Chicago Like a Local

Go ahead, keep a schedule. Let us know how that turns out.

Category - Arts/Culture/Entertainment

Weekend Alert: May 24-26

Sailing on Lake Michigan

It's Memorial Day Weekend and - since the city has done since 1870 - Chicago will commemorate our fallen soldiers with a parade. Leon Panetta, former Secretary of Defense and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency will lead this year's Memorial Day Parade as its Grand Marshal and participate in the Wreath Laying Ceremony preceding the parade on Saturday, May 25. The city is also abuzz with the official unofficial start to summer, so get


A Guide to Having an Uber Fun Maifest (May 30 - June 2)

Maifest Chicago

Summer in Chicago means a few things, and one of those things is street festivals. Street festivals galore. In the traditionally German neighborhood of Lincoln Square, MaiFest (or Mayfest) is held in honor of the arrival of spring. It is a German festival transported to one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods.


Shopping Spotlight: Open Books in River North

Open Books

Open Books (213 West Institute Place) is a gem of a bookstore where every purchase helps support community programs that promote literacy in Chicago and beyond. Brimming with over 50,000 donated books, this unique bookstore promises great prices and a great selection. 


Weekend Alert: May 17-19

Millennium Park

If you're looking to kick-off the summer with a neighborhood festival or explore the Prairie style brilliance of Frank Lloyd Wright, Chicago is the place to be this weekend. The city has a block party in Lakeview, a film festival downtown and suburban Oak Park is hosting one heck of an architectural tour. Show out, it's time to make weekend plans.


The TODAY Show Wants Your Chicago Pictures

Lincoln Park

The TODAY Show is airing live from Millennium Park on Wednesday, May 22 as part of the program's "Great American Adventure." Chicago is the third stop for NBC's morning show, which is also visiting Hawaii, Yellowstone National Park and Orlando on their coast-to-coast tour. So how can you get in on the excitement? It's easy, actually. Just submit your best Chicago snapshot with #TODAYAdventure and your picture could be featured in an online spread.


A Family-Friendly Guide to Exploring Hyde Park

Hyde Park

With the University of Chicago at its center and The Museum of Science and Industry nearby, the neighborhood of Hyde Park makes for a great day of exploring. But this vibrant South Side community boasts more than just a beautiful campus and one of the largest science museums in the world. If you're interested in discovering Hyde Park, here are five more fun, family-friendly stops - including a bookstore, an Indiana Jones-style museum and a


Tickets On Sale for Taste of Chicago 2013

Robin Thicke

Tickets go on sale today (Wednesday, May 15) at 10AM for two of the Taste of Chicago's premier events. If you're looking for a three-course meal prepared by one of the city's best chefs or want an up-close look at recording artist Robin Thicke, act now. The Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events is selling tickets to the popular Celebrity Chef du Jour program ($40) and for a place in the Petrillo Music Shell's seating pavilion


A Guide to Chicago's 10 Best (Totally Free) Family Attractions

Navy Pier

Having fun in Chicago without spending a dime is easy. Our city has a wealth of attractions that don't cost a thing - you just have to know where to look. Your best bet is to ask a local! If you're traveling with children and looking to stay within a budget, here are our picks for fun, free things to do in Chicago this summer.   


Celebrity Chefs Return to 2013 Taste of Chicago

Taste of Chicago

For the second straight year Taste of Chicago will feature the Mazda6 Celebrity Chef du Jour, a daily dining experience that offers a sit-down, three course meal by one of the city's top chefs. This year's menu of celebrity chefs is: Rick Bayless, Carrie Nahabedian, Giuseppe Tentori, a special pairing of Gale Gand and The Hearty Boys and the newest James Beard Foundation Outstanding Chef Award winner for 2013, Paul Kahan.


Five Must-See Shows at TBS Just For Laughs Chicago '13

Seth Meyers - TBS' Just for Laughs

Every summer TBS' Just for Laughs rolls into Chicago with a caravan of top tier stand-up comedians. This year's festival, which runs Tuesday, June 11 - Sunday, June 16, features everything from local acts to Bob Newhart. While the event is still a month away, tickets will go fast so act now. To help, we have five shows that you can't miss.


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