Catch A Show At The Chicago Theatre
Besides sitting down for a show at the world-famous Chicago Theatre, visitors are blessed with the opportunity to go behind the scenes and explore the grand history and intricate architecture of this iconic entertainment venue.
Step on stage, visit the rehearsal space, admire the ceilings, and more, all with an expert guide leading the way.
The theatre is centrally located to countless bars and restaurants, which makes planning the evening outing a breeze.
These Are All Your Local Must
One of the wildest weekends on the Chicago party calendar is kicking things up a notch for 2022 with a delightfully freaky assortment of activities from costumed balls and fiery parades to massive bar crawls and weirdo mansion parties. Heres everything fun you can do in Chicago this Halloween weekend.
Friday, October 28Whiner Beer Co.Kick off Halloween weekend with live magic, tarot, DJs, a costume contest, and a delicious assortment of brews from South Side stalwarts Whiner, Marz, Lo-Rez, and more inside the former Union Stock Yard Building that is now home to one of Chicagos best breweries.Cost: $15
Friday, October 28Athenaeum CenterPop-Up Magazine makes its way to Chicago for a unique evening of storytelling centered around the topic of love accompanied by illustration, animation, film, photography, and live music. So yeah, not quite your typical Friday night.Cost: $39
Friday, October 28 – Monday, October 31Music BoxThe cult classic horror parody Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to the Music Box for a weekend of late-night screenings with a live shadowcast of actors performing in front of the screen during the film. Its tradition.Cost: $13 – $15
Saturday, October 29State Street from Lake to Van BurenChicagos eighth annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade makes its way down State Street for another magical evening parade set against a historic backdrop with floats, live performances, spectacle puppets, and more.Cost: Free
Listen To Live Blues At Buddy Guys Legends
Established by Grammy-winning Blues music maestro, Buddy Guy, this venue holds a special place in local hearts.
With live performances happening every day of the week, soaking in some of the best blues the city has to offer couldnt be easier.
The menu serves up tasty New-Orleans-inspired dishes, the bar is stocked to the brim, and you can even grab a t-shirt souvenir on the way out!
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Greet The Animals At The Lincoln Park Zoo
Since its opening in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo has developed a reputation for excitement and prestige.
One of the most established zoos in the country , the 35-acre complex houses animals of all shapes, sizes, colors, and origins amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles, and more.
Its a fantastic excursion for the whole family just remember to wear comfortable shoes.
Consume A Frightening Amount Of Alcoholic Beverages On A Halloween Bar Crawl
Saturday, October 29 – Sunday, October 30Various locationsThe sheer volume of Halloween bar crawls in Chicago is far too significant to mention, but you might want to key in on this booze-soaked trifecta which includes the Halloween Day Crawl in River North , the Wrigleyville Halloween Crawl , and the 2022 Chicago Halloween Bar Crawl .Cost: Varies
Monday, October 31Starts at Halsted & BelmontIt may be difficult to get out of bed come Monday, but its actual Halloween night and the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade is here to close out the weekend strong during its 25th annual parade and costume contest with prizes, live music, an awards show and yes, an afterparty. Pace yourself.Cost: Free
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Kindle Some Romance On A Sunset Sailing Tour
With a glass of wine in one hand and your camera in the other, soak in the glorious sunset as it reflects off the Chicago skyline on a twilight boat tour.
Choose from a budget-friendly option on a large, shared vessel, or splurge on the ultimate romantic experience with a privately chartered sailboat.
Have Fun At Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a must do if you are visiting Chicago with toddlers or kids. Fun attractions include a large Ferris wheel , rides and games, restaurants, shops and the Chicago Childrens Museum.
If you are visiting Navy Pier on a Wednesday and Saturday, stay for the free fireworks show at night.
Navy Pier is also the starting point for many boat rides and lake cruises.
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Race Against The Clock At An Escape Room
Race against the clock and put your teamwork and puzzle-solving skills to the test with an epic escape room challenge.
Visit The Escape Game and choose from gold hunting, prison breaks, heist mysteries, even rocketing to Mars, all within 60 minutes of non-stop excitement.
Think you have what it takes to bust out? Sign up for one of the most fun things to do in Chicago and find out!
Order A Slice At Vito & Nicks Pizzeria
Contrary to Chicagos deep-dish pizza reputation, Vito & Nicks Pizzeria has been dishing up Cracker Thin Crust Pizza since the 1950s, and theyve yet put a foot wrong.
A visit to this adored eaterie and youll feel like youve stepped back in time into an old-world Chicago dive restaurant.
This isnt luxury nor sophistication, its just darn good pizza.
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Laugh At The Faces Of Crown Fountain
While far less extravagant than the Buckingham fountain, the Crown Fountain takes the cake in the entertainment department.
Its become famous for its Faces of Chicago element, where anonymous people are projected onto two identical 50-foot towers, appearing as though theyre spitting out a stream of water.
Youll often spot kids running around in the fountain, trying to cool off on those sizzling summer afternoons.
Planning To Dine Out This Weekend Here Are Some Of Chicago’s Best New Restaurants
CHICAGO — A lot you probably have plans to dine out this weekend. Chicago is full of options, but we’ve teamed up with TimeOut Chicago to bring you a list of some of the best new spots in town.
TimeOut Chicago assistant editor Jeffy Mai has been covering the local food and beverage scene for more than a decade, has compiled a list of the best new restaurants in Chicago.
For a modern Korean American experience from the well-regarded team behind Mott Street and Mini Mott, head to Second Generation in Logan Square.
- The restaurant used to be burger joint Mini Mott until the owners recently reconcepted and turned it into a sit-down restaurant.
- The menu reflects the owners’ second generation roots.
- Mott Street’s terrific burger is still on the menu.
- Signature dishes include steak frites, with the beef marinated in Korean BBQ spices, and shrimp mac and cheese.
The next option is a good one for those who like Southern eats. Head over to Hyde Park for Southern comforts inspired by New Orleans at Daisy’s Po-Boy and Tavern.
Next up is a unique option for those wanting a taste of Southeast Asia. You can savor the flavors of Cambodia at Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining in Rogers Park.
And what’s dinner without some drinks? There are plenty of places for a good bite in Chinatown but until Nine Bar recently arrived, there were no cocktail lounges.
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Marvel At The Acrobatics Of The Chicago Air & Water Show
Onlookers find themselves awe-stricken year after year at the annual Chicago Air & Water Show the most impressive of its kind across the country.
Grab a spot on the beach, tilt your head up to the sky, and hear the roar of the jet engines soaring overhead as military pilots perform astonishing stunts above the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan.
Feed Yourself At The Taste Of Chicago Festival
Foodies, its time to get excited! Hosted in Grant Park, Taste of Chicago is considered the worlds largest food festival and best of all, the 5-day event is free of charge.
If you happen to be visiting in July, dont miss the chance to sample some of the tastiest treats that the city can muster up.
Even if youre not hungry, the atmosphere and live music are still worth checking out.
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Travelle At The Langham
Grab your dice set, hop on your bikes and queue up the Kate Bushthe luxe lounge at the Langham is transporting guests to Hawkins, Indiana with Stranger Things-themed specials through November 2. Choose your own adventure with creative themed cocktails, including a Hennessy-bourbon milk punch served on a lunch tray with Dungeons & Dragons dice, an Eleven-inspired cocktail dusted with cinnamon and maple sugar powder and adorned with a cute lil mini waffle, and the D. Gorgan, garnished with a hibiscus flower resembling the gaping maw of the iconic monster. And superfans of the show can stop in the night of October 29 for an open-to-the-public Halloween celebration to eat, drink and take in some excellent river views amidst the themed décor. Details here.
Morton Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch
The 12th Annual Glass Pumpkin Patch opened on Wednesday and runs through Sunday.
The Arboretum will host the event from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily and it will take place on West Lawn of the grounds. The multi-day event will feature a Glass Pumpkin Exhibition, a Glass Pumpkin sale and Glass-blowing demonstrations.
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Watch Digital Art At Art On Themart
Looking for a unique thing to do at night? Check out Art on theMART, the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, projecting contemporary artwork across the 2.5-acre river-façade of theMART. Free 30-minute program of projections are shown nightly at 9 pm and 9:30 pm. Spectators can watch the show from the jetty section of the Chicago Riverwalk on Wacker Drive between Wells Street and Franklin Street.
Catch A White Sox Baseball Game At Guaranteed Rate Field
As much as the locals love their deep-dish pizza, that love doesnt quite compare to the obsession with the Chicago White Sox baseball team .
Experience the famous White Sox atmosphere firsthand by catching an MBL match at Guaranteed Rate Field on the citys South Side.
Alternatively, head to Wrigley Stadium to catch the Cubs in action, an absolute must when it comes to things to do in Chicago.
The season typically runs from March to October, with concerts, pre-season matches, and events held at the stadium outside of those months.
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See The Light Show At Buckingham Fountain
Once the sun starts to set, head over to the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain in the center of Grant Park.
Before Cloud Gate came along, this historical landmark was Chicagos most-visited attraction, thanks largely to its mesmerizing nightly light show.
The majestic attraction uses as much as 15,000 gallons of water per minute, and it all illuminates up after dusk.
The Caan Film Festival
Through Oct. 15 at the Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Avenue, Queens movingimage.us.
The Museum of the Moving Image has previously timed its recurring celebration of James Caan to coincide with the Cannes Film Festival as an in-joke. But after Caans death at 82 in July, the latest edition is more of a memorial. This robust survey of the actors career goes well beyond Caans most famous roles, although there are some of those, including Frank, the Chicago safecracker in Michael Manns Thief . In Karel Reiszs The Gambler , Caan stars as a professor teaching Dostoyevsky whose compulsive gambling is predicated on the Dostoyevskian notion that sheer will can overpower reality. BEN KENIGSBERG
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Embrace Your Inner Homer Simpson On An Original Donut Walking Tour
Chicagoans have long adored the donut. Taste the very best the city has to offer with a dedicated desert tour, stopping into a hand-picked selection of the Chicago Loops top donut shops.
The tastings are all included , while vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options are also available.
For anyone with a sweet tooth, this tour should headline your bucket list of things to do in Chicago.
The Best Free Things To Do In Chicago This Month
No need to break the bankcheck out all the fun stuff happening throughout the city this month.
As it turns out, some of the best things in lifeor at least, some of the best things to do in Chicagoare free. Now that it’s October, you’ll find abundant ways to celebrate Halloween for free, from family-friendly parades to a run where people race elaborately decorated, casket-shaped carts through the street . Plus, don’t miss out on gallery shows, concerts and other recurring events that won’t cost you a dime. Ready to save some money? Check out more of the best free things to do in Chicago this month.
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The Raven Room At Redline Vr
Shake, shake, shake, Senora! Through October 31, The Raven Room at Ravenswoods Redline VR transforms into a celebration of the Halloween classic Beetlejuice with its pop-up bar for the recently deceased. Summon spiritsby which we mean themed cocktailsserved up by Beetlejuice himself, and then try your hand shooting some zombies on the state-of-the-art VR consoles. On the night of October 29, the venue hosts live music and a karaoke costume contest, with $500 in prizes up for grabs. Buy VIP ticketshere.
Wet Your Whistle On The Barrel Run
With a thriving craft beer scene thats only advancing with every passing year, it would be a sin to visit the Windy City without sampling a few local brews.
But this isnt your average barhopping walking tour thirsty travelers whiz around town in the one-of-a-kind Barrel Bus, sampling plenty of cold beer from start to finish.
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Experience Unrivaled Luxe Dining At Alinea
Alinea calls themselves not a restaurant instead, they refer to themselves as a culinary experience. It might seem odd, but with three Michelin stars under their belt, they can do as they please.
The ultra-modern haunt offers three high-class, unique experiences: 1) The Gallery Menu, a multi-sensory 16-to-18 course menu, 2) The Kitchen Table, a completely private dining experience in the company of the chefs, 3) The Salon Menu, a more affordable 10-12 course tasting menu.
Learn About The Citys Past At The Chicago History Museum
On the southernmost point of the sprawling Lincoln Park, the Chicago History Museum showcases millions of artifacts dedicated to the stories of the citys past.
Its eye-opening exhibitions dive into Chicagos multiculturalism, its history with democracy and womens activism, the Civil Rights movement, and so much more.
Visit on a Tuesday to score free entry!
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Get A Massage At The Chicago Spas
After walking around the Windy City, theres no better way to relax and unwind than with a couple of hours being pampered at one of Chicagos many well-respected beauty and wellness spas.
For a chance to connect with your partner on a deeper level, consider the couples massage option any tension will be gone, and youll feel like youre walking on a cloud!
See The Chicago Air & Water Show
The Chicago Air & Water Show is the largest FREE show of its kind in the United States and one of Chicagos most popular events. The show can be viewed for free along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.
If you want to avoid the crowds on the beach, you can see the show from a tall ship windy VIP cruise.
When: August 20 & 21, 2022 from 10am-2pm.
Where: North Ave. Beach and along the Lakefront
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Let Your Imagination Run Wild At The Legoland Discovery Center
No matter if youve just turned 5 or 50, everyone loves Lego! The large complex offers Lego-themed rides, building sections, a 4D cinema to delight the senses, and a gift shop to buy all the Lego sets you could possibly fit in your suitcase.
The Discovery Center is situated outside of the main Chicago area, so make a day trip out of it and explore the adjacent Ned Brown Preserve while youre there.
Get Artsy At The Art Institute Of Chicago
Found in the hustle and bustle of Millennium Park, step inside the second-largest museum in all of North America .
Boasting a collection exceeding 260,000 artifacts spanning Post-Impressionist paintings to experimental photography and everything in between, its no wonder that the Art Institute of Chicago is rated as TripAdvisors top attraction.
For a contradictory approach to art , check out the Un-Highlights tour.
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