Welcome to Things to Do in Chicago, listeners! I'm Ollie Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut turned Windy City explorer, ready to chase the quirkiest vibes on this crisp Thursday, February 19, 2026. Chicago's buzzing with a chilly winter snap—think 25 degrees and flurries dancing like rogue hockey pucks—but the energy's electric, from comedy roasts to musical magic lighting up the gray skies.

Kick off your day with Bernadette: The Musical at Athenaeum Theatre, a soul-stirring show celebrating faith and grit that's perfect for culture lovers. Families, bundle up for The Morning Mix Live on Stage up north on the Chicago North Shore, mixing tunes and laughs. Comedy fans, hit iO Theater for The Fizz Show's carbonated hilarity or Not Like Us, a Black History Month bash packed with improv wizardry. Night owls, gear up for Off-Site Mardi Gras at Cheney Mansion in Berwyn—beads, brass bands, and bites that turn history into a party. And improv junkies, don't miss Improv: The Play at iO for unscripted athleticism that'll have you doubled over.

Local buzz: The Art Institute's gearing up for Matisse’s Jazz cutouts next month, while ongoing gems like Firelei Báez at MCA Chicago blend folklore and fire. Transit tip—no major snarls, but CTA's running smooth for these spots.

Must-dos today: Storm iO for laugh riots—it's like watching sports improv on steroids—then warm up at a hidden gem like the National Museum of Mexican Art's Traqueros exhibit, tracing rail workers' epic tales. Cap it with Navy Pier's Global Connections Lunar New Year echoes for free festive flair.

Local tip: Chicagoans dodge wind like pros—tuck your scarf football-style and yell "Da Bears!" to blend in; it's our secret handshake to instant camaraderie.

Tomorrow? More zoo roars at Brookfield and art explosions—tune in, listeners!

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Welcome to Things to Do in Chicago, listeners! I'm your globe-trotting, laugh-out-loud host Oly Bennet, diving into the Windy City's wildest vibes like a ferret chasing a deep-dish dream. Today, Sunday, February 15, 2026, Chicago's buzzing with a crisp winter snap—think sunny skies around 35 degrees, perfect for bundling up and chasing quirky adventures that beat any armchair sport.

Kick off your day with the Valentangs Shuffleboard Tournament at Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club, where lovebirds and rivals sling pucks from 10 AM to 6 PM in a hilarious post-Valentine showdown—Eventbrite calls it the ultimate shuffle smackdown. Families, gallop over to Hing Kee Restaurant's Chinese New Year Dumpling-Making Dinner at 3 PM, folding fortunes for the Year of the Horse amid festive flavors, as highlighted by Chicago Asian Network. Dance into nightlife at Bevy on Sundays at Joy District, where Chicago Promotional Group promises non-stop beats and bubbly starting evening hours. Culture buffs, extend your Black History Month love with DuSable Black History Museum's seven-day February hours and fresh state grant news for epic renovations, per Chicago Gallery News. And train enthusiasts, catch the Juniper Junction Model Train Display at Morton Arboretum, chugging through February 14-22, straight from ChicagoKids.com.

Local buzz: CTA's running smooth with no major delays, but snag Ventra app updates for L lines. New spot alert—grab post-shuffle snacks at nearby shuffleboard-fueled pop-ups.

Must-dos today: Hit the shuffle tourney for goofy glory, dumpling-fold like a pro, then skyline-gaze from The Bean at golden hour. Hidden gem: Stroll the lakefront imagining Nick Cave's massive "Mammoth" sculptures lumbering by, as WBEZ recaps that wild art stroll.

Local tip: Chicagoans dodge winter winds by hugging building sides—pro move for that authentic gust-busting swagger, plus did you know our shuffleboard scene rivals any Euro oddball league?

Tomorrow, Josh Johnson's comedy flowers bloom at Chicago Theatre—tune in for more epic scoops!

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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Welcome to Things to Do in Chicago, listeners! I'm Ollie Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut turned Windy City whirlwind, and today we're diving into the quirky pulse of this epic town on this Valentine's Day Saturday. The vibe? Crisp overcast skies around 35 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit right now, according to Time and Date—perfect for cozy layers and that fresh Chicago chill without the brutal bite, setting a romantic, bundled-up tone for lovebirds and adventure seekers alike.

Kick off with these hot picks happening today: Catch the electrifying Chicago Public League sports showdown at Credit Union 1 Arena via Ticketmaster—fierce hoops action that's pure adrenaline for sports fans. Romance alert: BioHarmonic Galleries hosts a Valentine's Day Learn Spanish Lunch Date at noon, complete with tacos, wine, strawberries, and beginner dance moves for couples—$75 for two, pure playful magic. Laugh the night away at the Valentine's Day Comedy Show at The Auditorium Theatre, tickets on Ticketmaster. Groove to DJ St. Stephen spinning from 2 to 7 PM at Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club—shuffleboard meets beats for a quirky nightlife twist. Families, bundle up for Adler Planetarium's stellar exhibits and skyline views, open till 4 PM with immersive space shows that scream unique date or kiddo fun.

Local buzz: Newcity reports Baggu’s opening a second Chicago store in Lincoln Park soon—grab those reusable bags. The Bear TV fame’s boosting spots like Alinea and Kasama, per Illinois Film Office chatter. No major transit hiccups, but CTA's running smooth for your jaunts.

Must-dos today: Hit the Museum Campus for Lake Michigan views and Field Museum wonders—a classic with hidden cosmic gems at Adler. Seek the quirky hidden gem: Stroll Lincoln Park Zoo's free outdoor paths, animals frolicking in the cool air. Seasonal thrill? Valentine's comedy or Spanish date for that offbeat Chicago romance.

Local tip: Chicagoans swear by the "Polish triangle" in Avondale for killer paczki on holidays—grab one today for a sweet, doughy taste of Windy City soul; it's like a sports victory in pastry form.

Tomorrow? Tease of Ruth Page's Center Stage Fest dance explosion and more—tune in for the scoop!

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Welcome to Things to Do in Chicago, listeners—I'm Oly Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut turned Windy City whirlwind, ready to spin you through the quirkiest corners of this epic town on Friday, February 13, 2026! Chicago's vibe today is pure winter magic: crisp air begging for hot cocoa, with ongoing ice skating rinks firing up the frosty fun amid a buzz of Valentine's weekend energy.

Kick off with these hot picks hitting today. Families, dive into Disney On Ice: Jump In! at the United Center—magical adventures with Mickey and pals that'll have kids leaping like it's the Olympics of whimsy. Culture hounds, catch The Outsiders musical at Cadillac Palace Theatre at 7 PM, a gritty tale of rivalries that's got Tony vibes and heart-pounding drama. For artsy nights, Bad Bunny Paint & Sip at Avondale Music Hall mixes reggaeton beats with brushstrokes—perfect for 18+ creatives sipping and swaying. Music lovers, snag spots at Lincoln Hall's Staff Showcase with Trash Kickers and more, or Maanu at Schubas for global grooves. And hey, ChiTown Drive-In screens Friday the 13th horrors in Pilsen—cozy car chills with popcorn thrills!

Local buzz: Ice skating's popping at Maggie Daley Park and Peninsula Sky Rink through March—Chicago Public Library branches host free Family Story Times all afternoon for pint-sized explorers. No big transit hiccups, but bundle up for those lake-effect winds.

Must-dos today? Skate Millennium Park's rink for skyline selfies, then hit a hidden gem like Epiphany Center for the Arts' wild exhibits on Black female presence—quirky, profound, and free-ish. Pro tip: Locals swear by the L train's Divvy bike hybrid—grab one post-skate for that authentic Chi-town hustle, dodging tourists like a pro dodgeball champ.

Tomorrow? Lunar New Year kicks off at Gangnam Market and puppy parties await—tune in for the deets!

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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Welcome to Things to Do in Chicago, listeners! I'm Ollie Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut turned Windy City explorer, ready to chase the quirkiest vibes on this crisp Thursday, February 12, 2026. Chicago's buzzing with a wintry snap—expect chilly winds around 25 degrees Fahrenheit and flurries dancing like rogue snowballs in a pickup game—but the energy's hot with Lunar New Year fever kicking off the Year of the Horse.

Jump into today's action-packed lineup! Families, lace up for Disney On Ice Jump In! at the United Center, where Mickey, Moana, and pals leap through magical worlds from 11 AM—perfect for pint-sized adventurers. Culture hounds, the Asian American Coalition of Chicago hosts their 43rd Annual Lunar New Year Celebration at Marriott Marquis in McCormick Place starting 4:30 PM, featuring lion dances, flutist Jennifer Zhang, and magician Shin Lim for a star-studded bash. Theater fans, catch The Outsiders at Cadillac Palace tonight, bringing S.E. Hinton's gritty tale to life with heart-pounding drama. Dance the night away at the Haitian American Museum's Swaré Konpa party with DJ Frantz, blending infectious rhythms for a cultural groove session. And for artsy souls, check Black History Month staged readings like The Motherfucker with the Hat nearby in theater circles.

Local buzz: Skims just unveiled their sleek Gold Coast flagship in a former bank on Rush Street, dripping exclusive merch. Geja’s Café in Lincoln Park is expanding its fondue romance empire—over 137,000 first dates melted there! CTA's running smooth, but bundle up for any Loop walks.

Must-dos today: Hit Millennium Park for free ice skating under the Bean if the rink's open, then snag deep-dish at a hidden gem like Bar Bambi in West Town for Katie Renshaw's wild clarified cocktails. Pro tip: Locals swear by the "Chicago handshake"—a slice of pizza in one hand, Italian beef in the other—it's the ultimate fuel for navigating these streets like a pro.

Tomorrow? Josh Johnson’s comedy tour storms The Chicago Theatre—get ready to laugh! Tune in for more epic discoveries.

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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Welcome to Things to Do in Chicago, listeners! I'm Ollie Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut turned city explorer, diving into the Windy City's wild side on this crisp Sunday, February 8th. Chicago's vibe today is pure winter magic—chilly winds whipping off Lake Michigan, but hearts warming with community spirit as folks bundle up for meaningful gatherings and toe-tapping tunes.

Kick off your day at the 2nd Annual Winter Walk Chicago in Humboldt Park at 9:15 a.m., a powerful stroll for solidarity against homelessness that'll have you feeling like a local hero. Families, snag free spots at Chicago Children's Museum's Play for All on Navy Pier starting at 10 a.m.—exclusive multisensory fun for kids of all abilities before it opens wide. Music lovers, catch Enjambre rocking House of Blues at 6:30 p.m., blending Latin beats that'll make you dance through the cold. For theater fans, Eureka Day wraps up today with family-friendly laughs at a Chicago spot, perfect for all ages. And if you're up for nightlife, check ongoing shows like Disney On Ice: Jump In! for pint-sized thrills.

Local buzz: CTA's running smooth with no major delays, but bundle extra for those gusts—Windy City weather app says highs in the low 30s. New gem alert: Epiphany Center for the Arts just dropped fresh exhibits like Shane-Jahi's powerful portraits through Valentine's.

Must-dos today? Stroll the Winter Walk, then warm up with deep-dish at a hidden Pilsen spot like Mano Cornudo for quirky tacos. Hit Millennium Park for ice skating under the Bean—seasonal bliss!—or uncover street art in Wicker Park alleys.

Local tip: Chicagoans swear by the "L" train's divvy bike combo—grab a Divvy for last-mile jaunts and skip traffic like a pro. Fun fact: This city's hosted wife-carrying races in past festivals—quirky enough for me!

Tomorrow, SZN4's tour hits House of Blues—tune in for more epic picks!

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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Welcome to Things to Do in Chicago, listeners! I'm Ollie Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut turned Windy City explorer, ready to dive into the quirkiest corners of this epic town. Today, Saturday, February 7, 2026, Chicago's buzzing with a crisp winter snap—think mid-30s, flurries dancing like they're auditioning for Disney On Ice, and that classic lakefront energy firing up the crowds.

Kick off your day with these hot picks hitting all vibes: Catch the Tony-nominated **Stereophonic** at CIBC Theatre, a rock 'n' roll rollercoaster inspired by Fleetwood Mac's studio chaos, perfect for music lovers craving '70s drama. Families, slide into Disney On Ice: Jump In! at the United Center for magical jumps and adventures. Comedy fans, laugh out loud at Hannah Berner's None of My Business Tour at The Chicago Theatre—doors at 6 PM for non-stop hilarity. Art hounds, hit Evanston Made's First Saturday Art Events on the North Shore for self-guided gallery hops full of local gems. And nightlife owls, rave into Levity with Deafadil and Thalo at Concord Music Hall starting 11 PM—pure electronic euphoria.

Local buzz: Black Chicago Restaurant Week kicks off tomorrow with prix-fixe deals at spots like Bronzeville Winery and new pan-African gem Mahari, per Block Club Chicago. Palace Grill's sadly closed after 85 years for a United Center facelift, but Greektown's gearing up for its Restaurant Week next month with saganaki steals.

Must-dos today: Bundle up for the Family Valentine's Dance at Gompers Park—twirl with kids under string lights. Chase hidden gems like the new Ukrainian mural on Western Avenue, sparking artist chats. Or prowl the Art Institute prepping Matisse's Jazz exhibit—paper cut-outs that scream innovation.

Local tip: Navigate like a pro—tap the Ventra app for CTA real-time updates, and snag free saganaki at Greek Islands just by saying "OPA!" to the server.

Tomorrow? Black Restaurant Week launches, plus more theater magic—tune in for the scoop!

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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Welcome to Things to Do in Chicago, listeners! I'm Ollie Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut turned Windy City explorer, ready to chase the quirkiest vibes on this crisp Friday, February 6th. Chicago's buzzing with that classic winter snap—think chilly winds whipping Lake Michigan into a frenzy, but indoors, it's pure electric energy from art pops to foot-stomping tunes.

Kick off your day at the American Writers Museum diving into American Prophets, where over 100 creatives like Chance the Rapper and Octavia Butler blend faith, rap, and sci-fi in a mind-bending exhibit running through the year, per Chicago Magazine. Catch Congress of Starlings with Modern Drugs at Old Town School's Myron R. Szold Music Hall at 7:30 PM for indie folk-rock that hits like a surprise penalty kick. Families, lace up for Winterland at Gallagher Way with ice skating, holiday movies, and pop-up fun all weekend, as Third Coast Review raves. Night owls, Neo-Futurists' Infinite Wrench crams 30 wild plays into 60 minutes at 10:30 PM—chaotic genius for $15-20. And don't sleep on Rascal Flatts rocking United Center tonight on their Life Is A Highway Tour with Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane.

Local buzz: Chicago Auto Show revs up tomorrow at McCormick Place with Chi-Town Alley car clubs and a massive Family Zone packed with simulators and kid tracks, Axios reports. Fika Fest hits Andersonville Saturday for Swedish coffee crawls and puzzle showdowns. Transit tip: CTA's running smooth, but bundle up for those El waits.

Must-dos today: Stroll Wrigleyville for Winterland chills, hit the writers' exhibit for cultural depth, then groove to Congress of Starlings—mix art, family frolic, and live beats like a true Chicago pro. Local secret: Grab a "Polish pretzel" from a street cart near the museums; it's the twisted snack that locals swear fuels epic days, tying into our hearty neighborhood soul.

Tomorrow? Auto Show horsepower, dim sum comedy at Lincoln Lodge, and vintage treasure hunts await—tune in for the scoop!

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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Welcome to Things to Do in Chicago, listeners! I'm Ollie Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut turned Windy City explorer, and today we're diving into the quirky pulse of this epic town on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Chicago's vibe is crisp and buzzing—think chilly winds off Lake Michigan around 25 degrees Fahrenheit with flurries dancing like confetti, perfect for cozy indoor adventures that warm the soul.

Kick off your day soaring high on the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel event, where you can snag tickets for 360-degree views nearly 200 feet up, spotting the skyline like a boss from MyGuideChicago.com. Families, get curious with Blippi live at The Chicago Theatre later this month, but today's your prep day for that high-energy sing-along with Meekah, per MSG.com—pure kiddo magic! Culture hounds, peek at Alliance Française de Chicago's winter lineup teasing the massive Festival de la Francophonie starting February 27, packed with films, talks, and eats from francophone stars, as listed on their site. Music lovers, eyes on Chicago Theater's concert calendar bursting with live tunes all February. And for nightlife prep, Mardi Gras fever builds with Cody's Public House gumbo cook-off looming February 15, straight from SecretChicago.com.

Local buzz: No big transit hiccups today per Chicago Daily Line announcements, but Cook County's board meeting means smoother county ops—keep an eye on CTA apps for real-time rides. New spots? Southern pop-ups like Ina Mae Tavern are heating up Wicker Park for Fat Tuesday fun.

Must-dos today: Bundle up for a Millennium Park skate if rinks are open, then hidden gem hunt at the Art Institute's Impressionist wing for that skyline glow-up. Chase it with deep-dish at a classics joint—pro tip: Locals order "extra cheese" and split a small to conquer like a true Chicagoan, unlocking the city's hearty pizza soul.

Tomorrow? More wheel spins and early Mardi Gras sips await—tune in for the scoop, listeners!

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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Welcome, listeners, to Things to Do in Chicago! It's a crisp winter Sunday here in the Windy City, with sunny skies and temps hovering around 25 degrees—perfect for bundling up and diving into some cultural magic that warms the soul.

Chicago's vibe today is buzzing with artistic flair and romantic sparks, as February kicks off Black History Month celebrations and early Valentine's prep amid the snowy charm. Catch these top events happening right now: First, head to Lyric Opera of Chicago for the opening of Mozart's hilarious romantic comedy Così fan tutte, a glamorous 1930s seaside romp full of love games and stellar stars like Jacquelyn Stucker and Ana María Martínez—shows run through February 15. Music lovers, snag tickets to Salonen, Trifonov, and Beethoven at Orchestra Hall, where classical brilliance meets piano wizardry. Families, groove to Vino Louden: A Journey Through the Blues at a Chicago Public Library branch at 2:30pm, blending soulful tunes with sips. For culture, explore Oak Park's Black History Month kickoff nearby, highlighting a century of resilience through music and stories. And don't miss the Lunar New Year festivities at Oak Park Conservatory with Brookfield Zoo, featuring crafts, scavenger hunts, and wildlife fun for all ages.

Local buzz: Bite the Burbs restaurant week is launching across Chicago's west suburbs like Oak Park and Forest Park, spotlighting tasty deals—dig in! CTA's got smooth winter service with no major delays reported, per city updates.

Must-dos today: Stroll Millennium Park for icy sculptures if the sun holds, then hit a hidden gem like Wonder Works Children's Museum in Oak Park for ocean-themed mermaid meet-and-greets. Cap it with deep-dish at a Bite the Burbs spot—pure Chicago bliss.

Local tip: Locals swear by the free Art Institute First Sundays for extended hours—chat up guards for insider exhibits, like true Windy City insiders.

Tomorrow, more blues jams and kid crafts await—tune in for the scoop!

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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