I’m officially counting down the days until I’m in LA. I’m seeing Zeds Dead while I’m there, which feels necessary considering I’ve been constantly crying about them taking next year off. 😭 I get it though… I’ve been seeing them since 2014 and even I needed a break, so I can’t imagine how they’re feeling.

Keep your eyes peeled though, they never miss Chicago. September and October are usually when those dates start dropping. From what I’m hearing, this one’s gonna be a nostalgic one.

Alright, enough of me spiraling over Zeds Dead for a second…

Akeem Ali’s pulling up for The Texture Tour, and yeah, I’m already trying to be in that room. Slick bars, smooth flow, and the kinda set I’ll be talking about for a while. Enter now for a chance to win tickets!*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Carbon Leaf is coming to Garcia’s, and I’m into anything that gives me an excuse to sing along way too loud. If nostalgic, folk-leaning indie rock is your fall comfort food, this one’s probably calling your name. Throw your name in for a chance to win tickets!*

• HighQ mixes cannabis culture with sketch, improv, and classic game-show chaos as three teams take on mental + physical challenges for prizes from Illinois cultivators, artisans, and dispensaries. Grab your tickets and see it live.*

• Seth David’s bringing his R&Bass sound to Concord this Saturday, and mixing 2000s R&B + hip-hop with heavy bass is already enough to get me there. I’m tryna hear this one LOUD. Enter now for a chance to win tickets!*

• Something wicked this way brews at Zoo Brews: Howls and Growls, a 21+ Halloween party with craft beer and cider sampling. Get tickets for a scary good time. at Lincoln Park Zoo on October 23 and 24!*

• Plus other just announced shows from Jingle Ball, Windy City Smokeout, Slipknot, Dos Santos, Elderbrook, Joe, Darkest Hour, Honey Revenge X Dead Poet Society, Gene Ferris, 8 Ball & MJG, Taken By Tides, Baltra, and more!

LATINO-OWNED & ON MY RADAR

I’ve got way too many favorite spots around town, but these Latino-owned restaurants and bars deserve a little extra love. I’m talking tacos, cocktails, late-night hangs, date-night spots, and plenty I keep coming back to.

DRESS CODE: DROP-DEAD 😵

LOCALS ONLY

• Chicago, join us this weekend for TEDxChicago 2026: We The People, an inspiring night of big ideas and shaping the future together. Tickets include 15 TEDxChicago talks, live performances, food, drinks, local art and networking opportunities! Grab tickets now!*

• Hotel room on the riverwalk? Covered. Second City improv? Covered. Cocktails and bites? Also covered. Enter to win the ultimate Chicago staycation at Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, complete with The Sheraton Improv Social. Enter now!*

• We’ve got one fall/winter internship spot left, and if your camera roll is concerts, your tabs are full of events, and you’re always finding what’s happening next, I wanna hear from you. Send your resume + cover letter to [email protected]

WIN STUFF

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