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…

Published on October 15, 2019 by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

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…

Published on September 23, 2019 by Kelsey O'Connor

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 August 8, 2019 by Kelsey O'Connor

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,…

Published on June 13, 2019 by Alma Bahman

Festivals & special events, Music, Special events

Chicago Jazz Festival

Free admission • Millennium Park The oldest of Chicago’s free lakefront music festivals boasts an incredibly diverse lineup, which includes free neighborhood concerts leading up…

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

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 2021 at these Chicago bars and 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 Choose Chicago