Misericordia Family Fest 2025 is set to return on Sunday, September 7, on the organization’s 37-acre campus at 6300 N. Ridge Avenue in Chicago. This cherished annual event is more than a celebration—it serves as the largest fundraising event for Misericordia, bringing together thousands of s…

Chicago gets more than just a peek behind the kitchen door, it gets the whole story. On Monday, Aug. 4, Chef Curtis Duffy, one of the rare few to earn two and three Michelin stars in his career, is stepping into the spotlight in a different way. He’s traded his chef’s whites for a microphone…

Dear Candid Candace: With baseball season approaching, I always like to take my kids to at least a couple games a year. When we go, I like to breathe in the full ambiance of the game by getting there extra early, walking around the stadium outside, watching the people, soaking up the pre-gam…

Get ready for a party like no other! Diego in West Town is celebrating its two-year milestone with A Taste of Diego, a non-stop seafood celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on July 19. Cue the mariscos, pour those margaritas and let the beats roll across this 14-hour journey into bold flavors …

Thousands will gather at Montrose Harbor in Chicago for the 22nd annual Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk on Saturday, Sept. 27 for the nation's largest suicide prevention event. Organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), this 3-mile walk serves as a powerful trib…

UNO, the timeless card game, is taking a colorful leap to Las Vegas as Mattel debuts the world’s first UNO Social Club at the Palms Casino Resort. This immersive hotspot transforms UNO from a classic table game into a full-fledged entertainment experience, complete with themed suites, privat…

Goodman Theatre is launching its 100 Free Acts of Theater during its 100th anniversary, presenting a year‑long, city‑wide celebration featuring free performances across all 50 Chicago wards. Produced in conjunction with the Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events (DCASE) and supp…

Darvin Furniture & Mattress, Chicagoland's largest furniture and mattress store, has kicked off its sizzling Black Friday in July Sale from now through July 14, and the offers are too tempting to wait until November. Discover doorbuster deals throughout its showroom, with flat 50% saving…

Dear Candid Candace:  I recently learned that a friend of mine in her mid-40s has Stage 3 breast cancer and will undergo a double mastectomy and radiation. Today I learned that a colleague of mine, also younger than myself, is a blood cancer survivor, yet unsure as to the longevity of his li…

Chicago Star celebrated the season in spectacular style with a party at Mariano’s Lakeshore East, bringing together nearly 100 friends, supporters, advertisers and future partners on a perfect summer day atop Mariano’s spacious rooftop overlooking the park.

Every Tuesday evening this summer, Chef Art Smith’s Reunion restaurant on Navy Pier transforms its patio into a lively bingo hall, offering guests a delightful blend of games, food and scenic views. From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., patrons can purchase bingo cards—$5 for a single card or $50 for…

Since debuting in 2015, Kasing Lung created the mischievously charming plush elf Labubu, inspired by Nordic folklore in his picture‑book series The Monsters. The character gained international recognition in 2019 when Chinese toy giant Pop Mart adopted Labubu into its blind‑box collectible l…

This year, the Illinois State Fair will take place Aug. 7-17 in Springfield, Ill. There will be live entertainment (Jake Owen with Jo Dee Messina, The Black Crowes, Megan Morony, Sheryl Crow and more!); food vendors galore; competitions (marching bands, float builders, baton twirlers, fiddle…

The Woman's Board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago welcomed a crowd of 320 guests to its 76th annual Summer Ball, an evening of celebration, generosity and impact held at the award-winning Aba and the Dalcy May 30. The event, co-chaired by Kate Melman and Kelly Rosen Lagrange, was on…

In the heart of summer, the quaint village of Three Oaks, Michigan is buzzing with anticipation as the renowned Randolph Street Market rolls into town for its exclusive Road Trip Pop‑Up. Mark your calendars for July 26–27, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM EST (9 AM to 4 PM CST), hosted at Commune + …

Dear Candid Candace: How do I get my husband off his phone or iPad? I’ve tried everything! I think he has an addiction. Every time we are watching a movie or even enjoying coffee he’s got his iPad or phone on so I’m seeing the top of his head not his face. He says it’s work or an important n…

Get ready to rock all summer long—Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park has revealed its 2025 “Rockin’ in the Park” lineup, promising a season packed with music, energy and unforgettable nights under the stars. Presented by Feldco, the free concert series continues every Thursday—and select Fridays—t…

Tucked away on a lush, tree‑lined block of Lincoln Park, 2124 N Cleveland Avenue is more than a stately Victorian-era marvel, it’s a tribute to Chicago’s resilience. Built in 1890, it stands among the earliest homes to rise in Lincoln Park following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, erected du…

PAWS Chicago is rolling out the sandy red carpet for pets and their people at its 22nd annual Beach Party on Thursday, July 17, 2025. This beloved summer soirée takes place at the stunning Offshore Rooftop at Navy Pier (1000 E Grand Ave), from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., and promises a night of tropi…

Derrick Rose is set to serve as the Grand Marshal for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race’s Grant Park 165 on Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Grant Park. The Chicago Bulls legend and 2011 NBA Most Valuable Player will deliver the iconic “Drivers, Start Your Engines” command, marking a significant moment…

‘Candid’ Candace Jordan makes ‘history’! In my wildest dreams, I would’ve never thought I would land in a museum exhibit. Can you imagine a small-town girl, just seeking more excitement, would find herself in the Chicago History Museum?

This year, the world’s oldest (and most fabulous!) working supermodel, Carmen Dell’Orefice, turned 94 years young. She has been the gold standard as my favorite model for as long as I can remember and is listed in “The Guinness Book of World Records” (as the world's oldest working model). 

Celebrate Independence Day with a vibrant blend of art, music, and family fun at Hinsdale’s inaugural Fourth for All: Family Festival & Art Fair. This exciting new event, presented by Amdur Productions, will take place on Friday, July 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Burlington Park, d…

On the afternoon of June 22, sunlight filtered through the grand lobby of the Lyric Opera House as the sold-out crowd found their seats for the final bow of The Joffrey Ballet’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The performance was dedicated to longtime champion of the arts and the Joffrey, …

From the moment I met Sister Rosemary Connelly, it was clear she was someone extraordinary. Her presence radiated warmth and compassion, and her smile made everyone feel seen and loved. As a longtime friend and supporter of Misericordia, I was welcomed with open arms by the then-executive di…

In a dramatic escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict, the United States launched a large-scale airstrike June 21, targeting Iran's key nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Dubbed "Operation Midnight Hammer," the mission involved seven B-2 Spirit bombers, over 125 aircraft, and …

Experience the pinnacle of modern luxury in this 5-bedroom, 3.1-bath architectural gem, nestled on the tranquil, tree-lined Fremont Street in Lincoln Park. Meticulously redesigned by acclaimed designer Donna Mondi, this home seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with timeless sophistication.

As the sun sets over Rosemont, the aroma of sizzling steaks, fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas fills the air. Whether you're in town for a conference, catching a show at the Rosemont Theatre, or simply seeking a delightful dining experience, this vibrant suburb offers a diverse array of re…

Back for its 17th year, the Millennium Art Festival returns to downtown Chicago with two days of art, music, food, and fun on June 28 and 29. Located just steps from Millennium Park, this beloved (free!) summer festival offers something for everyone—from seasoned collectors to curious kids. …

Get ready, Chicagoland, Darvin Furniture & Mattress is bringing back its legendary Tent Sale for the first time in five years, and it's the biggest blowout yet. For four days only, from June 20–23, shoppers can take advantage of unbelievable deals with savings of 60%, 70%, and even up to…

Waiting for the corn stands to open, anticipating friend-filled picnics in the American Legion Park and visiting with former classmates at my No-Class Reunion are just a few of the many activities I look forward to every summer in my little hometown of Dupo, Illinois, nestled near the banks …

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the 2025 Printers Row Lit Fest returns to Chicago on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7, from 10 AM to 6 PM, rain or shine, along South Dearborn Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Polk Street. This free outdoor literary festival, presented by the N…

The 35th annual Taste of Greektown festival returns to the heart of Chicago’s West Loop from Friday, August 22 to Sunday, August 24. This beloved event transforms Halsted Street into a lively showcase of Greek heritage, where visitors can enjoy authentic food, traditional music, cultural exh…

Dear Candid Candace—I wanted your thoughts, as we are now parents of young children starting to go to their friends’ birthday parties. They have been invited to pirate-themed parties, magic shows, treasure hunts, princess parties, face painting parties, and even spa parties and laser tag par…

Is there anything that says summer quite like a farmstand? I sure don’t think so. Just this past the weekend, my family- husband Chuck and Penny the pup-  took a drive to Westmont to visit one of our favorite markets, The Farm.

Chicago’s fashion scene lit up at the Driehaus Fashion Awards when it returned in full force on May 22 to the 21c Museum Hotel Chicago. As one of the city’s longest-running independent fashion shows, the event spotlighted the next generation of emerging designers with a dynamic runway competition.

This summer, Chicago Gourmet invites guests to its first-ever Dinner on the NASCAR Track—a historic, trackside five-course Italian dinner in Chicago served directly on the start/finish line of the NASCAR Chicago Street Course in Grant Park, Chicago, combining high-speed thrills with a luxuri…

Experience an unforgettable fusion of fashion and philanthropy at "Day on the Terrace: A Royal Garden Party," hosted by The Service Club of Chicago on Monday, Aug. 4. This premier summer event offers an exclusive preview of Fall 2025 collections from top designers and boutiques, including al…

The Adler Planetarium has received a $1 million gift from the S&C Electric Company Fund to enhance its youth engagement programs in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).

Fashion enthusiasts and history aficionados are invited to an exclusive live recording of the acclaimed podcast Dressed: The History of Fashion at the Chicago History Museum on Tuesday, June 10. Hosted by fashion historian Cassidy Zachary, the event will feature a conversation with Jessica P…

Chicago's Venetian Night returns on Saturday, July 26, transforming the Chicago Riverwalk into a vibrant celebration of Italian culture, music, and maritime artistry. This highly anticipated annual event, hosted by the Italian American Human Relations Foundation (IAHRF), brings the elegance …

Prices may be going up everywhere else, but not at Darvin Furniture & Mattress! From June 3 through June 16, celebrate Darvin Days and save 50% off storewide during one of the biggest sales of the year!

Darvin Furniture & Mattress invites you to explore their 2025 Outdoor Flipbook, designed to help you transform your backyard into the ultimate summer retreat. As Chicagoland's largest furniture and mattress retailer, Darvin offers an extensive selection of outdoor furnishings that blend …

This summer, Chicagoans are once again celebrating the return of Chonkosaurus, the famously massive snapping turtle, who has made a stunning reappearance in the Chicago River. First spotted in 2023, this giant snapping turtle quickly gained celebrity status after a viral video showcased its …

Chicago’s Guaranteed Rate Field—home of the White Sox—is set to host a historic Pope Leo XIV celebration on June 14, 2025. This event will honor the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church and a native of the Chicago area. The Archdiocese of Chicago has partn…

NPM Venture LLC has unveiled exciting plans for the June 13, 2025 grand opening of Navy Pier Marina, a state-of-the-art marina that will revolutionize access to Navy Pier and downtown Chicago. As the only marina offering boaters a gateway to Navy Pier attractions and the vibrant city beyond,…