Madeline Wolfson

It's no secret Pilsen is the next hip Chicago neighborhood, and it's easy to see why. With a flourishing art community, the National Museum of Mexican Art, fantastic food and some of the city's best event spaces, there's lots to see and even more to do in Pilsen.  RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Pilsen

Chicago is known for its architecture, and the annual Open House Chicago two-day event is known for giving us behind-the-scenes access to more than 200 significant sites across the city. Last year we captured the best sites in Bronzeville, a newly added neighborhood. But when the sprawling roster added historic hotels, modern spaces and decadent theaters to its downtown list this year, we knew we had to take a peek (and tons of shots). Here are some of the most stunning new sites we explored on Saturday. RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Open House Chicago

There will be plenty of rowdy competition to see in Chicago’s best sports bars this season (hello, Bulls and Blackhawks). But you don’t just have to be a spectator when you go out. Get in on the competitive action and play for the win at a local bar quiz night. Not all competitions are created equal, so we got down and nerdy to scope out the city’s best tests of knowledge. Up for the challenge?

These Chicago neighborhoods not only provide swanky hot spots for eating and drinking but also function as an entertainment hub, providing all means of recreation before and after you wine and dine. With some of the city's best arcade bars, top attractions like Navy Pier, movie theaters, bowling alleys, museums and more, you have a lot to choose from (not to mention the shopping mecca that is the Magnificent Mile). Here's our guide to the best things to do in River North and Streeterville.  RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to River North and Streeterville

It was a super-packed weekend for Halloween this year, with bumping bashes like Freaky Deaky, attractions like the best haunted houses in Chicago and all of the Halloween activities for kids. But perhaps the biggest and best event of the weekend was the 19th annual Northalsted Parade through Boystown. If you couldn’t make it to the always fantastic festivities, don’t let it haunt you. We captured the best costumes on display for your viewing pleasure. RECOMMENDED: Complete guide to Halloween events in Chicago

October is frightfully full of awesome events, fall festivals and autumnal eats but we’re still freaky excited to find time for all of the hottest Halloween events. After you’ve scared yourself stupid at one of the best haunted houses in Chicago, and stuffed yourself to the brim with the best holiday candy save room for the best events and attractions in Chicago this Halloween. RECOMMENDED: Complete guide to Halloween events in Chicago

Chicago's first Halloween Gathering was a hit, as thousands spent the day at the Art Institute and Millennium Park for a day of colorful events. The Chicago Cultural Mile put on the gathering, complete with art and not one, but two parades. Early afternoon was packed with kids' activities like mask-making and a too-cute children's costume parade at the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon. The event ended at night with a spectacular costume parade with puppets and lanterns and even a "Thriller" flash mob. See what we captured at our newest favorite Halloween event.

Grant Park was packed this weekend when 45,000 runners and thousands of cheering spectators came out for the Chicago Marathon on Sunday October 11. As the runners took an intense, 26.2 mile long city tour through Chicago’s neighborhoods, spectators sported entertaining signs and kept spirits high. We captured highlights of the race from starting corral to finish line, through every stage and neighborhood of the 2015 Chicago Marathon. RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to the Chicago Marathon 

The runners aren’t the only one’s who go the extra mile as they push themselves to complete the Chicago Marathon route. The spectators stepped it up as well, bringing encouraging, flashy and witty signs to keep runners encouraged and everyone entertained. Here are the best and funniest signs from the 2015 Chicago Marathon. See how they stacked up to 2014’s funniest spectator signs. RECOMMENDED: Chicago Marathon guide

Of the 45,000 runners, more than 50 elite athletes took to Chicago’s streets to start a 26.2 mile course winding through our city's neighborhoods. While other runners hammed it up with kooky costumes and spectators kept it light with funny signs, the elite athletes were totally in the zone. Here are the highlights from starting corral and finish lines at the 2015 Chicago Marathon.  RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to the Chicago Marathon 

After last year’s rocky inaugural show, the pressure was on to bring the heat at this year's Great Chicago Fire Festival at its new Northerly Island location. On Saturday, the second take of the historic fire fest redeemed the first year. The island resembled a mini- and family-friendly Burning Man in ways, with student art, Mad Max-ian roving bandstands and poetry, breakdancing and musicians performing. The two-hour ceremony began at 7pm and included a Native American drum blessing, choral singing, young people dancing, a drum line and rock musicians. Finally, a man in a cow suit set fire to the wooden home and the blaze roared quickly. As singer Len Jordan belted out Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” a stellar firework display erupted. Check out our photos of the event.

As if to make up for the fact that summer is over, the city's culture shifts into high gear in the fall, making the switch from outdoor music festivals to indoor art exhibitions that much easier. Of the countless exciting theater shows, restaurant openings and film premieres happening in Chicago this season, these are the 23 things you should clear your calendar for. RECOMMENDED: Your guide to fall in Chicago

Lincoln Park's bro-friendly German bar extends its Oktoberfest celebrations throughout an entire month with a slew of weekly events. Taste of flight of Oktoberfest beers on Wednesdays or indulge in an Oktoberfest dinner on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Friday and Saturday nights feature polka musical chairs, stein holding contests and yodeling competitions.

This weekend, we get extra access to some very special Chicago buildings when they unlock and open their doors for the public as part of Open House Chicago. This annual celebration of our city’s best architecture, organized by the Chicago Architecture Foundation (thanks, guys!), lets us into soaring skyscrapers, gorgeous cathedrals and innovative spaces. Last year, Ukrainian Village, Edgewater, Bronzeville and Lincoln Square were added to the neighborhood roster. In 2015, we get inside even more dazzling venues with 13 sites in Evanston, more to explore in West Town and exclusive Loop newcomers. We’ve combed through the long list of additions to this totally free event and have recommendations for you to explore this weekend. Don’t forget to check back this weekend for our own photo coverage. The Rookery (209 S LaSalle St) This Loop-dwelling architectural masterpiece may be known for its lobby, (designed by everyone’s favorite, Frank Lloyd Wright), but the incredibly recognizable building was designed by Burnham and Root and completed in 1888. Since Wright renovated the skylit lobby in 1905, the building has been exquisitely maintained. This weekend we get special access to the glass block walkways and basement vault. (Sun 9am–5pm)   Millennium Knickerbocker HotelPhotograph: Eric Allix Rogers The Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel (163 E Walton Pl) This elegant Gothic Revival work originally built as the Davis Hotel is more notoriously known as for its run as the Playboy Hotel,

1. Celebrate a year of getting sauced Seems like it was only yesterday that a handful of chefs and artists took over a Logan Square arcade bar. Well that was one year ago, and Sauced has since become our favorite recurring late-night event. To celebrate a fabulous first, Sauced does what it does best and throws a booze- and food-filled celebration featuring local vendors. Bartender Dustin Drankiewicz and comic book artist Alexandra Ensign get behind the bar to shake up drink samples inspired by their recent book​ Cocktails for Dingdongs. (Thalia Hall, 1807 S Allport St, 6pm. Free) 2. Attend a very special screening The Chicago Architecture Biennial invites you to enjoy a very special screening as part of the ongoing Architecture in Film series that brings architects in to speak on films that inspire them. Tonight, Emmanuel Pratt and Ines Sommer discuss Lucy Walker’s 2010 Waste Land, the documentary following artist Vik Muniz as he journeys from Brooklyn to Brazil and the world’s largest garbage dump. (Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St, 6pm. Free) 3. Make your own maki Learn to roll like a pro at Arami’s sushi class, where chef Nelson Vinansaca will demonstrate both maki and temaki techniques. Best of all: After class, attendees get to dig into a three-course meal featuring the chef's choice of nigiri and sashimi, a special maki and a dessert. (Arami, 1829 W Chicago Ave, 6:30pm. $60) Fill out my Wufoo form!

Get tech savvy If you haven’t already taken advantage of the free tech-focused events that make up Made in Chicago Week, you still have one informative and free event left. Don’t miss Trending in Tech, the week’s final event. During the talk, Uber’s general manager in Illinois and Indiana Chris Taylor, senior associate of Chicago Ventures Ezra Galston, and Avant’s chief financial officer Suk Shah will share their experience and give insight into how company culture can foster innovation. Rise Interactive, 1 S Wacker Dr, Suite 300, 6–8pm. Free) Duck in for an indulgent feast Indulge in a decadent duck dinner at, where else, Bridgeport’s Duck Inn. The duck-focused restaurant invites you to the Design and Dine Supper Club dinner featuring hot toddies and four wine-paired courses. Ceramic artist Anneliese Moy provides the design element, as each course features her dishes. Guests take home a special handmade gift from the event. (The Duck Inn, 2701 S Eleanor St, 6:30pm. $100) Meet a fleet of robots Embrace our not-so-distant future at the Museum of Science and Industry’s “Robot Revolution,” where nearly 40 friendly robots from around the world make up an interactive exhibit. Bring your family and unleash your kids to build their own robots, challenge one to a game of blackjack or meet a drone. If you have kids, this is a can’t miss, but it’s just as fun for adult. (Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S Lake Shore Dr, 9:30am–4pm. $11, $9 kids under 11) Fill out my Wufoo form!

When a group of hockey parents and community leaders set their sights on creating a free, outdoor rink in Wicker Park, getting the project approved was only the first step. With a fundraising goal of $30,000 through a GoFundMe campaign set to be reached by October 2015, the fate of Wicker ICE was to be determined by the support (and wallets) of the community.  Today, the Wicker Park Advisory Council and the Wicker Park and Bucktown Chamber of Commerce announced that a 60-by-120-foot rink will indeed be constructed this winter in Wicker Park at 1425 N Damen. The non-refrigerated rink will be filled December 5, and it will open as soon as Mother Nature sees fit. Weather permitting, the rink will be open 9am to 8pm daily. The council will release a schedule of times for free skating and hockey on its website shortly. With the project’s success official, Wicker Park Advisory Council president Doug Wood gave the following statement: "Charles Gustavus Wicker said, 'It is up to you to create the community in which you'd like to live; don't wait for someone to do it for you.'”  We can’t wait to shred some ice in Wicker Park this winter.    

Social Media Week Chicago begins today, bringing us an onslaught of events that give insight into pretty much every angle of the current social media landscape. We’ve sifted through the lengthy lineup to narrow down the top events so you’ll get the skinny on blogging your brunch and how sports teams are taking to Twitter, plus hear from a panel of Onion writers on how satire sways politics. Monday, November 16 Gender Equality in Tech Innovation and Entrepreneurship MSNBC and NBC News anchor Richard Lui; Venkat Nagaswamy, CEO of Mariana; and founder of sittercity.com Genevieve Thiers address the gender problem within the quickly growing tech sector, where women represent less than five percent of payrolls. The speakers will hit on how to facilitate gender equality in the tech and entrepreneurial sector to open doors for women. (Merchandise Mart, 1871, floor 12, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, 2–3pm)  Tuesday, November 17 Chicago’s Professional Sports Teams Get Social Hosted by the Chicago Cubs, this event features digital marketing managers for the Chicago Bulls, Cubs, Fire, Sky and White Sox, who will share how professional sports teams are using social media to promote their brands and engage with fans through content sharing strategies you can pocket and apply to grow your own social audience. (Merchandise Mart Main Stage 1, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, 9–10am) A Behind-the-Scenes Look at McDonald’s Biggest Social Media Campaign in History During Super Bowl XLIX DDB Chicago’

Be moved Take in a showcase of two of the subjects that inspired Edgar Degas with "At the Track, On the Stage." The Art Institute looks at the impressionist’s work and depiction of motion with a collection of his paintings of ballet dancers and racing jockeys. (Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave, 10:30am–5pm. Included in regular admission $14-$25) Get some game The weekend is over, but the fun doesn’t have to end. Keep your momentum going with Second City’s Improv All-Stars show. There’s nothing funnier than watching the super talented crew of vets play games to perfection with direction from improv legend Mick Napier. (UP Comedy Club, 230 W North Ave, 8pm. $17) Weird out Bring your favorite pip-squeak and even adult friends to Barrel of Monkeys’ exuberant long-running show, That’s Weird Grandma, which transforms grade school students’ work into hilarious, heartfelt stories onstage. (Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N Ashland Ave, 8pm. $12, kids under 12 $6) Fill out my Wufoo form!

1. Find the funny Filthy mouthed and adorable for it, this Australian comedian brings his vitriolic, honest stories and stand-up that both charm and offend to the Vic for a three-night run. Whether you’re already obsessed with his specials or just need a great laugh, you’ll want to get your ticket before they all sell out. (Vic Theatre, 3145 N Sheffield Ave, Fri 7:30pm, Sat 7:30 & 10:30pm. $37.50) 2. Get iced out Normally, we’d have to wait until after Thanksgiving to break our skates out and get our glide on at one of Chicago’s fabulous outdoor rinks. The holidays come early this year, with Maggie Daley’s curvy, sloping skating ribbon opening this Saturday. Take advantage of the early opening and shred some ice while the weather is still tolerable. It’s free to skate, but expect a bit of a wait. Don’t worry, this Dr. Seussian rink is worth it. (Maggie Daley Park, 337 E Randolph St, Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 10am–9pm. Free admission, skate rental $12) 3. C’mon get hoppy You already do a little happy dance whenever you see a Daisy Cutter can behind the bar, why not take your relationship with Half Acre Brewery to the next level by getting a little more intimate on the tour? Every Saturday the local brewery provides tours to the first 60ish people who line up at their doors. The brew biz isn’t slowing down any time soon, so try to keep up on one of the city’s best brewery tours. (Half Acre Brewery, 4257 N Lincoln Ave, Sat 11am. $10 cash only) 4. Melt your mind Get ready to mine the d

While his name may not immediately ring a bell, the demographic of twentysomething liberals who don’t shy away from the word “feminist” has likely already fallen for Jake Lacy, and it won’t be long before the charming actor wins over the rest of you. You probably first saw Lacy when he joined The Office as Pete in 2012. In 2014, he showed up again in his breakout role opposite Jenny Slate in the nuanced and very funny Obvious Child (too often oversimplified as “that abortion rom-com”). And since then, he's simply been on the rise. The incredibly likable supporting actor has quickly made a career playing that great guy we desperately hope our favorite protagonists end up with, as well as moving into drama with a part in the already acclaimed Carol. Time Out recently got to chat with Lacy about his upcoming Christmas movie Love the Coopers, in which he once again plays the good guy opposite some of our favorite female leads. Suffice it to say, we’re even more enamored with the man behind Mr. Right.   With his “all-American” look described by Slate in Obvious Child as “so Christian he’s like a Christmas tree…like he knows Santa” and incredibly endearing personality, Lacy effortlessly plays the role of Joe, a soldier stuck in an airport on Christmas Eve, in Love the Coopers. As far as feel-good Christmas movies go, Coopers is as sugary as it gets (the film is narrated by a big furry dog, so you get the idea). Schmaltz aside, the incredible cast was reason enough for Lacy to pursu

1. Sound off Get lost within the layered instrumental melodies of Mark McGuire, performing at the Hideout to promote his latest LP release, Beyond Belief. The former member of the now-defunct Cleveland trio Emeralds continues his solo career, crafting meticulously arranged walls of sound that are more than simply cacophonous. (Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia Ave, 9pm. $10) 2. Greek out Explore how Renaissance and Baroque printmakers were inspired by Classical sculpture at the Art Institute’s exhibit “Dionysos Unmasked: Ancient Sculpture and Early Prints.” The collection focuses on the god of wine and theater and how each generation draws inspiration from the past. (Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave, 10:30am-5pm. Included in regular admission $14-$25 ) 3. Dig deeper Head writer for the Tectonic Theater Project, Leigh Fondakowski (The Laramie Project) is known for crafting plays with dialogue taken verbatim from interviews. She brings the same approach to the 2010 BP oil spill in her latest work, now at Stage 773. Spill manages to uncover interesting, under-reported nuances of the disaster and humanizes the widely-covered event. (Stage 773, 1225 W Belmont Ave, 7:30pm. $38–$51) Fill out my Wufoo form!

1. Make a play date Get your game on at a fundraising event with the emphasis on fun. Tonight, the Neo-Futurists (Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind) partner with Video Game Art Gallery and Bit Bash to create the Neocade, a night of gaming art and local indie games with food and drinks from Arcade Brewery, CH Distillery and Dimo's Pizza. Support the Neo’s while nailing Thursday night fun. (Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N Ashland Ave, 7pm. $40) 2. Be social One of the hands down funniest improv ensembles to grace Chicago returns to where it all began this weekend, giving us four chances to see four of the five original members of the Cook County Social Club. Greg Hess, Bill Cochran, Brendan Jennings and Mark Raterman return to iO (they performed at the Wrigleyville location for seven years), to celebrate the big one-oh and trust us, you’ll want to be right there with them. (iO’s Mission Theater, 1501 N Kingsbury St, 8pm & 10:30pm. $15) 3. Leave time for family Nothing will make you more thankful to see your own family this holiday season than Pilgrim’s Progress, Brett Neveu’s dysfunctional family play that takes a darkly comic turn. Starring Michael Shannon, back at his theatrical home base in a role he fills with a weirdo intensity, this four-person drama is engrossing, odd and funny. (A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N Wells St, 8pm. $30) Fill out my Wufoo form!

1. Cast your vote Participate in a political debate that won’t induce eye rolls at this Intelligence Squared U.S. Debate event. Tonight, Intelligence Squared brings former federal prosecutors and judges to Chicago to debate the motion: “U.S. Prosecutors Have Too Much Power.” Come on out, cast your vote and see where you really stand. (Northwestern University School of Law, Pritzker Legal Research Center, 375 E Chicago Ave, 6:30pm. Free) 2. Prove your movie prowess Show off your trivial movie knowledge at our favorite film quiz. The Logan Theatre Movie Trivia Night brings film nerds together to test their prowess and make all those hours spent ingesting cinema worth the effort. (Logan Theatre, 2646 N Milwaukee Ave, 8pm. Free) 3. Face the future Playwright Jordan Harrison’s 80-minute gut-punch of a play, Marjorie Prime, takes place 50 or so years into the future. The 85-year-old Marjorie, in the throes of dementia and recently moved into an assisted living community by her anxious daughter and son-in-law, has been given a virtual companion. Her “Prime” is a holographic artificial intelligence, given the form of Marjorie’s late husband as he looked when the couple first met. (Books on Vernon, 664 Vernon Ave, 7:30pm. $35–$75)   Fill out my Wufoo form!

Doggie style Some days, there is nothing better to do in Chicago than chow down on something juicy, greasy and wicked affordable. Revisit Red Hot Ranch for a classic Depression Dog or get one of the scrumptious double cheeseburgers with griddled patties, perfectly melted cheese, LTO and special sauce. Don’t skimp on the fries—Red Hot’s hand-cut spuds are some of the best in the city. (Red Hot Ranch Lakeview, 3055 N Ashland Ave, 10:30am–4am) Cat’s meow Explore the connection between sight and touch at the Hyde Park Art Center’s group exhibition, “Warm Kitty, Soft Kitty.” This collection of work delves into the range of emotions that the physical act of touching evokes and its relationship to collective perspectives through photography, video and sculpture from nearly 20 artists. (Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S Cornell Ave, 9am–8pm. Free) Ahead of the pack Learn about the intersection of food and business at Made in Chicago Week’s Building a Business People Love: Foodpreneur Edition. This free panel features local “foodpreneurs,” including Ian Stuart-Hoff, operations manager at healthy meal delivery service Sprig, and Philip Tadros, cofounder and CEO of Bow Truss Coffee Roasters, Aquanaut Beer and Doejo. Stick around for more conversation, bites and drinks. (Grind, 2 N LaSalle St, 14th Floor, 6–8pm. Free)   Fill out my Wufoo form!