Chicago Like a Local blog

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

Latest blog posts

Architecture & history, Blog, Special events

Where to celebrate Women’s History Month in Chicago

The City of Chicago and the State of Illinois have placed restrictions on many events and businesses to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We strongly…

Published on March 3, 2020 by Kelsey O'Connor

Parks & outdoors, Special events

Celebrate spring at Chicago’s best flower and garden shows

Chicago is a city with a lot of nicknames, but one of the most fitting is Urbs in Horto — Latin for “city in a…

Published on February 27, 2020 by Amy Bizzarri

DCASE Blues Music Festival Blues Fest 2018 in Millennium Park Budweiser Crossroads Stage Joe Louis Walker performance

Blog, Music, Special events

Celebrate the Year of Chicago Music with a new city-wide music festival

The Year of Chicago Music is here and it’s starting off on an exciting note. The recently announced Chicago In Tune music festival will take…

Published on February 13, 2020 by Kelsey O'Connor

Chicago's First Lady St. Patrick's Day Clover Cruise Chicago's First Lady St. Patrick's Day Clover Cruise

Blog, Special events

St. Patrick’s Day bar crawls, parties, and booze cruises in Chicago

The City of Chicago is postponing the St. Patrick’s Day parades and river dyeing as a precautionary measure to prevent further spread of the coronavirus…

Published on February 7, 2020 by Kelsey O'Connor

Special events

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago’s neighborhoods

The City of Chicago is postponing the St. Patrick’s Day parades and river dyeing as a precautionary measure to prevent further spread of the coronavirus…

Published on February 6, 2020 by Margaret Poe

Classic Candelight concerts at Newberry Library

Blog, Special events

50+ things to do in Chicago this February

Chicagoans never let a little cold keep them inside. While February in Chicago can get a little frosty, there’s plenty of thins to do all…

Published on February 4, 2020 by Kelsey O'Connor

Arts, culture & entertainment, Special events

15 things to do for Valentine’s Day in Chicago

Whether you’re single or spending the day with your sweetheart, Valentine’s Day is a time to treat yourself to something special. Here are a few…

Published on January 14, 2020 by Allana Mortell

Special events

Where to celebrate Chinese New Year in Chicago

Are you ready for the Year of the Rat? This year, the Chinese New Year falls on Jan. 25 and ushers in the auspicious rat…

Published on January 10, 2020 by Margaret Poe

Blog, Special events

50+ things to do in Chicago this January

A new year means tons of new events in Chicago — and lots of old favorites, too. January is packed with cool things to do…

Published on December 26, 2019 by Kelsey O'Connor

Dining, Special events

9 award-winning spots not to miss during Chicago Restaurant Week

Want to get a taste of Chicago’s top dining experiences without breaking the bank? Chicago Restaurant Week is the perfect excuse to start checking off…

Published on December 18, 2019 by Zoe Krey

Dining, Special events

Where to eat New Year’s Eve dinner in Chicago

Ring in the New Year in true Chicago style — with an unforgettable meal. The city’s acclaimed culinary scene pulls out all the stops for…

Published on December 13, 2019 by Kelsey O'Connor

Dining, Special events

9 new restaurants to try during Chicago Restaurant Week

In Chicago, there’s no better time to experience the city’s acclaimed dining scene than Chicago Restaurant Week. This year’s edition of the annual foodie fest…

Published on December 11, 2019 by Margaret Poe

Dining, Festivals, Free & cheap, Special events

What to eat, drink, and do at Christkindlmarket Chicago

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

Published on November 1, 2019 by Alma Bahman

Blog, Family, Festivals & special events, Free & cheap, Holidays, Special events

Your guide to The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2019

The holiday season is always an exciting time in Chicago. With countless events across multiple neighborhoods, there are so many ways to celebrate. One event…

Published on October 31, 2019 by Zoe Krey

Dining, Special events

Where to eat Thanksgiving dinner in Chicago

Thanksgiving is supposed to be about food and family. But between all the cooking and cleaning, the family part tends to fall by the wayside.…

Published on October 23, 2019 by Kelsey O'Connor

Special events

Where to celebrate Day of the Dead in Chicago

You can experience Mexican influences all over Chicago, from the taquerias and tamale carts in Little Village to the colorful murals in Pilsen and beyond.…

Published on October 17, 2019 by Margaret Poe

Special events

7 movies not to miss during the Chicago International Film Festival

From Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to High Fidelity and The Sting, Chicago has played host to an impressive range of classic movies. Last year, more…

Published on October 15, 2019 by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Nightlife, Special events

Halloween parties at Chicago restaurants & bars

Halloween in Chicago is just around the corner. That means pumpkin patches, trick or treating, haunted houses and most of all — Halloween parties. Chicago’s…

Published on October 10, 2019 by Janeil Dickens

Architecture & history, Special events

Open House Chicago: 9 places to explore

Open House Chicago is a free, public architecture festival that opens up the coolest buildings in the city for one weekend a year. Mark your…

Published on October 9, 2019 by Alma Bahman

Chicago Architecture Biennial installation 2019

Architecture & history, Special events

Chicago Architecture Biennial: 8 things to see and do

There’s Chicago as it is, and Chicago as it could be. Through the careful curation of dozens of lectures, tours, exhibits, and interactive experiences spanning…

Published on October 3, 2019 by Hayley Grgurich