The 49 best things to do in Chicago right now

What is it? A pumpkin patch pop-up in the middle of the city.

Why go? If you don’t have a car or simply don’t want to drive out to the suburbs, Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is here to alleviate your FOMO by bringing fall fun to the city. Spread across a two-acre plot of land just west of Goose Island, the annual experience offers more than thousands of pumpkins, a corn maze, carnival games, food trucks and much more.

Don't miss: Test your arm and aim with axe throwing.

What is it? Perks that go far beyond being able to check out books.

Why go? In addition to thousands of events across the 82 branches, many of which are also open to non-cardholders, there are many free things you can do just by having a library card.

Don't miss: Did you know you can stream blockbuster movies, TV shows and music for free with a Chicago Public Library card? What about the fact that you can get a free language learning app subscription? A CPL card is more powerful than you think.

What is it? A pinball palace located in the Salt Shed's former boiler room (owned by none other than Jim Zespy of Logan Arcade).

Why go? Housing over 100 games, 8-bit purists, pinball wizards and casual gamers will all find fun ways to collect virtual prize tickets, which can be redeemed at a fully-stocked prize shop. Billed as an all-ages space by day and adult-centric playground—complete with jello shots—by night, there's something for everyone at Elston Electric.

Don't miss: Regular Pinball League Nights, where groups of four duke it out for concert tickets, game cards and more.

What is it? Nearby destinations full of autumn festivities.

Why go? Nothing says fall like a pumpkin patch, where you pick out your own gourd, go on a hayride and play with animals in a petting zoo. 

Don't miss: If you’re looking for even more seasonal activities, make a whole day out of it by checking out the best places to see fall foliage outside of Chicago.

What is it? Terrifying immersive attractions filled with monsters, clowns and other terrors that go bump in the night.

Why go? If you love to be scared, there’s no better time than fall. Plan a trip to the top haunted houses around Chicago and steel your nerves as grotesque horrors await in every room and dark corner. 

Don’t miss: Certain dates offer special experiences, like blackout nights or nights of isolation (i.e., no actors are present).

What is it? The best bookstores across Chicago.

Why go? From Spanish-language children's stories and contemporary BIPOC novels to deep dives into LGBTQ history, these shops cater to every niche.

Don't miss: Last Chapter, Chicago's first and only bookstore to exclusively carry romance titles in Roscoe Village.

What is it? Every year, Chicago's trees burst into stunning shades of yellow, orange and crimson as fall descends upon the city for a few short weeks. 

Why go? You'll see fall foliage whether you're looking for it or not—with trees scattered throughout the city, it's pretty hard to miss—but we prefer checking out some tried-and-true spots for maximizing gorgeous views. And between graceful weeping willows in Graceland Cemetery's arboretum, dense forest preserves and fiery red Japanese maples at the Chicago Botanic Garden, you're not short on options. 

Don't miss: Peak fall color, thanks to this useful map that predicts when local foliage will achieve maximum splendor. 

What is it? The Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park spans nearly 20 acres, featuring a towering, 235-foot-tall museum building, a public plaza and expansive surrounding green spaces. 

Why go? The center serves as a space to explore the career and legacy of President Barack Obama, as well as a vibrant community gathering space.

Don't miss: Check the Center's events calendar for the latest programming like concerts, talks and community events.

What is it? A 25-story-tall video installation projected on the south side of THE MART.

Why go? ART on THE MART is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, with programming that changes seasonally. 

Don't miss: Pregame the night's projections with a stop at Tiny Tapp on the Riverwalk.

What is it? Plucking fruit straight from the source.

Why go? With a crisp chill in the air, fall is for picking pounds and pounds of apples to take home. The surrounding suburbs offer plenty of opportunities to do so, plus family-friendly activities and other delights like apple cider and apple cider donuts.

Don’t miss: A one-of-a-kind apple tree maze at Royal Oak Farm Orchard.

What is it? A free 45-minute walking tour in the heart of downtown that happens on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

Why go? Experience the wealth of public art decorating the city through the eyes of an expert. Each tour is led by a docent and covers a half-mile, beginning outside the Chicago Cultural Center and ending in Millennium Park. Throughout the tour, the docent offers context about each piece and its artist.

Don't miss: Before you embark on the tour, browse the wares at Buddy, the Chicago Cultural Center's hyper-local gift shop. 

What is it? A world-renowned orchestra.

Why go? Considered one of the leading orchestras in the United States, the CSO plays a variety of enthralling music and hosts touring soloists and small ensembles as well. From fall to spring, Symphony Center is home to the CSO. 

Don't miss: Check out the CSO's events page for the latest happenings.

What is it? A one-stop shop for any locavore on the hunt for the perfect gift at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Why we love it: With an ever-growing fleet of Chicagoland vendors, options are abundant, from ceramics and clothing to zines and music.

Don't miss: Sure, you’ll find Chicago flag enamel pins and prints, but you’ll also find everything from glass ornaments and whimsical, maximalist clocks to handmade dolls and vinyl.

What is it? A sprawling exhibition that seamlessly bridges the gap between pop culture and hard science.

Why go? Whether you’re parenting a pint-sized Pokémon devotee or a nostalgic millennial still clinging to a holographic Charizard card for its “possible resale value” (guilty), the Pokémon Fossil Museum is designed to surprise and delight. Making its U.S. debut at the Field Museum in spring 2026, the international exhibition invites visitors to compare Fossil Pokémon like Tyrantrum and Archeops with real-world fossils—including SUE the T. rex. Expect Pokémon models, real fossil excavation tools and immersive soundscapes throughout.

Don't miss: The merch shop to grab yourself a Pikachu collectible.

What is it? Hiking trails around Chicagoland.

Why go? Visit a state park or nature preserve for an adventurous escape from the city. These sprawling, winding paths will take you through historic sites, sand dunes, woodlands and much more.

Don't miss: Try your luck at spotting roaming buffalo at Buffalo Rock State Park—just a two-hour drive from Chicago.

What is it? Intricately designed labyrinths set in large fields.

Why go? Whether it’s themed after Jurassic Park or Super Mario Bros., a corn maze offers excitement for both children and adults alike. Wander through acres of corn stalks, with mystery awaiting around every turn. 

Don't miss: If you're hoping to dial up the spookiness, check out Heap’s Haunted Corn Maze—a nighttime-only walkthrough dotted with ghouls and goblins whose only goal is to scare the living daylights out of you.

What is it? A formerly abandoned stretch of elevated railway track named after the first three digits in every Chicago zip code. 

Why go? Looking for a convenient way to get between Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Wicker Park and Bucktown? This is it. The 2.7-mile path was spruced up by the city and turned into a functional attraction that delights locals and visitors.

Don’t miss: Local artist Jeff Zimmermann's colorful Conagra Mural (Urbs in Horto) just across the Milwaukee Avenue bridge, which acknowledges Chicago's agricultural legacy.

What is it? One of the best places to sit on a rock and look at tall buildings from afar.

Why go? Just north of the Museum of Science and Industry, this man-made peninsula is a short jaunt from the Lakefront Trail. When the sun is out, it's a beloved spot for picnics, lounging and canoodling on the rock steps that line the perimeter of the point.

Don’t miss: The Promontory Point Field House, an extremely popular wedding venue that looks like a miniature castle.

What is it? A museum dedicated to astronomy and all things outer space.

Why go? You'll escape the planet with exhibits about the first lunar missions, the solar system and more, plus immersive shows in the dome theater. The Doane Observatory is also home to the largest public telescope in the area, and gathers 7,000 times more light than the human eye.

Don't miss: Make the most out of your trek down to Museum Campus by visiting the Adler's neighbors: the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. 

What is it? What people think of when they hear “Chicago theater.”

Why go? Steppenwolf is known for its all-star collection of ensemble talent (folks like Laurie Metcalf, John Malkovich, Carrie Coon and Tracy Letts number among its ranks).

Don't miss: The Veterans' Night Series, started more than 40 years ago, lets veterans be the first to see every production with free tickets to the final dress rehearsal of upcoming shows.

What is it? A storied 5am dive with a killer jazz jukebox, no-nonsense attitude and the most conversation-inducing bar art in the city.

Why go? Knock back stiff drinks with a gloriously diverse cast of characters from grizzled old timers to tourists from nearby Second City at this late-night watering hole. It’s a favorite of many cultural icons, from the late Anthony Bourdain and actor Michael Shannon (he watched the Oscars here in 2018) to Chicago film critic Roger Ebert—and should be a fave of yours, too.

Don’t miss: The bar is decked out with nudie paintings of famous politicians like Sarah Palin and Rod Blagojevich by Bruce Elliott, one of the establishment’s most famous patrons.

What is it? A regular bingo night hosted by a leopard print-wearing, Metamucil-drinking Midwestern cougar. 

Why go? Twice a month, Carol's Pub transforms into a rowdy bingo hall helmed by Aunt Nance, a delightfully eccentric character masterminded by local comedian Brittny Congleton. Throughout the night, Nance calls out bingo numbers with the flair of a tipsy Midwest aunt, mixing in musical interludes, sharp one-liners and the occasional George Michael reference.

Don't miss: The mid-bingo round “seventh-inning stretch,” which often paves the way for unpredictable madness, like a conga line running through Aunt Nance's dressing room.

What is it? Where Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Gilda Radner, Chris Farley and Steve Carell cut their comedic teeth. 

Why go? Before they joined the cast of Saturday Night Live or became big-screen stars, those folks above practiced their craft on the mainstage at the Second City. The venue's premiere revue features some of the institution's most talented performers in a series of loosely-connected, topical comedy sketches.

Don't miss: Itching to take the stage yourself? Sign up for a class at the Second City Training Center.

What is it? Chicago's premiere arthouse theater. 

Why go? Aside from being one of the 50 most beautiful cinemas in the world, the Music Box's screens one of the best assortments of arthouse films, documentaries and foreign language pictures in the city.

Don't miss: Performances on the theatre organ, which is played during weekend intermissions, monthly silent film screenings and other special presentations. 

What is it? A love letter to all things magic hidden behind what appears to be a laundromat.

Why go? After years of performances at Uptown Underground, the Chicago Magic Lounge’s brick-and-mortar manifestation opened in early 2018. The spot sports three performance spaces. There’s the front bar, where you can enjoy a drink and some sleight-of-hand. Then there’s the 120-seat Blackstone Cabaret mainstage, where ticketed shows take place, as well as a smaller back room, dubbed the 654 Club, offers up-close magic.

Don’t miss: While enjoying your cocktail in the bar, check out the magician’s table built into the center of the bar itself. 

What is it? Guarded by an iconic pair of bronze lions, the Art Institute of Chicago houses a permanent collection of more than 300,000 artworks. 

Why go? The Art Institute of Chicago is filled with masterpieces from every era, from Georges Seurat’s iconic painting A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (notable for its appearance in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) to Andy Warhol's print of actress Elizabeth Taylor. 

Don’t miss: Catch the new exhibit Mary Cassatt: After Impressionism, and the rest of the exhibits currently on view.

What is it? A water taxi service with three pick-up and drop-off points between downtown and Chinatown.

Why go? If you're looking to get out on the water for budget prices, you won’t find a better option than the bright yellow water taxi—a one-way ticket will set you back just $10, while a 10-ride pass is $25.

Don't miss: Explore the peaceful Ping Tom Park at the route's Chinatown stop before or after your ride.

What is it? A Wicker Park destination for discerning record nerds.

Why go? The "dusty grooves," of course, refer to the wonderous global rhythms found in the smartly curated bins, sorted into Tropicalia, Afrobeat, reggae, vintage soul, French pop, blues, jazz and other genres. 

Don’t miss: Obscure titles that you'll have a hard time finding elsewhere in the city.

What is it? The most romantic things to do Chicago.

Why go? We’ve got plenty of ways for you to show your affection. Treat you and your significant other to a luxurious spa treatment, book a table at one of the most romantic restaurants in Chicago or plan the perfect date night.

Don't miss: Looking for love? We’ve got you covered with the best places to meet singles.

What is it? A gorgeous glass structure home to more than 100,000 plants. 

Why go? When temps start to dip, there are few better places in Chicago to escape the cold than Garfield Park Conservatory, where you can wander through eight indoor display gardens full of greenery. Marvel at towering tropical plants in the 65-foot Palm House, admire cacti in the Desert House and imagine the primordial settings of Illinois millions of years ago among the lush Fern Room.   

Don't miss: The Garfield Park Conservatory is free, but timed reservations are required; there is also an opportunity to make a donation when you book or arrive.

What is it? One of the last free zoos in the country, this 35-acre attraction connects visitors with animals from all over the world.

Why go? More than 1,000 critters are waiting for you to visit them—free of charge—in Lincoln Park. From mammals (beavers, lions, otters and bears) to birds (penguins, eagles and parrots) to reptiles (snakes, crocodiles and turtles), there's something for every animal lover. 

Don’t miss: Check out the zoo's calendar for events like meditation and seasonal festivities.

What is it? A neighborhood that serves as one of the primary hubs of Chicago's Chinese community, filled with restaurants, shops and incredible nods to East Asian architecture.

Why go? Chinatown is a great place to mosey from shop to shop and spend some time outdoors, whether you're walking through Chinatown Square or admiring the sweeping skyline views from Ping Tom Memorial Park. 

Don't miss: Dumplings from QYX, bubble tea from the walk-up window at Joy Yee, Peking duck from BBQ King House, cocktails at Nine Bar... the list goes on. Start at Chinatown Square and work your way south down Wentworth, passing under the street's famous gate and into its central commercial strip.

What is it? The observation deck on the 103rd floor of the third tallest building in the U.S. 

Why go? If you're looking to see more of Chicago than you'd be able to take in on a walking tour, the Skydeck is your best bet. On a clear day, you can see up to four states and 50 miles out. The Skydeck's main attraction, The Ledge, features glass boxes hanging out over the building, offering a thrilling experience and even better views from 1,353 feet off the ground. 

Don't miss: Pie in the Sky, the Skydeck's dining experience that includes a three-course meal catered by Giordano's.

What is it? An ace place to lose it to house music, right in the city that invented the genre. 

Why go? In the ’80s, Chicago served as the epicenter of the creation of a new sound that still influences the work of modern hip-hop and electronic artists. If you want to experience house music, there's no more authentic environment than Smart Bar. Within the subterranean Wrigleyville club, skilled DJs, drag performers and sweaty revelers come together to the steady pulse of a house beat.

Don’t miss: The crowded Queen! dance party, which takes place nearly every Sunday night.

What is it? A historic house that Wright himself called "the cornerstone of modern architecture." 

Why go? Nearby Oak Park may be a mecca for Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiasts, but you can see some of the architect's finest work without leaving the city. The Robie House in Hyde Park exemplifies Wright's signature Prairie School style, both in its external appearance and interior design. You can take a peek inside the historic home (and get some decorating ideas) by taking a tour led by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, offered five days a week.

Don’t miss: The bevy of beautiful art-glass windows and the furniture (also designed by Wright). 

What is it? A ’40-era drive-in that still sends uniformed servers to your car, delivering hot dogs, burgers, milkshakes and more fast food delights—recently dubbed the best hot dog stand in Chicago by Time Out.

Why go? As its name suggests, Superdawg specializes in Chicago-style hot dogs, which add piccalilli and a pickled green tomato to the usual array of toppings. Every super dish comes in a cute box (usually on a bed of crisp French fries) and can be ordered from your car or at a walk-up window.

Don't miss: Try the Superonionchips instead of the Superfries—they're like onion rings, but better.

What is it? An Uptown institution that books smart bebop and free jazz with a discriminating ear. 

Why go? In the ’20s, Chicago gangsters like Al Capone were known to frequent the Green Mill, but ever since Prohibition, the club has garnered a reputation for hosting live jazz every night. 

Don’t miss: Taking a picture under the glittering marquee, which wasn't actually destroyed in Michael Mann's 1981 neo-noir film Thief. 

What is it? The Newberry Library, founded in 1887, is an independent research library located right in the heart of the Gold Coast.

Why go? From illuminated medieval manuscripts to the personal papers of local authors, the Newberry is home to an impressive collection of work that is free to access. The library hosts exhibitions, theatrical performances, lectures, seminars, workshops and more. 

Don't miss: Sign up for a free tour of the Newberry Library.

What is it? A worker-owned bookstore, offering new and used books for in-store browsing and curbside pickup.

Why go? You can support a local business while chipping away at your reading list by ordering something from this Pilsen shop. Submit an order online or call and talk to a human during business hours if you need a recommendation.

Don't miss: Add a donation to the Liberation Library to your order to support the purchase of books for incarcerated youth.

What is it? A West Town cafe-meets-gift shop that looks like it was designed by Wes Anderson.

Why go? Step inside and you're greeted by a velvet-upholstered counter, sticker-covered clipboards and sleek, futuristic-font signs declaring that the space is "not a cult." Cake-shaped candles, fluorescent tea boxes and handmade ceramics are artfully arranged on shelves and tables, every detail carefully curated. With a menu stacked with delectable drinks, you'll never want to leave.

Don't miss: Grab a drink from the Monday Coffee Co. outpost on-site.

What is it? The best damn rock club in the States.

Why go? For more than a quarter of a century, a gig at the Empty Bottle has served as a rite of passage for local and touring musicians. The nondescript club on the edge of Ukrainian Village is far from the biggest venue in town (capacity is around 300), but the folks who book it have a knack for landing rockers, electronic acts and experimental musicians on the rise. Grab an Old Style, find a spot on the stairs by the stage and take in a sure-to-be memorable show. 

Don’t miss: A slice of pizza before (or after) the show at next door's Pizza Friendly Pizza. 

What is it? This smoke shack was born when the steel industry was thriving and the area was populated by hungry day laborers.

Why go? Located near a bridge featured in The Blues Brothers just west of the Indiana border, Calumet Fisheries slings smoked shrimp, trout, sable and more. There's no seating inside, so you'll need to take your paper bag full of seafood outside, where you can find a spot along the bridge to chow down or just eat it inside your car. 

Don’t miss: Don't forget to get some crackers and coleslaw to pair with your expertly smoked fish.

What is it? A bright and airy brewery specializing in saison-style beers.

Why go? Since staking its claim on Ravenswood’s flourishing “Malt Row,” Is/Was Brewing has emerged as an authority on saison-style beers. 

Don't miss: Weekly Trivia Tuesdays with QuizzDaddy Trivia and Bingo Thursdays.

What is it? A theater where performance art is populist and fun AF. 

Why go? You never know what you'll see when you attend the Neo-Futurists' signature show, Infinite Wrench, but it's nearly always entertaining. The ensemble races against the clock to cram 30 miniature, two-minute plays into a 60-minute show that bristles with madcap energy. Over the course of the evening, you might witness a dramatic monologue, a funny song or simply stare at someone eating a sandwich. 

Don’t miss: Grab a seat toward the front of the stage if you're game for interacting directly with the show's performers (their plays occasionally call for audience participation). 

What is it? A store that's not for the faint of heart and is one hell of a conversation starter.

Why go? You never know what you'll find at this popular Andersonville antique store, which prides itself on stocking items that are "resurrected from the past." Taxidermy, diving helmets, military supplies and other interesting knick-knacks typically line the shelves.

Don’t miss: The anatomy items, medical stuff, skull bones (of all kinds) and skeletons.

What is it? Chicago's only aquarium, home to thousands of colorful fish and other aquatic creatures.

Why go? Permanent exhibitions like "Wild Reef" and "Amazon" allow you to gaze at fish, stingrays, an anaconda and sharks. But the interactive experiences may be the biggest draw, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with some of the animals that live at the Shedd Aquarium and learn more about them.

Don't miss: The internet-famous rockhopper penguins, known for exploring the Shedd (and other Chicago institutions) during lockdown in 2020. You can say hi to them in the Polar Play Zone exhibit.

What is it? You have to listen to blues music when you’re in Chicago, and few places are as fun to see the blues as Kingston Mines.

Why go? The city’s largest and oldest continuously operating blues club features high-energy live blues bands performing on two stages until 4am Thursdays and Fridays and 5am on Saturdays. Whether you’re hanging with bleary-eyed tourists from Iowa or friends of the local blues guitarists on stage, it’s hard to have a bad time here.

Don’t miss: The cover grants you entry to both rooms and its two different stages.

What is it? Designed by activist and artist Yoko Ono, Skylanding is composed of 12 large steel lotus petals jutting from the ground of the Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park.

Why go? Calling all public-art fanatics. This gleaming installation from the famed artist has become a major draw in the 600-acre park. The photogenic sculpture was erected as a symbol of peace, taking up residence on the site of a pavilion built by the Japanese government for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.  

Don’t miss: The park is also home to a beautiful, traditional Japanese respite dubbed the Garden of the Phoenix.