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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.

Jeffy Mai
Written by
Jeffy Mai
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Not sure what's happening around the city today? Allow us to be of service. Chicago's best attractions, which include beautiful parks, neighborhoods and a free zoo, are always a good start. So are Chicago's best museums, from the Art Institute of Chicago to the Shedd Aquarium. Plus—as always—we're keeping track of the top parties, concerts, museum exhibitions, community events and more interesting stuff happening in Chicago day-by-day. Grab your calendar and check out all the best things to do in Chicago today.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago right now 

Best things to do in Chicago today

  • Things to do
  • Wrigleyville
Head to Wrigleyville—the city's unofficial capital for themed pop-ups—to enter a glitzy leprechaun fever dream at Charm'd, Bamboo Club's annual Irish pop-up bar. The multi-level, multi-room bar is decked out in full green decor and, of course, stocked with a veritable pot of alcoholic gold. Standouts include an Irish mule and a boozy green shamrock shake sprinkled with Thin Mints and Peppermint Patties, plus an entire list of shamrock syringe shots. Feeling peckish? In between drinks, be sure to nab Irish classics like a Reuben sandwich or the not-so-classic Irish nachos topped with chipotle cheddar fondue. For dessert, tuck in with a Charm'd sundae, which comes with chopped Snickers, M&Ms, Twix, Reese's cups, peanuts, chocolate and caramel sauce and whipped cream. FYI: You need a ticket to enter the pop-up, so be sure to buy one online before visiting.
  • Things to do
  • Suburbs
Sony Pictures Entertainment has brought its first immersive entertainment destination to Oakbrook Center, inviting guests to enter the worlds of popular franchises like Uncharted, Ghostbusters, Jumanji, Bad Boys, Zombieland and more. The 45,000-square-foot space is home to a variety of activities, ranging from escape rooms to virtual reality and racing simulators to bumper cars. When you need to refuel, drop into the Commissary Restaurant for a full menu of food, desserts and cocktails. Entry to Wonderverse is free, with attractions priced separately.
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  • Things to do
  • Streeterville
Navy Pier’s newest attraction is here, transporting guests to some of Chicago’s most epic places via exhilarating flights. The multi-sensory experience incorporates drone technologies with aerial shots and first-person views to showcase the city like never before. Guests will swoop, dip and turn in motion seats as they climb up skyscrapers, check out iconic landmarks, float through fireworks and more.
  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • price 1 of 4
  • Suburbs
Need a break from the monotonous sights of winter in Chicago? Head to the North Shore for the Chicago Botanic Garden's annual orchid show, where there are more than 10,000 vibrant blooms on display to brighten your day. This year's show is inspired by carnival and circus attractions—you'll walk under Ferris wheel seats and marvel at unicycles on tightropes while listening to classic circus tunes. Swing by on Saturdays and Sundays to shop for orchids of your own in a pop-up marketplace, or stay late on seled Thursday and Friday nights to have a cocktail and funnel cake during Orchids After Hours.
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  • Things to do
  • Loop
Escape the frigid cold —at least temporarily—by heading to Cindy’s for a tropical pop-up experience. Sip on a selection of inventive drinks, like the buttery and complex Shake Ya Tailfeather and the fruity and spirit-forward Rum Ham, or nosh on bites such as egg rolls and pork sliders. The bar is open daily from 5-10pm for walk-ins.
  • Things to do
  • Hyde Park
The Museum of Science and Industry debuts a new exhibit dedicated to the science and technology behind the world’s longest-running film franchise, James Bond. Fans can check out 13 vehicles and over 90 additional artifacts, including the prototype jetpack used in Thunderball, an MI6 Retina Scanner from GoldenEye and the Parahawk snowmobile hybrid from The World Is Not Enough. You’ll also be able to step into a lab space inspired by “Q” and test your skills developing the perfect vehicle for spy activities, designing stunts and more.
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  • Theater
  • Suburbs
Director Elizabeth Margolius presents a different take on this celebrated musical, which centers on tradition and family. Set in a small Russian village, a milkman tries to protect and impart wisdom on his five daughters as they grow up, fall in love and begin families of their own—all in the midst of social and political change. Come early for a bite at their onsite restaurant Lucille, plus specialty cocktails inspired by current shows.
  • Things to do
  • Skokie
Downton Abbey: The Exhibition makes its way to Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie, giving fans an opportunity to step into the world of the hit series. The immersive experience showcases the elaborate sets, detailed costumes and luxurious jewelry of Downton Abbey’s high society inhabitants, and transport visitors to the grand home of the Crawleys and those who served them. From Mrs. Patmore’s hectic kitchen and Carson’s office to the family’s glamorous dining room, the exhibition provides a fascinating look into the post-Edwardian period.
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  • Things to do
  • Streeterville
Rebecca Morris: 2001–2022, running until April 07, 2024, is a 21-year survey of one of the most formidable painters working today. Having persistently charted new territory for abstract painting, this exhibition at MCA features 27 paintings, including the large-scale, dynamic paintings she is best known for. Showcasing the artist’s constant evolution and experimentation, Rebecca Morris: 2001–2022 offers a glimpse into new ways forward for the constantly evolving and expanded field of painting.
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