Things to do
The 50 best things to do in Chicago right now
No matter where your interests lie, you can always find something to get excited about in this no-nonsense Midwestern metropolis.
Things to Do
Discover the best things to do in Chicago, including popular events, festivals, attractions, tours and free activities
Museums
The best Chicago museums
Want to see premier pieces from famous artists? Some of the world's most famous collections and exhibits can be found in Chicago.
Attractions
The best Chicago attractions
Chicago might be known as the Second City, but our attractions are first-class.
Things to do
Cheap things to do in Chicago
Enjoy the city without spending a ton of cash by searching out cheap things to do in Chicago.
Things to do
The best things to do indoors
Don’t let the weather get in the way of having a great day and stay warm and dry by enjoying some of the best things to do indoors in Chicago.
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Things to do in Chicago every day
Things to do during fall in Chicago
Things to do
Fall activities in Chicago: The best things to do
It won't be long before we're huddled inside for winter, so get out and enjoy the city with the best things to do in the fall in Chicago.
Travel
Admire fall foliage
Hoping to go leaf peeping this year? Head to Chicago's finest parks, gardens and cemeteries for some seasonal sightseeing.
Things to do
Celebrate spooky season
Fall in Chicago is officially underway, which means it's time to turn your attention to all things spooky, ghoulish and pumpkin-filled. Hoping for a fright?...
Things to do
Hunt for ghosts
If you’ve ever wanted to have a real paranormal encounter, Chicago has plenty of destinations to try and make that happen.
Things to do
Take a hike
Thankfully, you don't need to go too far to escape the urban jungle, because there's no shortage of great spots for hiking near Chicago.
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Events at Time Out Market Chicago
Things to do
Drag Brunch
Time Out Market Chicago hosts a fabulous afternoon of glitz, glam and jaw-dropping performances! Hosted by Khloe Daniels, the drag queens are ready to...
Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest
Calling all spooky pups, costumed cats, and furry friends of every kind! Time Out Market and PAWS Animal Shelter invites you to join us for our annual Pet...
Things to do
Industry Mondays
Enjoy delicious food while sipping specialty Cafeto cocktails; all hospitality workers will receive 20% off their bar tabs.
The latest things to do in Chicago
Things to do
Over 1,000 artist-carved pumpkins will light up this Chicago garden next week
Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual Halloween season event, is back and bigger than ever before.
Things to do
The best Halloween stores in Chicago
Find Halloween costumes for kids and adults, plus plenty of creepy decor for your next spooky party
Things to do
Streeterville Doggy & Kitty Halloween Party
Chicago's most adorable Halloween party happens every year at the MCA Sculpture Garden, where local dog (or cat) owners bring their costumed pets for a...
Things to do
Night of the Skating Dead at Chicago Athletic Association
Raise the dead and celebrate spooky season with Chicago Athletic Association's quarterly skate night! Tear through the hotel's one-of-a-kind roller rink...
Things to do
Loft 22 Presents: Haunted Carnival
Loft 22, the luxe lounge inside upscale Italian spot Ummo, is celebrating Halloween in style this year. For one night only, Loft 22 will transform into a...
The latest Chicago news
Things to do
Over 1,000 artist-carved pumpkins will light up this Chicago garden next week
Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual Halloween season event, is back and bigger than ever before.
Restaurants
West Loop hotspot Gino & Marty’s closes, making way for a completely new Italian restaurant
The celebrity-favorite is shutting down until the spring, when it will reopen under a new name and concept.
Travel
These 3 Illinois state parks were just named among the best (and most affordable to visit) in the U.S.—with one in the top 10
Plus, an Indiana park within driving distance of Chicago broke the top 10.
The latest Chicago events
Art
ART on THE MART
Displaying a 25-story-tall video installation on the side of THE MART, ART on THE MART is the largest permanent digital art projection in...
Things to do
Chicago Architecture Biennial
Every two years, Chicago becomes a global hub of architecture and design during the Chicago Architecture Biennial. This edition’s theme is SHIFT:...
Things to do
Chicago Beer Festival
Want to drink a beer underneath Máximo the titanosaur in the Field Museum’s Stanley Field Hall? You'll be able to sample creations from more...
Things to do in Chicago neighborhoods
Things to do
Avondale
The traditionally Polish neighborhood is dotted with arts centers, small parks and interesting shops.
Shopping & Style
Shopping
The best boutiques and shopping in Logan Square, Chicago
Fill an afternoon browsing the neighborhood's shops.
Shopping
19 Chicago gift shops for unique presents
It’s been said that the best gifts in life are free, but no one’s really buying that, right?
Most popular things to do features
Things to do
A new report crowned these four Illinois universities among the best in the U.S.—see who made the cut
U.S. News & World Report ranked these four Illinois universities—two of which are in Chicago—among the 100 best in the nation.
Things to do
I’ve lived in Avondale for 10 years—here’s why it’s the coolest neighborhood in Chicago
Avondale is home to backyard barbecues and front porch hangs, quinceañeras and first communions: real, authentic Chicago.
Things to do
The best October 2025 events in Chicago
Plot out your October in Chicago with our calendar of things to do, including the best festivals and Halloween parties.
Things to do
The best things to do in Chicago this weekend
Find the best things to do in Chicago this weekend with our guide to concerts, exhibitions, festivals and more.
Things to do
The best things to do in Chicago today
Find the best things to do in Chicago today, including parties, concerts, screenings and other can't-miss events.
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Things to do
Avondale, Chicago: The ultimate guide to the neighborhood
Known for its historic Polish and Latino populations, Avondale is filled with notable restaurants, attractions and more.
Things to do
The 50 best things to do in Chicago right now
Discover the best things to do in Chicago, from iconic venues and views to cultural musts and late-night shenanigans.
Things to do
The best places to see fall colors in Chicago
Go leaf peeping at these Chicago parks, cemeteries, forest preserves and more.
Things to do
After a two-year closure, Chicagoans can visit this beloved landmark again
Designed by the renowned architect behind Promontory Point, Lincoln Park’s Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is a triumph of both design and nature.
Things to do
Five iconic landmarks you’ll be able to access for free during Open House Chicago 2025
From urban farms and distilleries to rock clubs and a magic lounge, you’ll be able to tour hundreds of buildings for free at this year’s edition of Open House...
Time In - movies we love
Movies
Here’s what’s new on Netflix in October 2025: 13 best movies and shows to watch
It’s a big one, folks. October marks the start of Netflix’s official awards season push, with several big-name premieres on the calendar, none...
Movies
'One Battle After Another' review: DiCaprio is a blast in this politically-charged romp
A fast, cold open at the US-Mexico border where a gang of revolutionaries named the French 75 prepare to free hundreds of detained immigrants set the burning...
Movies
How historically accurate is Netflix’s ‘House of Guinness’?
The biggest name in Netflix’s new series House of Guinness may be James Norton, but the man behind it is bigger. Steven Knight, best known as creator of...
Movies
'The Lost Bus' review: Survival thriller barrels along at the speed of the fire itself
The odd Twisters apart, Hollywood isn’t exactly filling our cinemas with cataclysmic visions of natural and man-made disasters these days –...
Movies
'Him' review: Gridiron and gore make a spiky mix in this Jordan Peele-produced horror
Pity the casual moviegoer who just wanted to see a Marlon Wayans football flick, or a Jordan Peele-produced horror joint. Because Him is, instead, a...
Time In - songs we love
Music
The 50 best karaoke songs ever made
Whether you’ve got the voice of an angel or you’re totally tone deaf, karaoke unites us all.
Music
The best songs of 2025 so far
This year of music has started with a bang. We’ve seen Chappell Roan go country, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco smothering audiences with gushy love songs...
Music
The best albums of 2025 so far
We’re only a few months through the year and our auditory canals have already been graced with some absolutely cracking new music.
Music
The 30 best love songs of all time
Being in love tends to make you want to shout from the rooftops about how great it all is, so it’s no surprise it dominates the music world.
Music
The 37 best inspirational songs of all time
There’s a reason why motivational songs that put a firm pep in your step stand the test of time. As these timeless inspirational tracks prove, music that...