Live Comedy Drag Shows And More
Zanies: Everyone could use some laughs right now. If youre looking for a place to see some comedy, Zanies is a top choice. Theyre taking strong precautions for the safety of patrons, such as temperature checks, spacing tables farther apart, requiring masks for all, and instituting a no cash policy.
Laugh Factory: The Laugh Factory in Lakeview is one of the most popular comedy joints in the city. The upcoming schedule includes weekends packed with local and touring comedians. Grab your tickets online, capacity is limited.
The Second City: This legendary comedy club, known for working with the industrys biggest stars, is back. The limited-capacity shows will be a mix of sketch, improv, and fan-favorite material.
Kit Kat Lounge: You wont want to miss the divas at Kit Kat Lounge. You can catch them at the Northalsted/Boystown location for indoor and outdoor dinner Tuesday through Sunday, and for Divalicious Brunch on weekends.
Baton Show Lounge: The show goes on at Baton Show Lounge in Uptown. The iconic entertainment destination is offering outdoor and indoor performances Thursday through Sunday, with showtimes at 7 p.m., 9 p.m., and 11 p.m.
Lips Drag Dining: Meet all the talented ladies of Lips during this drag dining experience. The queens embody top celebrities from Cher to Taylor Swift to Nicki Minaj and more. The schedule changes throughout the week, with events like Las Vegas showgirls and boozy gospel brunch.
North Coast Music Festival
This electronic-focused fest will take over SeatGeek Stadium for an end-of-summer celebration. The biggest names in electronic music have played at North Coasts two stages, including Bassnectar, Major Lazer, and Flux Pavilion. The fest also includes large-scale art pieces and interactive installations.
Final Thoughts On A Great Weekend In Chicago
Now that you have the best information on what to do in Chicago this weekend, all thats left to do is pick the weekend that suits you and enjoy an incredible Chicago trip!
This city has a rich history, vibrant music scene, impressive architecture, and delicious food! Theres an array of impressive sights dotted throughout the city, and although its a large city, getting around without a car should be pretty easy!
Be sure to take in all the quirkiness and nuances that the Windy City has to offer! Its possible to see a lot of Chicago in 3 days if you plan correctly.
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What Should I Pack For A Weekend In Chicago
In addition to the essentials, here are a few things we recommend you pack before embarking on your Chicago weekend. As many of Chicagos points of interest are concentrated in a few suburbs, its often best to walk between them. Therefore make sure to pack some comfortable walking shoes with support! Dont forget to also pack some formal shoes if you plan on hitting up a jazz lounge or two! Chicagos weather can get pretty extreme ranging from howling blizzards in winter to steamingly humid days in summer! Make sure you pack some layered clothing, and be prepared to expect the unexpected any time of the year! Even in summer, the nighttime temperatures can get a bit chilly. Pack a reusable water bottle to keep hydrated if you plan on walking around a lot. There are many water fountains in the city where you can fill up, so there is little need to buy bottled water. Not only will you be saving money, youll also be doing your part to save the environment!
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Capture The Magic At Buckingham Fountain
For more magical moments to capture on smartphones head over to theBuckingham Fountain in the famed Chicago Loop at the center of Grant Park. Constructed in 1927 from Georgian pink marble, its one of the largest fountains in the world with 200 jets shooting streams over statues more than 25-feet tall across a pool nearly 300-feet in diameter. After the sun sets, lights reflect upon, all around and throughout the water making this the perfect setting for some picturesque photo ops.
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Live Music In Chicago
The Bassment: Enter through a hidden door into this lounge/venue that will take you to a different era in a good way. You can catch one of the in-house bands Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. 1 a.m, with reservations required for entry.
The Promontory: This popular Hyde Park haunt is back in action, with a full line-up of musical acts. Catch drag, R& B, afro fusion, jazz tributes, and more.
Tack Room: Located on the same property as Thalia Hall in Pilsen, Tack Room aims to bring approachable music to the neighborhood through its sidewalk patio and piano bar setup. Whether you know the words to every song or not doesnt matter, as youll be having plenty of fun enjoying the ambiance and sipping specialty cocktails.
Blue Chicago: Blue Chicago is an intimate venue that has been welcoming audiences for over 35 years. The River North spot is reopening with a few acts on the schedule, so head that way if you want to see some incredibly talented blues musicians up close.
Bottom Lounge: Not many venues in the city host as wide an array of artists as Bottom Lounge. Theyre set to resume live shows in late July with a sold-out All Time Low set. Keep in mind: most shows at Bottom Lounge are all ages or seventeen and over, which is great for young concertgoers, but maybe not quite the scene for a more mature crowd.
Know Where To Stay In Chicago
When choosing a place to stay in Chicago, do be mindful of its location as well as its amenities. To get around the city conveniently and to be nearby some iconic Chicago attractions, we recommend downtown or in a central location.
Downtown Chicago is one of the best places to stay in Chicago, for first-time visitors! Its utterly central, houses Chicagos most popular landmarks and is well connected by the citys public transportation system its the perfect base for spending 2 days in Chicago!
The Windy City is huge so and it can be a bit overwhelming trying to choose your accommodation. In case you are in a hurry though, here are three of the best accommodation options we recommend for a great weekend stay in Chicago!
Our Favorite Hostel HI Chicago
- Ideally located right in the city center
- There are options for gender-separated dorms with en-suite bathrooms
This hostel is close to all of the citys top tourist attractions, including art galleries, museums, shops and restaurants. It has over 500 comfortable beds, and offers free breakfast and walking tours throughout Chicago.
- With some wicked deco choices!
With this basic, convenient and well-priced studio apartment, you have access to a comfortable, queen size bed, full kitchen, on-site laundry facility, free wifi, and an awesome host who will recommend you places to visit, attractions to see in Chicago.
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Sporting Events In Chicago
Sport is definitely one of the Chicago highlights and you can get out and be active no matter the season! Whether you prefer taking part in an activity, or just watching, there are always plenty of options on offer!
Wrigley Field
- First opened in 1914, this is one of Americas most iconic baseball parks
- Home of Major League Baseball team the Chicago Cubs
- Known for its ivy covered home-run wall, its the second oldest stadium in MLB!
If your weekend getaway to Chicago coincides with a baseball game, do your best to rustle up some tickets and soak in the festive atmosphere of Americas favorite pass time! Wrigley Field baseball stadium is located on the north side of Chicago and is easily accessible by public transportation.
Chicagoland Speedway
- Head to Chicagoland Speedway to test your high-speed driving skills and get your adrenaline going!
- Choose between a range of heart-pumping driving experiences
- Set your fastest lap on a real NASCAR speedway!
If your racing addiction demands more than just a seat on the sidelines, check out Chicagoland Speedway! This fun location offer exciting options that will definitely satisfy your need for speed! Get behind the wheel of a NASCAR and take it for a spin on Chicagos NASCAR speedway!
Fame Play Ping Pong at Acebounce
- Challenge your friends to a game, or three of ping-pong
- Work up a thirst, then enjoy some drinks from the on-site bar
- A great social source of fun on a weekend trip to Chicago!
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Jay Pritzker Pavilion At Millennium Park
An outdoor concert here is truly a Chicago experience. Whether you pack a picnic for the Great Lawn or take a front stage seat, the eye-catching Jay Pritzker Pavilion and its state-of-the-art sound system fill the park with amazing visuals and acoustics. Views of the downtown skyline compete with the smart and sophisticated lineup, when free music series and festivals throughout the summer bring classical, jazz, electronica, indie rock and more to the masses.
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Trek The Lakefront Trail
All four of Chicagos lakeside City Parks are accessible on 18 miles of a paved pathway shared by walkers, joggers, and cyclists on theLakefront Trail. Some local residents use the trail to get to work while others on the weekends will soak in the Chicago skyline or stroll along the shoreline.
You can also use the path to reach the South Shore Cultural Center, the Shedd Aquarium or the Navy Pier. To get around faster, there are bike rental stations along the way with some offering day pass situations to share these cycles.
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Dont Miss Any Concerts In Chicago
Folk music veteran Paul Simon has also announced his upcoming tour Homeward Bound as the final tour of his long and storied career. From his influential, multiple Grammy Award-winning duo Simon and Garfunkel, to his game-changing solo albums like Graceland, Simon has been a part of the fabric of American music since the Sixties. He plays the United Centre in Chicago on 6 June.
Meanwhile, at The Chicago Theatre, the quintessential singer-songwriter and activist icon Joan Baez hangs up her touring career jersey on her Fare Thee Well tour, in celebration of her incredible career and on the heels of her new album, Whistle Down The Wind released in March 2018. She has been the soundtrack to generations of music-lovers, inspired to change the world around them through her music and her stubborn determination to stand up for the vulnerable throughout her career. She playing Chicago Illinois for the last time on 5 October.
The decorated Sir Tom Jones has performed in front of sitting US Presidents and royalty, with countless hits and accolades. Best known for his Its Not Unusual smash hit as well as others like Delilah, Whats New, Pussycat? and Sex Bomb, his career spans over 5 decades. Currently one of the coaches on the UKs version of The Voice, Sir Tom has not lost his love for touring and performing and hits House of Blues Chicago on 13 May
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Find You Favorite Chicago Concerts
2018 has a bumper-crop for fans longing to see top-notch artists, bands and DJs performing in Chicago or suburbs. There has never been a better time to see near you a long list of Chicago concerts and tours from the biggest icons on the planet especially as a number of them are winding down their touring careers. So this may truly be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
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World Cup Watch Parties At A Pub
1 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday
Broken English Taco Pub, 75 E. Lake St., 2576 N. Lincoln Ave and 1400 N. Wells St.
You can tune into USA vs. England and Mexico vs. Argentina games alongside fellow Chicagoans and enjoy $40 marg pitchers.
1 p.m. Friday
Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St.
You can also tune into the USA vs. England match at Gallagher Way. Afterwards, you can stop by Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville for international food and drink.
3-8 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St.
Santa is making his way Lakeview this weekend. Hell be there for photos Friday-Sunday through Dec. 18.
Doors open 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Friday-Saturday at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.
Sunday at Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave.
Catch performances by Psyche, Blu Anxxiety, Boy Harsher, Black Plague and more this weekend. There will also be a photobooth, interactive exhibits, vendors and more. Tickets cost $41-$176 are available online.
7-11 p.m. Friday
SPIN, 344 N. State St.
Watch paint fly and canvases go from blank to beautiful at this live art battle. All artwork created during the event will be available for buy via silent auction. Doors open at 7 p.m., and painting starts at 8 p.m. You can register to compete here. Tickets for spectators are $22 online and $25 at the door. You must have a valid ID with you to enter.
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Legends Of Entertainment In Chicago
The United Centre will bear witness to the final Chicago performances of two pop music icons in 2018. Sir Elton John closes the curtain on over half a century of touring, as he announced that his 3-year Farewell Yellow Brick Road global tour, starting in September 2018, would be his final tour. Performing more than 300 shows around the world, Elton starts off his tour in the US and makes Chicago one of his first stops. Seeing a jam-packed United Centre sing in unison will be a fitting tribute to the incredible career of one of pop musics brightest finest. For more details use the Chicago event calendar.
Is Chicago Safe For A Weekend Trip
Chicago is largely a safe city, and tourists shouldnt have too much to be worried about when walking around downtown or when visiting well-known landmarks. However, it is always a good idea to do some research or ask locals before venturing out to the peripheral neighborhoods of the city.Chicago does experience violence and crime, but this is predominantly confined to specific hotspots, such as the far West Side of Chicago and the South Side of Chicago. While these areas are clearly dodgy, and gang violence and crime does occur, they are well away from Downtown Chicago. Be aware of your possessions when in crowds or around busy areas as pickpockets do frequent popular sights in the city. At night, it is best to keep to well-lit streets and populated areas as muggings do occur in dark side streets after dark.Be sure to check the weather forecast for potential natural hazards, which can occur during the particularly harsh Chicago Winter.
And have you thought about getting Travel Insurance for your trip? Weve put together a roundup of Travel Insurance for backpackers check it out here, or if youre low on time, get a quote from World Nomads, our favorite travel insurance provider.
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Take Your Pick Of Pop
Now through Sunday, December 26Various locationsChoose your own adventure among the many ongoing immersive experiences around the city, from Immersive Van Gogh and The Office Experience to more holiday-centric events like ZooLights and Sleigh Bells.Cost: Ticket prices vary
Friday, December 24PromontoryThe Homies are hosting this laid-back Christmas Eve hang sesh with live DJs, raffle giveaways, and all the holiday vibes.Cost: Tickets start at $15 per person
Friday, December 24Emporium Wicker ParkSince nothing goes together like Christmas Eve and a boozy night of live DJ tunes, craft beers, and vintage arcade games, theres this event.Cost: No cover menu prices vary
Friday, December 24I|O GodfreyThe swanky confines of the I|O Godfrey is a perfect place to mentally prepare for an evening of extended family, with a loaded brunch buffet and optional heated igloos available for rent this Friday.Cost: Reservations run $39 per person
Friday, December 24Rock Island Public HouseAs part of Rock Island Public Houses Drive-In, Dinner, and Drinks series, theres this erstwhile Star Wars-screening holiday party. Go figure.Cost: No cover menu prices vary
Epiphany Center For The Arts
Housed in a restored historic church, Epiphany Center for the Arts is a cultural hub celebrating art, music, and entertainment. The stunning venue has quickly become a hot spot for live music in the bustling West Loop neighborhood. Youll find an eclectic selection of performances to choose from every day of the week, including jazz, blues, rock, pop, house, soul, and beyond.
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