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.…
Chicago Like a Local blog
Unique perspectives on the city from the people who live here.
Latest blog posts
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…
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…
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…
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…
Arts, culture & entertainment, Blog, Special events
Chicago Humanities Festival 2019: The full star-studded lineup
The Chicago Humanities Festival is back for its 30th anniversary — and this year it’s all about power. The annual fall festival, one of the…
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…
Festivals, Festivals & special events, Special events
Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade 2019
Thursday, Nov. 28, 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
Update: The 2020 Chicago Jazz Festival has been canceled to prevent further spread of COVID-19. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2021. The oldest…
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
6 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…
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…
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.
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