Special events
Chicago Dance Month 2026: must-see events and shows
Salsa, rumba, or waltz your way into summer during the 13th annual Chicago Dance Month. Chicago Dance Month brings free events showcasing a diverse array…
National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen
Chicago Like a Local blog
Unique perspectives on the city from the people who live here.
Blog, Free & cheap, Special events
The best free things to do in Millennium Park this summer
Millennium Park events this summer Free evening concerts on Monday and Thursday from June 15 – Aug. 6 Free movie screenings on Tuesdays from June…
Architecture & history, Blog, LGBTQ+, Neighborhoods
Queer Chicago history: the story of The Belmont Rocks
The first time I happened upon the Belmont Rocks, I thought I had found a slice of heaven … with a very loose dress code.…
Festivals & special events, Food & drink
Taste of Chicago
July 8 – 12, 2026 Free admission • Grant Park The 46th annual Taste of Chicago is bringing some of the city’s most iconic bites…
Festivals & special events, Food & drink
Your guide to Chicago’s food festivals
Get a taste of Chicago’s award-winning dining scene at the city’s packed schedule of food festivals, featuring everything from barbecue to international cuisine to Chicago-style…
Festivals & special events, Free & cheap, Music
Chicago Blues Festival
June 4 – 7, 2026 Free admission • Millennium Park and beyond A legendary Chicago event since 1984, the Chicago Blues Festival is the world’s…
Arts, culture & entertainment, Special events
Celebrate Haitian American Heritage Month in Chicago
Haitian heritage runs deep in Chicago. The city has a special connection to the Caribbean nation — Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, Chicago’s first permanent…
Blog, Dining
VietFive brings authentic Vietnamese coffee and a community-minded space to Chicago
Located in Chicago’s buzzing West Loop neighborhood, VietFive has quickly become a staple in the city’s exploding coffee scene. Since opening in 2022, VietFive has…
Museums & art
Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center is one of the city’s most popular attractions and the cultural heart of the downtown Loop neighborhood. Known as “The People’s…
Hotels
Where to stay on Route 66 in Chicago: historic hotels and more
Beginning a Route 66 journey in Chicago means stepping into nearly a century of American travel history. The Mother Road officially debuted in 1926, envisioned as…
Festivals & special events, Music, Parks & outdoors
Millennium Park Summer Music Series
Select Mondays and Thursdays, June 15 – Aug. 6, 2026 Shows begin at 6:30 p.m. Free admission • Millennium Park The Millennium Park Summer Music…
Blog, Tours & attractions
Spend a day at and around the Obama Presidential Center: itineraries for families, culture lovers, and more
Chicago’s historic South Side is a crossroads of culture, history, and community. It’s also home to world‑class museums, lakefront parks, architectural landmarks, and one of…
Explore Chicago hotels, flights, deals, and more
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