Chicago Like a Local blog

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

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Special events

Shop Chicago’s gift-filled holiday markets

Looking for the perfect gift? Chicago is home to a whole host of holiday markets, from artisan pop-ups with cool, handmade items to traditional Christmas…

Published on December 1, 2021 by Amy Bizzarri

Blog, Special events

50+ things to do in Chicago this December

With the holidays in full swing, December is a magical month of things to do throughout the city. There’s plenty to keep you busy as…

Published on December 1, 2021 by Allana Mortell

Blog, Special events

Things to do in Chicago this weekend

Want to know what’s happening this weekend in Chicago? Look no further. There’s a whole calendar of exciting events, exhibits, and activities taking place all…

Published on November 29, 2021 by Choose Chicago

Dining, Special events

Where to eat Thanksgiving dinner in Chicago: dine-in and carry-out

Chicago is a dining destination 365 days a year, which means there are tons of amazing restaurants open on Thanksgiving. Pick a dine-in option to…

Published on November 10, 2021 by Choose Chicago

Blog, Special events

Thanksgiving weekend in Chicago: Top things to do

There’s more to Thanksgiving weekend than eating turkey. Besides a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, there are tons of things to do in Chicago during the holiday…

Published on November 9, 2021 by Choose Chicago

Festivals, Festivals & special events, Special events

Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade

Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021 It’s turkey time! The Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the holiday season with a fun-filled morning in the heart of…

Published on November 8, 2021 by Kelsey O'Connor

Dining, Festivals, Special events

What to eat, drink, and buy at Christkindlmarket Chicago 2021

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…

Published on November 1, 2021 by Alma Bahman

Blog, Neighborhoods, Special events

Day of the Dead in Chicago: a celebration of (after) life

Día de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a tradition that has been practiced for more than 3,000 years in Mexican…

Published on October 15, 2021 by Roxy Delgado

Nightlife, Special events

Chicago Halloween parties 2021: spooky parades, pop-up bars, costume parties, and more

Whether you’re in search of a fright or want to bring your best costume ideas to life, Chicago has a ton of one-of-a-kind events to…

Published on October 15, 2021 by Zoe Krey

Special events, Tours & attractions

11 of Chicago’s most haunted places

Chicago is a city with history — a whole lot of history. So it’s hardly surprising that it’s also a city with ghosts — a…

Published on October 10, 2021 by Choose Chicago

The Plant in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

Architecture & history, Special events

Open House Chicago 2021: 11 architecture sites not to miss

Have you ever walked by a building and thought “I wonder what that looks like inside?” Maybe it’s the old-school brewery in your neighborhood or…

Published on October 7, 2021 by Joe Dixon

Blog, Special events

Chicago voted Best Big City in the U.S. for the fifth year in a row

During the past year and a half, we’ve truly missed welcoming millions of visitors to our amazing city. But Chicago has always been a place…

Published on October 5, 2021 by Choose Chicago

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

Your guide to The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2021

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

Published on October 1, 2021 by Zoe Krey

Blog, Special events

Your guide to fall activities in Chicago

Chicago has something to offer every season of the year, but fall is particularly magical. The leaves turn golden in Millennium Park, a crisp breeze…

Published on October 1, 2021 by Choose Chicago

Architecture & history, Special events

Chicago Architecture Biennial 2021: 6 things to see and do

Architecture can be so much more than the decoration to our cities. It can be a symbol of history, growth, and hope, or even inequality.…

Published on September 20, 2021 by Joe Dixon

Blog, Free & cheap, Special events

Outdoor and drive-in movies in Chicago

Remember drive-in movies? The old-school open-air theatres are having a renaissance. And they’re popping up all over Chicago, along with plenty of outdoor movie screenings…

Published on September 9, 2021 by Kelsey O'Connor

Dining, Festivals, Special events

What’s new at Chicago Gourmet 2021

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

Published on August 24, 2021 by Margaret Poe

Architecture & history, Blog, Special events

Be a part of history at the grand opening of the Pullman National Monument

Step into Chicago’s storied history of the country’s first planned industrial community. The city’s first and only national park site will be honoring the Grand…

Published on August 20, 2021 by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates