Lauren Brocato

September might be here, but don't despair—there are still plenty of things to do in Chicago—whether you're still embracing a summertime state of mind or welcoming fall with open arms. From Oktoberfest celebrations to outdoor festivals (including Riot Fest), we've still got plenty of warm weather fun to take advantage of before the leaves start to turn and the temperature drops. Soak up the sun at the best Chicago beaches and rooftop bars, or spend your weekends checking out the end of festival season at events like the Chicago Jazz Fest and the World Music Festival. And if you really can't wait for fall to arrive, might we suggest some early leaf peeping and apple picking? Whatever your mood, you'll find plenty of ways to keep busy with our roundup of the best things to do in Chicago this September.  RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2026

Last updated September 2, 2026: As it turns out, some of the best things in life—or at least, some of the best things to do in Chicago—are free. There are plenty of free ways to spend your time over the next few weeks, including ART on THE MART, fitness classes at Gallagher Way, and concerts and movie screenings galore. Plus, don't miss out on all the things to do at the Obama Presidential Center without a ticket that won't cost you a dime. Ready to save some money without sacrificing any fun? Check out more of the best free things to do in Chicago this month. RECOMMENDED: The best free museum days in Chicago RECOMMENDED: The best cheap eats in Chicago

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 September 8, 2026: Just because Labor Day is behind us doesn't mean the summer fun has to stop. This week, we're looking forward to the return of El Grito at Grant Park, Oktoberfest celebrations at Revolution Brewing and Lincoln Square, and a Dolly Parton-themed night at Wicker Park bar Clever Coyote. Keep scrolling for more of the best things to do in Chicago this week. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago in September 2026

As Chicagoans, we are very passionate about our teams. Whether it’s the Bears, Cubs, Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks or an alma mater, there are numerous games to watch every night. It’s a good thing, then, that Chicago has plenty of great sports bars. They offer everything from spacious patios and retractable roofs to dozens of beers on tap. Want award-winning wings to go with your football? Jake Melnick’s should be at the top of your list. Prefer to sit outside and catch some rays instead? Park & Field and the Moonlighter won’t disappoint. So dust off your favorite jersey and read on to find the best sports bars in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best bars in Chicago right now September 2026: With expectations high, it’s time to kick off another Bears season. Basketball and hockey won’t be far behind, and Chicago’s best sports bars will soon be packed with fans night after night. Whether you’re a Cubs or Sox diehard, a Formula 1 fanatic or a soccer buff, there’s a hub for every kind of fan in Chicago. The latest update to this ranking of the best sports bars in Chicago includes Babe’s Sports Bar and Level Sporting Club, two newcomers dedicated to women’s sports. Uptown staple Michael's, a popular destination for tavern-style pizza and cold beer, also joins the list. Time Out has also instituted a sitewide change in review policies. Our food and drink venues included in guides now have star ratings, with five stars corresponding to “amazing,” four to “great” and three to “good,” and we’

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 September 9, 2026: Labor Day may have passed, but we're still in a summertime state of mind. This weekend, there are plenty of ways to soak up the sun at events like Ravenswood ArtWalk, El Grito Chicago and Renegade Craft Fair. Plus, Oktoberfest season has officially started with the Chicago German-American and Revolution Brewing celebrations this weekend. Keep scrolling to discover more of the best events across the city this weekend. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago today

Chicago might be known as the Second City, but our attractions are first-class. Need evidence of that fact? Look no further than the many Chicago museums, where you'll find everything from the best-preserved T. rex skeleton ever found to paintings by Van Gogh and Picasso. Or take a stroll through our gorgeous parks and gardens, home to some of the best public art in Chicago (say hello to "The Bean"). You can also laugh it up at a comedy club, see a show at a jazz club once frequented by Al Capone or have a Michelin-starred meal at one of the best Chicago restaurants ... the list goes on. For everyone from first-time visitors to lifelong Chicagoans, we’ve handpicked the city’s must-see spots so you can experience the very best of Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago right nowRECOMMENDED: The best cheap things to do in ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best hotels in ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best boutique hotels in Chicago This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Last updated September 4, 2026: Some of the world's most famous collections and exhibits can be found in Chicago. Want to see premier pieces from famous artists? Book your tickets for The Art Institute or the Museum of Contemporary Art. Obsessed with the deep unknown of the sea or space? Take a trip to the Shedd Aquarium or Adler Planetarium, which just so happen to be two of the city's best children's museums. Whether you enjoy art, science, history or architecture, Chicago's many museums are some of the top Chicago attractions and provide a great way to spend an afternoon.  RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago

While there's no shortage of ways to celebrate Labor Day, the holiday weekend often lands as bittersweet, marking the unofficial end of summertime and all the sun-soaked bliss that comes with it. Thankfully, there’s still plenty of warm weather fun to be had as we roll into the long weekend, from street festivals to live music at the Chicago Jazz Festival downtown and North Coast Music Festival in suburban Bridgeview. It’s also the final weekend to catch free fireworks shows at Navy Pier. Scroll through for even more stuff to do and have a very happy Labor Day.  RECOMMENDED: Your guide to Labor Day weekend 2026 in Chicago

Once November hits, you've got about two weeks of breathing room after Halloween before holiday events begin in earnest, from twinkling Christmas lights 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

In a city where faded Old Style signs swing outside of beloved dive bars and lines snake around the block at trendy cocktail lounges, the best bars in Chicago act as meeting places, date locales and venues for celebrations. With so many great places to grab a beverage, the list of our all-time favorite bars around town is expansive—and inclusive of breezy beer gardens, sultry wine bars uncorking bottles of reds and whites, and the finest cocktail bars Chicago has to offer. In a metropolis packed with places to sip and swirl, these watering holes shine even brighter and boozier. Take a look at the best bars in Chicago and find the perfect destination for your next night out. Best Chicago bars at a glance: 🎶 For live music: Green Mill – Historic jazz lounge with nightly performances (Uptown) 🍹 For tropical cocktails: Three Dots and a Dash – Rum-based drinks in a Polynesian-themed subterranean space (River North) 😘 For date night: Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club – A sultry lounge serving premium tableside cocktails (River North) 🍸 For inventive, theatrical drinks: The Aviary – A modern cocktail concept where elaborate, experimental creations dazzle the senses (West Loop) 🥃 For whiskey lovers: Delilah's – A no-frills dive offering more than 1,000 brown spirits (Lincoln Park) Updated September 2026: Sometimes you want to let loose in a loud bar after a long week, and sometimes you just want to cozy up at a dive bar with only a beer and your thoughts. No matter the occasio

The annual Oktoberfest celebrations mark the arrival of fall, but 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. From special tappings at Chicago breweries to carnival rides outside neighborhood churches, we've gathered some of the best parties and events during Oktoberfest in Chicago, taking place at amazing restaurants, bars and even zoos. Break out those dirndls and lederhosen and prepare to say "Prost"! What is Oktoberfest?  Oktoberfest is a multi-week beer festival and fair held in Munich, Germany. Originally conceived to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen in 1810, the festival has since evolved into a public event and one of the most important cultural symbols in Bavaria, drawing millions of attendees from across the world each year.  When is Oktoberfest in Chicago? Although Munich's Oktoberfest takes place this year from September 19–October 4, Chicago's celebrations generally take place anywhere from mid-September to late-October.

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. 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 it's on a minibus or on foot, this tour takes you to the locations frequented by some of Chicago's most notorious gangsters and the places that have been haunted by their ghosts. With four tours offered daily, there's always an opportunity to take a step back in time to learn about figures like Al Capone and Chicago's haunted history.

The oldest music festival in North America plays host to more than 90 shows throughout the summer and during the holidays, featuring big-name headliners like Paul Simon, Alabama Shakes and Chance the Rapper. Check out the full schedule of artists coming to Highland Park this year, and don't forget to pack a picnic.

Savor the season with a sip-and-shop wine stroll down Division Street. The route takes you to six participating locations, including Lost Girls Vintage and Makoma House, where you'll be able to fill up on vino along the way. A ticket gets you 12 2-ounce pours and light bites, plus a commemorative tasting glass.  

Middle Brow is adding another street fest to the calendar this year with its inaugural Armitage County Fair. The two-day fest features live music across two stages, comedy sets, a petting zoo and county fair-style competitions like greased-watermelon races and giardiniera-eating contests. The food and beverage lineup will exclusively feature local brands like Lonesome Rose, Pretty Cool Ice Cream, Gretel, Marz and Giant.

Honor the legacy of late country icon Dolly Parton at Clever Coyote's tribute night. Head to the 90s-inspired bar inside the Robey Hotel for Dolly-themed drinks, music and a chance to win tickets to Riot Fest. A portion of the night's proceeds will be donated to Parton's Imagination Library program.

Explore Chicago's eerie past as you snake down the river aboard the First Lady Creepy Cruise. The 90-minute tour combines architectural history with stories of the city's shady past, from mob legends to ghost sightings, for a spooky evening on the water.

Located on the second floor of The Shops at North Bridge, this intimate and pristinely organized manga shop is packed with titles from wall to wall. You'll find new releases and staff recommendations, plus dedicated webtoons, manhwa, LGBTQ+ and kids sections, in addition to merch, collectibles and special-edition tomes. Even though the space is small, you'll want to carve out enough time to browse the thousands of titles that line the walls.

Take a spooky step back in time to the age of Oak Brook's early settlers at the annual Cemetery Walk through Bronswood Cemetery. Guides will lead small groups down a half-mile path illuminated by lanterns as they share the tales of the community's pioneers. The one-hour walk includes a rest at the halfway point where guests can take a break and enjoy complimentary refreshments.

Experience the thrill of sumo wrestling up close at the traveling experience Sumo + Sushi's stop in Chicago. The event kicks off with an introduction to the history and rituals of sumo, followed by live exhibition matches. Guests can purchase a Sushi + Show ticket for an upgraded experience that includes a sushi bento box, miso soup and mochi, courtesy of a local sushi restaurant. Think you have what it takes to compete? Six guests per session can opt for the Get in the Ring experience and face off against wrestlers in front of the crowd. 

Get your heart rate up in a mat Pilates class on The St. Regis Chicago's luxe rooftop Terrace. After class, which includes a fitness mat that's yours to take home, guests can enjoy the sprawling 12,000-square-foot wellness floor, complete with an indoor pool, sundeck, sauna, steam room, fitness studios are more.

The country's largest touring marketplace for Black-owned businesses is headed to Chicago for the first time. Black on the Block, hosted by Taylor Bennett, is taking over Stadium Green at Soldier Field for a day with more than 100 Chicago businesses. Guests can also expect a food court and bars, live music performances, games, giveaways, a kids' zone and more.

The circus is coming to town as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents a reimagined version of The Greatest Show on Earth from November 6-8. The new tour won’t have any animals, but instead features musical performances blended with aerial artistry, modern comedy and never-before-seen acts on highwire, trapeze, bicycles and more. Performers include The Navas Troupe on the Double Wheel of Destiny, unicyclist Weslley Williams, and trapeze group Flying Cáceres.

When romance bookstore Last Chapter opened in Roscoe Village in mid-2023, a line of excited readers stretched down the quaint block on Roscoe Street. This turnout wasn’t a surprise, though: Chicago’s been home to popular specialty bookstores for decades, and more have continued to pop up in recent years. From horror-themed shops to manga meccas, there are a handful of top-notch niche bookstores that have become vibrant community hubs for their respective fanbases. Some carry rare titles and limited-edition collectibles, while others also sling themed merch, memorabilia and other physical media.  Want to discuss the ending of your last great read or swap recommendations with other readers? Check out these bookstores’ events, which range from author talks and book clubs to art workshops and album release listening parties. Whether you’re looking for a like-minded literary community or are curious about where to start with a new genre, here are our favorite specialty bookstores in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best bookstores in Chicago for new and used books Goblin Market View this post on Instagram A post shared by Goblin Market Manga, Comics & Curiosities (@goblin.mkt) When it opened in 2023, Goblin Market was one of Chicago’s first manga shops. The Lakeview storefront is packed with manga and graphic novels of all varieties, plus comics, games, puzzles and merch. Check out Goblin Market’s calendar for events like queer nerd meetups, silent book clubs, b

Whether you’re ready or not, summer is coming to a close. It’s been a busy one, filled with monumental moments like the Obama Presidential Center opening, America’s 250th anniversary, WNBA All-Star Weekend, and so much more. But Labor Day weekend is here, and it’s finally time to say goodbye to summertime Chi. With a sunny (for now) forecast predicted over the next few days, it’s only right to get out and make the most of the coveted three-day weekend and celebrate what the national holiday is all about: celebrating the contributions of the American worker. Ready to send summer off with a bang? Here are our picks of the best events and things to do over the long weekend. For our full guide to more than 40 things to do this weekend, click here. RECOMMENDED: The 16 best bars for day drinking in Chicago 1. Chicago Labor Day Parade & Eddie Fest The Chicago Labor Day Parade returns to historic Pullman on Saturday. Organized by the Chicago Federation of Labor, the event celebrates union pride, solidarity and community togetherness. The parade will step off at East 112th Street and South Avenue F on the Southeast Side, before continuing north up South Ewing Avenue to East 106th Street. Afterwards, stick around for Eddie Fest, featuring live music, food and family-friendly activities, at Steelworkers Park.  2. Chicago Jazz Festival As is Labor Day weekend tradition in Chicago, some of the biggest names in jazz will gather for a series of shows through Sunday at Pritzker Pavilion in M

Did you know you can stream blockbuster movies, TV shows and music for free with a Chicago Public Library card? What about the fact that you can get a free language learning app subscription? A CPL card is more powerful than you think.  The perks of being a CPL cardholder go far beyond being able to check out books. In addition to thousands of events across the 82 branches, many of which are also open to non-cardholders, there are many free things you can do just by having a library card. Any Chicago resident can register for a free library card. All you have to do is bring a valid ID with your name, photo and address to any CPL branch and fill out a simple application. Children under 14 are eligible for a youth card, and students have access to additional card options.   RECOMMENDED: 11 things you can do at the Obama Presidential Center without a ticket Whether you’re headed to the new branch at the Obama Presidential Center or one of the many other beautiful libraries, there are dozens of free services and experiences that cardholders have access to—you just need to know where to look. Here are the best free things you probably didn’t know you can do with a library card. 1. Get into Chicago museums With a CPL card, you can get into most Chicago museums for free by reserving a pass online. Just show up at the museum at your reserved time with your digital pass and ID, and enjoy a day of discovery.  2. Stream movies, TV shows and music Free access to entertainment streaming s

The Great Lakes are the "last uncruised region of the world," according to Stephen Burnett, the former executive director of the Great Lakes Cruising Coalition, in 2019, but several companies have been working to change that. This year, voyages throughout the region increased nearly 5% since last year, marking continued growth in popularity since the pandemic completely halted all cruise tourism between Canada and America.  You might think that Chicago, the largest U.S. city in the Great Lakes region, would be the busiest and most important hub on these routes. But that’s not the case, as nearby cities like Milwaukee, Cleveland and Toronto see significantly more cruise traffic.  Just two of the seven cruise lines voyaging through the Great Lakes this year stopped in Chicago: Viking Cruises and Victory Cruise Lines, and only the latter actually docked at Navy Pier.  RECOMMENDED: Don’t want to pay for a pricey Chicago River cruise? Book this $10 ride instead. Many Great Lakes cruises include Chicago on their itineraries, though passengers are often shuttled to and from other port cities for the day. So why do most cruise lines skip over docking in Chicago on their journeys? The answer is pretty simple: Navy Pier isn’t big enough.  Most vessels exceed Navy Pier Marina’s capacity to accommodate ships shorter than 183 feet long. Viking’s much larger ships, like the one many confused Chicagoans spotted out on the lake earlier this summer, got around the size restrictions by anchori

If you’re walking down the lakeshore this weekend and see hundreds of shiny heads gathering, don’t be alarmed; it’s just the Chicago Bald-Off. The viral Chicago Bald-Off is back for a second year, and it’s going to be bigger and balder than ever before. The *very* serious competition (I’ll let you decipher what that means) will take place at 5pm on Sunday, August 30 in Lincoln Park. Just like last year, Chicagoans will crown the city’s “Baldest Baddie” and “Baddest Baldie.”  In true brainrot fashion, the official announcement (some paper signs taped up around Chicago) gives only the location’s coordinates, 41.93908, -87.63416. For those who don’t know off the top of their (bald) head where that is, it’s the Self-Portrait sculpture at the AIDS Garden.  RECOMMENDED: A controversial statue could make a return as part of a new museum opening this fall Chicago Bald-Off organizers have asked competitors to “come correct” (AKA bald or donning a bald cap), though people of all hair levels are welcome to attend. The poster also reads, “This is NOT a drill. This is a COMPETITION.” All Pitbull, Cynthia Erivo and Poot Lovato doppelgangers are encouraged to compete.  @chicago.bald.off 2026 CHICAGO BALD OFF IN LAKEVIEW ON 8/30. you know the drill but this is NOT a drill !!! #chicago #lakeview #contest #whimsy #bald original sound - The Washed Athlete After last year’s Bald-Off, which garnered national attention, and the headline-making Jeremy Allen White look-alike contest of

Yes, you read that right. NASCAR just announced that the downtown Chicago street race will not return in 2027. The decision came after the city and NASCAR ran out of time to agree on a 2027 date.   Instead, the Cup Series race weekend will be held at Chicagoland Speedway in suburban Joliet, about an hour outside of the city, from June 25 to June 27, 2027. This marks the second year in a row that the race takes place in Joliet, after NASCAR traded the streets for the Speedway earlier this year. NASCAR first took over the streets of Chicago in 2023 over Fourth of July weekend, notoriously bumping Taste of Chicago out of its signature Independence Day time slot. The debut race weekend was defined by abysmal weather, a truncated race, multiple delays and the cancellation of all three scheduled concerts by The Chainsmokers, Miranda Lambert and Charley Crockett.  RECOMMENDED: Chicago's most iconic street party was cancelled—here's why The following two years brought wet weather and extreme heat, but were far less chaotic than 2023. Despite more favorable conditions and cheaper tickets, Chicagoans weren’t totally sold on the street race. Many residents still complained about things like extensive street closures and parking restrictions, and still-high ticket prices (a single-day ticket went for $99 in 2025). Even the drivers weren’t all in, as they expressed concerns about the possibility for crashes on the track. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASCAR

Get ready to bust a move because Chicago SummerDance is back with free dance classes in Grant Park for just nine nights this month. The lineup for the series’ final installment, Chicago SummerDance in the Spirit of Music Garden, is packed with beginner-friendly classes across dance styles, all informed by the city’s rich cultural landscape. From ballroom and Bollywood to Brazilian samba and Chicago steppin’, there’s something for everyone—even those who claim to have two left feet. SummerDance classes are completely free and open to dancers of all ages and experience levels. Instructor-led dance lessons kick off at 6pm and are followed by live music performances—with plenty of room to show off your new moves—at 7:15pm.  RECOMMENDED: Chicago's most iconic street party was cancelled—here's why A special edition of SummerDance, hosted by Chicago musician and media personality Dana Divine, will be held during the annual Chicago House Music Festival weekend. BraveSoul Movement will lead a house dance workshop at 6pm before DJs Ron Troupe (6:30pm) and Mark “Flava” Fuller (7:45) take the stage.  “Chicago SummerDance is one of many ways that the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events activates and transforms public spaces into vibrant areas for people to connect through culture,” says DCASE commissioner Kenya K. Merritt. “These live performances and free dance lessons celebrate the traditions and communities that define Chicago while making arts and culture accessible in n

Those deafening roars from above are nothing to be afraid of—it’s just the annual Chicago Air and Water Show.  This weekend, the roaring spectacle returns to the skies of Chicago for two days (well, three if you count Friday’s rehearsal) of high-flying stunts, daring tricks and spectacular maneuvers for a crowd of nearly 2 million people. The festivities kick off with a practice on Friday, August 14, followed by the official show on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, from 10:30am to 3pm. As always, the show is free to watch—all you have to do is look up.  North Avenue Beach is the central hub, but you’ll still be able to see the show from plenty of other spots along the lakeshore.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Air Force Thunderbirds (@afthunderbirds) This year’s air show will look a little different as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds return for a second year in a row, rather than the typically alternating U.S. Navy Blue Angels due to a scheduling conflict. We’re still in for a remarkable show featuring a lineup of military and civilian performers, including the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights. Legendary moderator and retired Air Force pilot Herb Hunter will once again voice the show, which you can hear from Oak Street Beach to Fullerton Beach.  Read on for all of the essential information about this year’s Chicago Air and Water Show. Who are the military performers in the Chicago Air and Water Show 2026? U.S. Air Fo

Since 2021, the beloved street party Sundays on State has drawn nearly 1.5 million people to the Loop’s main drag, but, to the disappointment of many Chicagoans, it will not return this year.  The 2026 festival, which took place on September 7 and October 5 last year, was cancelled by The Chicago Loop Alliance, which announced in February that the decision was made as it works to establish the new Loop Arts District, along with revamped arts- and culture-related programming.  Although it’s disappointing that Sundays on State will not take place this year, a new wave of cultural events is on the horizon, and a brand new event called Loop Arts Fest on Saturday, October 17, is slated to replace Sundays on State. The new daylong festival will take over State Street from Jackson to Madison for a celebration of the area's rich arts and culture assets, according to the Loop Alliance. The organization added that Loop Arts Fest will combine on-street activations with amplification of existing offsite programming to showcase the breadth of the Loop’s cultural community. A complete lineup of events and participants is expected to be announced in September. RECOMMENDED: The best festivals in Chicago for 2026, from music fests to street fairs The Loop, and particularly State Street, is still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. But things are looking up: Vacant storefronts on State Street dropped nearly 14% in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, and pe

It’s almost time for Chicago’s biggest event of the year: Lollapalooza.  This year’s lineup is anchored by heavy hitters across genres (more on that below) and a massive roster of official aftershows across the city.  You’ll also want to look out for exciting new additions to the Grant Park festival grounds, including a new—and free—Ferris wheel, courtesy of Motorola. As with any activations at Lollapalooza, whether it’s Ulta Beauty’s Beat Suite or the Coca-Cola Roller Ring, “free” usually means long lines, but there’s plenty of time to explore between sets. Whether you’re ready to relive Brat Summer or are patiently waiting to break out your best moves at Tate McRae or Zara Larsson, we’ve created a complete list of every performance with updated set times and stages below. Bookmark this page, where you’ll find the day-by-day schedules of every performance, both live and on stream, at Lollapalooza this year.  How can I stream Lollapalooza?  You can stream select Lollapalooza sets on Hulu or Disney+. Performances by Charli XCX, Tate McRae, Lorde, Olivia Dean, John Summit, Jennie, Smashing Pumpkins and The xx will be available to stream from home. Check the festival’s website for the latest livestream set times. Photograph: Courtesy LollapaloozaLollapalooza 2026 livestream lineup   What are the Lollapalooza set times and schedule? All four daily schedules are listed below, both in image and text format. There are more than 150 acts, but the biggest ones to watch for are Sombr

I always believed that I, a lifelong Chicagoan, would never succumb to riding a pedicab. That is, until I had no choice but to during a gridlock on State Street—and it completely changed my perspective on them. Chicago pedicabs, AKA cycle rickshaws, bike taxis or tuk-tuks, get a bad rap. A maximum of 200 pedicabs are allowed to operate each year. You can typically find them near major attractions like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, along the Lakefront Trail and around Museum Campus.   To most locals, the music-playing, Christmas-light-clad contraptions are seen as overpriced annoyances that scam tourists, take up space in bike lanes, and weave through pedestrian pathways at risky speeds. While there is a case to be made for staying away from them in some cases, pedicabs are officially licensed operators that can be a genuinely efficient—and fun—mode of transportation. RECOMMENDED: Don’t want to pay for a pricey Chicago River cruise? Book this $10 ride instead. Before you hop on, confirm the price and acceptable form of payment with the driver. Prices vary widely depending on distance, location, time of day and other factors like if a major event is happening. Use your best judgment to decide whether the price is right for you (hint: if there are multiple drivers around, ask a couple to find the best rate).  Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutPedicabs at Navy Pier If you find yourself in one of the situations below, and if the price isn’t egregious, you might be in for a th

Lollapalooza just dropped its official aftershow schedule—and it’s stacked. From Tuesday, July 28, through Sunday, August 2, more than 80 acts are taking over 27 venues across the city. The solo shows offer a chance for fans to see a full set from some of the festival’s most anticipated performers like Zara Larsson, Yungblud and Suki Waterhouse. The best part about the aftershows? $1 from every aftershow ticket sold will support arts education programs for youth across Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The Lollapalooza daily schedule with set times is out When do Lollapalooza 2026 aftershow tickets go on sale? Official aftershow tickets go on sale Friday, May 29, at 10am CT. Visit the Lollapalooza site to score yours. Do I need a festival pass to go to the aftershows? No. You do not need a Lollapalooza festival pass to go to the aftershows. What’s the lineup and schedule?  Check out the poster for the full Lollapalooza 2026 aftershow lineup below, followed by the list of performances by day.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lollapalooza (@lollapalooza) Tue, July 28 Paris PalomaMetro Wed, July 29 Evening Elephants w/ The BraymoresBeat Kitchen CMATBottom Lounge Ayybo w/ Inphinity & Rika BCastaways Bad Nerves w/ Flesh PanthersCobra Lounge Bella Kay w/ Claire RosinkranzGarcia’s Blood OrangeHouse of Blues Bixby w/ J.VN.Lincoln Hall Viagra Boys w/ Beau WanzerMetro Between Friends w/ FingyOutset Boris BrejchaRadius Empire of the SunSalt Shed