Welcome, listeners, to Things to Do in Chicago with Oly Bennet! It's Friday, September 26, 2025, and let me tell you, this city is buzzing like a hotdog stand during marathon weekend. Fall’s crisp energy is in the air—think golden leaves, scarves fluttering, and that magical aroma of cinnamon drifting from every coffee shop on the Magnificent Mile. Today, expect partly cloudy skies in the high 60s, perfect for city adventures whether you’re soaking in art, grooving to live music, or hunting down the quirkiest festival treats.

Now, the fun kicks off early and keeps rolling tonight. For all you live music thrill-seekers, the legendary Mexican rock band Maná lands at the United Center for their “Vivir Sin Aire” Tour. Maná on stage is a hurricane of Latin rock energy, and this show is extra special after that historic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination. Some ticket proceeds go towards empowering Latina entrepreneurs—rock out and do some good!

Craving something a bit more avant-garde? Icelandic group múm, those masters of experimental electronica, play the Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall at Old Town School of Folk Music tonight at 8. Expect glitchy beats, dreamy vocals, and otherworldly sounds; bring a curious spirit—your ears will thank you.

The World Music Festival Chicago also continues citywide, with artists from around the globe lighting up stages across 11 venues. If you want a rhythmic passport without leaving the ‘L’ tracks, jump in—these shows are free! Or, for late-night theater nerds, the Neo-Futurists’ Infinite Wrench churns out 30 mini-plays in 60 minutes in Andersonville. It’s like high-speed baseball but with existential jokes instead of home runs.

Families, put your game faces on for Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo. We’re talking pumpkin patches, s’mores, animal encounters—even professional pumpkin carvers crafting gourd masterpieces. Entry to the zoo is free, but you’ll want to budget for caramel apples and maybe a hay ride or two. And if you’re feeling crafty, hop over to Randolph Street Market Festival in the West Loop for vintage finds, live music, and maybe a new fedora to top off those autumn outfits.

And for those of you who like your nightlife with a twist, She’s Crafty—Chicago’s all-female Beastie Boys tribute—turns Schubas Tavern upside down tonight. Hip-hop nostalgia, girl power, and local brews? Boom, perfect Friday.

A quick peek at today’s city scoop: Two hot new restaurant openings. First, an Argentinian steakhouse in River North, reportedly serving up empanadas that make grown men cry with joy. Second, a cozy ramen joint in Wicker Park, where noodle-slurping is not just allowed, it’s required. And heads-up, all you commuters: the CTA Blue Line’s Illinois Medical District stop is your ticket to most big events tonight, with extra trains scheduled—no getting stuck in post-concert car traffic.

No Oly episode is complete without a tip: Locals know that Chicago’s “dibs” system—saving a cherished parking spot with lawn chairs, traffic cones, even barbecues—is both legend and law, especially after a snowfall. But in early fall? It’s tricycle season. Spot a pint-size ride guarding a curb, and you’re witnessing true Chicago innovation.

Before we sign off, here’s something to get you hyped for tomorrow: the Hyde Park Jazz Festival brings smooth grooves to the South Side, HOPtober Fest hops into Wheaton for craft beer aficionados, and families can test their puzzle-solving mettle in the eight-acre corn maze at Pumpkin Daze Fall Festival in Aurora. Don’t miss it, and don’t forget to tune in tomorrow for another wild ride through Chicago’s most epic, offbeat, and unforgettable happenings.

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