Isaiah Reynolds

A fusion of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball's popularity has surged in the U.S., and its increased following is especially apparent during summer in Chicago, when pairs of players and groups of four can be spotted hustling around courts throughout the city. Best of all: It’s easy to pick up the sport if you want to get in on the fun. Whether you’re looking for an active way to enjoy a beautiful day or need a good indoor activity when the weather isn’t cooperating, you can get your game on at one of the best gyms in Chicago or play for free at a Chicago park by bringing your own equipment. These are the best places to play pickleball in Chicago right now. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor activities in Chicago

There's no shortage of amazing creative works in Chicago's best museums, but you don't need a ticket to see the best public art in Chicago. With pieces on display throughout the city, you can head to the Loop to see the reflective Cloud Gate and Picasso's sculpture in Daley Plaza or visit Pilsen to take in the 16th Street Murals or the colorful home of artist Hector Duarte. In fact, there's more public art in Chicago than you'll be able to experience in a single day (and much more than we can round up in a single article), so we've listed some of our favorite pieces that you can always visit free of charge. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago

Craving a quick day trip from Chicago? Then plan a flower-themed expedition this summer and fall. Grab a pair of gardening clippers, your own decorative vase and hop in the car to reach these stunning sunflower fields, where you'll find acres upon acres of stunning yellow blooms (and plenty of Insta-worthy photo ops, too). Whether you're looking for u-pick options, pre-cut flowers or interactive activities—like twisting sunflower mazes and duck races, for instance—these farms in the suburbs and surrounding states are filled with enough cheery sunflowers, as well as berries, to keep you and the family occupied for an afternoon.  RECOMMENDED: Discover the most unique day trips from Chicago

When it comes to a much needed escape from the city, there are countless day trips from Chicago if time doesn’t allow for a full weekend getaway. And luckily for the adventurous and curious, there are plenty of opportunities to swap typical activities like kicking back with brews for hiking among bison or spelunking in an ancient cave. Many sites and experiences within driving distance of Chicago take you far beyond the norm, from year-round Christmas at an amusement park to (not so similar) replicas of some of the world’s most celebrated cultural sites. Midwesterners may love their weekend lake house tradition, but they also love the wacky, meaningful and unexpected. Here are the most unique day trips from Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best lakefront Airbnbs near Chicago

Chicago can't claim to be the birthplace of jazz, but it's undeniably a city where the genre is thriving and evolving. The home of Down Beat Magazine and the fabled AACM collective, Chicago has pushed the art form in new directions for decades. While summer music festivals like the Chicago Jazz Festival and the Hyde Park Jazz Festival demonstrate the community's breadth and prowess, it's the small jazz clubs that keep the music alive throughout the year. Some of the city's best bars are places where saxophones and improvised music dominate the calendar, introducing audiences to living legends and rising talent. Whether you prefer swing, bop, acid or free jazz, you'll find something to tap your foot along to at Chicago's best jazz clubs. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best bars in Chicago open until 4am

Welcome to Chicago! We’re glad you’re here (or considering a trip, at least). Whether you’re visiting on business or pleasure, we know it can be daunting to travel to a new city for the first time. There are logistical hurdles: figuring out the public transportation options, navigating the grid system, knowing the best neighborhoods to stay in. And then there are the cultural questions: When is the best time to visit? What should you do with your time? Where should you go? Is deep dish truly all it's cracked up to be? Is Malört that bad or are locals just dramatic? We’ve drawn from our experience as Chicagoans, and polled our own visiting friends, to come up with a list of what you should know as a new arrival. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago

Chicagoans love to look at Chicago and, sometimes, bike trails have some of the most unique views. The Lakefront Trail, one of our most celebrated gems that sees millions of foot and cycling traffic each year, is a must for any visitor or Chicagoan. But besides the over 20 miles of lakefront views, there are hundreds of other miles of trails to explore if you're itching to ditch the stoplights and escape the city for an exciting adventure. Just outside city limits, you’ll find flat, paved paths perfect for training for your next century ride, hilly mountain biking trails that put your skills to the test and routes ideal for taking a walk. So whether you’re pedaling for exercise, adrenaline-filled drops or simply to explore the Midwest, here are the best bike trails near Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best hiking trails near Chicago

Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the sun-kissed pastures of Provence to wander among the region’s famous fields of lavender. But even if you can’t swing a European vacation right now, you’ll still find plenty of stunning flower farms here in the Midwest to explore this summer. Use our guide to choose your own lavender adventure: Plan a day trip from Chicago and pick your own bouquets at a small family-owned operation downstate, stock up on essential oils and moisturizers at a lakeside farm in Indiana or opt for a secluded weekend getaway to tour a peaceful lavender labyrinth in Michigan. Peak bloom and u-pick bundle season generally ranges from mid-June to mid-July, but be sure to call ahead and check on the status of each farm’s harvest before visiting!  RECOMMENDED: The best sunflower fields near Chicago

A truly great flea market trip can take your weekend to the next level. Whether you're prepared to peruse for hours or hoping to miraculously strike gold immediately, flea markets are where the greatest thrifted encounters are found. If you're looking for new things to do in summer or itching to satisfy your vintage clothing craving, flea markets have a little something for everyone. Some require a bit more digging and others are more posh, but we're manifesting great finds for you already. Discover a trove of treasures at these best flea markets in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best thrift stores in Chicago

When the clock hits 2am in Chicago, your night on the town doesn't have to end. While most bars in the city have to close up shop two hours after midnight, a few local watering holes are able to stay open until 4am each night (and until 5am on Saturdays!). These late–night establishments are scattered throughout the city, but you'll find dive bars, a few karaoke bars and some nightclubs where you can keep the party going until just before the sun comes up. Have a cup of coffee and peruse our list of the best Chicago bars that stay open until 4am or later. RECOMMENDED: Find the best late-night restaurants in Chicago

Over the years, Chicago has served as the backdrop for films like The Dark Knight, The Blues Brothers and just about every movie made by John Hughes. While it’s always thrilling to see a movie being filmed, it’s just as fun to see the finished product put together at the movie theater. Thankfully, the city’s home to a wide array of great theaters, from multiplexes with massive recliner seats and in-theater dining service to art houses where you can catch up on all of the latest indies or an international flick at one of the city’s film festivals. And, like any respectable Chicago institution, many of them come with fully stocked bars, offering extensive beer and cocktail options. No matter what movie you're looking to see, you’ll find the perfect place to watch among our list of the best movie theaters in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best drive-in movie theaters near Chicago

Even if you're a Chicagoan through and thorugh, there's something special about taking in the city's architecture on foot or from the water with the help of an expert. From glass and steel castles to ornate Art Deco buildings along the river to street art and cultural landmarks in various neighborhoods, there's a reason these tours are among the best attractions in Chicago. Nerd out over the design, city planning and construction behind the most beautiful buildings in Chicago on guided walks, bus rides and boat tours. First-time visitors will be happy to know that these architecture tours offer the most stunning views of the skyline—you might even be able to snap a few Instagram photos along the way. Here are a few of our favorite tours that are equally engaging for tourists and Chicago lifers alike.  RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best Chicago tours

Lollapalooza is coming to Time Out Market Chicago. In collaboration with Diskonect and Third Eye Hospitality, the food and culture hub in Fulton Market is transforming into a three-level music venue and hosting an official Lollapalooza afterparty on Thursday, August 1. From 9pm to 2am, attendees are invited to groove to the tunes of Chicago DJs while enjoying small bites from some of the city's best restaurants. In celebration of 40 years since the birth of house on Chicago’s South Side, the Market will be filled with the high tempos and recognizable beats of electronic dance music. The afterparty will feature sets by Chicago natives Felix Da Housecat, NEZ and special surprise guests. Felix Da Housecat, a Grammy-nominated artist and house pioneer, is an icon of the electronic music scene in Chicago and around the world. NEZ, also a Grammy-nominated multi-hyphenate, has collaborated with the likes of Schoolboy Q, A$AP Rocky and Travis Scott.  Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park next weekend, August 1-4. The annual summer music festival will host international talent over four days and is estimated to bring in over 400,000 attendees. This year’s headliners include Megan Thee Stallion, SZA, The Killers, Blink-182 and more. Chicago’s best eats are sprinkled into the festival, too—food vendors this year include Harold’s Chicken, The StopAlong and the Original Rainbow Cone, as well as many other beloved local favorites.  See the full lineup of performers and set times for Lollapaloo

A new, winning American combination has been born: rugby and fried chicken. From the mind of Art Smith, a two-time James Beard Award winner and long-time celebrity chef who’s collaborated with Oprah Winfrey and Lady Gaga, comes a new fried chicken concept at Time Out Market Chicago—Sporty Bird. Smith, a Florida native who still calls Chicago one of his homes, was inspired by his roots to bring Southern cooking to the world. “I come from very southern America,” Smith said. “I grew up with a very Southern mother and grandmothers and aunts, and food was a very central part of who we are as a family. And no, we didn’t eat fried chicken every day.” His most notable foray into batter-fried poultry was the fried chicken at Table Fifty-Two (which closed and reopened as Blue Door Kitchen and Garden in 2016) in the Gold Coast. The “world-famous” fried chicken expanded to other Southern restaurants including Reunion at Navy Pier, Art and Soul in Washington, D.C. and farm-to-table eatery Homecomin' in Disney Springs.  But at 64 years of age and having spent decades in the food industry, Smith was unsure of his next culinary adventure until an unexpected sports partnership reinvigorated him.  After reading an article about soccer superstar Lionel Messi’s chicken sandwich collaboration with the Hard Rock Cafe, the chef couldn’t help but look at the offering and think, “This looks like fast food—I can do better.” Following the founding of Chicago’s first professional rugby team, the Chicag

Two of Chicago’s most recognizable culinary institutions are teaming up for an unforgettable flavor combination: Pizza-Seasoned Garrett Popcorn. For a limited time, the Home Run Inn and Garrett Popcorn crossover snack will be available at Wrigley Field. Cubs fans can elevate their baseball dining experience at select concession stands from July 2-7. The recipe combines Garrett’s beloved buttery popcorn with Home Run Inn’s “Everything But the Pizza” seasoning—a blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano and parmesan cheese. Both brands are steeped in Chicago history—tavern-style thin crust pizzas have been coming out of Home Run Inn pizzerias since 1947 while Garrett is celebrating 75 years as the original gourmet popcorn of the Windy City. The inventive and local flavor crossover marks another creative endeavor from the popcorn brand. Back in 2022, Garrett partnered with Revolution Brewing to produce its caramel popcorn in the form of a beverage with a CarmelCrisp-flavored ale.  For any out-of-towners (or Sox Fans) feeling left out, fret not. Both Garrett Buttery Popcorn and Home Run Inn’s seasoning are available to order online, so you can make your own equally delicious at-home version of the official collab.

It’s official: Chicago has some of the worst traffic in the world. According to Inrix’s Global Traffic Scorecard, Chicago ranks No. 5 for worst traffic in the world with a loss of 96 hours in traffic for the average traveler in 2023. To compare, the typical American driver lost 42 hours in traffic in the same year. Chicago ranks behind New York, London, Paris and Mexico City in highest global traffic delay times. The study uses traffic data to provide delay comparisons, economic projections and commuting trends based on unique geographic travel patterns.  Chicago’s congestion surge was an 18% jump from pre-pandemic travel times in 2019.  Some of Chicago’s expressways are the busiest in the country, too. The Dan Ryan headed south from the Jane Byrne Interchange to Interstate 57 at 4pm ranks as the 10th busiest travel corridor in the country, and eastbound on the Stevenson from the Dan Ryan to Cicero Avenue at 4pm ranks 12th in the nation.  The report also showed travel trends reflecting changes in Chicago’s downtown. As the Loop approaches one of its highest storefront vacancies in decades, Chicago’s year-over-year trips to its city center decreased by 1%, the only U.S. city in the report to experience a reduction. The damages done to travelers aren't just to their psyches, either. The cost of lost time and general price of congestion averaged out to $1,672 per Chicago driver, according to the report. On a wider scale, the study estimates the city of Chicago lost $6.1 billion

Chicago’s most famous metallic legume is back on display this week after months of maintenance work. In celebration of its return and Millennium Park’s upcoming 20th anniversary, here’s everything you need to know about the adored public art. Whose idea was "The Bean?" In 1999, to prepare for the highly-anticipated opening of Millennium Park, city organizers asked dozens of artists from around the world to submit proposals for public art. Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate (the official name of "The Bean") was chosen. Kapoor, a world-renowned British sculptor, originally wanted to model the art piece off of liquid mercury, hence the reflective metal exterior. Featuring an “omphalos” (Greek for “navel”), the concave chamber at the center of the structure, "The Bean" is said to act as a gate between realms and allows visitors to walk directly under the massive artwork.  In explaining his vision to the Chicago Tribune in 2004, the artist said, "What I wanted to do was to make a work that would deal with the incredible skyline of Chicago and the open sky and the lake but then also be a kind of gate. You know, the tradition of public sculpture is for the gate, the archway, the square to flow within [the landscape] rather than be an object decorating it." Kapoor also considered Chicago-specific geography while designing Cloud Gate. “Chicago is a very vertical city,” Kapoor told the Chicago Sun-Times in 2017. “I wanted to make a horizontal sculpture that would draw in the clouds as well as t

One of America’s largest pizza chains has just added a new item to its permanent menu that's sure to be controversial with locals—Chicago tavern-style pizza. Pizza Hut, also known as “The Hut,” has rolled out a new tavern-style thin crust alongside four new topping variations: pesto margherita, ultimate tavern, spicy chicken sausage and double pepperoni. Diners will also be able to create their own combinations with eight new permanent ingredients: spicy marinara sauce, pesto sauce swirl, chicken sausage, fresh diced garlic, grape tomatoes, caramelized onions, fire roasted peppers and crispy cupped pepperoni. As a Chicagoan, I understand my birthright to classic, tavern-style pizza and decided to try it myself. What’s the deal with tavern-style pizza? While the city may have built its global reputation around the hearty behemoth that is deep dish pizza, the tradition of thin crust, tavern-style pies is generally more preferred by Chicagoans. Unlike our neighbors on the East Coast, pizza as a culinary staple did not catch on in Chicago until the post-Prohibition 1940s. Essentially, local taverns used pizza as the perfect accompaniment to alcohol—not needing plates, the pizza was cut into small squares to fit neatly on a paper napkin and enticed patrons to stay (and drink) longer. Chicagoans also adopted hand-rolling out pizza dough unlike the traditionalists of New York, who preferred theirs tossed, according to Chicago Magazine. Machine sheeters eventually proved to be more e

Summertime Chi is marked by picturesque beach days, memorable street festivals and, every 17 years, swarms of cicadas. With the return of the cicadas in full force and confused city dwellers wondering why they haven't been met with the forewarned “double-brood emergence,” Chicagoans are wondering how different this cicada encounter will be from years past and what's next for our noisy neighbors.  Time Out Chicago spoke with an insect expert to uncover what to expect and what us humans should really be worried about.  When will the cicadas be gone in Illinois? The critters’ above-ground lifespan is only about two weeks, but portions of the brood emerge in rounds. The entire invasion is expected to last roughly four to six weeks, so expect some solace from the rhythmic screeching around the end of June. Why are the cicadas coming out now? There are about 150 cicada species in the United States and the Chicagoland area is lucky enough to only have three kinds that frequent our forestry: the upland, lowland and upland dwarf cicada. These breeds, known as “periodicals,” synchronize their maturation and rise from the soil at the same time. Spending nearly all of their life below the surface, the cicadas feed on sap in tree roots, developing a palate for older and widely-branched trees. Periodicals emerge every 13 or 17 years, and for Illinois, 2024 is the first time since 1803 that both 13-year and 17-year species will make their debut in the same year. It’s a rare phenomenon that

Filling the walls of Time Out Market Chicago are the colorful works of local artists and muralists who call the city home. Starting this weekend, the art will expand and decorate the tables used by guests every day. At Tablescapes in Motion, 10 local artists will take over Tony’s Rooftop and bring their drawings to life by painting the Market's tables under the theme of Chicago. The tables will remain on display after the event. Tickets, priced at $10, are available via Eventbrite for spectators to witness the four-hour, live art session starting at 2pm this Saturday, June 15. Among the group of talented artists is Shawn Smith (aka Shawnimals), a Logan Square resident since 2003. An avid muralist, Smith creates vibrant animations of expressive shapes (think: smiling circles, dubious rhombuses, apathetic pyramids, etc.) that can be seen on strolls through Gage Park, Uptown and the Loop. “Although I have a lot of different kinds of characters that I typically paint and draw, I've been focused primarily on these kinds of shaped characters that are grouped together in what I call ‘friendship piles,’” Smith says. “For me, it's an analogue of community, embracing our differences and our diversity.” Smith leans on his skills as an experienced sketch artist to paint sprawling murals on the walls of Chicago’s pathways and non-traditional canvases. You may have seen his work on CTA trains and buses as part of the Illinois Cares for Kids’ “I Got Love” campaign back in May.  As a gallery

Chicago music festival season just got an unexpected addition to the lineup.  This Saturday, dynamic DJ duo Sock & Buskin will liven up the otherwise drab CTA commute by transforming a Brown Line train into rave venue with a live, five-hour set. Hosted by Chicago-based event company Redline, the train rave, known as Redline Express, will take over six CTA cars from 7pm to 11pm on June 15. In collaboration with battery-powered sound system company SOUNDBOKS, the DJs will play their mixes through 10 SOUNDBOKS speakers throughout the train.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by REDLINE (@redlinechicago) Sock & Buskin, often seen performing “walk-up” DJ sets in the streets of Chicago, will load their equipment on at the Kimball station and invite attendees to groove all the way to the Loop, where they'll stop at the Washington and Wells station. The train will then make a few laps around the Loop, allowing passengers to step off for breaks, before returning to Kimball. The event, sponsored by Red Bull and SKAA, is committed to creating an unforgettable experience that is reflective of Chicago’s vibrant and global music scene.  The transpo-rave is split into two halves, with departures from Kimball at 7pm and 9:20pm. Remaining tickets, available here, are $75 per person and includes access to the entire experience. Attendees can check in and board the trains 40 minutes before departure.

Chicagoland shoppers: Get ready to furniture shop until you drop. Wayfair, the popular online furniture retailer, has opened its first-ever physical retail store in the suburb of Wilmette.  The 150,000 square foot, two-floor store occupies the old Carson Pirie Scott & Co. building in Edens Plaza (3232 Lake Avenue) that shuttered in 2018. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Chicago (@timeoutchicago) “Chicago is a very, very strong market for us,” said Adam Katz, Wayfair’s Global Head of Physical Retail. “It’s a strong customer mix for us. We are very family oriented and community oriented and we know that there’s a very vibrant community and family feel not only in Wilmette, but in the broader area here.” As a “one-stop destination for all things home,” the space will house over thousands of furniture pieces, home decor, storage and appliances. Photograph: Isaiah Reynolds for Time Out Photograph: Isaiah Reynolds for Time Out Since 2002, the retailer has been a online-only home furniture retailer. After years of market research, Wayfair strategists carefully examined ways to translate the typical (and beloved) digital experience for their customers into physical retail. Finding great success as an e-commerce retailer, the home furniture company is pulling out all the stops to lure new and loyal customers alike to the Wilmette warehouse while still maintaining a strong omnichannel presence. “We want to empower our customers, regardl

Since 2018, The Chi has followed a fictional group of Chicagoans on the city's South Side.  From restaurant owners to elementary school lovebirds to local politicians, the Showtime series depicts the ins-and-outs of a community bound not only by geography, but a need for connection. Filmed on-site in Chicago, The Chi stars a large cast, including Jacob Latimore, Luke James, Alex Hibbert, Yolanda Ross and Chicagoans Jason Weaver and Hannaha Hall. The show has also featured guests like Iman Shumpert, Lala Anthony and Vic Mensa. After six drama-packed seasons, a pandemic production halt and a months-long SAG and WGA strike, The Chi has covered a lot of ground. Part two of season six will premiere May 10 on Paramount+. Produced by hometown heroes Lena Waithe (Master of None, Queen & Slim) and three-time Grammy award winner Common, The Chi sets out to humanize characters and bring a level of authenticity from the producers’ own experiences. “I wanted to take people that I knew growing up, and my family members as well, and write them in a way that I know them,” creator and executive producer Waithe told Backstage in 2021. Chicagoans aren't just behind the camera—they're in front of it as well. Time Out Chicago spoke with real-life locals Hall and Weaver about their experiences on screen. Hall, a Marquette Park native, has had recurring appearances on The Chi since season one and been on Chicago Med, too, while Weaver joined the cast in season four and rose to fame as the singing

Take a trip to the Mediterranean coast without stepping foot outside of Chicago. The Robey, the hotel inside Wicker Park's iconic Coyote Building, is unveiling a refreshed rooftop space this summer. On the sixth floor of the hotel, Cabana Club, the bar and outdoor pool, will be converted into a Mediterranean-inspired, semi-private day club with brand new dishes, cocktails and events.  The tropical rooftop became a local favorite for its unbeatable, 360-degree views of the city skyline and Wicker Park. Now, Cabana Club will channel the beachside vibes of the Mediterranean coast in a new, revamped concept. Photograph: Courtesy of Sandy Noto/Cabana Club Each dish on the new menu was created by Robey executive chef Michael Elliot. Light bites include grilled shrimp skewers with rich garlic hummus, while heartier selections feature pork kofta served with cucumber onion salad. Through the many salads, greens, and traditional Greek dishes, bright summer flavors take center stage on the all-day menu.  The light and coastal vibes are only amplified by the club’s drink menu. Essentials like Aperol Spritzes sit alongside more inventive cocktails, such as pomegranate Cosmos and Mediterranean Mules. To make summertime in Chicago even sweeter, indulge in the rose vodka-based “Made You Blush,” made with Aperol and elderflower.  Photograph: Courtesy of Sandy Noto/Cabana Club Cabana Club will also introduce two new programs: night swims and Recovery Sundays. Collaborating with local DJs,