Shannon Shreibak

There’s never been a better – or more important – time to celebrate cinemas. They’re the places we go to dream, focal points of our communities, and an all-round great escape. Yet movie theatres are faced with challenges that even lovelty popcorn holders can’t help with. But they’ve survived the advent of TV, Hollywood strikes, a couple of pandemics, and so far, they’re holding firm against streaming and surging costs – and there’s reasons for optimism, too: younger, Letterboxd-savvy audiences are embracing the big-screen experience like never before, and filmmakers like Ryan Coogler, Christopher Nolan and Chloé Zhao are championing it at every opportunity. Just try booking an IMAX ticket for The Odyssey. With that in mind, Time Out’s local experts have collaborated on a celebration of the best cinemas from across the globe. From cult Tokyo cinemas and grand Parisian film temples to beloved Sydney picturehouses and LA film dream palaces, from a Berlin kino with its own nuclear bunker to a Canadian cinema with only 12 seats, we’ve pointed the spotlight on a hundred magnificent movie palaces that all movie lovers should know about – and visit.  NB We’ve gone almost entirely with single-use cinemas rather than venues that double up as theatres or gig venues.  Greatest cinemas at a glance: 🍿 The greatest cinema in the world: TCL Chinese Theatre, LA 🌔 The world’s best outdoor cinema: Cine Paris, Athens 📽️ The coolest cult cinema in the world: The New Beverly, LA Jump to list

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. 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 March 5, 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 ice skating and a visiting some of the city's world-class museums. Plus, don't miss out on gallery shows, concerts and other recurring events 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

St. Patrick's Day festivities in Chicago can only mean two things: a parade and a green river. Every March, hundreds of thousands head to Grant Park, where bagpipers, dancers and politicians make their way north on Columbus Avenue for the parade procession. Once the festivities have wrapped up, feel free to hang around in the Loop to tour Chicago attractions like Millennium Park and the Art Institute, or make your way to one of the best Irish pubs in Chicago for a pint and a platter of fish and chips. Dig out your green clothes and prepare to party, because we've assembled everything you need to know about the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade. RECOMMENDED: Our guide complete guide to St. Patrick's Day in Chicago When is the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade? The St. Patrick's Day Parade will step off at 12:30pm on Saturday, March 14, and is preceded by the dyeing of the Chicago River at 10am. For optimal views of the fluorescent green water, head to Upper Wacker Drive or attend a party at one of the rooftops and restaurants along the river. Where is the Chicago St Patrick's Day parade route? This year's parade starts at the intersection of Columbus and Balbo Drives, continuing north on Columbus until concluding at Monroe Street. Barricades are set up along Columbus, and attendees typically arrive early to set up seats. The main viewing stand is located in front of Buckingham Fountain, where dancers and bands pause to wave to the crowd. How do I get to the Chicago St. Patrick'

As is tradition, the Chicago River will be turned green for St. Patrick's Day on Saturday, March 14. Crews start the process in the morning, working from Columbus Drive to Orleans Street, and the dye typically lasts a day or two (here's how they dye the river). After the water changes colors, it's off to Grant Park for the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade. While it's free to crowd onto Upper Wacker Drive to watch the river dyeing, restaurants and bars along the water will also host viewing parties, complete with open bars and brunch buffets. The following places still have tickets available for their events, but don't delay because they will sell out. No matter what kind of vibe you're looking for, here's where you can watch the St. Patrick's Day Chicago River dyeing. RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago How do they dye the Chicago River green? The Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 pours 40 pounds of dye into a quarter-mile stretch of the Chicago River over the course of 45 minutes. What time do they dye the Chicago River green? Crews are scheduled to begin dumping dye into the river at 10am on Saturday, March 14. Why do they dye the Chicago River green? In honor of St. Patrick's Day! The tradition was started in 1962 when members of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union were feeling festive and decided to dump 100 pounds of dye into the water. What is used to dye the Chicago River green? The exact formula is a secret, but it’s an

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. Last updated March 4, 2026: Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this weekend? Whether you’re the designated group chat planner or seeking some last-minute inspiration, we’ve got you covered. Our top picks? Visiting The Art Institute of Chicago's new Matisse exhibition, celebrating Holi at Navy Pier and soaking up some floral grandeur at the Garfield Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show. Oh, and we’ve rounded up some of the best free events in Chicago, too, for good measure. Scroll down to discover the best events across the city! RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago today RECOMMENDED: The best free things to do in Chicago this month RECOMMENDED: The best cheap eats in Chicago RECOMMENDED: Discover the 50 best things to do in Chicago right now

No matter where your interests lie, you can always find something to get excited about in this no-nonsense Midwestern metropolis. The best things to do in Chicago run the gamut—from seriously fun to awesomely educational. Looking for culture? Spend a day exploring Chicago museums. Hungry? You've come to the right place, because Chicago is famous for its delicious cuisine. There are tons of amazing restaurants in Chicago that highlight the city's rich and diverse culinary landscape. (And plenty of uniquely Chicago bars that do the trick, too.) We've searched all across the city to assemble this list of the best things to do in Chicago. Follow it and never get bored here again. Quick picks: The best things to do in Chicago Millennium Park – See “The Bean” (Cloud Gate) and coast along one of the city's most stunning ice rinks The Art Institute of Chicago – World-class collection with strong Impressionism and modern art wings ($26–$32) Willis Tower Skydeck and “The Ledge” – Enjoy sky-high views and step onto glass ledges above the city ($36–$45) Last updated March 3, 2026: As Chicago transitions from deep freeze to early spring, the city offers a wealth of ways to spend a March afternoon. Whether you're catching the last of the cozy indoor vibes or strolling along the newly green river, there’s plenty to see and do. Read on to discover the best activities for kicking off the spring thaw. You can also find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over t

We’ll be honest: January is not exactly Chicago’s finest month. But before you start to dwell on the prospect of snow, cold and seemingly endless winter, allow us to point out some of the best ways to kick off the first few weeks of 2026. Start by catching the final days of Christmas lights in Chicago (they offer a nice excuse to take a walk outside, even when the holidays have passed) and get some fresh winter air when you take a spin around the best ice skating rinks the city has to offer. Prefer to stay inside? Tour new exhibits at Chicago museums—many of which offer free days over the next few months—or check out some of the best things to do indoors, including rock climbing, bowling and soul-warming spa days. Make a resolution to start the year on the right foot with the help of our guide to the best things to do in Chicago this January. RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2026

It may be the shortest month of the year, but you'll find that February is still jam-packed with stuff to do in Chicago—especially because some of the city's most beloved annual events will be taking place. Grab discounted tickets to acclaimed shows during Chicago Theatre Week or check out the latest and greatest vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show. You can also woo your significant other on Valentine's Day in Chicago or celebrate the Lunar New Year with parades and festive dinners. Looking for even more stuff to do? Get ready to make the most out of the month of love with our February 2026 events guide. RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2026

Last updated March 2, 2026: Spring is right around the corner, and Chicago’s event calendar is finally starting to bloom. The week's lineup of events includes an exciting new Henri Matisse exhibition at The Art Institute of Chicago, the start of St. Patrick's Day festivities and the final week for ice skating at Maggie Daley Park. Even on a budget, you can take advantage of free admission days at several Chicago institutions or Garfield Park Conservatory's annual Spring Flower Show. Read on for our curated guide to the best events happening around town this week. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago in March 2026

Cherry blossom season is a springtime rite of passage in Japan. Each year, locals and tourists alike pour into city parks to post up with picnic blankets and admire the pale pink flowers—a tradition called hanami, or flower viewing—before they fall to the ground after just a few short days. Here in the U.S., Washington, D.C. is the most well-known destination for cherry blossom viewing (it was famously gifted more than 3,000 cherry trees by Japan in 1912), but you'll still find plenty of good spots for gazing at gorgeous spring blooms in and around Chicago. Jostle with crowds at one of the most beautiful gardens in Chicago, take a train to the suburbs or pack your bags for a flower-powered day trip from Chicago. Just make sure to plan your visit carefully, because you only have a few days to soak it all in once the blooms hit their peak! Here are some of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Chicago. When do cherry blossoms bloom in Chicago?  Cherry blossoms hit their peak anywhere from late March to early May, depending on weather conditions.  How long do cherry blossoms last in Chicago? Once the flowers hit peak bloom, they typically last anywhere from three to eight days before shedding their petals. 

Last updated February 23, 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 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

A spot on the pine bleachers at Drip Collective has become one of the most coveted seats in the city, thanks to the cafe's adventurous beverage menu (hello, mango sticky rice matcha latte!) and hyper-local event programming. Aside from piping hot coffee, Drip has been bringing a different kind of heat this summer with Hot Drip Sessions, a weekends-only DJ pop-up. Can't make it to West Loop? Drip Collective has been uploading past Hot Drip Sessions onto their YouTube channel. Dive into the archive here.   

The Savannah Bananas, a theatrical exhibition baseball team taking the world by storm, are swinging through Chicago next year alongside their Banana Ball Championship League brethren. After selling out two back-to-back games at Comiskey last year—or, if we must, Rate Field—the purveyors of “Banana Ball” are returning in 2026 for a three-night residency at Wrigley Field.

What do we talk about when we talk about the weather? We talk about the planet’s slow boil: the seasons that change without our consent, the arrow of time that pierces our lives regardless of our armors. Medical researcher John and his adult daughter Caitlyn talk about the weather constantly in In Birds of North America; nearly every scene of Anna Ouyang Moench’s one-act play touches on the subject. Set in suburban Maryland and unfolding over a decade, the play tracks their relationship like an ornithologist watching the sky: full of hope, yet braced for disappointment. Species of bird appear late, vanish early or never arrive at all. Their altered patterns mirror a filial relationship that keeps missing its own landing, circling ground without touching down. Birds of North America | Photograph: Evan Hanover, Courtesy A Red Orchid Theatre The play opens at the dawn of the Iraq War—a moral backdrop that weighs heavily on John, a lifelong liberal, eco-warrior and former doctor who sacrificed professional success to pursue a cure for Dengue fever. He catalogs the world with scientific precision, logging birds in his red palm-sized notebook while flattening human emotion with the same rigor. (He speaks of Caitlyn’s miscarriage as casually as he might note a species count in decline.) Caitlyn, meanwhile, works as a copy editor for a right-wing news site, a compromise she frames as a temporary shelter from the torment of capitalism rather than a personal conviction. She dreams of

Lilliput Books is an Asian, woman-owned independent bookstore that emphasizes community and curation. The cozy shop's collection includes titles in Chicago history, LGBTQ+ selections, nature, fiction and nonfiction as well as a wide selection of book-adjacent gifts and books for kids of all ages. In addition to its wide selection of tomes, Lilliput also hosts monthly events lik silent book clubs, junk journal and vision board workshops and Sunday morning yoga sessions. Home to a popular and beloved shop dog, Lilliput is dog-friendly and offers dog treats for furry visitors.

Wanna relive the thrill of punishing a captive audience like you did during grade school show-and-tell? Then Show & Tell for Grownups is the place for you! Once a month, comedians, storytellers and everyday passionate folks gather to share their quirky, heartfelt or downright fascinating interests. Each presenter gets five minutes on the clock to wax philosophical about their obsession, then it’s the audience’s turn with a quick Q&A. Think of it like falling down a Reddit rabbit hole—only live, and way more fun.

This first-of-its-kind exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago explores the visual, political and spiritual histories of dancehall and reggaetón through contemporary art. Once grassroots scenes, both genres have become globally influential movements tied closely to sexual and political liberation. The show features works by more than 35 artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Edra Soto, supakid and Lee “Scratch” Perry.

Whether you’re parenting a pint-sized Pokémon devotee or a nostalgic millennial still clinging to a holographic Charizard card for its “possible resale value” (guilty), the Pokémon Fossil Museum is designed to surprise and delight. Making its U.S. debut at the Field Museum in spring 2026, the international exhibition invites visitors to compare Fossil Pokémon like Tyrantrum and Archeops with real-world fossils—including SUE the T. rex. Expect Pokémon models, real fossil excavation tools and immersive soundscapes throughout.

Multimedia artist Yoonshin Park challenges conventional ideas of what books are—and what they can be. Prompt and Prompted presents new and ongoing works that reimagine artist books as spatial, symbolic and participatory sites, engaging ideas of memory, marginality, translation and transformation.

How are some of the most iconic costumes of the past century made? Costume designer Paul Tazewell pulls back the curtain in this behind-the-scenes exhibition. Highlights include costumes from Wicked, Janelle Monáe’s MET Gala looks and Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. Sketches, videos and narration reveal how imagination becomes wearable art.

This family-friendly exhibition explores six habitats—Desert, Ocean, Rainforest, Sky, Woods and City—through the eyes of modernist artist Charley Harper. Designed to foster appreciation for biodiversity and interdependence, the exhibit includes interactive games, a DIY soundscape station and multisensory interpretations of Harper’s beloved work.

As the Driehaus Museum’s first artist-in-residence, Brendan Fernandes will transform the Murphy Auditorium into a dynamic site for sculpture, movement and sound. Inspired by the Judson Dance Theater, Fernandes’ Scores for the Murphy Auditorium will unfold as an episodic residency throughout 2026, with performances and public programs announced over time.

Thanks to a landmark donation from the family of Lee Kun-Hee, the late chairman of Samsung Group, Chicagoans will be able to view extraordinary Korean artworks once held in private collections. Spanning painting, ceramics and Buddhist sculpture, the exhibition includes 140 works that trace two millennia of artistic legacy—22 of which are officially designated National Treasures or Treasures by the Korean government.

After nearly 15 years in Lincoln Park, DePaul Art Museum will close its doors on June 30. The decision was made to “ensure long-term financial sustainability for our university,” DePaul president Robert L. Manuel said in an announcement to faculty and students released last week. Since opening in its current location in 2011, the museum (935 W Fullerton Ave) has showcased the work of more than 600 Chicago-based and underrepresented artists. Located just steps from the Fullerton Red Line stop, the space also served as an interdisciplinary classroom for DePaul University students and a cultural hub for the Lincoln Park community. The museum regularly employed students interested in pursuing careers in the arts and museum field. The announcement has been met with swift community backlash. DePaul art history and philosophy faculty members have penned an open letter decrying the closure. “Even given the university’s current budgetary shortfall and consequent need for belt-tightening at various levels, the plan to repurpose the DPAM building (without specific details) appears to us short-sighted, wrong-headed, and grounded in some deeply disappointing principles of prioritization,” the letter reads. At the time of publication, the letter has garnered over 3,000 signatures. DPAM was originally founded in 1985 before moving to its current home on Fullerton Ave in 2011, guided by a mission to highlight local artists and voices historically underrepresented in museums. According to Man

It is no secret that Lakeview’s Music Box Theatre is one of Chicago’s most cherished landmarks. Between its atmospheric Italian-style courtyard, the legendary Dennis Scott serenading audiences at the organ and the intimate charm of the Music Box Lounge, the theater is a true cultural institution. Now, it seems the rest of the world is finally catching on. Just in time for next weekend’s Academy Awards, Time Out has updated its list of the 100 greatest cinemas in the world right now. Among just 15 U.S.-based entries, the Music Box lands at No. 9—an impressive nod for a neighborhood arthouse. RECOMMENDED: The 14 best movie theaters in Chicago The Music Box placed ahead of several revered international cinemas, further cementing its global reputation. (Though we’d argue that local favorites like the Davis Theater and Facets Cinematheque deserve their flowers, too.) Still, it’s gratifying to see at least one Chicago institution recognized among such a celebrated collection. “With its golden interior, projected clouds drifting across the auditorium ceiling like a daydream on a loop and a lounge stocked with film memorabilia and cocktails inspired by cinema’s glory days, the Music Box Theatre is a Chicago institution,” the guide reads. “While its programming has long secured its status as an arthouse landmark, the Music Box’s real magic lies in its community spirit—bringing together filmmakers, obsessives and casual moviegoers, united by the celluloid flicker of the silver screen.”

After opening last April, the Near West Side’s National Public Housing Museum is closing out its inaugural year on a high note: national recognition from USA Today. Housed in the last remaining building of the historic Jane Addams Homes, the museum feels both timely and deeply rooted—an institution built on lived experience as much as preservation. Located at 919 South Ada Street, the National Public Housing Museum ranked No. 3 on USA Today’s “Best New Museums” list, trailing behind the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, and the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University in Mantua, New Jersey. The ranking was determined by a panel of experts and editors, followed by a monthlong public vote. RECOMMENDED: The 28 best museums in Chicago Photograph: Joe Nolasco Dedicated to the right to housing, the National Public Housing Museum preserves the stories of the 10 million Americans who have lived in public housing over the past century. The museum rose from the 1990s demolition crisis, which drove Housing Commissioner Deverra Beverly to join forces with residents to ensure their history wasn't lost. Now, those very residents lead the way as docents, sharing firsthand accounts that add necessary complexity to the national conversation on public housing. The museum’s many exhibitions include “Historic Apartments,” three recreated homes that tell the stories of families who lived in the Jane Addams Homes, alongside installations examining housing policy and pub

Chicago’s wildest concert series is returning this summer—with a roar, naturally. Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s annual Roaring Nights brings two jam-packed weekends of music to the animal kingdom, pairing a pleasantly nostalgic lineup—Melissa Etheridge, Blues Traveler and Nelly—with the possibility of locking eyes with a lion on your way to grab a beer. “There are few places where you can feed a giraffe in the afternoon and sing along with a chart-topping artist under the stars that same evening,” Andrea Rodgers, senior vice president of guest experience and operations at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, says. “Roaring Nights has an unmistakable energy as the sun sets—part concert, part conservation celebration—where thousands of fans come together to sing, connect and support wildlife.” RECOMMENDED: A beautiful wildlife lantern festival is debuting at this Chicago zoo in the spring Photograph: Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago Roaring Nights is an all-day affair, not just a show you wander into at sunset. Each ticket doubles as full-day admission to the zoo, so you can spend the afternoon visiting the animals before staking out your spot near the stage. There’s also free main entrance parking and unlimited rides on the ferris wheel and carousel. The real draw, however, begins when the music starts. This year’s Roaring Nights lineup leans comfortably nostalgic—the kind that makes you realize you still know every word. Melissa Etheridge kicks things off on June 7 with the sort of sing-al

The Chicago Children’s Museum is welcoming a new resident this weekend—and unlike most Chicago transplants, this one arrived 90 million years late. Meet Spinosaurus, a horned specimen discovered in Niger’s Sahara Desert by longtime collaborator and paleontologist Paul Sereno. The museum will unveil the species’ first public exhibition on Sunday, March 1, complete with a skull cast and a touchable reconstruction of its head crest. The Spinosaurus will be located just outside the “Dinosaur Expedition” exhibit, a gallery Serano originally helped the museum develop between 1999 and 2001. To mark the occasion, the museum is hosting a special event at 2pm on March 1, where the Spinosaurus’s crest will be officially unveiled. Families can hear from Sereno himself, who will share stories from the field alongside images, video and hands-on artifacts. There’s also a “create your own crest” activity, giving children the chance to design their own look—because nothing says ancient apex predator like a little arts and crafts. Photograph: Courtesy of the Chicago Children's Museum “Kids as young as two or three fall in love with dinosaurs because they invite imagination,” Sereno says. “What were they like when they were alive, and what was their world like?” Spinosaurus, he adds, has the added benefit of pop culture fame, thanks to its starring role in Jurassic Park. Sereno's fossils are no stranger to the Chicago Children's Museum. The institution's long-running “Dinosaur Expedition” exh

Lunar New Year has passed, but the celebrations are far from over. The momentous holiday marks one of the most important traditions in Chinese culture, honoring ancestors and deities while welcoming the arrival of spring. The celebration follows the lunar calendar, beginning with the new moon and continuing through early March. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Horse.  Across Chicago, parades, screenings and parties continue for weeks after the holiday itself. Festivities stretch from Uptown to Chinatown. Head to Argyle Street or Chinatown for colorful parades, traditional performances and plenty of festive dining. Whether you’re catching a lion dance or sitting down for dumplings, there are plenty of ways to ring in the new year. RECOMMENDED: Our guide to Lunar New Year in Chicago The best Lunar New Year events in Chicago Argyle Lunar New Year CelebrationArgyle St and Sheridan RdFeb 21 at 10:30am Uptown’s annual celebration brings Argyle Street to life with dragons, dancers and drummers. The parade kicks off at 1pm at Argyle Street and Sheridan Road, with more than 20 local groups participating. Expect performances and family-friendly activities from 10:30am to 4pm. Lunar New Year at Navy PierNavy Pier Aon Grand Ballroom, 840 E Grand AveFeb 21 at 1pm Navy Pier transforms its Aon Grand Ballroom into a festive, family-friendly celebration. Expect traditional and contemporary performances, food vendors and activities welcoming the Year of the Horse.   Ph

At Time Out, we’re constantly refreshing our citywide rankings—because Chicago is always evolving, and you deserve to know what’s truly the best of the best. This week, we revisited our guide to the city’s best hair salons and decided it was time for a major reshuffle. Along with adding a few new salons that are keeping Chicago looking good, we updated the rankings to reflect recent trends—because nothing evolves quite like a good hairstyle. As a result of our latest reporting, longtime Logan Square mainstay Sparrow has claimed the number one spot as the best hair salon in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best nail salons in Chicago   Photograph: Alexa Viscius, Courtesy of Sparrow   Stylists Suki McAdams and Bathsheba Nemerovski opened Sparrow in 2009, and over the years it’s become the it-girl salon of this artsy corner of the city. Proudly branding itself as a salon for “sensitive people,” Sparrow is a refuge for clients who want high-end artistry without the sensory overload. As a clean-air, Amazon-free space, it has quietly built a reputation as one of Chicago’s most thoughtful destinations for sustainable beauty services. In 2024, Sparrow moved from its longtime home on Milwaukee Avenue to a larger space on a quieter stretch of Wrightwood Avenue. The extra room made it possible to expand into all-inclusive beauty offerings—massage, manual lymph drainage, brow lamination and more—turning a haircut appointment into something closer to a small act of self-preservation. Photogra

Logan Square is set to lose a beloved bookstore at the end of the month. After three years in the neighborhood, Open Books will close its Logan Square outpost on March 1. The sprawling store, located at 2068 North Milwaukee Avenue, is shuttering due to financial challenges and in order to “best protect our mission and ensure that our partner communities, children, and families have equitable access to high-quality books, programs, and literacy spaces,” according to an announcement shared last week. RECOMMENDED: The best bookstores in Chicago, ranked View this post on Instagram A post shared by Open Books (@openbookschicago) Open Books debuted the Logan Square location in 2023, bringing more than 60,000 new and used titles to a cozy two-floor space. The exterior of the former furniture store was transformed by Chicago artist Nick “Sick” Fisher, known for turning buildings into vestiges of a whimsical, cartoon-like world. Beyond its vast inventory and accessible pricing, the shop served as a community anchor—hosting everything from poetry slams to book fairs, with all profits directly funding literacy programs across Chicago. The nonprofit will continue to operate its Pilsen and West Loop stores, which offer new, used and donated books across genres ranging from art and history to fiction and romance. With Open Books’ departure, City Lit (2523 N Kedzie Blvd) will remain the only bookstore in Logan Square. Open Books–Logan Square will be open for the re

Chicago is for lovers, and apparently, quite a lot of them. The Knot’s 2026 Best of Weddings Awards named 25 Chicago venues among the best in the country, a distinction that feels both impressive and mildly overwhelming for anyone currently trying to finalize a guest list. Each year, The Knot Worldwide releases its Best of Weddings list, spotlighting the top 5% of wedding professionals and venues across the country. The honors are determined by nearly 800,000 real couple reviews, making this less a popularity contest and more a crowdsourced consensus from people who have survived seating charts, family group chats and the emotional logistics of planning a wedding. RECOMMENDED: The most romantic things to do in Chicago right now From outdoor oases like the Morton Arboretum and River Room at Burning Bush Brewery to ultra-luxe ballrooms such as The Library at 190 North LaSalle and Stan Mansion, Chicago’s range of wedding venues is as varied as the guest lists they host. Whether you’re envisioning something garden-forward, chandelier-heavy or quietly dramatic, the city offers a setting for nearly every version of “forever.” A true standout this year is Stan Mansion. Nestled in the heart of Logan Square, this 1920s landmark has been meticulously restored to its original splendor. From the moment you step into the gated garden, you are transported into a world of timeless romance and grandeur. “At Stan Mansion, our mission is to bring people of all cultures together to celebrate lo

If you’re tired of being asked, “So, what are you doing for Valentine’s Day?”—or feeling vaguely pressured to get boo’ed up for the weekend—this holiday can start to feel like… a lot. For anyone not in a relationship (or simply not in the mood for forced romance), the long weekend of love can be more daunting than delightful. But fear not: Chicago has you covered. From tongue-in-cheek concerts poking fun at lovebirds to singles mixers and comedy shows built on bad-date material, the city is offering plenty of ways to opt out of the hearts-and-roses agenda. Here are eight events that provide a welcome respite from the onslaught of bouquets, prix-fixe menus and candy hearts. RECOMMENDED: The best places to meet singles in Chicago Anti-Love Trivia Sleeping Village, 3734 W Belmont AveFeb 15 at 7pm This unhinged trivia night is devoted to breakups, bad dates and the cultural history of romantic misfires. Come with friends, come alone or come with the one person who always insists they “don’t care about Valentine’s Day” but clearly does. It’s free to play, and winning feels especially triumphant when the night’s theme is failure. Interactive screening of The Princess Bride Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport AveFeb 14 at 11am and 9:15pm The Music Box invites you to watch The Princess Bride the way it was meant to be seen: loudly quoted and surrounded by fellow romantics and skeptics alike. Prop bags included, dignity optional. It’s sword fights, true love and jokes you’ve been wai

Sure, a picture says a thousand words, but a photo booth strip says something closer to, “We were here, and we were briefly this version of ourselves.” It’s a fleeting moment, a tiny diary entry, something that can only happen behind the curtain of a booth. The Strip Club trades in this kind of sentimental magic. Located at 1702 North Damen Avenue in the heart of Wicker Park, the new spot houses 10 analog and digital photo booths (with one more on the way), each offering a slightly different personality. One prints a single image framed by a heart-shaped doily. Another delivers three strips of dreamy black-and-white photos, ready to be divided among friends like rations after a long night out. The Strip Club is also home to the oldest operating photo booth available to the public: a pill-shaped behemoth that goes by the name “Lady.” Each strip costs $7, and yes, the machines accept credit cards—nostalgia, modernized. Praise be, The Strip Club isn’t the product of some venture capital-backed brainstorm session. It’s the latest project from husband-and-wife team Anthony and Andrea Vizzari, whose company A&A Studios supplies photo booths to many of Chicago’s favorite bars and music venues (Empty Bottle, Cafe Mustache, Schubas Tavern and then some), as well as spots across the country.   Photograph: Shannon Shreibak   The Vizzaris’ photo booth origin story dates back to 2007, when Anthony began tinkering with used machines in the garage of their Logan Square home. For him, it w

At Time Out, we refresh our rankings often, because loving Chicago doesn’t mean staying loyal to the same old favorites out of habit. This month, we revisited our guide to the city’s top 24 florists and decided it was time for a gentle but decisive shake-up. Along with adding a few new flower shops that are keeping Chicago colorful, fragrant and on its aesthetic A-game, we reshuffled the rankings to reflect recent developments and the simple truth that cities—like tastes, hairstyles and what we’re willing to pay for a bouquet—are always changing. As a result of our latest reporting, Humboldt Park's Nerine has officially claimed the number one spot as the best florist in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: How to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Chicago Photograph: Steven Piper, Courtesy of Nerine Co-founders Liz Topp and Sinéad Cleary launched Nerine to celebrate the meeting point of fresh blooms and sculptural artistry. Every bouquet captures a fleeting seasonal mood and an unmistakable creative point of view—the floral equivalent of walking into a room and immediately trusting the host’s taste in music. Since opening their physical shop on Division Street in early 2025, they’ve welcomed flower lovers into their world with curated arrangements and hands-on workshops that make you briefly consider a career change. In determining our rankings, we weighed floral adventurousness and shop ambiance against a more elusive metric: the thrill of discovering you’ve walked into a place that also sells