Things to do
The best things to do in Chicago this summer
Make the most of summer with our guide to the city's best season.
Things to Do
Discover the best things to do in Chicago, including popular events, festivals, attractions, tours and free activities
Things to do
14 secret parks and gardens in Chicago
Sometimes it's nice to get away from the urban bustle and spend some time in the peace and quiet of nature.
Things to do
The best free things to do in Chicago this month
As it turns out, some of the best things in life—or at least, some of the best things to do in Chicago—are free.
Shopping
The 22 best farmers markets in Chicago
Neighborhoods across the city bring in Midwestern vendors at the best farmers markets in Chicago.
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Things to do in Chicago every day
How to spend summer in Chicago
Things to do
The ultimate guide to free outdoor movies in Chicago this summer
Sometimes, capping the perfect summer day in Chicago involves a movie in one of the city's many beautiful public parks.
Restaurants
The 22 best Chicago Riverwalk and waterfront restaurants
The best spots for outdoor dining in Chicago show off all the beauty the city has to offer.
Bars
The 20 best rooftop bars in Chicago
Nothing screams summertime Chi like admiring the impressive skyline views with a drink in hand.
Shopping
The best flea markets in Chicago
A truly great flea market trip can take your weekend to the next level.
Health and beauty
The 23 best spas in Chicago
Before the city warms up, squeeze in some much-needed rest and relaxation.
Museums
The 28 best museums in Chicago
Experience art, history and science and these well-respected cultural institutions.
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The latest things to do in Chicago
Things to do
36 Chicago slang words that only real Chicagoans know
Don't be a jagoff! Brush up on all of the essential Chicago lingo with our helpful dictionary.
Things to do
A grown-up’s guide to the Lincoln Park Zoo
From after-hours parties to meditation classes, there’s a lot for adults to love about Chicago's free zoo.
Things to do
The best things to do in Chicago this weekend
With our guide to the best festivals, shows and cultural happenings across the city, consider your weekend plans covered.
Things to do
The absolute most beautiful gardens in Chicago
From pillowy roses to delicate wildflowers, you'll find blooms of all shapes and sizes in these gorgeous gardens.
Things to do
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Local restaurants bring their most famous dishes outside for three days of tastings for the 42nd edition of this Lincoln Park street festival....
The latest Chicago news
Restaurants
Chicago is finally getting an official Italian Beef Festival and it debuts next week
The new fest celebrates the iconic Chicago sandwich with food, music, crafts and your chance to vote for the city's best Italian Beef
Things to do
A grown-up’s guide to the Lincoln Park Zoo
From after-hours parties to meditation classes, there’s a lot for adults to love about Chicago's free zoo.
Things to do
Move over, Coachella—a free new Ferris wheel is coming to Lollapalooza next week
And, in a very Coachella move, it's branded.
The latest Chicago events
Things to do
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
Ready to explore Chicago's amazing architecture while floating on the river? The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise takes place aboard a First Lady...
Museums
Declarations: 250 Years of Writing Toward Independence
In honor of America's 250th anniversary, the American Writers Museum presents a pop-up exhibition titled "Declarations: 250 Years of Writing...
Art
Images of Faith: 3000 Years of Spiritual Expressions in Mexico
Explore three millennia of Mexican spiritual beliefs and sacred rituals at the (free) National Museum of Mexican Art's exhibition, Images of...
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
Chicago’s best thrift stores for secondhand, vintage and resale shopping
Be prepared to score some serious deals on items you simply can't find at most other stores.
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
11 things you can do at the Obama Presidential Center without a ticket
You don't need a ticket to enjoy most of what the campus has to offer.
Things to do
Chicago's air quality is among the worst in the country today—here's why
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has pushed air quality across Chicago into unhealthy territory, with officials urging residents to stay indoors until conditions...
Things to do
When will Chicago’s wildfire smoke finally clear? Here’s when you’ll actually be able to breathe easier.
Chicago is expected to see improving air quality later today, but forecasters warn smoky skies could return over the weekend.
Things to do
Where to celebrate the World Cup in Chicago: Watch parties, specials and freebies
Even though Chicago isn’t hosting the World Cup, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate.
Things to do
The best things to do in Chicago this week
Your guide to the best events, festivals, concerts, pop-ups and more this week in Chicago.
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Things to do
The best things to do in Chicago this weekend
With our guide to the best festivals, shows and cultural happenings across the city, consider your weekend plans covered.
Things to do
Where to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show 2026
Get the best views of the Chicago Air and Water Show from rooftops, skyscrapers, beaches and boats.
Things to do
The best August 2026 events in Chicago
Plan your August in Chicago with our events calendar of the best things to do, including concerts, festivals and movies in parks.
Things to do
The best free things to do in Chicago this month
No need to break the bank—check out all the fun (and free) stuff happening throughout the city this month.
Things to do
I paid $20 to argue with strangers in Old Town—and it was surprisingly heartwarming
Despite its name, the new event Arguing With Strangers is a great place to make friends.
Time In - movies we love
Movies
How authentic is Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’?
The debate over The Odyssey was raging long before anyone saw the movie. Culture warriors weighed in on its colour-blind casting, accusing Christopher Nolan of...
Movies
'The Odyssey' review: our verdict on the year's biggest movie
Homer’s The Odyssey first engaged Christopher Nolan when he was attached to direct Troy, 20-odd years ago, and he’s been stealth-adapting Western...
Movies
All Christopher Nolan movies, ranked from best to worst
The Odyssey’s British director Christopher Nolan has reinvented the comic-book movie, somehow made a thriller that takes place entirely inside the mind,...
Movies
The best animes of 2026 (so far)
With the return of popular animes like Jujutsu Kaisen and Frieren in January, this year in anime kicked off pretty early with heroic characters, cutting-edge...
Movies
A brief history of Pixar in 18 Easter eggs
Easter eggs are the ultimate treat for movie geeks – and nobody does them like Pixar. For the uninitiated, these are the secret references in movies that...
Time In - songs we love
Music
The 14 best albums of 2026 so far
Olivia Rodrigo, Madonna, Slayyyter and more feature in the best releases of the year so far, according to Time Out editors and contributors
Music
The 10 songs of the summer for 2026
From Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress to Olivia Rodrigo, these are the hits battling to be this summer’s definitive tune
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 40 best party songs ever made
Party songs come in all shapes and sizes – here’s what should be on your playlist.
Music
The 37 best inspirational songs of all time
Get some pep in your step with these motivational anthems.