Katie Anthony

3 weeks ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Katie Anthony |Mary Houlihan

April showers bring May flowers — so as wet spring weather descends on Chicago, residents might be looking for an indoor activity that won’t break the bank. Museums in and around Chicago offer free days for Illinois residents throughout the month of April, and some spots are always free and open to the public. Here are the free museum days for Illinois residents in April:Adler Planetarium 📍1300 S. Lake Shore DuSable Dr.Free admission from 4-11 p.m. on Wednesdays for Illinois residents.

1 month ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Caroline Hurley |Katie Anthony |Dorothy Hernandez |Katie Anthony

While New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras, Chicago has its own gluttonous Fat Tuesday holiday — Pączki Day. Pączki Day marks the last day before the Lenten season begins for Christians. Because Lent is meant to be a time of fasting and prayer, many people spend the day before gorging themselves on, well, pączki (POONCH-key). This year, Pączki Day falls on March 4. The Polish fried dough treats are similar to jelly doughnuts, but they’re not jelly doughnuts — they’re pączki.

1 month ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Caroline Hurley |Dorothy Hernandez |Katie Anthony

While New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras, Chicago has its own gluttonous February holiday — Paczki Day. Also known as Fat Tuesday, Paczki Day marks the last day before the Lenten season begins for Christians. Because Lent is meant to be a time of fasting and prayer, many people spend the day before gorging themselves on, well, paczki (POONCH-key). This year, Paczki Day falls on March 4. The Polish fried dough treats are similar to jelly doughnuts, but they’re not jelly doughnuts — they’re paczki.

Nov 22, 2024 | chicago.suntimes.com | Katie Anthony

It might be chilly in Chicago, but “Brat” spring is coming. Charli XCX — who made waves with her 2024 album “Brat” — announced four U.S. tour stops on her Brat 2025 Arena Tour, including a show at Allstate Arena in Rosemont on April 28. Fans hoping to snag tickets can sign up for the presale, which begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The singer was last in Chicago on Sept. 30 for the “SWEAT” tour at the United Center, which she co-headlined with pop star Troye Sivan.

Nov 22, 2024 | chicago.suntimes.com | Katie Anthony

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Chicago. The city’s official Christmas tree lighting will take place on Friday in Millennium Park. The tradition has been going on for over 100 years in the city — here’s what to know about this year’s event. Chicago’s 2024 Christmas tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. Nov. 22 in Millennium Park, near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street.