Recently, I’ve been big on adding more whimsy to my life. In the morning, I use my pink and gold teacup set. At night, I tell my fish good night (sometimes I throw in a glub glub). I also love sending mail to friends and family, just because. What are some of the ways you add more whimsy to your life?

Speaking of more whimsy, Ivy Hall is ready to give you the extra edge here…

JUST ANNOUNCED

• CIVL Fest 2026 is a citywide celebration of Chicago’s independent venues. Starting Thursday, the festival showcases CIVL spaces across neighborhoods with performances by local, national, and international artists, along with select panels and special events. Win tickets to the shows!*

• Chicago Pride Fest just announced its 2026 lineup, with Durand Bernarr and G Flip flying in. There’s also plenty of love for local acts like Sixteen Candles, Bambi Banks, and DJ Ca$h Era. See who else is playing.

• This is a big one. Summer Smash dropped its 2026 lineup, and we’re still shocked. Skrillex leads the way. Then we’ve got Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, and Baby Keem. Tickets just went live a few hours ago.

• Mahony, Art Dealer, Herrera, Moorhaus, and Mass are throwing a proper curveball set where anything is fair game. The group hits PRYSM on Saturday, April 25th. Win your way in.*

• Plus other just announced shows from Usher, The Strokes, Sombr, Jack White, Stephen Marley, Nikki Glaser, Michelada Fest, Wild Child, Gabriel Iglesias, Temples, Patti LaBelle, Dimmu Borgir, Raydio, and more!

BEST RECORDS STORES IN CHICAGO

Record Store Day is just 4 days away! Sure, streaming is convenient, but digging through crates still hits different, and Chicago’s record store scene is alive and dangerously easy to lose hours in. We mapped out the spots where you’ll find rare pressings, weird imports, and staff who will absolutely judge your taste in a good way.

WHENEVER

AMBASSADOR GOLD COAST 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Celebrate 100 years of the Ambassador with one unforgettable, high-energy experience bringing together luxury, entertainment, and the city’s best crowd.*

What to Expect:

• Special Appearance: NHL Hall of Famer & 3× Stanley Cup Champion Chris Chelios

• Red carpet entry & photo moments

• Welcome drink and passed hors d’oeuvres

• Live DJs & high-energy dance floor

• Dramatic ice sculptures, fire dancers & immersive entertainment

LOCALS ONLY

• “Sugar, spice, everything nice.” Chicago is getting a Candy Hall of Fame on the Magnificent Mile. See the planned space.

• The 45th Annual Puerto Rican Fest is back this summer with music, food, and all your Puerto Rican favs. Tix on sale now.

• This Saturday, A Conference on Family, Building Through IVF, Surrogacy, and Egg and Sperm Donation comes to Willis Tower. Hear from experts, meet agencies and clinics, and connect with parents who’ve been through it all. Join the conference.*

• We know, we know, Spring in Chicago is a bit on the unpredictable side. But we make things a bit easier with our guide on the season.

WIN STUFF

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