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 this 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
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.
Museums
The best Chicago museums
Experience art, history and science and these well-respected cultural institutions.
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Events at Time Out Market Chicago
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...
Things to do
Trivia with Whaddayaknow?
Come alone or bring a group for weekly trivia on Wednesdays at the Market! Hosted by Whaddayaknow?, the evening will test your knowledge on a variety of...
Bottomless Lunch at Time Out Market
Indulge in our Bottomless Lunch every weekend! For just $55, enjoy a $20 TOM Card to spend on your favorite meal from 15 of our delicious concessions, plus 3...
The latest things to do in Chicago
Things to do
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade 2025: Timing, route and street closures
Everything you need to know about the annual downtown procession.
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 December 2025 events in Chicago
Find the best holiday activities in Chicago, including free things to do and picks from theater, music and pop-ups.
Things to do
The best January 2026 events in Chicago
Start the new year with events, festivals, concerts, theater shows and more great things to do in Chicago during January.
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.
The latest Chicago news
Things to do
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade 2025: Timing, route and street closures
Everything you need to know about the annual downtown procession.
Travel
Here is the best time to drive out of Chicago this Thanksgiving weekend
Plus, some major weather shifts are in store for Chicagoans this week.
Restaurants
Why Chicago’s neighborhood bar culture is one-of-a-kind—and still matters
From Polish taverns to South Side shot-and-a-beer joints, Chicago’s corner taverns remain sacred—places for old stories, new regulars and booze served without...
The latest Chicago events
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:...
Art
Día de Muertos: A Celebration of Remembrance
For 39 years and counting, the National Museum of Mexican Art has celebrated one of Mexico’s most extraordinary traditions with a multimedia...
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 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
This Chicago thoroughfare is one of Time Out’s coolest streets in the world
The community-driven thoroughfare proves the “Village in the City” motto correct, with a strong small business scene and vibrant restaurants.
Things to do
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade 2025: Timing, route and street closures
Everything you need to know about the annual downtown procession.
Things to do
An all-you-can-eat Italian beef festival is taking over Chicagoland
It’s an aficionado’s dream: mix and match ingredients from some of the best Italian beef spots in the region.
Things to do
Paid content
Simone Mitchell-Peterson is proving that joy doesn’t age
The Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly CEO of 21 years has architected programs that provide friendship and companionship to older adults throughout...
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
Thanksgiving in Chicago 2025: Best things to do over the long weekend
Here are the best Thanksgiving dinner options and things to do once you're done eating.
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 12 best places to cut down a Christmas tree near Chicago
Want to cut down your own Christmas tree this year? Head to these seasonal farms located outside the city.
Things to do
The best November 2025 events in Chicago
Pack your month with the best activities, pop-ups, concerts and things to do.
Things to do
The best Christmas things to do during the holidays in Chicago
Experience the holidays in Chicago with beautiful lights, festive theater productions and bustling markets.
Time In - movies we love
Movies
'Zootropolis 2' review: Disney drops possibly the most adorable sequel ever
There have been better animated sequels and more epic ones, but has there ever been a fluffier follow-up than this bouncy, buoyant caper starring at least half...
Movies
'Pillion' review: A tender gay biker ‘dom-com’ that’s heavy with purpose
Sweet, shy Colin is having a shit time. His mother is terminally ill (but still trying to set him up with inappropriate men), his only hobby is barbershop...
Movies
'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' review: Daniel Craig is a treat in this sequel
Surely the first murder-mystery to pay active homage to Scooby-Doo, Rian Johnson’s latest addition to the franchise he created and presides over with...
Movies
The best new Christmas movies of 2025 to stream
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, especially on streaming services. Every year, a stuffed stocking’s worth of peppermint-sweet holiday...
Movies
‘After the Hunt’: the story behind the most talked-about film of the year
Luca Guadagnino was first struck by his After the Hunt star’s A-list powers when she played Steel Magnolias’ effervescent Southern belle Shelby in...
Time In - songs we love
Music
The 50 best Christmas songs of all time
As much as Christmas trees, turkey and a mildly overworked Santa have become staples of the festive season, so has the music that soundtracks this cheer-soaked...
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, but to be a party song, there are some rules.
Music
The best songs of 2025 so far
From Chappell Roan to Bad Bunny, there have been some absolute bangers released in 2025 already.