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

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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.

Chicago summer trivia: Mosquitoes, traffic jams and other seasonal blahs

Can you get a perfect score on our summer annoyances?

History

It&#x27;s summer in Chicago, the most glorious time of the year. It can also be annoying as hell.While we celebrate our favorite season, why not also test your knowledge of the annual nuisances?

Vintage photos show Chicago's crowded beaches are nothing new

Archival photographs show Chicagoans flocking to the water for over a century.

Chicagoans are flocking to the city&#x27;s premier beaches for the unofficial start of summer.The big picture: While many have bemoaned the throngs of people clogging the lakefront, it&#x27;s important to add some context in the form of a long-lost photo from 1929.<ul><li>It was busy then, too.</li></ul>

Traffic snarls to avoid in Chicago this weekend

Wrigleyville, Soldier Field, Grant Park and Garfield Park will all be hopping with fun— and traffic.

Transit

Chicago Summer weekends usher in a bevy of cool events but also street closings to accommodate them. <ul><li>Each week, we&#x27;ll be compiling some of the gnarliest traffic spots to avoid, unless, of course, you&#x27;re going there for some fun!</li></ul>

Weekender: 25 things to do in Chicago from food to music to fitness

From Bleachers to Ribfest and Greek Fest, summer has arrived in Chicago.

Things to Do

We&#x27;ve waited long enough, but summer has arrived.<ul><li>Let&#x27;s get at it! Here are some ways to do just that.</li></ul>

Chicago Blues Festival spotlights Alligator Records

Friday night's headliners include Ronnie Baker Brooks and Lil' Ed & The Imperials.

Music

As the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Blues Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/festivals-special-events/chicago-blues-festival/#friday-june-5" data-vars-content-id="a9dcf9d8-bd52-4cd6-bd49-e5c986219f78" data-vars-headline="Chicago Blues Festival spotlights Alligator Records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/festivals-special-events/chicago-blues-festival/#friday-june-5" target="_blank">Chicago Blues Festival</a> returns to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Millennium Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/07/21/millennium-park-construction-historic-photos" data-vars-content-id="a9dcf9d8-bd52-4cd6-bd49-e5c986219f78" data-vars-headline="Chicago Blues Festival spotlights Alligator Records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/07/21/millennium-park-construction-historic-photos" target="_self">Millennium Park</a> this weekend, one of the city&#x27;s most influential blues institutions is taking center stage.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alligator Records " data-vars-click-url="https://www.alligator.com/" data-vars-content-id="a9dcf9d8-bd52-4cd6-bd49-e5c986219f78" data-vars-headline="Chicago Blues Festival spotlights Alligator Records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.alligator.com/" target="_blank">Alligator Records </a>will celebrate its 55th anniversary Friday night with a mainstage showcase featuring Ronnie Baker Brooks, Lil&#x27; Ed Williams &amp; The Blues Imperials, Toronzo Cannon and other Chicago blues stars.

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>

Bite Club: Sichuan Spicy Tofu sandwich at Zenwich

The sandwich is a standout at the Elmhurst restaurant.

Food and Drink

My favorite new sandwich is a chicken sandwich, hold the meat. The bite: Sichuan Spicy Tofu, subbed in for chicken ($14), at Zenwich in Elmhurst.

Chicago's Mag Mile hosts giant swimmer sculptures

Eleven larger-than-life works by Carole Feuerman now stretch from the Wrigley Building to Oak Street.

Chicago&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michigan Avenue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/07/08/reimagine-north-michigan-avenue-magnificent-mile" data-vars-content-id="45f17c68-b8c1-4ad9-b28f-27289113f974" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s Mag Mile hosts giant swimmer sculptures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/07/08/reimagine-north-michigan-avenue-magnificent-mile" target="_self">Michigan Avenue</a> has become an open-air gallery for large-scale sculptures this spring.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Monuments of Stillness&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://hiltoncontemporary.com/news/carole-feuerman-monuments-of-stillness/" data-vars-content-id="45f17c68-b8c1-4ad9-b28f-27289113f974" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s Mag Mile hosts giant swimmer sculptures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hiltoncontemporary.com/news/carole-feuerman-monuments-of-stillness/" target="_blank">&quot;Monuments of Stillness&quot;</a> presents 11 works by Carole Feuerman on the Mag Mile, stretching from the Wrigley Building to Oak Street. <ul><li>The exhibit runs through November.</li></ul>

Food Fight: Chicago's best Frozen yogurt

Axios Chicago reporters fight to crown a winner.

Anyone religiously on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Instagram" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/axioschicago/" data-vars-content-id="68de8eaa-9d39-4af7-a298-1fa0e7faa5de" data-vars-headline="Food Fight: Chicago&#x27;s best Frozen yogurt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/axioschicago/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> (🙋) can tell you the food trend taking over feeds is frozen yogurt — less TCBY at the mall, and more fancy fro-yo with inventive toppings.Yes, but: We&#x27;re not quite where New York is on the trend, but there are definitely some reliable places.

Things to Do 🗓

Chicago summer trivia: Mosquitoes, traffic jams and other seasonal blahs

Vintage photos show Chicago's crowded beaches are nothing new

Traffic snarls to avoid in Chicago this weekend

Weekender: 25 things to do in Chicago from food to music to fitness

Chicago Blues Festival spotlights Alligator Records