Lauren Brocato

Last updated October 21, 2026: Get your costume and candy ready because it's officially spooky season in Chicago. Hoping for a fright this Halloween? Visit one of Chicago's most haunted places, attend one of the city's many Halloween parades and parties or wander through a ghostly haunted house. No matter your age, embrace the thrills and chills of spooky season with the help of our guide to the best Halloween events in Chicago this year.  RECOMMENDED: The complete guide to Halloween in Chicago Read more: The full list of scary movies coming to AMC FearFest 2026 is out now Hulu’s new Halloween documentary revisits 2016’s Great Clown Scare Watch the trailer for Prime Video’s new TV series ‘Carrie’

We’re probably not alone in saying that the weekend is always on our minds here at Time Out Chicago HQ. Like you (probably), we spend the workweek daydreaming about the next restaurant to obsess over and obsessively updating our concert calendars. Whether you’re museum-hopping, plotting a day trip to escape the city, or ready to ghost your original plans for something spontaneous, you’ll find plenty of ways to make the most of your weekend in Chicago. Updated October 21, 2026: We've reached peak fall in Chicago, and this weekend, we'll be making the most of it. From the annual Arts in the Dark parade to Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns at the Chicago Botanic Garden and trick-or-treating in Lincoln Park, there are plenty of ways to get in the spooky spirit. Keep scrolling to discover more of the best things to do in Chicago this weekend. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago today

Each week, our team at Time Out Chicago curates the ultimate weekly event guide, featuring the big events, IYKYK pop-ups and everything in between. Here, you'll find the happenings that are worth your time and money, from family-friendly activities and daytime events to late-night shenanigans and the low-key functions that you won't hear about on TikTok. Updated October 21, 2026: It's finally starting to feel like fall in Chicago, so there's no better time to experience all of the festive autumnal activities the city has to offer. This week, Arts in the Dark takes over Columbus Drive, and Pilot Project Brewing is hosting a Pints and Pumpkin Carving party at its Logan Square location. There are plenty more spooky activities—and non-Halloween-themed things to do—this week. Keep scrolling for more of the best things to do in Chicago this week. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago in October 2026

The arrival of December sends the holiday season into full swing—prepare yourself for a jam-packed roster of glittering Christmas lights, festive holiday pop-ups and plenty of glühwein to be sipped at the Christkindlmarket. As the month draws to a close, bid adieu to 2026 at New Year's Eve events and parties happening at Chicago hotels, clubs and other hotspots, where you'll find Champagne towers and other special ways to welcome 2027 in style. So make the most of the final month of the year with our guide to the best events in Chicago this December. RECOMMENDED: Check out our 2026 Chicago events calendar

Once November hits, you've got about two weeks of breathing room after Halloween before holiday events begin in earnest, from twinkling Christmas light displays to the first days of Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville. And of course, don't forget about Thanksgiving in Chicago. Hoping to avoid the holidays altogether? Take a spin on the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon or huddle away from the wintry weather at one of many Chicago museums as temperatures start to plummet. Say goodbye to fall with the help of our guide to the best things to do in Chicago this November. RECOMMENDED: Check out our 2026 Chicago events calendar

Summer in Chicago is fun, but the city really stands out in the fall when the trees start to change colors, a slight chill permeates the air, and there's an abundance of autumnal activities to enjoy. One of the best ways to celebrate the season? Visiting a corn maze. It’s nearly impossible to find one in the city, but just outside of Chicago, there are an array of farms and orchards that have elaborate—and sometimes seriously daunting—corn mazes to get lost in. With beautiful fall foliage, hay rides, apple picking and spooky mazes after dark, a visit to a corn maze is a great way to get into the Halloween spirit as well. So make the most of the season with a fun-filled day at the best corn mazes near Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Find the best pumpkin patches near Chicago

It’s always bittersweet to bid farewell to summer, but don’t let yourself get too down in the dumps—apple picking season is here along with the sunny start of fall in Chicago. The city’s suburbs and surrounding countryside are full of bountiful orchards where you can pick pounds upon pounds of the fruit to take home for snacking or baking (speaking of baking, many of these farms feature bakeries stocked with homemade, apple-filled treats). And that’s not all: Come October, you'll also find some of the best outdoor activities at pumpkin patches near Chicago, plus corn mazes and hayrides at a handful of the farms on our list. Take a look through our roundup of the best apple orchards near Chicago and get excited for all the autumnal fun still to come. RECOMMENDED: Discover the most unique day trips from Chicago

The official start of fall in Chicago might be in September, but the season doesn't really hit its stride until October—a month replete with crisp air, colorful fall foliage and a heaping helping of spooky fun. Take advantage of everything autumn has to offer by exploring the best pumpkin patches near Chicago, getting lost in corn mazes or staring up at the changing leaves at your local park or garden. And of course, celebrate Halloween in Chicago with spooky pop-ups, haunted houses, horror movie marathons and even more ghoulish events and parties. Ready to embrace autumn? Check out the rest of the best things to do in Chicago this October.  RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2026

Whether your team won or lost, or if you're still on a post-concert high, you'll likely want to head out on the town after leaving the United Center. Luckily, one of the city's best dining districts, the West Loop, is located just a few blocks away from the Madhouse on Madison. If you're up for a stroll, it'll take no more than 30 minutes to walk there. You can also hop on the #20 Madison bus right outside of the stadium for a quick 10-minute ride. Once you've arrived, Restaurant Row offers plenty of options for whatever your vibe is.  These are the best West Loop restaurants and bars where you can keep the drinks flowing and chow down on bar snacks, pizza or one of the best burgers in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Guides for Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls fans

If you don't want to miss a game and you're not planning on heading to the United Center, try one of these lively Chicago watering holes. With countless TVs, lots of beer and top-notch bar food, they have everything you need to enjoy the game just as much as you would if you were sitting courtside. And if you're just stopping by for a drink before heading to the Madhouse on Madison, take advantage of the free shuttles that many of these bars offer before Bulls games. RECOMMENDED: Chicago Bulls: A dining guide for basketball fans

Last updated October 14, 2026: There’s no surer sign that fall is coming than seeing pumpkins pop up everywhere. Whether it's in fancy coffee drinks, on your Instagram feed or on doorsteps in Lincoln Park, pumpkins are the ubiquitous symbol of autumn. Maybe you don’t love pumpkin spice lattes or pumpkin pies, but it’s hard to deny the appeal of choosing your own perfect-to-you gourd at a pumpkin patch. All of the farms and pumpkin patches on this list are within an hour-and-a-half drive from the city (one is even in Chicago) and promise lots of fall fun. After you’ve picked out a jack-o’-lantern for Halloween in Chicago, spend the day exploring creative corn mazes, getting spooked at haunted houses and checking out fall foliage. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to fall in Chicago

These days, even the simple act of stepping outside feels like it siphons money from your wallet. Prices for minor luxuries like concerts, a fancy latte or trendy bars are climbing higher and higher, but that doesn't mean that everything in Chicago will wreck your budget. There are plenty of activities around the city that don't cost a penny. Give your bank account a rest by exploring captivating Chicago museums during free museum days, checking out a beautiful park or laughing out loud during a free show at a comedy club. Our list of the best free things to do in Chicago is here to save you some dough. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago

The recently opened self-service photo studio Tokofoto is hosting a pop-up in collaboration with Hawa Cafe at its Ukrainian Village studio. Guests can sip matcha, coffee and tea, and try the photoshoot experience with flash studio sessions ($10 for 3-minute sessions). 

The team behind the popular Drunk Shakespeare series puts a spirited spin on the holidays with the return of Drunk Christmas Carol. The 90-minute rendition of Charles Dickens' iconic story features a completely sober cast, minus one actor who takes five shots before performing. 

What's a better Halloween activity than carving a pumpkin? Carving a pumpkin while drinking beer. To celebrate spooky season, Pilot Project Brewing is hosting a Pints & Pumpkins party at its Logan Square location. For $10, you get an apple cider, plus a pumpkin and carving tools. The best part? Pilot Project Brewing is donating $5 from every ticket sold to Meals on Wheels.

Head to Gangnam Market for a free Filipino variety show hosted by comedian Jackie Lynn. The 90-minute show features stand-ups, drag performers and musicians, and ends with a lively set by DJ Special Ed.    . 

Head to the apple orchard, where visitors fill bushel baskets with dozens of varieties of apples, including McIntosh, Jonathan and Golden Delicious, throughout the fall. Afterward, stop by the store stocked with pies, caramel apples and warm doughnuts. There's also a pumpkin patch, live entertainment, a train that rides around the farm and plenty of activities for little ones. 

The West Loop outpost of this pizza bar is just a few blocks away from the United Center. Bring your crew or ride solo, but either way, definitely order a hot honey soppressata pie. The late-night menu, available after United Center events, features plenty of pizzas, wings, calamari and more. Be sure to take advantage of Ranalli's free shuttle to and from the United Center.

Located inside the former Old Town Pour House on Wells Street, The Scout Warehouse + Kitchen looks pretty similar to its predecessor with a long bar, plenty of tables in the massive main room and a large staircase leading to the second level. There are plenty of TVs, and given its location within the busy Old Town nightlife district, it's a popular destination for sporting events and late-night shenanigans.

After trying a self-service photo studio themselves during a trip overseas, Tokofoto co-founders, Jennifer Liu and Elizabeth Xu, decided it was time for Chicago to have its own version of the ultra-popular Asian experience. The Tokofoto studio in the Ukrainian Village makes taking professional photos easy—and a lot of fun. You don’t need to worry about finding a photographer or having equipment. Simply show up and start snapping.    

The inaugural Chicago Art Fair brings top galleries from across the globe to THE MART this fall. The four-day event, ideal for collectors, designers, buyers and art enthusiasts alike, showcases contemporary and modern fine art paintings, sculptures, photography, mixed media and more in a massive space at the downtown design destination. Organizers announced that next year, Chicago Art Fair will also include the return of SOFA (Sculpture Objects Functional Art) Fair, which has been on pause since 2022.

Explore the historic Old Joliet Prison under the cover of the night this spooky season. In the Flashlight Tour, guests will wander through the facility with just a flashlight as they learn about the prison's operations and dark history. 

The team behind the iconic former street party Sundays on State is introducing a new cultural celebration, Loop Arts Fest. The inaugural street fair is taking over State Street from Jackson Boulevard to Madison Street for a free, daylong festival with live music and dance performances, local artists and vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, dance workshops and more. 

One of the country's best restaurants, Sanders BBQ in Beverly, is hosting a family-friendly BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) party—and it's a stellar deal. A $5 ticket gets you access to the pumpkin-carving party and other seasonal activities, plus hot dogs, donuts, snacks and BOGO 50% wings. Football fans can also watch the Bears vs. Packers game during the event.

Although the final season of FX’s The Bear has aired, we’re not ready to say goodbye to the chefs just yet. Luckily, the fanfare continues this weekend with a one-day pop-up at the iconic Mr. Beef restaurant with The Bear actor Will Poulter.  On Sunday, October 25, Poulter, who played the hunky British chef Luca in the Emmy-winning series, will join Michelin-starred chef Santiago Lastra at Mr. Beef (666 N. Orleans St.) to serve an exclusive Mexican-inspired beef sandwich in honor of Lastra’s debut cookbook, Mexican Soul.  The event kicks off at 1pm and will remain open until stock runs out. There’s no cost to attend, and it’s first-come, first-served, so we recommend arriving early to secure a spot in line. It wouldn’t surprise us if the queue stretches down the block, so showing up between 11:30am and noon might be the best way to guarantee entry. That being said, it’s difficult to predict how many people will show up to events these days (who remembers this year’s Apple Fest fiasco?). RECOMMENDED: Every Chicago restaurant featured in season 3 of 'The Bear' Braving the line, though, will be well worth the wait. Poulter and Lastra will be joined by Mr. Beef owner Chris Zucchero (who also gets screen time on The Bear) and the show’s co-executive and culinary producer Courtney Storer.  Photograph: Courtesy Lotus Land Agency'The Bear' star Will Poulter will join Michelin-starred chef Santiago Lastra at Mr. Beef on Sunday, October 25. The crew will serve their flavorful Mexican

It’s election season in Chicago once again, and as voters get ready to head to the polls, we’re focused on a different kind of democratic process. No, we’re not talking about the race for County Sheriff or Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner. We’re talking about the naming of O’Hare Airport’s new 50-ton pet rock. While working on the airport’s extensive expansion project in June, construction crews uncovered a massive, prehistoric boulder 30 feet below the airfield’s surface. The enormous rock measures 11 and a half feet wide, 8 feet deep, and 7 and a half feet tall, and weighs about as much as an adult whale.  The Chicago Department of Aviation decided it was too special to discard, so it moved the rock to a permanent location outside the Multi-Modal Facility at 10255 W. Zemke Road and launched a naming contest that received more than 3,000 submissions. RECOMMENDED: This proposed shuttle will get you from downtown Chicago to O’Hare Airport in 15 minutes flat—so what’s the hold-up? "The world already knows that O’Hare rocks—it’s why we’ve been named Best Airport in North America for 22 years straight and why we've reclaimed the title of the world’s busiest airfield," says CDA Commissioner Mike McMurray. "But a rock of this magnitude deserves a name of its own. Internally, we’ve been calling it the O’Hare bean, but now it’s time to make it official." View this post on Instagram A post shared by O'Hare International Airport (@fly2ohare)

It looks like Chicago is in for another warm winter, thanks to a super El Niño. As the weather pattern continues to strengthen across the Pacific Ocean, experts are becoming more confident that the Great Lakes region will experience a warmer-than-average winter. According to a new weather outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the effects of El Niño will bring warmer temperatures and below-average snowfall between December and February. For reference, El Niño refers to the warming of the ocean surface or above-average temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. This phenomenon can significantly influence weather patterns across the globe. But don’t pack away your parkas just yet: Despite predictions of a warmer winter, Chicago can still experience cold snaps and major snowstorms. Snow may also melt faster, creating sleet and possibly even rare wintertime floods.  RECOMMENDED: Chicago just smashed a nearly 20-year-old temperature record Regardless of the temperature, beloved holiday traditions like Christkindlmarket and the City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting will still look the same—though you might be wearing fewer layers. Activities like sledding, skiing and calling “dibs” might look a bit different this year, but, hey, you might not have to dig your car out of a snow pile as frequently. Don't worry, though: some destinations have solutions for a low-snow winter. For example, the park district makes fake snow for the Sleddi

If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of the circular “scientist” church on Wacker looks like or what the yacht club inside the massive boat docked along the Lakefront Trail is like, now is your chance to find out.  This weekend, more than 200 buildings across the city are opening their doors to the public for the 16th annual Open House Chicago architecture festival. Access to every participating site is free, and visitors are welcome to explore the buildings—many of which are usually off-limits to the public—at their own pace. Open House Chicago is organized by the Chicago Architecture Center, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s most iconic sites, from North Side Rogers Park to Beverly and Roseland on the South Side. Here’s everything you need to know about Open House Chicago 2026. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago this weekend Does Open House Chicago have free entry? Yes, Open House Chicago is a free festival open to all. What are the Open House Chicago dates and hours? Open House Chicago takes place on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Most sites are open from 10am to 5pm, but check the 2026 Open House directory for specific locations’ opening hours. Some sites are only open on one day, so double-check the directory before you head out. What neighborhoods are included in Open House Chicago? Open House Chicago spans nearly 30 neighborhoods, including West Town (the coolest neighborhood in Chicago, according to Time Out). Other neighbor

Chicago Fire FC just took a major step forward in the development of McDonald’s Park with the reveal of the stadium’s swanky luxury suites. Slated to open in the summer of 2028, McDonald’s Park is projected to be the anchor of the South Loop’s newest neighborhood, which developers have coined as The 78.  With only 600 seats, the luxury suites offer premium amenities like behind-the-scenes stadium access, large heated seats and primo views of the field that are much closer to the action than Soldier Field’s suites. We were able to step inside a one-to-one model of a luxury suite, complete with the exact same details, finishes and decor. We also got a preview of the stadium’s various seats, from basic stands to premium heated seats. RECOMMENDED: The best sports bars in Chicago for watching every big game If what we saw is a preview of what the rest of the McDonald’s Park will look like, then it’s going to be one of the country’s most beautiful stadiums. Keep scrolling to see photos from the exclusive preview event. Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutThe projected view from a suite at McDonald's Park Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutSeating area inside a McDonald's Park luxury suite   Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutMcDonald's Park suite model     Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutMcDonald's Park suite model   Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutA model of McDonald's Park   Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutMcDonald's Park stadium seating

More than 50,000 runners will take to the streets this weekend for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. On Sunday, October 11, the World Marathon Majors course takes competitors through 29 neighborhoods for a 26.2-mile journey that starts and ends in Grant Park.  Whether you’re running or cheering from the sidelines, here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Chicago Marathon this weekend, including route details, where to watch and how to track runners. RECOMMENDED: Every Chicago Marathon 2026 street closure and traffic disruption to know this weekend When is the Chicago Marathon? The 2026 Chicago Marathon is Sunday, October 11. The first groups start at 7:20am, followed by the waves that head out between 7:35am through 8:35am. The 27th-Mile Post-Race Party in Butler Field ends at 4pm. What is the Chicago Marathon route?  The marathon starts and finishes in Grant Park, weaving through 29 neighborhoods across the city. Runners will head north through downtown along LaSalle Street toward Lakeview, before looping around to head south down Broadway, Clark Street and more. They will then head west across the Chicago River and into the Near West Side, before moving south through Pilsen, Chinatown and Bronzeville. The course finishes with a long stretch up Michigan Avenue back to Grant Park, with the finish line stationed on Columbus Drive. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chicago Marathon (@chimarathon) How can I track Chicago M

The Chicago Marathon returns this weekend, bringing extensive road closures and traffic disruptions as more than 55,000 runners cover 26.2 miles through 29 neighborhoods.  Road closures along the course will begin at 6am on Sunday, October 11, and will remain closed until 4pm. If you plan to cheer from the sidelines or have somewhere else to be on Sunday, here is a complete list of Chicago Marathon street closures and traffic disruptions.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago this weekend What roads will be closed for the 2026 Chicago Marathon? Grant Park closures: Balbo Dr. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr., 6am on 9/24 to 3pm on 10/16 Balbo Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr., 4am on 10/8 to 3pm on 10/12 Jackson Dr. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr., 4am on 10/8 to 6am on 10/12 Jackson Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr., 4am on 10/8 to 8pm on 10/11 Columbus Dr. from Ida B. Wells Dr. to Roosevelt Rd., 4am on 10/8 to 3pm on 10/12 Columbus Dr. from Monroe St. to Ida B. Wells Dr., 4am on 10/8 to 8pm on 10/11 Congress Plaza Dr. from Michigan Ave. (Van Buren St. to Harrison St.), 4am on 10/8 to 8pm on 10/11 Ida B. Wells Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr., 4am on 10/8 to 8pm on 10/11 Columbus Dr. from Randolph St. to Monroe St., 4am on 10/10 to 5pm on 10/11 Roosevelt Rd. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr., 11am on 10/10 to 6pm on 10/11 Monroe St. from Michigan Ave. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr., 4am on 10/10 to 5pm on 10/11 Columbus Dr

Our team at Time Out recently named West Town the coolest neighborhood in Chicago, noting that it’s a magnet for the city’s coolest new openings. We’re reminded that’s the case once again thanks to the recent opening of one of Chicago’s coolest new experiences: Tokofoto, a self-service photo studio in the Ukrainian Village. After trying something similar themselves during a trip overseas, Tokofoto co-founders, Jennifer Liu and Elizabeth Xu, decided it was time for Chicago to have its own version of the ultra-popular Asian experience.  The new photo studio at 860 N. California Avenue makes taking professional photos easy—and a lot of fun. You don’t need to worry about finding a photographer or having equipment. Simply show up and start snapping. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago right now On a recent visit, I booked a 50-minute session (you can also reserve 20 minutes) and arrived with two easy outfit changes in tow. Behind the lobby, smartly appointed with mid-century modern furniture, inspiration from previous shoots and decor referencing Asian pop culture, is the photo studio.  Inside the small room, the setup is ready to go, with a professional camera, light, clicker, background color of your choice (pink, blue or white) and a desktop and large monitor for reviewing shots. Tokofoto also provides props like flowers, glasses, blazers and seasonal items like fake pumpkins, plus chairs and stools of varying colors and sizes.  Photograph: Courtesy TokofotoA couple'

What’s creepier than Lower Wacker? No, it’s not Lower Lower Wacker (though that is terrifying). In our book, the answer is First Lady’s Creepy Cruise. This Halloween-themed cruise down the Chicago River offers 90 minutes of after-dark skyline views paired with disturbing stories of Chicago’s worst serial killers, gangsters and ghosts that still haunt Chicagoans today. In my search for the best Halloween events and things to do this fall in Chicago, the name "Creepy Cruise" piqued my interest. So, on a recent Saturday night, I stepped on board to find out what makes this cruise so creepy. Spoiler: I quickly found out. Boarding begins 20 minutes before departure, but by then, a majority of passengers had already queued up. Because First Lady’s cruises board on the Riverwalk between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive, the line to board sits just a few feet away from Lower Wacker, which is, in my opinion, a very creepy start to the experience. RECOMMENDED: The best Halloween events and parties in Chicago Much like a line outside of a haunted house, the narrow, snaking queue is filled with eager passengers excitedly chatting about how scary they think the voyage will actually be. My expectations for the fright factor of this experience weren’t very high, but I was happily proven wrong. Photograph: Courtesy First LadyCreepy Cruise A staff member with a skeleton mask welcomed us on board, and everyone hurriedly looked for the best seats remaining. I found a spot at the front of th

Every Wednesday at 8pm, dozens of people descend into a dim basement beneath the Den Hotel in Lakeview for an evening of comedy and cocktails at the Blind Wolf Comedy show. Each week, a rotating lineup of new, established and on-the-rise comics takes the stage to perform short, late-night-style sets for about an hour and a half. The best part? It’s completely free. I first heard about Blind Wolf, hosted by local comedian Devin Glass, from a poster plastered on a traffic signal pole in Lincoln Park. When I finally made it out to a show this week, I was shocked that the experience I had was, in fact, actually free. You’ll need to reserve a complimentary ticket on the event discovery platform Pie. I was able to snag one a few hours before the show. When I arrived about 20 minutes before showtime, there wasn’t a bouncer scanning tickets at the door, just Glass standing outside greeting us with, “You here for the show?”  RECOMMENDED: The best free things to do in Chicago this month He led us down a narrow stairwell in a gangway next to the Den Hotel and showed us inside with a quick rundown of what to expect. We secured seats on a couch near the front, ordered a round of drinks (there’s no formal minimum), and waited for the show to begin over a game of Connect 4 that was sitting on a nearby table.  Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutBlind Wolf Comedy To my surprise and delight, audience members were actually chatting as they took their seats. In a time when it’s typical to

If an Hermès jacket and a Shein jacket weigh the same, then they cost the same. At least that’s the way it works at Happy Belated Clothing. At the Wicker Park thrift shop tucked underneath the Blue Line tracks at 2025 W North Avenue, nothing is tagged or tracked, which means customers pay by the pound at $10 per pound. Since opening in late 2024, Daley has sourced thousands of pounds of stock from a recycling plant in Japan to fill the sizeable—albeit dimly lit—store. Happy Belated is one of the few places in Chicago where you can buy clothing by the pound, and because everything comes from Japan, there’s more variety than a typical thrift store. Vibrant colors, charming plushies and trinkets along the walls, and a disco ball set the scene for the kind of experience you’ll have here sifting through the extensive selection of mens and womens garnments. Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutHappy Belated Clothing   RECOMMENDED: The best thrift stores in Chicago These are discount recycled pieces, so don’t expect to score designer every time. You’ll usually come across foreign and bygone brands, but every once in a while, you’ll find a needle in the haystack. One of the best recent scores was a Christian Dior blouse, likely valued at over $500, that sold for $2.98. Customers have also found high-value items from brands like Coach and Kate Spade, and as an employee told me, the lowest amount someone has paid for their items recently was 89 cents.  View this p

The Center of Order and Experimentation is definitely not a cult. And their website and signage out front will consistently remind you that they’re not. The West Town shop, located at 1727 West Grand Avenue, is a fantastically peculiar boutique that stocks “unexpected goods for unexpected times,” as their website states.  Jean Cate and Julie Purpura opened COE, which looks like it’s been plucked from the mind of Wes Anderson, four years ago. Since then, it’s become a beloved destination for curious knickknacks and a go-to for excellent coffee (courtesy of the on-site Monday Coffee Co. outpost), and is a focal point of the community’s vibrant creative scene. Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutOutside The Center of Order and Experimentation Cheeky anti-cult branding gets people in the door, literally: a sign out front reads “NOT A CULT!” But warm greetings from staff and COE’s Head of Customer Satisfaction, a 15-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Martha who sits floppily in a basket at the checkout counter, pull you into the shop’s whimsical world that “transcends geographical boundaries and exists in a realm where order and experimentation harmoniously coexist,” as their website notes. RECOMMENDED: West Town, Chicago: The ultimate neighborhood guide Stock rotates regularly, but the curation is based around helpful utility. On any given day, you might find designer pocketknives, scissors and flashlights presented alongside high-end Japanese stationery and an orn