Chicago Like a Local blog

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

Latest blog posts

Festivals & special events, Music, Special events

Chicago Jazz Festival

Aug. 28 – Sept. 6, 2020 Free admission • Millennium Park The oldest of Chicago’s free lakefront music festivals boasts an incredibly diverse lineup, which…

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…

Published on May 3, 2019 by Kelsey O'Connor

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…

Published on April 9, 2019 by Kelsey O'Connor

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…

Published on April 5, 2019 by Kelsey O'Connor

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…

Published on March 28, 2019 by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

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…

Published on March 19, 2019 by Dan Morgridge

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,…

Published on March 11, 2019 by Kelsey O'Connor

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…

Published on March 4, 2019 by Yvette Jaskiewicz

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…

Published on March 4, 2019 by Dan Morgridge

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…

Published on February 25, 2019 by Dan Morgridge

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…

Published on December 13, 2018 by Kelsey O'Connor

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…

Published on December 3, 2018 by Kelsey O'Connor

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…

Published on November 29, 2018 by Amy Bizzarri

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.

Published on September 27, 2018 by Timothy Inklebarger

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…

Published on September 10, 2018 by Judy Giannetto

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…

Published on August 30, 2018 by Judy Giannetto

Arts, culture & entertainment, Nightlife, Special events

Chicago’s music legacy: 3 summer festivals celebrate house, gospel & blues

Chicago boasts a musical legacy that few cities can challenge. This is the Midwest Mecca, where urban blues, gospel and house music were born.

Published on April 23, 2018 by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Dining, Special events

2018 James Beard Awards: Chicago welcomes America’s top chefs

For nearly three decades the James Beard Foundation has celebrated chefs and culinary professionals throughout the restaurant and food industry. It has also advanced “delicious, diverse, and…

Published on April 12, 2018 by Timothy Inklebarger