Festivals & special events, Special events
What’s new at Chicago Gourmet
Chicago Gourmet is one of the top food festivals in the country — known for bringing together the city’s best and brightest culinary stars for…
Chicago Like a Local blog
Unique perspectives on the city from the people who live here.
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Special events
Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade 2019
Thursday, Nov. 26, 2019 It’s turkey time! The Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the holiday season with a fun-filled morning in the heart of…
Festivals, Special events
Where to celebrate the 4th of July in Chicago
Fourth of July is an iconic summer event. And no one celebrates like Chicago. Whether it’s a bustling neighborhood street festival, a scenic boat cruise,…
Festivals & special events, Music, Special events
Chicago Jazz Festival
Aug. 23 – Sept. 2, 2019 The oldest of Chicago’s free lakefront music festivals boasts an incredibly diverse lineup during its carefully curated 10 days, which includes free…
Parks & outdoors, Special events
Chicago beach guide
Chicago’s stunning skyline soars over 26 miles of uninterrupted lakefront, including 24 free public beaches. Whether you’re looking to swim, kayak, paddleboard, sip cocktails, or…
Special events
Celebrate summer with these free events at the Chicago Riverwalk
What: Chicago Riverwalk Season Celebration When: Monday, May 13 – Sunday, May 18, 2019 Where: Chicago Riverwalk between Lake Street and Lake Shore Drive What…
Dining, Special events
Chicago bachelorette party: 6 ways to celebrate in the city
Planning one last fling before the ring? Chicago is the perfect spot for a getaway with your girls. That’s because there’s a little something for…
Dining, Special events
Where to celebrate James Beard Eats Week
Chicago’s dining scene is known around the country for its diverse restaurant landscape, innovative chefs, and Midwestern hospitality — which makes it the perfect place to…
Special events
Chicago Dance Month: 6 must-see events and shows
Salsa, rumba, or waltz your way into spring during the seventh annual Chicago Dance Month. Through the entire month of April, an array of cultural…
Special events
Star Wars Celebration is coming to Chicago: Here’s what to expect
If you’re feeling a disturbance in the Force, it’s because there’s about to be thousands of voices crying out — in celebration. Star Wars Celebration…
Special events
50+ things to do in Chicago this spring
You can feel spring coming from a mile away in Chicago. The minute the snow melts, the city starts buzzing with outdoor concerts, neighborhood street fests,…
Special events
6 reasons to check out C2E2 in Chicago
The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (more commonly known as C2E2) makes a vibrant return to McCormick Place from March 22 – 24, 2019. The…
Dining, Special events
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at these Chicago bars & restaurants
St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is a celebration like no other. And the local bars and restaurant are getting in the Irish spirit with specials…
Special events
7 things to do in Chicago on St. Patrick’s Day
At times, it can feel like Chicago is the most Irish city in the country. While apparently there are places with larger Irish populations, there’s…
Arts, culture & entertainment, Special events
8 ways to do 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 eight ways…
Special events
Where to celebrate Chinese New Year in Chicago
So long Year of the Dog. Hello Year of the Pig. This year’s Chinese New Year, which begins on Feb. 5 and ends Feb. 19,…
Dining, Special events
10 new restaurants to try during Chicago Restaurant Week
Chicago Restaurant Week is a great excuse to stop by your favorite neighborhood spot, but don’t miss the opportunity to try something new. Out of…
Special events
A new fireworks show will light up the Chicago River this New Year’s Eve
Chicago will ring in the New Year with a bang this year. A midnight fireworks display will dazzle spectators along the Chicago river and lakefront…
Arts, culture & entertainment, Special events, Tours & attractions
20 Chicago tours, attractions, and events to catch this winter
A little cold isn’t enough to keep Chicagoans indoors. The winter is packed with holiday festivities, raucous concerts, artisan markets, must-see shows and so much…
Special events
Where to see Santa in Chicago
You can catch Santa all over Chicago during the holidays. He might be feeding hay to his reindeer at the Lincoln Park Zoo, sipping hot…
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.…
Special events
Celebrate the Day of the Dead in Chicago
The Day of the Dead is fast approaching, and Chicagoans are eagerly gearing up for the three-day Latin American holiday that honors the dearly departed.
Dining, Festivals, Special events
Come “Rock the Fork” at two of Chicago Gourmet’s new events
Food and music – they’re a fabulous pair, and “two of Chicago’s most beloved cultural institutions,” says Sam Toia, president and CEO of the Illinois…
Special events, Tours & attractions
10 of Chicago’s most haunted places
Halloween is hands down my favorite holiday. Which makes living in Chicago all the more fun. Chicago is a city with history — a whole lot…
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