Things to Do in Chicago | Your Ultimate Guide to Chicago

Things to do in Chicago every day

How to spend spring in Chicago

Attractions

The best Chicago attractions

From museums and parks to jazz clubs and theaters.

Bars

Chicago's best outdoor bars

We rall deserve to crush a few cold ones in the sunshine.

Art

10 spring art exhibitions we’re most excited about

There’s plenty to see in the months ahead.

Travel

The most unique day trips from Chicago

Sometimes, we all need a change of scenery.

Things to do

Every free museum day in Chicago

Don't have to spend a fortune to visit the best museums

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

Harmful microplastics were found in Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Should residents worry?

Microplastics were found in all 31 tested sites.

Things to do

13 things to do over Memorial Day weekend in Chicago

Celebrate the unofficial start to summer in Chicago at these music festivals, street fairs and more.

Things to do

Chicago Memorial Day weekend 2026 guide

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with our guide to the best food, drinks and things to do.

Things to do

This 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'-inspired tour of downtown Chicago sounds like so much fun

Hey Siri, play "Twist and Shout!"

Things to do

Chicago was just ranked the second worst city in the U.S. for mosquitoes

The Midwest mosquito nightmare is apparently very real and Chicago just ranked worse than nearly every city in America.

The latest Chicago news

Things to do

Harmful microplastics were found in Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Should residents worry?

Microplastics were found in all 31 tested sites.

Restaurants

This Chicago bar was just named one of the best in all of the U.S.

The Logan Square favorite earned a coveted Spirited Awards nomination, putting its Angostura shots and Wondermint Malteds in the national spotlight.

Things to do

13 things to do over Memorial Day weekend in Chicago

Celebrate the unofficial start to summer in Chicago at these music festivals, street fairs and more.

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...

Until Nov 22, 2026

Buy ticket

Things to do

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

To know Matisse is to know Jazz—or at least the vivid images that make up the book, which gathers some of his most iconic works of the 20th century....

Until Jun 1, 2026

Buy ticket

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...

Until Aug 30, 2026

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Things to do in Chicago neighborhoods

Things to do

Avondale

The traditionally Polish neighborhood is dotted with arts centers, small parks and interesting shops.

Things to do

Andersonville

Visit one of Chicago's most charming neighborhoods.

Things to do

Logan Square

Explore a bustling selection of restaurants, bars and entertainment.

Shopping & Style

Shopping

The 22 best flower shops in Chicago

Find the perfect bouquet for every occasion.

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

13 things to do over Memorial Day weekend in Chicago

Celebrate the unofficial start to summer in Chicago at these music festivals, street fairs and more.

Things to do

The best May 2026 events in Chicago

Make the most of spring with our guide to the best things to do in Chicago this month.

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 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

June 2026 events calendar for Chicago

Jump into summer in Chicago with our picks for the best festivals, fairs, exhibits and events.

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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 Memorial Day weekend events in Chicago for 2026

Scroll through our picks for the best things to do over your three-day weekend.

Things to do

The Lollapalooza daily schedule with set times is out so you can plan your itinerary

The nearly sold-out festival is headlined by Lorde, Charli XCX, The Smashing Pumpkins, Olivia Dean, John Summit and more.

Things to do

This 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'-inspired tour of downtown Chicago sounds like so much fun

Hey Siri, play "Twist and Shout!"

Things to do

Mayfestiversary

Ravenswood Corridor neighbors Dovetail and Begyle return this year for their annual Memorial Day weekend street fest on Malt Row, where attendees can sip...