Show notes
Welcome, listeners, to Things to Do in Chicago! Today’s date is Sunday, September 7th, 2025, and I’m your energetic tour guide Oly Bennet, globe-trotting sport fanatic and explorer of all things wildly wonderful. Here in Chicago this morning, the city is buzzing with late summer vibes—think sunny skies, a little breeze off Lake Michigan, and crowds everywhere gobbling up fun like deep-dish pizza.Grant Park is absolutely in party mode because it’s the grand finale day of the Taste of Chicago festival. If you’ve never seen this, imagine food trucks lined up like a parade, aroma clouds of barbecue, tacos, and gourmet popcorn, plus live music rolling out all afternoon and night. Today’s smorgasbord includes culinary goodness from more than 50 local vendors, karaoke madness (with the legendary Neighborhood Trivia Challenge!), and interactive inflatables if you ever wanted to try your luck at axe throwing while holding a churro—now’s your moment.For folks craving culture and beautiful tradition, head to Lakeview, where the Mandala Makers Festival is bringing its Classical Day event. From 2 to 6 PM, you can get swept up in the rhythms and colors of South Asian dance and music—Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Carnatic, and Hindustani performers will serenade your senses. This is where elegance meets epic beats and you’ll definitely catch something extraordinary.Family fun? Chicago’s got you covered. The Misericordia Family Fest runs today from 11 AM to 6 PM over at 6300 N. Ridge Ave. Think live bands, games for children, raffles, and a giant silent auction. The Heartbreakers and Heartzingers will get toes tapping, and there’s free parking at S&C Electric—bonus points for practicality.Meanwhile up on Milwaukee Ave, it’s day two of Throwback Music Fest, where the theme is vintage cool all day long. You’ll see pristine classic cars, groovy live music, a kids’ carnival, and even a pet costume contest. Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce is bringing the block party energy; if you spot someone dressed as Elvis or a poodle in shades, give them a high-five from Oly.If nature’s calling (and you can hear the monarch butterflies flapping across the wind), check out the Migrating Monarchs Celebration at Thatcher Woods, happening at noon. It’s peak monarch season and you can join the parade of orange-and-black wings as these beauties dart through Chicago on their way to Mexico. Perfect photo op for your quirky sport-loving host—imagine me racing monarchs!In today’s latest slice of Chicago life, local news is all about new food frontiers—legendary chef Carmen Rivera has just opened “Bodega 77” in Pilsen, promising mouthwatering Latin fusion. Expect tropical cocktails, arepas, and a house specialty called the “Windy City Sancocho.” Transit tip: the Red Line is currently running express between Jackson and Howard until noon—so you’ll zoom to Uptown faster than a marathon runner at the Mag Mile! If you’re catching a game, the Chicago White Sox are in action today, a prime chance to bare your socks and root for the home team.Chicago must-dos for the day: stroll and selfie at Buckingham Fountain, take a street art tour in the South Loop, jump on a kayak along the Chicago River (extra splash points if you dodge ducks), and pop into the Museum of Contemporary Art—free admission today at 5 PM. Hidden gem alert: seek out the mini murals in Pilsen or swing by Gallagher Way for Wiggleworms story hour if you’ve got little ones in tow.Local tip—never underestimate the power of the Chicago hot dog. Order it “dragged through the garden,” meaning everything on it except ketchup. You’ll impress the locals and possibly achieve snack enlightenment.Before I dash off to referee the citywide karaoke battle, here’s a sneak peek for tomorrow: The Printers Row Lit Fest kicks off with authors, book signings, and pop-up reads that’ll kindle your inner bookworm. Plus, Retro on Roscoe continues, so dust off your disco shoes and jump right in. For even more wild happenings, don’t miss tomorrow’s show!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.For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPtFor more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI