Chicago Like a Local blog

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

Latest blog posts

Festivals, Festivals & special events, Special events

Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade

Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 It’s turkey time! The Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, a local tradition for almost 90 years, kicks off the holiday season with…

Published on November 15, 2023 by Kelsey O'Connor

Dining, Festivals, Special events

What to eat, drink, and buy at Christkindlmarket Chicago

Christkindlmarket has been a holiday tradition in Chicago since 1996. Modeled after the 16th-century holiday markets in Germany, the free-admission outdoor bazaar in Daley Plaza…

Published on October 31, 2023 by Alma Bahman

Dining, Festivals, Special events

What’s new at Chicago Gourmet 2023

For the last 15 years, Chicago Gourmet has brought luxurious tastings and wine pairings, intimate conversations with local chefs, and the camaraderie of standing shoulder-to-shoulder…

Published on July 26, 2023 by Choose Chicago

Blog, Festivals, Music

Find your groove at Chicago In Tune: 10 can’t-miss concerts

There are few places that are more of a cultural crossroads than Chicago. Smack dab in the middle of the nation, the city has long…

Published on August 17, 2021 by Andy Holsteen

Festivals

Behind the smoke: Meet the Windy City Smokeout pitmasters

Chicago is known for our food scene, and that extends to our festivals. The annual Windy City Smokeout (July 12 –14) brings some of the world’s…

Published on June 26, 2019 by Choose Chicago

Dining, Festivals

What to eat at Taste of Chicago 2019

This year’s Taste of Chicago, the world’s largest free-admission food fest, will feature 82 local restaurants, including 24 pop-ups and 17 food trucks. That adds…

Published on June 11, 2019 by Kelsey O'Connor