Unique perspectives on the city from the people who live here.
Welcome to the weekend, Chicago. Who's ready to chow down on dishes from THE BEST chefs, enjoy one of the largest art festivals EVER, celebrate National Lobster Day at some of Chicago's top restaurants, take in FREE jazz music and do up Oktoberfest Chicago-style? Here's your chance!
Music fans will have a busy weekend soaking up live sounds at Common's hip hop event AAHH! Fest and at the Hyde Park Jazz Fest running through Saturday and Sunday, September 24-25. Although both fests feature popular mucisicans from across the country, homegrown talent is also a highlight.
Start preparing now: Bon Appétit presents Chicago Gourmet is back for its ninth year! The highly anticipated culinary festival will take place September 23-25, 2016 in Millennium Park. The theme this year — Food is Art! — appropriately ties into Shakespeare 400 Chicago, a yearlong celebration that marks 400 years since Shakespeare's death by honoring his timeless works.
If you can smell the nopales (cactus) tacos and hear the cry of vendors hawking everything from car tires to pungent spices, you're probably close to the Maxwell Street Market, which is one of Chicago's greatest treasures. Located less than a mile southwest of The Loop, the weekly Maxwell Street Market has been an institution for over 130 years and a place for new arrivals from all over the world to set up their wares to sell every Sunday
Who doesn't love great foodie deals?? Well this weekend in Chicago is full of them along with popular festivals featuring jazz, tacos, art and the best of punk rock. Don't stop there! Some of NASCAR's biggest stars will also be in town for the first race in NASCAR's playoffs. And the No. 2 Museum in the World (congrats AIC!) is celebrating the second-grandest holiday in China after Lunar New Year.
Explore the art galleries and shops of the historic Bronzeville neighborhood during the last Bronzeville Trolley Tour of the summer, on Friday, September 16. From 6pm-9pm, trolleys will roll down Bronzeville arts district streets stopping at notable art galleries, shops and restaurants. FREE live music, food and drink add to the festivities for this can't miss event.
You'll know you're near a Garrett Popcorn shop, "a Chicago tradition since 1949," when you smell the knock-out combo of freshly popped popcorn and buttery, gooey caramel. Don't even bother resisting — just follow your nose! You're also more than likely to spot a long trail of salivating customers in a line snaking out the door.
Sometimes alcohol and sports don't mix, but these action-packed arcade bars provide both drinks and recreational opportunities in Chicago. Luckily, there's little chance you'll get hurt when playing ping pong, or scoring points on video games. Even if you lose, it's all about having fun and delicious cocktails or craft beers with friends.
Since 1893, The
Field Museum has been wowing visitors with its amazing collection of
specimens and artifacts. From beloved Sue, the largest, best-preserved, and
most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever found, to one of the largest collections
of diamonds and gems in the world, the museum offers a never-ending list
of amazing things to discover within its historic walls. This fall, the Field
Museum is hosting so many interesting events — from a bird spotting excursion
to
Temperatures may be cooling but things are heating up for literary fans as Chicago continues hosting exciting events for the Shakespeare 400 Chicago festival. This groundbreaking celebration of 400 years of The Bard's literary legacy includes five international companies representing four continents who will interpret and re-imagine Shakespeare's works this month. Here are some September highlights not to miss:
