Chicago Like a Local Blog

Chicago's Navy Pier will be rolling out the red carpet for sweethearts on Valentine's Day. Whether you're looking to celebrate the special day with your kids or your beloved, or if you still need to find that special someone, there's fun and romance on the menu at Navy Pier this Valentine's Day — from speed dating to dinner cruises. Here are six ways to celebrate at the Navy Pier:

Two international acts come to Chicago this Friday and Saturday and promise dazzling, cross-cultural experiences: Jackie Chan's Long Yun Kung Fu Troupe takes to the stage at the Auditorium Theatre, while Angélique Kidjo will perform with the Bruckner Orchestra Linz at the Harris Theater.

The children's theater scene in Chicago is always bringing fresh new voices and stories to the city's many stages, opening kids' eyes to fresh new perspectives and encouraging them to think outside the box. This winter, the amazing Chicago Children's Theatre promises to make the children's theater world shine even brighter in Chicago as it opens its doors at to its new home in the heart of the West Loop.

Get ready to put your new diet on hold (or at least cash in a cheat day or two) because Chicago Restaurant Week has returned — kicking off today Friday, January 27. More than 300 restaurants are participating this year, which means there's something for every palate. So get your taste buds warmed up and check out the kinds of dishes you're in for — plus learn about the chefs behind the magic — at these participating restaurants across the city:

Are you ready to try 300 of Chicago's most popular restaurants or are you looking forward to the top events to celebrate Chinese New Year? Well, Chicago should definitely be on your bucketlist! You can also celebrate and get autographs from your favorite players on the White Sox. Sounds like it's time to make weekend plans — here are 12 things to do in Chicago to get you started.

With Valentine’s Day less than a month away, it’s time to start making your plans before spots and reservations fill up. Avoid the stress of scrambling last minute and look into one of these unique date options that are sure to impress your significant other. Here are Chicago Valentine’s Day date ideas at every price.

With seminal works including Annie Allen, A Street in Bronzeville and We Real Cool, iconic Chicago poet Gwendolyn Brooks captured the essence of daily life in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood. She gave a voice to the African American community with images and stories that elegantly reflected their triumphs and challenges. Celebrate the upcoming centennial of her birth and the significance of her legacy with a free reading February 2 at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Chicago Restaurant Week 2017 is just a few days away—it starts this Friday, January 27! If you haven’t planned out your stops, don’t waste another moment. There are always a ton of good deals, with plenty more this year thanks to the addition of brunch for the first time ever. Why not use this week to try a variety of flavors and cuisines? Read through our choices for 5 globe-trotting menus to try during Chicago Restaurant Week!

The weekend is finally here and we know you're ready to take advantage of all the events Chicago has to offer! Are you a huge fan of puppetry, or curious about this incredibly creative art form? Have you been anticipating the celebration of the Chinese New Year? Well, you won't want to miss the Puppet Theater Festival and many festivities for this Chinese holiday! It's time to make weekend plans. 

The year is off to a healthy start for dance in Chicago, with lots of exciting events coming up through winter and spring from both Chicago and touring companies, so plan ahead and mark your calendars! Here are 13 upcoming dance shows to see in Chicago.