Larry Sims
Oct 29, 2026
Your downtown, this week. |
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2026 Good morning, downtown Chicago. This week brings new tables to try, Halloween plans close to home, a look at the Loop’s changing streets and a rescue story with a happy ending. CHICAGO TRIVIA Which Loop landmark was built as the city’s first permanent public library and now houses the world’s largest Tiffany glass dome? Answer at the bottom—no peeking. Your five-day Chicago forecast
Keep an umbrella handy for Halloween weekend. Forecast retrieved October 28; conditions may change. Tap the graphic for the full-size version. Watch: a happy ending worth revisiting
▶ Watch the NBC Chicago report on YouTube May 2026 retrospective. Photo: ABC7/WLS. Video: NBC Chicago. The two inseparable rescue dogs were adopted together through River North’s Anti-Cruelty. |
Around Our Neighborhoods |
RIVER NORTH 
A New Table on the River: Carlyle Club Opens in River NorthRiver North has a new riverfront dining room inside the historic Reid Murdoch Building. Carlyle Club combines steaks, sushi and handmade pasta, with lunch, bar happy hour and dinner service. Here is what neighbors should know before booking, from the menu’s range to the current hours. STREETERVILLE 
Navy Pier Gets Spooky: Your Halloween Weekend PlanNavy Pier’s Halloween schedule starts with indoor trick-or-treating at 11 a.m. on October 31, followed by afternoon activities and evening films in Crystal Gardens. We separate the family activities from the later horror screening and explain what is free, what to bring and where to check updates. WEST LOOP 
Two Cities, Two Crusts: Pizzeria Gabbo Arrives in Fulton MarketPizzeria Gabbo opened October 22 in Fulton Market with two pizza styles, pasta, antipasti and soft-serve gelato. The new Lettuce Entertain You restaurant gives neighbors a fresh lunch or dinner option—and a good excuse to debate square cuts versus triangles. SOUTH LOOP 
A Familiar Wabash Address Starts a New Chapter as Martini LoungeMartini Lounge has opened at 1520 S. Wabash in the former M Lounge space. The new South Loop spot focuses on martinis and evening gatherings, with walk-in seating. We look at the neighborhood connection and the details to check before heading out. THE LOOP 
Beyond the Office Day: The Loop’s Next Chapter Takes ShapeChicago Loop Alliance’s latest quarterly report highlights ten new businesses and the opening of the Bellwether residential conversion. Beyond the investment headlines, the neighborhood question is practical: what will make the Loop more useful after office hours? We look at the changes and invite residents to weigh in. PETS · RIVER NORTH 
Together at Last: Bird and Dee’s River North Adoption Happy EndingEarlier this year, Bird and Dee captured attention at River North’s Anti-Cruelty because they rarely left each other’s side. ABC7 confirmed in May that a family adopted them together. Their happy ending offers a hopeful starting point for neighbors considering adoption, fostering or other shelter support today. |
Event Radar: Halloween at Navy Pier |
Saturday, October 31 · Trick-or-treating from 11 a.m.; afternoon activities and evening films Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue · Streeterville
Pick a daytime activity, then stay for an indoor screening if it suits your group. Ghostbusters begins at 5:30 p.m.; Halloween (1978), an adult horror film, follows at 7:30 p.m. Candy is available while supplies last. Listed program: free; food, parking and paid attractions are separate. Organizer image: Navy Pier. Schedule checked October 28, 2026. |
Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest |
Saturday, October 31 · 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Harry Caray’s at Navy Pier · Streeterville
Dress up your companion and join a costume gathering benefiting PAWS Chicago. The organizer lists creative, cute, spooky and ensemble categories. Check registration and participation details before bringing your pet. Entry: $10 per pet; spectators attend free. Registration is limited. Organizer photograph from the official Navy Pier event listing. Schedule checked October 28, 2026. |
Día de los Muertos at Navy Pier |
Sunday, November 1 · Activities 1–5 p.m.; films follow Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue · Streeterville
Honor loved ones through art and cultural activities, including a community ofrenda. The evening film schedule lists Coco at 5:30 p.m. and The Conjuring, an adult horror film, at 7:30 p.m. All times are Chicago local time. Listed program: free; purchases and parking are separate. Navy Pier organizer photograph from a prior celebration. Schedule checked October 28, 2026. |
Bears Stadium Watch |
REPORTING CHECKED OCTOBER 28, 2026 The Bears’ stadium search remains a developing story. In their August 13 team statement, officials described Hammond, Indiana, as their focus. The NFL reported October 1 that Commissioner Roger Goodell met with Illinois leaders, keeping an Illinois alternative in the conversation. ABC7’s October 6 report describes a potential publicly owned stadium arrangement in Arlington Heights. That remains a proposal in the reporting reviewed for this issue; a finalized stadium agreement or construction start has not been verified. For South Loop neighbors, the practical takeaway is to separate stadium negotiations from an announced change at Soldier Field. We will watch for formal team announcements and enacted decisions. CHICAGO TRIVIA ANSWER The Chicago Cultural CenterThe landmark at 78 E. Washington Street opened in 1897 as the first permanent home of the Chicago Public Library. Preston Bradley Hall houses its renowned Tiffany glass dome. Explore the building’s history with the Chicago Architecture Center → Know a neighborhood story we should cover? Reply with your tip. |