Chicago Like a Local blog

Unique perspectives on the city from the people who live here.

Blog, Special events

Your guide to the first-ever Chicago Fashion Week

Chicago has long been known as a place of artistic expression, from the ground-breaking public art on our streets to the masterpieces in our museums…

Blog, Dining

13 must-try Hispanic-owned restaurants in Chicago

National Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to discover the diverse culinary traditions of Chicago’s dynamic Hispanic/Latino communities. The city’s Hispanic-owned restaurants specialize in…

Architecture & history, Tours & attractions

Step inside historic homes during the 51st Annual Pullman House Tour

Chicago is a city of firsts, particularly when it comes to architecture. And Pullman, the first planned industrial town in the country and the city’s…

Holidays, Tours & attractions

Chicago ghost tours for Halloween

Chicago boasts a long and fascinating history — and that includes quite a few ghost stories. This Halloween, explore the city’s spooky side, from supernatural…

Chicago skyline from Lincoln Park in the fall

Blog, Parks & outdoors

Where to see fall colors in and around Chicago

Chicago’s many parks, gardens, and natural areas are gorgeous year-round — but they’re particularly stunning in the fall. That’s when you can see striking red,…

Blog, Neighborhoods

Exploring LGBTQ+ friendly spots in Chicago’s south and west neighborhoods

I’m Channyn Lynne Parker, CEO of Brave Space Alliance, and I’m thrilled to partner with Choose Chicago to highlight some of the incredible LGBTQ+ friendly…

Family, Holidays

Kid-friendly Halloween events in Chicago

Tricks, treats, and costume fun — the Halloween season brings tons of family-friendly events and activities to Chicago. You can pick your own pumpkins, go…

Mexican Independence Day Parade in Little Village

Blog, Special events

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day in Chicago: events, traditions, and more

Growing up in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, often referred to as the “Mexico of the Midwest”, celebrating Mexican Independence Day is a tradition I look…

Blog, Special events

Things to do in Chicago this weekend: Labor Day edition

Want to know what’s happening this weekend in Chicago? Look no further. There’s a whole calendar of exciting events, exhibits, and activities taking place all…

Blog, Neighborhoods

What to do, eat, and drink in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood

Rich with the history of the immigrants who settled there, Chicago’s Lincoln Square and Ravenswood neighborhoods balance old-school charms with a culinary and arts scene…