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
Toast to Oktoberfest
Even if you can't make it to Munich, plenty of Chicago institutions are throwing bustling, German-themed parties to ring in a new season.
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
Highline Chicago
Fulton Market’s biggest rooftop party series is transforming the Time Out Market rooftop into a sky-high club.
Things to do
Industry Mondays
Enjoy delicious food while sipping specialty Cafeto cocktails; all hospitality workers will receive 20% off their bar tabs.
Things to do
Winesday
Join Time Out Market Chicago every Wednesday for a relaxing evening of wine specials. Unwind with a glass of vino, paired with food from some of the...
The latest things to do in Chicago
Things to do
Slow and Low Chicago Lowrider Festival
Hundreds of tricked-out cars and motorcycles line Loomis Street in Pilsen during this annual community festival, where you can take a look under the hood and...
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 week
Find the very best things to do in Chicago this week, including cultural events, festivals and shows.
Things to do
The best Halloween events and parties in Chicago
Break out your best costumes and get ready for a fright at the best Halloween events in Chicago.
Things to do
Halloween in Chicago 2025: Our guide to celebrating
Find some things to do during Halloween season in Chicago, including spooky events, haunted houses and pumpkin patches.
The latest Chicago news
Sports and fitness
This study proves why Chicagoans should be grateful the Bears are leaving Soldier Field
Chicago has acquired some newfound bragging rights: home to the worst NFL game day traffic in the country.
Kids
Good grief! A ‘Peanuts’ exhibit is debuting at this Chicago museum on Saturday—here’s a first look inside
What to know about the Chicago Children's Museum's new exhibition featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang.
Sex and dating
This 130-year-old garden in Chicago is the No. 1 proposal spot in the world
Whether or not you’re ready to pop the question, you’ll want to trek to this stunning oasis on Chicago’s South Side.
The latest Chicago events
Music
Lady Gaga
Get your claws up! Mother Monster is officially coming to Chicago: yes, Lady Gaga is bringing her hotly anticipated Mayhem Ball Tour to Chicago...
Things to do
Chicago Architecture Biennial Opening Weekend
Every two years, Chicago becomes a global hub of architecture and design during the Chicago Architecture Biennial. This edition’s theme is SHIFT:...
Music
Riot Fest
Get ready, punk rockers! Riot Fest is returning to Douglass Park from September 19-21 with a laundry list of rock, punk, metal and emo artists. It's always...
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
The best September 2025 events in Chicago
Summer is almost over, but September in Chicago is packed with things to do, including festivals, exhibits and concerts.
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
These Chicago vending machines sell local art and unexpected treasures—all for under $20
By transforming vending machines into miniature oddities shops, Good Things Vending offers artists a reliable new way to reach new audiences and build...
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.
Things to do
The best places to see fall colors in Chicago
Go leaf peeping at these Chicago parks, cemeteries, forest preserves and more.
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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 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
This map can tell you when fall foliage will peak in Chicago
Explore Fall’s interactive map reveals the best weeks to take in the city’s most stunning autumn colors.
Things to do
Is Chicago actually the 'murder capital of the world'? Here’s what the latest crime data says
According to President Trump, yes. According to the data, far from it.
Things to do
The best orchards to go apple picking near Chicago
Load up a bag with some freshly-picked fruit—and don't forget to snag a box of apple cider doughnuts on your way out!
Time In - movies we love
Movies
'A House of Dynamite' review: Kathryn Bigelow’s nuclear thriller will spike your stress levels
The 1960s had Dr Strangelove and Fail Safe, the ’70s had Twilight’s Last Gleaming, the ’80s had WarGames, and the ’90s had Crimson...
Movies
From Frankenstein to ‘the new Parasite’: 10 must-see Venice Film Festival movies
Every year, the Venice Film Festival delivers a slate full of headline films, fires the starting gun on awards seasons and throws up a bunch of viral moments,...
Movies
Best TV and streaming shows in 2025 (so far)
The streaming year is off to flier. For anyone who’s spent the dark winter months hibernating at home in their downtime, Netflix, BBC, HBO, Apple TV...
Movies
The best comedy movies of all time
Giggle along with our list of the best funny movies like Borat and Mean Girls, as chosen by Time Out writers and top comedians
Movies
'The Thursday Murder Club' review: A cosy crime caper
Some murder-mysteries – Seven, for instance – immerse you in grisly menace. Others – Memories of Murder – weave a web of...
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...