IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: Check out Chicago’s iconic First Lady cruises! They kick off their full lineup of Sightseeing Cruises TODAY- Friday, April 17. Beloved cruise offerings like the Canine Cruise, 3D Fireworks Cruise and Sightseeing River & Lake Cruise are returning, in addition to the Creepy Cruise, already underway.  For tix and more info: https://firstlady.com/

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A PAW-TY: Check out Paws and Claws Cat Rescue first-ever CANDLELIGHT YOGA this Saturday, April 18 at 7pm! Spots will go quickly so register now! For tix and more info: https://www.pawsandclawscatrescue.org/

IF YOU'RE FEELING NOSTALGIC: Celebrate National Record Store Day this Saturday, April 18th at Antique Vault Records in Crown Point, Indiana. They will be hosting a Record Store Day Weekend Sale Extravaganza.  The event will prioritize in-store shopping with all in-stock LPs, cassettes, and CDs on sale!  For more info: https://www.antiquevaultandrecords.com/

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: Check out Chicago&rsquo;s iconic First Lady cruises! They kick off their full lineup of Sightseeing Cruises TODAY- Friday, April 17. Beloved cruise offerings like the Canine Cruise, 3D Fireworks Cruise and Sightseeing River &amp; Lake Cruise are returning, in addition to the Creepy Cruise, already underway.&nbsp; For tix and more info:&nbsp;<a href="https://firstlady.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">https://firstlady.com/</a>
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A PAW-TY: Check out Paws and Claws Cat Rescue first-ever CANDLELIGHT YOGA this Saturday, April 18 at 7pm! Spots will go quickly so register now! For tix and more info: <a href="https://www.pawsandclawscatrescue.org/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">https://www.pawsandclawscatrescue.org/</a>
IF YOU'RE FEELING NOSTALGIC: Celebrate National Record Store Day this Saturday, April 18th at Antique Vault Records in Crown Point, Indiana. They will be hosting a Record Store Day Weekend Sale Extravaganza. &nbsp;The event will prioritize in-store shopping with all in-stock LPs, cassettes, and CDs on sale!&nbsp; For more info: <a href="https://www.antiquevaultandrecords.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">https://www.antiquevaultandrecords.com/</a>

When our regular hosts are away, the fill-in hosts will play. Enjoy the content of the pinch hitters from Garry Meier to Ray Stevens to Rob Johnson and more.

When our regular hosts are away, the fill-in hosts will play. Enjoy the content of the pinch hitters from Garry Meier to Ray Stevens to Rob Johnson and more.

PINCH HITTERS

SOCIAL STEPH - 04/16/2026 - Chicago is springing into action this weekend, with all types of activities:

IF YOU'RE FEELING HUNGRY: CHECK OUT PICKLE FEST! Do you love all things pickled? Well, there’s a festival for you. This Wrigleyville event—taking place at some of the neighborhood's top bars—will feature pickle cocktails and mocktails, pickle-focused foods, pickleback shots, live music, photo ops and much more. It’s a day you’ll relish forever. For tix and more info: https://chicagopicklefest.weebly.com/

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FAMILY FUN-   Check out Sonny Acres Farm's Something for Mom Market on Saturday, May 9 from 10 AM to 6 PM. Guests can browse the Garden Center for plants, hanging baskets, and gardening essentials, take advantage of a buy one, get one half-off hanging basket special, and explore the General Store and Sweet Shop for seasonal décor and locally made treats. With outdoor activities, food, and a welcoming farm setting, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend! For more info: https://sonnyacres.com/

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SWEET FOR MOM: Check out the Pizookie at BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse in Orland Park! A Pizookie ( a combo of "pizza" and "cookie") is a large, gourmet cookie baked in a cast-iron skillet or deep-dish pan, served warm, and topped with ice cream. You can try one at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse! Don't miss the Monster Pizookie for a limited time ONLY!!! For more info: https://www.bjsrestaurants.com/

IF YOU'RE FEELING HUNGRY: CHECK OUT PICKLE FEST! Do you love all things pickled? Well, there&rsquo;s a festival for you. This Wrigleyville event&mdash;taking place at some of the neighborhood's top bars&mdash;will feature pickle cocktails and mocktails, pickle-focused foods, pickleback shots, live music, photo ops and much more. It&rsquo;s a day you&rsquo;ll relish forever. For tix and more info:&nbsp;<a href="https://chicagopicklefest.weebly.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">https://chicagopicklefest.weebly.com/</a> IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FAMILY FUN-&nbsp; &nbsp;Check out Sonny Acres Farm's Something for Mom Market on Saturday, May 9 from 10 AM to 6 PM. Guests can browse the Garden Center for plants, hanging baskets, and gardening essentials, take advantage of a buy one, get one half-off hanging basket special, and explore the General Store and Sweet Shop for seasonal d&eacute;cor and locally made treats. With outdoor activities, food, and a welcoming farm setting, it&rsquo;s the perfect way to celebrate Mother&rsquo;s Day weekend! For more info:&nbsp;<a href="https://sonnyacres.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">https://sonnyacres.com/</a> IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SWEET FOR MOM: Check out the Pizookie at BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse in Orland Park! A Pizookie ( a combo of "pizza" and "cookie") is a large, gourmet cookie baked in a cast-iron skillet or deep-dish pan, served warm, and topped with ice cream. You can try one at BJ's Restaurant &amp; Brewhouse! Don't miss the Monster Pizookie for a limited time ONLY!!! For more info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bjsrestaurants.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">https://www.bjsrestaurants.com/</a>

SOCIAL STEPH - 05/07/2026 - Ready for a beautiful Mother's Day weekend in Chicago? Here's what you should check out:

IF YOU WANT TO CHEER ON THE HORSES: Check out Cody's Public House! Cody's is throwing the ultimate Derby Day bash on May 2, open to Chicagoans and their canine companions! Starting at 2 p.m., guests are welcomed to Cody’s beer garden for a Doggy Derby Best-Dressed Contest. Bring your furry friend along in their finest pup attire and enter the running for prizes like a $100 gift card, Old Fashioned kit, and more! For more info: https://www.codyschicago.com/

IF YOU'RE CRAVING SOMETHING SWEET: Check out the Chocolate Walk in Valparaiso, IN! Get ready for the sweetest day in Valpo! Join your fellow chocolate lovers on Saturday, May 2nd for all things chocolate, fun with friends, and a springtime stroll through Downtown Valpo, indulging in decadent chocolate treats from local businesses! This is the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day early or pick out some great gifts for all the mother figures in your life! For more info: https://www.valparaisoevents.com/

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FOR YOUR FUR BABY: Check out the Chihuahua Race at Salsa 17 in Arlington Heights! The Annual Chihuahua Race returns with fun for the whole family... pups included! Last year they had almost 60 (SIXTY!) dogs racing and countless spectators lining the street to cheer them on. They call it the 'chihuahua' race, but any dog 20lb and under is eligible to race (as long as they are friendly with other dogs). For more info: https://www.chicagonorthwest.com/

IF YOU WANT TO CHEER ON THE HORSES: Check out Cody's Public House! Cody's is throwing the ultimate Derby Day bash on May 2, open to Chicagoans and their canine companions! Starting at 2 p.m., guests are welcomed to Cody&rsquo;s beer garden for a Doggy Derby Best-Dressed Contest. Bring your furry friend along in their finest pup attire and enter the running for prizes like a $100 gift card, Old Fashioned kit, and more! For more info: <a href="https://www.codyschicago.com/">https://www.codyschicago.com/</a>
IF YOU'RE CRAVING SOMETHING SWEET: Check out the Chocolate Walk in Valparaiso, IN! Get ready for the sweetest day in Valpo! Join your fellow chocolate lovers on Saturday, May 2nd for all things chocolate, fun with friends, and a springtime stroll through Downtown Valpo, indulging in decadent chocolate treats from local businesses! This is the perfect way to celebrate Mother&rsquo;s Day early or pick out some great gifts for all the mother figures in your life! For more info: <a href="https://www.valparaisoevents.com/">https://www.valparaisoevents.com/</a>
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FOR YOUR FUR BABY: Check out the Chihuahua Race at Salsa 17 in Arlington Heights! The Annual Chihuahua Race returns with fun for the whole family... pups included! Last year they had almost 60 (SIXTY!) dogs racing and countless spectators lining the street to cheer them on. They call it the 'chihuahua' race, but any dog 20lb and under is eligible to race (as long as they are friendly with other dogs). For more info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagonorthwest.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">https://www.chicagonorthwest.com/</a>

SOCIAL STEPH - 04/30/2026 - May is finally here, and Chicago is ready to bloom! 

IF YOU'RE FEELING THIRSTY: Check out Chicago 2026 Rum Fest! The 10th Chicago Rum Festival is happening this SATURDAY ONLY at the iconic Logan Square Auditorium.  This event is ideal for rum connoisseurs, casual consumers, and industry professionals eager to explore and learn about rum, with over 40+ distinct award-winning premium rum brands. Indeed, there are around 200 distinct rum expressions available for sampling either NEAT or in a TWISTED DAIQUIRI. For tix and more info: https://chicagorumfest.com/

IF YOU WANT TO GET OUTDOORS:  Check out Water Fest!  Join the City of Hobart for a day at Robinson Lake, connecting residents with water, wildlife, and the natural resources that make their community unique. This family-friendly event features interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and opportunities to engage directly with local and regional environmental organizations. For more info: @alongthesouthshore 

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THRILLS: Check out Six Flags Great America! Its opening weekend at Six Flags Great America, a 300-acre theme park located between Chicago and Milwaukee. The “Thrill Capital of the Midwest” offers endless excitement for the entire family with 17 heart-pounding roller coasters, spectacular shows featuring world-class entertainers, and three children’s themed areas. For more info: https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica

IF YOU'RE FEELING THIRSTY: Check out Chicago 2026 Rum Fest! The 10th Chicago Rum Festival is happening this SATURDAY ONLY at the iconic Logan Square Auditorium.&nbsp; This event is ideal for rum connoisseurs, casual consumers, and industry professionals eager to explore and learn about rum, with over 40+ distinct award-winning premium rum brands. Indeed, there are around 200 distinct rum expressions available for sampling either NEAT or in a TWISTED DAIQUIRI. For tix and more info:&nbsp;<a href="https://chicagorumfest.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">https://chicagorumfest.com/</a>
IF YOU WANT TO GET OUTDOORS:&nbsp; Check out Water Fest!&nbsp; Join the City of Hobart for a day at Robinson Lake, connecting residents with water, wildlife, and the natural resources that make their community unique. This family-friendly event features interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and opportunities to engage directly with local and regional environmental organizations. For more info: @alongthesouthshore&nbsp;
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THRILLS: Check out Six Flags Great America! Its opening weekend at Six Flags Great America, a 300-acre theme park located between Chicago and Milwaukee. The &ldquo;Thrill Capital of the Midwest&rdquo; offers endless excitement for the entire family with 17 heart-pounding roller coasters, spectacular shows featuring world-class entertainers, and three children&rsquo;s themed areas. For more info: <a href="https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica</a>

SOCIAL STEPH - 04/16/2026 - Chicago is springing into action this weekend, with all types of activities:

PINCH HITTERS

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