Chicago

blue

A guide to fun things to do in Chicago this weekend.

Axios Chicago Weekender

Weekender

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Chicago with Monica Eng, Justin Kaufmann, and Carrie Shepherd.

Axios Chicago

Standard

Chicago Alerts

Alert

Axios Chicago Partners

Axios Chicago Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Chicago Members

Membership

Why Chicago isn't hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The city withdrew its bid in 2018, saying it didn't make economic sense to host the tournament.

News

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" data-vars-content-id="da422318-6d70-4c03-b0ef-fb2302fa4595" data-vars-headline="Why Chicago isn&#x27;t hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> kicks off next week and will be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada, but not in Chicago. The big picture: Eleven U.S. cities will host World Cup matches, including Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Dallas. The closest Midwest city is Kansas City.

Chicago Bears advance plan to leave Illinois for Indiana

It's unclear if this is the final decision, and Illinois leaders stressed that negotiations are ongoing.

The Chicago Bears are moving forward on a plan to build a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana. Why it matters: This is the strongest signal yet that Chicago&#x27;s NFL franchise <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="could leave Illinois" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/01/illinois-lawmakers-budget-bears-stadium-deal-taxes-gas-cell-phone-ban" data-vars-content-id="8106dd5a-ced0-4427-9ab6-ddc63df0fa99" data-vars-headline="Chicago Bears advance plan to leave Illinois for Indiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/01/illinois-lawmakers-budget-bears-stadium-deal-taxes-gas-cell-phone-ban" target="_self">could leave Illinois</a>.

Ferris Bueller turns 40: Rank the movie's best Chicago scenes

From Wrigley Field to the Art Institute, vote on the moments that made the movie a Chicago icon.

Culture

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="classic &#x27;80s movie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/05/ferris-bueller-vest-auction-sothebys-sale" data-vars-content-id="2626c797-b15f-40a3-bbdd-bb2fb5aa6ea5" data-vars-headline="Ferris Bueller turns 40: Rank the movie&#x27;s best Chicago scenes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/05/ferris-bueller-vest-auction-sothebys-sale" target="_self">classic &#x27;80s movie</a> about the lovable, sometimes irritating, slacker turns 40 this month. Flashback: John Hughes&#x27; &quot;Ferris Bueller&#x27;s Day Off&quot; premiered on June 11, 1986, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grossed more than $70 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/1986/?grossesOption=totalGrosses" data-vars-content-id="2626c797-b15f-40a3-bbdd-bb2fb5aa6ea5" data-vars-headline="Ferris Bueller turns 40: Rank the movie&#x27;s best Chicago scenes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/1986/?grossesOption=totalGrosses" target="_blank">grossed more than $70 million</a> at the box office, the 10th highest that year.

What to know about Chicago school board elections

Voters will be asked to select a president and representative from their subdistrict.

Education

Chicago&#x27;s first full <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school board election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/06/results-chicago-first-elected-school-board" data-vars-content-id="e20238de-d984-4b83-8e73-f8d01b82cd6a" data-vars-headline="What to know about Chicago school board elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/06/results-chicago-first-elected-school-board" target="_self">school board election</a> hits new milestones this week as officials accept final candidate objections Tuesday and decide ballot placement Wednesday morning.Why it matters: This consequential Nov. 3 election features 10 districts, 21 seats and staggered terms depending on the type of incumbent holding the current seat.<ul><li>In other words, voters will need a lot of public education.</li></ul>How it works: Chicagoans will be asked to vote for two candidates — one for school board president and one for their particular subdistrict.<ul><li>The city is divided into 20 subdistricts (identified by a number and letter) where the candidate must live. You can find yours <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here. " data-vars-click-url="https://www.cps.edu/about/chicago-board-of-education/member-map/" data-vars-content-id="e20238de-d984-4b83-8e73-f8d01b82cd6a" data-vars-headline="What to know about Chicago school board elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cps.edu/about/chicago-board-of-education/member-map/" target="_blank">here. </a></li><li>Most of the 21 races have at least two candidates running, but two subdistricts feature candidates running unopposed.</li><li>So far, five people have thrown their hats in the ring for board president: Jessica Biggs, Jennifer Custer, Hilario Dominguez, Victor P. Henderson and Sendhil Revuluri.</li></ul>By the numbers: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="51 people have filed petitions " data-vars-click-url="https://cboeprod.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/prod/2026-05/Candidate%20Filing%20Report_20260526172953563.pdf" data-vars-content-id="e20238de-d984-4b83-8e73-f8d01b82cd6a" data-vars-headline="What to know about Chicago school board elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cboeprod.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/prod/2026-05/Candidate%20Filing%20Report_20260526172953563.pdf" target="_blank">51 people have filed petitions </a>to run for president or as a board member.<ul><li>Yes but: Many could be eliminated through petition and signature challenges that will play out over the next several weeks.</li><li>Board president candidates need 2,500 valid signatures, while board candidates require 500 to 1,500 from residents of their districts.</li><li>The challenges can be costly and brutal. In 2024, a pool of 45 initial candidates [for school board] was whittled to 31 by the end of the process.</li></ul>The intrigue: As of Monday afternoon, not a single petition challenge had been filed against a school board candidate, Board of Elections officials tell Axios. Follow the money: Board members get no pay for their service, but spending on the 2024 partial school board races exceeded $13 million. Spending on this wider contest is expected to exceed that, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chalkbeat reports. " data-vars-click-url="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/04/17/chicago-public-schools-board-races-draw-cash/" data-vars-content-id="e20238de-d984-4b83-8e73-f8d01b82cd6a" data-vars-headline="What to know about Chicago school board elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/04/17/chicago-public-schools-board-races-draw-cash/" target="_blank">Chalkbeat reports. </a><ul><li>Much of the money came from the Chicago Teachers Union or super PACs funding candidates supportive of charters or school choice.</li></ul>Friction point: Despite heavy CTU spending on the 2024 election, union president Stacy Davis Gates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has warned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000019e-4176-d410-a1be-e5771aa10000" data-vars-content-id="e20238de-d984-4b83-8e73-f8d01b82cd6a" data-vars-headline="What to know about Chicago school board elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000019e-4176-d410-a1be-e5771aa10000" target="_blank">has warned</a> businessman and Democratic donor Michael Sacks to stay out of this year&#x27;s race — comparing &quot;billionaire&quot; campaign funds to Jim Crow voting laws, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Politico reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2026/05/20/chicago-schools-elections-get-ugly-00929035?is_magic_link=true&amp;template_id=OT5J0E7B7DD7" data-vars-content-id="e20238de-d984-4b83-8e73-f8d01b82cd6a" data-vars-headline="What to know about Chicago school board elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2026/05/20/chicago-schools-elections-get-ugly-00929035?is_magic_link=true&amp;template_id=OT5J0E7B7DD7" target="_blank">Politico reported</a>.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="In return" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000019e-415b-d0fd-a3de-f75f6acc0000" data-vars-content-id="e20238de-d984-4b83-8e73-f8d01b82cd6a" data-vars-headline="What to know about Chicago school board elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000019e-415b-d0fd-a3de-f75f6acc0000" target="_blank">In return</a>, Sacks accused Davis Gates of defamation and hypocrisy, writing, &quot;no one in this city is focused more on spending big money on politics … than you do.&quot;</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Expect coverage of specific races, campaign spending and more as this historic election unfolds over the next five months.Editors note: An earlier version of this story indicated that the two subdistricts with uncontested incumbents were on the North Side, but only one is.

Stacey King, Chicago Bulls champion and longtime broadcaster, dies at 59

The former player transitioned into one of the most colorful broadcasters in Chicago history.

Sports

Stacey King, the Chicago Bulls&#x27; three-time champion and beloved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="broadcaster" data-vars-click-url="http://axios.com/local/chicago/2022/07/20/best-play-by-play-teams-chicago-sports" data-vars-content-id="aac38725-591e-4047-9173-8cc7b4999d9a" data-vars-headline="Stacey King, Chicago Bulls champion and longtime broadcaster, dies at 59" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://axios.com/local/chicago/2022/07/20/best-play-by-play-teams-chicago-sports" target="_self">broadcaster</a>, has died, according to the team. He was 59.The big picture: King, a collegiate star at Oklahoma, was drafted by the Bulls in 1989 and played for them for five seasons. <ul><li>He was a key reserve on the Bulls teams that won three consecutive NBA championships from 1991 to 93. King was traded midway through the 1993-94 season. </li></ul>

Taste of Randolph drops suggested donations

The West Loop festival will test a raffle and silent auction as event costs rise.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taste of Randolph" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/05/26/chicago-street-festivals" data-vars-content-id="55fe7e91-6e74-4447-8548-f927ccb5fdcf" data-vars-headline="Taste of Randolph drops suggested donations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/05/26/chicago-street-festivals" target="_self">Taste of Randolph</a> festivalgoers will see something new at this year&#x27;s fest. Driving the news: The long-running <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="West Loop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/21/west-loop-walking-tour-shows-union-park-bartelme-mary-todd-lincoln" data-vars-content-id="55fe7e91-6e74-4447-8548-f927ccb5fdcf" data-vars-headline="Taste of Randolph drops suggested donations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/21/west-loop-walking-tour-shows-union-park-bartelme-mary-todd-lincoln" target="_self">West Loop</a> street festival will no longer suggest a donation at the entrance, instead launching a raffle and silent auction, the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) announced Friday.<ul><li>Participation in the raffle and auction is not required for entrance.</li></ul>

What to know before swimming in Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan beaches are open, but drownings and boating accidents remain serious threats.

It&#x27;s that time in Chicago when sunbathers crowd the sand and cement, boats fill the harbors and swimmers cool off in Lake Michigan.<ul><li>Sadly, summerlike weather also means more drownings and water-related injuries.</li></ul>

Inside the Obama Presidential Center before opening day

From Obama's South Side organizing days to the Oval Office, the new museum traces a remarkable journey.

Politics

The final touches are being put on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Obama Presidential Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/13/obama-presidential-center-chicago-art-collection-artists-jackson-park" data-vars-content-id="90daf676-2328-4490-9c1e-e7149610ab74" data-vars-headline="Inside the Obama Presidential Center before opening day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/13/obama-presidential-center-chicago-art-collection-artists-jackson-park" target="_self">Obama Presidential Center</a> on Chicago&#x27;s South Side, ahead of the June 19 public opening.Why it matters: OPC, where former President Barack Obama&#x27;s life and presidential legacy are memorialized, sits just blocks from the neighborhood where his political career was born.<ul><li>It also represents the foundation of his family. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Former first lady Michelle Obama" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/05/13/michelle-obama-to-headline-essence-fest" data-vars-content-id="90daf676-2328-4490-9c1e-e7149610ab74" data-vars-headline="Inside the Obama Presidential Center before opening day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/05/13/michelle-obama-to-headline-essence-fest" target="_self">Former first lady Michelle Obama</a> and their two daughters were born in the neighborhoods surrounding the center. </li></ul>

Caleb Williams becomes first Bears player on Madden NFL cover

The honor is just another step in the ascension of the team's franchise quarterback.

EA Sports has confirmed that Chicago Bears quarterback <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Caleb Williams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/19/bears-lose-nfc-playoff-rams-caleb-williams-ben-johnson-matt-stafford" data-vars-content-id="f8d855ab-aa63-461c-b183-c1508758dc6a" data-vars-headline="Caleb Williams becomes first Bears player on Madden NFL cover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/19/bears-lose-nfc-playoff-rams-caleb-williams-ben-johnson-matt-stafford" target="_self">Caleb Williams</a> will grace the cover of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Madden 27" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ea.com/en/games/madden-nfl/madden-nfl-27" data-vars-content-id="f8d855ab-aa63-461c-b183-c1508758dc6a" data-vars-headline="Caleb Williams becomes first Bears player on Madden NFL cover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ea.com/en/games/madden-nfl/madden-nfl-27" target="_blank">Madden 27</a>.Why it matters: Williams is the first-ever Bears player to appear on the cover of the flagship Madden NFL video game.<ul><li>Former Bears offensive lineman Roberto Garza was previously featured on the cover of &quot;Madden NFL 09 en Español.&quot;</li></ul>

Illinois lawmakers pass budget but fail to reach Bears stadium deal

It's unclear if Gov. JB Pritzker will convene a special session this summer to hammer out a stadium deal.

Illinois lawmakers approved a new $55.9 billion state budget in the final hours of the spring session, but failed to reach a deal on incentives aimed at keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois.The latest: The spring legislative session officially expired at midnight, but lawmakers continued negotiating and voting until roughly 4:30am this morning.

Illinois lawmakers race to pass budget, Bears stadium deal before session ends

The next 72 hours will be crucial for lawmakers trying to keep the Bears in Illinois.

Lawmakers are preparing for a marathon weekend in Springfield as they race to pass a deal to keep the Bears in Illinois. Why it matters: The General Assembly must close a budget gap, navigate pressure over taxes and spending, and decide whether Illinois will offer incentives to keep the Bears from potentially leaving the state.

Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson

Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to thank the pope for his "moral clarity" on immigration and justice.

Chicago <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Brandon Johnson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/19/mayor-brandon-johnson-reflects-on-3rd-year" data-vars-content-id="efbce9ce-edf7-4743-ae68-62f082432300" data-vars-headline="Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/19/mayor-brandon-johnson-reflects-on-3rd-year" target="_self">Mayor Brandon Johnson</a> is expected to discuss <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/21/judge-denies-ask-for-midway-blitz-special-prosecutor" data-vars-content-id="efbce9ce-edf7-4743-ae68-62f082432300" data-vars-headline="Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/21/judge-denies-ask-for-midway-blitz-special-prosecutor" target="_self">immigration</a> and restorative justice in his meeting Thursday morning with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pope Leo XIV" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/13/chicago-pope-leo-xiv-trump-feud-immigration-war-comments-catholics-reaction" data-vars-content-id="efbce9ce-edf7-4743-ae68-62f082432300" data-vars-headline="Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/13/chicago-pope-leo-xiv-trump-feud-immigration-war-comments-catholics-reaction" target="_self">Pope Leo XIV</a> at the Vatican.Why it matters: The first American pope meeting with his hometown mayor carries symbolic and political weight, highlighting shared views on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/13/chicago-pope-leo-xiv-trump-feud-immigration-war-comments-catholics-reaction" data-vars-content-id="efbce9ce-edf7-4743-ae68-62f082432300" data-vars-headline="Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/13/chicago-pope-leo-xiv-trump-feud-immigration-war-comments-catholics-reaction" target="_self">immigration,</a> social justice, and care for vulnerable communities.

News 🗞

Stacey King, Chicago Bulls champion and longtime broadcaster, dies at 59

Taste of Randolph drops suggested donations

Chicago Bears advance plan to leave Illinois for Indiana

What to know before swimming in Lake Michigan

Inside the Obama Presidential Center before opening day