Some cities don’t just exist, they feel like something.
And for Chicago, that feeling lately has a soundtrack.
Djo’s “End of Beginning” performed by Joe Keery, best known as Steve Harrington from Netflix’s global phenomenon Stranger Things, has taken on a life of its own. While Keery first captured audiences on screen, his music has resonated in a different way: introspective, nostalgic, and deeply tied to moments of transition.
That blend of pop culture, creativity, and personal evolution mirrors Chicago perfectly. It’s a city where people come to explore new chapters and every weekend offers a chance to step into one.
Here’s how to experience Chicago this weekend, inspired by the energy behind the song and the cultural moment surrounding it.
🎶 Things to Do This Weekend for Music & Culture Lovers
If Stranger Things sparked your curiosity and Djo’s music pulled you in, lean into Chicago’s live music scene and vinyl shops:
- Catch an indie or alternative show at Lincoln Hall.
- Explore vinyl shops and record stores across Logan Square and Wicker Park, where discovering new sounds is part of the experience. Our favorite is Dusty Groove (1120 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622).
🌆 Explore the City Like a Local (or a Character in the Story)
Much like the nostalgic tone of Stranger Things, Chicago invites you to slow down and wander.
- Spend an afternoon exploring neighborhoods like North Center, or Southport Corridor, stopping into cafés, bookstores, and boutiques. Here’s our perfect outing: Start at Corridor Brewery & Provisions for a coffee > find your next read at Three Avenues Bookshop > grab a bite at Little Goat Diner. Printable itinerary below!
- Take an architecture tour to reconnect with the city’s past while appreciating how it continues to evolve. Make sure to find a tour that offers blankets and hot coco!
Think of it as exploring the setting, one that shapes every story told within it.
🍸 After Dark: Chicago’s Late-Night Energy
Chicago nights have their own rhythm, reflective, electric, and a little unpredictable.
- Grab cocktails at Nobody’s Darling (1744 W. Balmoral Ave, Chicago IL 60640) where atmosphere matters as much as the music.
- Catch a late jazz set at the Green Mill Jazz Club (4802 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640) for a more intimate, moody experience.
It’s the perfect backdrop for the emotions “End of Beginning” captures so well.
