Took my kayak out on the water last night for the first time this season, which honestly feels criminal to admit. But anywho, what a f***ing vibe. Me, my little speaker, a bevy, and 30 one-sided friendships with strangers enjoying the lake too. Ily swimmers, beachgoers, paddleboarders, and even the token boat. More of this, stat.

Speaking of good things, who doesn't want to win tickets to this...

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Hear ye’, hear ye’ - trade thee usual night out for knights, merchants, music, and fantasy. Moonlit Faire transforms Outset into a mini Renaissance village for one whimsical evening. Win tickets for the enchanted night here.*

• Step into a night of Cuban-inspired cocktails, live Latin music, cigars, and vintage glamour. Havana Nights brings the party to Ambassador Gold Coast for an evening that feels worlds away. Last-minute tickets are still available for the event.*

• Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme are bringing their wildly funny holiday tradition back to Chicago. Get ready for music, comedy, and festive chaos at The Auditorium this December. Tickets just went on sale, and we’re also giving away a pair.*

• Kentucky songwriter Cole Chaney brings his gritty blend of country, folk, and rock to Garcia's Chicago. Win tickets to see one of Americana's fastest rising voices in an intimate room.*

• Plus other just announced shows from Mike Posner, Louis The Child, GoodWaves Festival, Mustard, Sidepiece, DJ Shadow, Danny Elfman, Chicago Farmer & The Fieldnotes, Hamdi, Swervedriver, Roz, Horse Feathers, Chief Keef, and more!

MOVING PARTS: PATRICK BOUAPHANH OF JINSEI MOTTO

What do a 90-day dry-aged tuna, a $54 omakase, and a future listening bar have in common? Patrick Bouaphanh. Get to know the chef behind Jinsei Motto in the latest edition of Moving Parts.

COMING UP

LOCALS ONLY

• Tanta is throwing a huge Peruvian Independence Day celebration with food, music, dancing, and plenty of reasons to spend the day downtown. Come get your Pisco Sour.

• Give those hard-to-recycle items a second life. Stop by the Reuse & Recycling Pop-Up during Bevapalooza to donate, recycle, connect with local sustainability groups, and make this neighborhood cleanup count.

• Fifteen years of Seoul Taco deserves a celebration. Every Tuesday throughout 2026, grab any taco with any protein for just $1.50 at Seoul Taco's River North and Lakeview locations. Dine in only.

• There's a new reason to head to Lincoln Park. Bobo is officially open, bringing a fresh new dining spot to the neighborhood. See what the new spot is all about.

WIN STUFF

FEATURED