Chicago Like a Local blog

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

Latest Posts

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…

Sports & recreation

Chicago sporting events this summer: 5 not to miss

Chicago is America’s best sports city, and this summer is the perfect time to experience it for yourself. The season is packed with world-class sports…

Arts, culture & entertainment

How to spend a night out in Old Town, Chicago

There’s a lot to love about the Old Town neighborhood in Chicago. This charming pocket of Chicago feels like a different city in itself with…

Free & cheap

Enjoy free theatre events in Chicago all summer long

It’s the Year of Chicago Theatre, and this summer is packed with plenty of ways to join the celebration. There’s outdoor movie screenings, theatre performances…

Nightlife

9 new Chicago breweries and tap rooms you need to try

These are high times for beer lovers in the Chicago area. Last year, our city surpassed all of its peers as the number one city…

Tours & attractions

How to spend 24 hours in Chicago’s Hyde Park

This eclectic quality gives this neighborhood a small-town feel in the middle of a big, dynamic city.

Festivals

Chicago street festivals: 11 neighborhood fests to check out

Chicago is home to 77 unique neighborhoods across the city, and it seems like each has its own summer festival. When the warmer months roll…

Tours & attractions

West Town, Chicago: Things to do and eat

Even locals might not be able to point to Chicago’s West Town on a map. The neighborhood’s indistinct boundaries (roughly surrounded by Wicker Park to…

Arts, culture & entertainment

Explore Chicago’s newest arts district

The area around Chicago’s historic Water Tower is best known for its luxury shopping. And it lives up to the hype, with an incredible array…

Tours & attractions

Things to do in Chicago’s Wrigleyville

If you’re looking for a good time, look no further than Wrigleyville. You'll find lively sports bars, cool new restaurants, and (of course) the Chicago Cubs.