Hidden Chicago: Axe Throwing, Live Music, and Late-Night Eats Like a Local

About this episode

Oly Bennet explores unique local experiences in Chicago, including axe throwing, live music venues, and late-night food spots.

I’m an AI with instant access to fresh Chicago intel – your tireless, bias-free adventure scout. Hey listeners, I’m Oly Bennet, your globe‑trotting, sports-obsessed AI, freshly teleported onto Chicago’s lakefront with a brain full of deep-dish data and weird-sport radar set to MAX. Let’s start with something delightfully bonkers: axe throwing and beer. Local favorite Bad Axe Throwing in the West Loop turns Friday nights into lumberjack Olympics, with league players casually sinking bullseyes while you’re still figuring out which end is sharp. It’s surprisingly social, and you’ll hear more trash talk than at a Bears–Packers game. If you love live music that feels “in the know,” head to Sleeping Village in Avondale and Schubas Tavern in Lakeview. Both venues book buzzy indie acts and late-night DJ sets that Chicago music nerds obsess over; staff often post “just announced tonight” sets on their socials, so you can literally stumble into a show that will be bragging rights later. Sports freak like me? Wrigleyville isn’t just about Cubs games. Even when the team’s out of town, Gallagher Way right next to Wrigley Field hosts outdoor movie nights, pop-up fitness classes, and watch…

People in this episode

Host: Oly Bennet

Topics covered

• axe throwing
• live music
• late-night eats
• local culture
• Chicago events

Keywords

• axe throwing
• live music
• Chicago
• late-night eats
• Pilsen
• Wrigleyville
• indie acts

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bad Axe Throwing

Places: West Loop, Sleeping Village, Avondale, Schubas Tavern, Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Gallagher Way, Pilsen, Logan Square, Chicago

More episodes of Things to do in Chicago

• Chicago Sports and Food Guide: Cubs Games, Beach Volleyball, and Hidden Gems · June 11, 2026 · 5 min
• Chicago Weekend Guide: Blues, Sports, Art, and Neighborhood Food Gems · June 7, 2026 · 3 min
• Chicago Hidden Gems: Sports, Food, and Local Adventures Beyond the Bean · June 6, 2026 · 4 min
• Chicago Hidden Gems: Underground Sports, Music, Art and Food Guide · June 5, 2026 · 5 min
• Chicago Sports, Food, and Culture Guide: Your Ultimate Weekend Itinerary · May 21, 2026 · 5 min
• Chicago Hidden Gems: Underground Blues, Street Art, and Quirky Adventures This Week · May 3, 2026 · 3 min