Sophie Nguyen
Events & Culture Writer
Sophie Nguyen is City & Local's go-to source for the latest on local events, cultural trends, and city happenings. Before joining City & Local, Sophie honed her skills as a freelance writer covering the arts and entertainment scene for various local publications. She's known for her engaging storytelling and her ability to capture the unique vibe of our city. Her popular series, "Hidden Gems," has uncovered some of the city's best-kept secrets, and her coverage of the annual Arts Festival consistently draws rave reviews. Sophie holds a degree in Journalism from State University and is an active member of the local arts community.
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Latest Articles
Kiowa Main Street Drive-In Movie Night returns August 17
Last year, over 200 vehicles packed Kiowa City Park for a free movie night, a testament to a small town's big appetite for community-driven entertainment.
May 30, 2026 · 3 min read
New Summer Food & Drink Spots and Trends in 2026
In May 2026, New York City saw a culinary explosion: Drāvida, a new South Asian diasporan restaurant from a Food Network star chef, opened alongside Hed NYC, a fine dining Thai spot by a renowned San
May 30, 2026 · 4 min read
Piccolo Spoleto Festival Showcases South Carolina Lowcountry Arts
Charleston's 48th annual Piccolo Spoleto festival kicks off this week with an impressive 250 events, half of them completely free.
May 29, 2026 · 3 min read
Support Local Food Businesses: A Complete Guide
During the early months of the pandemic, local and regional food markets faced an expected decline in sales of up to $688.
May 29, 2026 · 4 min read
Stevens Point area and regional events this weekend
On Saturday, May 23rd, residents in Harshaw can attend a Memorial ceremony at the Veterans Memorial on Lakewood Road, one of at least five such tributes planned across the region this weekend.
May 29, 2026 · 3 min read
Edgewater Street Renamed Lori Cannon Way Honoring LGBTQ+ Activist
On what would have been her 75th birthday, over 200 people gathered in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood to rename a block of North Broadway after Lori Cannon, the late HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ activist.
May 28, 2026 · 3 min read
Early June Pride Celebrations and Festivals Begin
This Sunday, the City of Rehoboth Beach will raise the progressive Pride flag over city hall at noon.
May 27, 2026 · 3 min read
Chicago's 60+ Rooftop Bars Lounges Restaurants Guide for 2026
This spring, Chicagoans can choose from over 60 mapped rooftop bars and restaurants, according to Block Club Chicago , with two new Italian-inspired destinations just opening in Streeterville alone.
May 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Main Event offers future free play coupon on Memorial Day
On Memorial Day Monday, the first 50 guests at each Main Event location will receive a coupon for a future night of unlimited play, not immediate free games.
May 20, 2026 · 2 min read
Why National Pizza Rankings Don't Reflect Local Tastes
Despite being crowned 'America's Favorite' by a major national survey, Pizza Palace ranked outside the top 10 in 70% of major city polls last year.
May 20, 2026 · 3 min read
Navigating Community Services and Local Support in 2026
St. Francis House, a single Boston facility, serves over 252,000 meals and provides 13,000 showers annually. This immense, daily demand for basic community support offers immediate relief and dignity
May 20, 2026 · 5 min read
Savannah Memorial Day Weekend 2026: What events are confirmed
As Savannah gears up for Memorial Day Weekend 2026, the city's event calendar highlights the inaugural home game of the new Savannah Steel basketball team and a local artist market.
May 19, 2026 · 3 min read
Cincinnati Food Trucks: Unique Menus & Award-Winning Dishes
At Cincinnati's Taste of Cincinnati 2026, Fusako's Street Corn Gyoza didn't just win a Gold award; it signaled a new era where specific, innovative dishes, not just overall truck popularity, define lo
May 19, 2026 · 3 min read
Top 7 Hidden Gem Parks for Unique Outdoor Activities
In the Fiery Furnace area of Arches National Park, a permitted hiking zone requires a guided, 2.
May 19, 2026 · 5 min read
7 Family Friendly June 2026 Summer City Outings
As early as June 5th, 2026, the Joliet Slammers will host a Fireworks Friday, signaling the start of summer family fun for those seeking specific plans.
May 19, 2026 · 5 min read
Blumey Awards: North Lincoln High's 'Pippin' Win Disputed
Reports on North Lincoln High School's Tier 2 Best Musical win for 'Pippin' at the Blumey Awards are conflicting, with another outlet attributing their victory to 'Hadestown: Teen Edition'.
May 18, 2026 · 4 min read
Chicago Museums Offer Free Access to Cultural Exhibits in 2026
The Shedd Aquarium offers free nights for Illinois residents from 5 p.
May 15, 2026 · 3 min read
Exploring Summer Food & Drink Festivals
At the Tuscaloosa Margarita Festival, ticket prices swing from a mere $7 to over $1000.
May 15, 2026 · 6 min read
Local communities announce diverse upcoming events and activities for 2026
In Philadelphia, the African American Museum currently showcases an exhibition on costume design by Ruth E.
May 14, 2026 · 3 min read
Best Pizza Cities: Why Rankings Contradict Each Other
While Thrillist names Sapori Di 786 Degrees in Pasadena, California, the nation's top pizza spot, the esteemed 50 Top Pizza USA guide crowns Una Pizza Napoletana in New York as the undisputed champion
May 14, 2026 · 5 min read