Chicago Like a Local blog

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

Architecture & history, Festivals & special events

Open House Chicago

Free admission • Citywide One weekend. 20+ neighborhoods. 150+ places to explore. Open the door to architectural gems all over Chicago. Every October, the Chicago…

Free & cheap, Holidays

Free Halloween events in Chicago

Halloween in Chicago is so much more than just trick-or-treating. There are magical nighttime parades, authentic Day of the Dead celebrations, spine-tingling ghost tours, and…

Family, Holidays

Kid-friendly Halloween events in Chicago

Tricks, treats, and costume fun — Halloween season brings tons of family-friendly events and activities to Chicago. You can pick your own pumpkins, go trick-or-treating,…

Festivals & special events, Food & drink

Chicago’s James Beard Award winners

Chicago is proud to be home to over 50 James Beard Award winners. Since the first ceremony in 1991, this national award has become the…

Festivals & special events, LGBTQ+

LGBTQ+ Chicago events through the year

Chicago is home to some of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the country, from Pride Fest and Parade in June to the Reeling Film Festival…

Festivals & special events, Food & drink

Your guide to Chicago’s food festivals

Get a taste of Chicago’s award-winning dining scene at the city’s packed schedule of food festivals, featuring everything from barbecue to international cuisine to Chicago-style…

Experience Chicago In Tune

Make plans to experience Chicago In Tune, a new citywide festival held Aug. 19 – Sept. 19 that celebrates music in the key of Chicago…

Band playing on stage at Thalia Hall in Chicago

Music, Nightlife

30+ must-see Chicago live music venues

Mainstream pop, indie rock, hip hop, punk, blues, or jazz — no matter your musical taste, you’ll find it live in Chicago any night of…

Architecture & history, Festivals & special events, Museums & art

Must-see art and architecture events in Chicago

Chicago has a long legacy of influential art and architecture, from the birth of the skyscraper to Frank Lloyd Wright’s greatest creations and beyond. And…