a more just, hospitable place. Perhaps it’s both my personal and institutional stake in the idea that a better world is possible, but the need for change feels especially pressing right now.  As I continue witnessing the economic, social, […]

Posted inThe To-Do

Pumpkins, Sanctum, and lowriders

It’s scary how much fun stuff is happening right now! Spooky season never misses.  It Takes a Village (ITAV) Pumpkin PatchSat 10/21, includes a petting zoo, a bounce house, face painting, food, games, and a train, 4020 W. Division, free to attend, all-ages. Reservations required events.eventnoire.com/e/itav-pumpkin-patch-2023 For a classic autumn adventure appropriate for the whole […]

Posted inThe To-Do

Galleries, glitch, and more

“Violets and Daisies”At M. LeBlanc through 10/29: Wed-Sat noon-6 PM, 3514 W. Fullerton, 773-360-7178, mleblancchicago.com Fall is prime gallery season, and I’m looking forward to “Violets and Daisies,” the second solo show by artist Cameron Spratley at M. LeBlanc (3514 W. Fullerton). Spratley is a rising figure in Chicago’s contemporary Black painting community and was […]

Posted inThe To-Do

Hecho En Arts & Craft Fair, Mothers of Murdered Transpeople annual picnic, and more

Bounce the CitySat-Sun through 9/3 (individual timed entry from 10 AM-5:30 PM depending on day), 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, $24, all-ages, bouncethecity.com As someone without a car, I do not make a habit of leaving the city, but Bounce the City at Schaumburg’s Woodfield Mall has me reviewing my transit options. Through Sunday, September 3, […]

Posted inThe To-Do

Microcinema, rock ’n’ roll photography, and more

Warming temperatures mean it’s time to get out there and strut. From book signings to variety shows, there’s something coming up for everyone’s walking speed. Sweet Void Cinema screeningssweetvoidcinema.com The Humboldt Park-based production company and microcinema Sweet Void Cinema (3036 W. Chicago, Suite 1W) collects shorts from local filmmakers and screens them monthly as a […]