Hello, Do312ers! Quick intro to ME, your other newsletter writer! My name’s Maria, and we’ve known each other for a few years now via the Do312 newsletter. Or as someone at 312 Day asked me, “are you from the Instagram??” Typically, I’m a bit easy to recognize with my dyed hair. Currently, it’s red, but I’ve worked my way through the rainbow and various combos and am still experimenting.

A few things about me:

• Can’t help but stay super busy bopping around Chicago (and the world)

• Love indulging in ethnic food

• Big music fan of all genres and enjoy playing too

• Appreciate exploring all the random things going on in the city (you never know what you’re gonna find)

• Love terrorizing my partner and friends with various sidequests

• Rugby player (formerly pro, and semi-pro)

• Gravitate towards artsy/quirky stuff, trinkets are queen

I’m kind of all over, lol, and now you got the Maria crash course! If you ever wanna chat about any of the above, I’m all ears! Feel free to connect with me on Instagram, and say hi, or give me a holler if you see me on the streets. I always love chatting with our readers and hearing what y’all have to say. The positive encouragement from y’all is truly everything.

But enough about me for this week. I’d love to hear more about YOU and what you love to do in Chicago! Respond to this newsletter and let me know.

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Julian Anthony is linking up with Laidlaw, Tapper, and Ben Sperry for a proper B2B night where the decks basically never cool off. Expect house, techno, and endless dancefloor momentum on March 27th. Have you entered to win tickets yet?

• Evanston Folk Festival just dropped its 2026 lineup! This year brings Trampled by Turtles, Indigo Girls and dozens more to the lakefront for a weekend of music, September 12th-13th. Enter to win an incredible prize pack for the fest.*

• Talib Kweli helped define an entire era of conscious hip hop, and he’s still doing it at the highest level. The Black Star legend pulls up for a night of razor sharp bars, March 28th at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. Win some tix here.*

• Testament is bringing Thrash of the Titans to Ramova Theatre which means riffs moving at unsafe speeds and a pit that will absolutely test you. Metalheads already know what time it is. Win tix for the Sunday show.*

• Plus other just announced shows from Two Door Cinema Club, Creed, Bleachers, The Pretty Reckless, Jesca Hoop, Negative Approach, Six Feet Under, Memba, Yebba, Melanie C, and more!

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH EVENTS

March is Women’s History Month, which means Chicago is stacked with concerts, markets, and get togethers celebrating the women who make this city. If you’re looking to support, learn something new, or just show up for a great event, start here:

• WED. - ELEVATEHER 2026 at FOUNDATION ROOM AT HOUSE OF BLUES

• SAT. - CHICAGO WOMEN’S HISTORY CONFERENCE 2026 at ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY

• EVERY SAT. IN MARCH - WOMEN’S MAKERS MARKET at NAVY PIER

• SAT.-03.28 - THE WOMAN WHO BUILT CHICAGO BUS TOUR around CHICAGO

• 03.30 - WINE COLLECTIVE TASTING at BRONZEVILLE WINERY

THIS WEEK

LOCALS ONLY

• Chicago activity bars are undefeated. Shuffleboard, bocce, mini golf, arcade games, curling, and drinks that will convince you you’re actually good at them. Here’s the best spots in the city to compete with your friends.

• The InSidewalk Sale is back! Cash in on incredible discounts and deals from a variety of local businesses, and maybe discover your new favorite thing.

• Can’t get enough of The Salt Shed after 312 Day? The fun keeps rolling as the venue transforms into Elston Skate Club on Saturday. There will be DJs, games and prizes at the all-ages event. Don’t miss out.

• Yes this is exactly what it sounds like. An adult Easter egg hunt across multiple bars with drinks, bunny ears, gift cards, and the strong possibility you will get extremely competitive about plastic eggs. Hop into it.

WIN STUFF

FEATURED