Chicago Like a Local blog

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

Latest blog posts

Dining, Special events

21 award-winning restaurants offering Chicago Restaurant Week 2026 deals

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…

Blog, Special events

Your guide to the Chicago Auto Show 2026

For car lovers, winter in Chicago can only mean one thing — the Chicago Auto Show. Whether you’re a first-time or an Auto Show veteran,…

Arts, culture & entertainment, Special events

Top things to do for Valentine’s Day in Chicago

Chicago is the perfect place to spend Valentine’s Day. The city offers the ideal mix of big-city romance and cozy winter vibes, whether you’re looking…

Blog, Special events

10 free things to do in Chicago this January 2026

This month in Chicago, go ice skating in the heart of downtown, admire works in one of the world’s top art museums, and explore the…

Blog, Special events

50+ things to do in Chicago this January

New year, plenty of new things to do in Chicago. January may bring chillier temps, but there’s still tons happening indoors and outdoors throughout the…

Dining, Special events

20+ restaurants for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve 2026 dinner in Chicago

As the year winds down, the city’s dining scene lights up as brightly as the fireworks over Navy Pier. Ring in 2026 with exciting New…

Dining, Festivals, Special events

What to eat, drink, and buy at Christkindlmarket Chicago

Christkindlmarket has been a holiday tradition in Chicago since 1996. Modeled after the 16th-century holiday markets in Germany, the free-admission outdoor bazaar in downtown Daley…