I keep seeing such gorgeous shots of the Jackson Park Cherry Blossoms, and I’m getting giddy just thinking about visiting. Per the Chicago Park District, blossoms are still in stage 3-4, aka some buds are opening, and flowers are becoming visible, but there’s about a week to go before full bloom. The pink fever dream is loading!

And speaking of things you want to see..

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Time travel, forbidden love, and a full orchestra doing the heavy lifting. Outlander In Concert is bringing all the drama to The Auditorium on November 1st. Snag the best view!*

• A Chicago father loses his son to police violence, and three strangers show up with a life-changing offer. Windfall is heavy and very real. Tarell Alvin McCraney does not miss. Opens Thursday at Steppenwolf Theatre. Win your way into the show.*

• Sound and Gravity just dropped their 2026 festival lineup, building on an incredible first year. Hitting multiple stages across Bricktown. Tickets on sale now.

• Windy Pop Weekender announced their lineup for the September Indie/Twee Popfest at Subterranean. Hit it up on September 26th and 27th.

• Plus other just announced shows from Sturgill Simpson, Bert Kreischer, Vacations, Layla Benitez, Boyfriend, Rival Consoles, Ms. Ezra Furman, Jutes, Kyle Kinane, Flava D, ford. Lee Foss, Elias, Future Teens, and more!

FREE MUSEUM DAYS IN APRIL

Chicago museums saw the cold and said fine, come through for free. We rounded up all the days you can wander world-class art, science, and history without spending a dollar. Act cultured, learn something, or just enjoy the AC.

IN THE FUTURE

LOCALS ONLY

• Festival season is starting up. Bookmark the full list now so you don’t miss the one everyone suddenly cares about the week after.

• Loud Pizza Records is hosting an advance listening party for Noah Kahan’s The Great Divide. Free with RSVP on Tuesday, April 21st.

• This weekend, mfk. Restaurant is launching Pintxos and Porrons. Every Saturday from 1-4pm, stop by for a casual sipping and snacking experience. Win free porron for the experience.

• Cute animals doing what they do best, making you emotional. PAWS Chicago is hosting a fundraiser this Friday, giving you a solid reason to dress up and donate.

WIN STUFF

FEATURED