Brett Eldredge is scheduled to headline Thursday at Windy City Smokeout. (Courtesy of Windy City Smokeout)

Country crooners, art festivals, yards of yarn and sudsy 5K races usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(Credit: Anthony Pacelli)

Pride celebrations, a strawberry festival, neighborhood garden walk and artisan market usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

An undated photo shows Agassiz Elementary School in Chicago. (Facebook photo)

After years of debate, a North Side elementary school named after a 19th century scientist who promoted racist ideologies will now be renamed in honor of Harriet Tubman.

Artwork by Dont Fret featured in the show “Office Space for Rent.” (WTTW News)

Nestled between computers, tape dispensers and staplers in a public relations office in Lakeview sits the latest collection by anonymous Chicago artist Dont Fret. We go for a look.

(WTTW News)

The Chicago Cubs got the green light Thursday to play home games on weekend nights, the “extraordinary circumstances” imposed by the coronavirus pandemic breaking a decadeslong ban on games under lights on Fridays and Saturdays.

(Sarah A. / Flickr)

The CTA’s ambitious Red and Purple Line modernization program will impact service for riders on the North Side for a four-week period starting Friday. And the agency’s plan to relocate a historic building takes a step forward.

Respiratory therapist Jacob Thomas takes a photo of his colleague Felicia Smith in front of Luft Balloons’ installation at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)

Luft Balloons is bringing smiles, the best medicine, to front-line hospital workers, with massive helium-filled displays of gratitude.

Ald. Tom Tunney, 44th Ward, speaks with “Chicago Tonight” on Thursday, April 9, 2020. (WTTW News)
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The 44th Ward alderman talks about how the North Side communities he serves, including Boystown and Wrigleyville, are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(WTTW News)
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The coronavirus has effectively shut down what locals describe as the world’s largest contiguous LGBTQ neighborhood. How businesses, social service agencies and others are dealing with the pandemic.

(C2E2 / Facebook)

Superheroes and villains, an icy dip in the lake, backyard chickens and winter ales usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(Courtesy of Chicago Auto Show)

Hot cars, folk music, dance lessons and scaly creatures usher in the Valentine’s Day weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

El: The Chicago Transit Adventure. (Photo: Transit Tees)

Board games are a multibillion-dollar analog unicorn in a digital world. How Chicago is catching up on the trend with hyperlocal games, a meetup group and a trio of board game bars/cafes.

Sister Frida Rage (left) vs. Aunt Nance at The Chicago League of Lady Arm Wrestlers’ 34th match CLLAW XXXIV: Good vs. Evil at Logan Square Auditorium. (Photo by Trainman Photography)

Strong ladies, a pop-up music festival, a walk in the woods and ice skating usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(Photo by Ronnie Marlin)

Bite-sized dishes, Oscar-nominated films, hot cocoa and Lunar New Year parades usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

JB Mauney rides during the second round of the 2019 Chicago PBR Unleash The Beast. (Photo by Andy Watson, BullStock Media)

Winter beers, bucking bulls, a pants-free CTA ride, vegan fare and comedy sketches usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(Rudy and Peter Skitterians / Pixabay)

Ready to ring in the ‘20s with a roar? Whether you’re feeling sporty or prefer to go glam (or do both!) we’ve got 10 ideas for your big night out.