🫘 Week 82: Spilled Beans!
It's LOLLA weekend!
Good morning, Cool Beans!
It’s officially Lolla weekend! Chicago is about to be filled with music, crowds, and that special summer energy that makes the city feel even more alive. Whether you’re heading to Grant Park, catching an aftershow, or just enjoying the buzz around town, there’s no shortage of things happening this week. We’re also keeping an eye on the weather (because Chicago always likes to keep us guessing), but hopefully the skies will cooperate and we can make the most of these last summer days. Here’s what caught our attention this week. Enjoy!
Find Simona’s coolest picks for Chicago, this week:
Tag us on Instagram if you try any of the recommendations below!
🤤 If you are craving something new: If you’re looking for a way to survive the summer heat, add Miko Italian Ice to your list. This Chicago spot serves up refreshing Italian ice (similar to our granita) with plenty of flavors to choose from, making it the perfect stop after a walk, a beach day, or just when you’re craving something sweet. Simple, refreshing, and exactly what a summer treat should be.
🕺🏻 If your feet can’t stop (won’t stop) moving like Michael Jackson: On Friday, July 31, Detroit house legend Theo Parrish returns to Smartbar for a night of deep, soulful, and unpredictable dance music. Known for marathon DJ sets that effortlessly blend house, jazz, funk, disco, and rare grooves, Parrish has spent decades shaping underground dance culture without ever following trends. If you're looking to escape the festival crowds and experience one of the most respected DJs in the world in an intimate club setting, this is the place to be. Click here for tickets!
🎤 If live music is your vibe: From July 30 to August 2, Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park for four days that officially turn downtown Chicago into the center of the music world. This year's lineup brings together Charli XCX, Lorde, Tate McRae, John Summit, The Smashing Pumpkins, JENNIE, The xx, Olivia Dean, and dozens more across nine stages, plus plenty of food vendors, art installations, and aftershows happening all over the city. Even if you're not heading into the festival, the energy spills far beyond Grant Park, making it one of the most exciting weekends of the Chicago summer. Click here for tickets!
🛋️ If the couch (or the park) is calling your name: If the couch (or the park) is calling your name: Have you watched The Odyssey yet? We're going on Sunday and can't wait to finally see what all the hype is about. If you've already seen it, let us know what you thought—no spoilers, please!
🎭 If you feel artsy: Until September 20, the Art Institute of Chicago is hosting Willem de Kooning Drawing, the first major exhibition dedicated entirely to the artist's drawings. Featuring more than 200 works alongside paintings and sculptures, the exhibition offers a rare look at how drawing shaped every stage of de Kooning's career. Perfect for anyone curious about Abstract Expressionism or looking to discover one of the 20th century's most influential artists from a different perspective, this is one of the season's standout museum exhibitions. Click here for tickets!
🤔 Still not feeling it? Check these others out:
Chicago Full Moon Jam on Wednesday 29th at Foster Beach.
Unfortunately, we had to cancel yesterday's meetup because of the weather (Chicago doing Chicago things 😅). We were really looking forward to seeing everyone, but don't worry—we're already planning the next one, and it's coming very soon. Keep an eye on our Instagram and WhatsApp group, because we'll announce the new date soon. We can't wait to see you all!
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