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Julia Campione, a tattoo artist and owner of Good Omen Tattoo, will host Chicago's first-ever Tattoo Lady Fest from September 5-7. The convention aims to empower female tattoo artists and support local nonprofits through a raffle and live events. Tickets go on sale July 1, with general admission priced at $20.
Common nighthawks, a bird species facing decline in North America, are being monitored by volunteers in Chicago. The Chicago Nighthawk Project aims to gather data on their local population amidst concerns of habitat loss and declining insect numbers. Preliminary findings suggest that some nighthawks continue to thrive in the city.
Constant Agitation Film Lab, a woman- and Latina-owned film lab, opens its first storefront in Logan Square, enhancing film photography accessibility. Owner Sophie Gomez aims to double film development output and foster community through events and collaborations. The new location signifies growth for the lab, which had previously operated from a basement.
The Savannah Bananas sold out Sox Park for two nights, attracting over 182,000 ticket applicants for their unique brand of baseball known as "Banana Ball." The games feature unconventional rules and entertainment, drawing comparisons to the Harlem Globetrotters and creating a buzz akin to Taylor Swift's concert demand.
High winds and unsafe weather conditions led to canceled boat charters during Black Yacht Weekend on Lake Michigan, resulting in two fatalities and injuries. Attendees criticized safety measures and called for stricter regulations to prevent future incidents.
The Violet Hour, a renowned cocktail bar in Chicago, will permanently close after failing to resolve extensive plumbing and building damage issues with its landlord. Established in 2007, the bar gained fame for its innovative cocktails, but management announced the closure following a temporary shutdown. Despite the closure, there is a possibility that the Violet Hour brand may reappear in the future.
A fire at an Austin apartment building killed four individuals and was reportedly ignited by a man throwing two Molotov cocktails during a domestic dispute. Fire officials stated the blaze spread rapidly, and the incident is currently under investigation as arson. A 4-year-old boy sustained injuries and was taken to Stroger Hospital.
Chicago hosts a vibrant weekend of activities, including a Pride Parade, a Queer Book Fair, and the Chicago Food Truck Festival. Events celebrate local culture, cuisine, and community engagement, providing diverse entertainment options across the city.
Chicago's inaugural "Spelling Bee For Adults" attracted hundreds to Wicker Park, allowing participants to relive childhood experiences. Local teachers organized the event after a TikTok post went viral, drawing significant community interest. Leah DeYoung won the contest by spelling "promiscuous," highlighting the event's fun and inclusive atmosphere.
Outspoken, a monthly LGBTQ+-centered storytelling series at Sidetrack in Chicago, has become a sanctuary for the community since its inception in 2014. Co-founder David Fink highlights the series' impact on visibility and empathy, fostering connections among attendees through shared narratives. The event consistently attracts a diverse audience eager to engage with personal stories.