Shannon Shreibak

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 April 15, 2026: Hunting for the best weekend plans in Chicago? From dedicated planners to last-minute adventurers, we’ve got you covered. This week’s highlights include the return of Pickwick Vintage Show at Chicago Athletic Association, new exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and Wrightwood 659 and dazzling video displays at ART on THE MART. We’ve also 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

Sometimes, you just want—and other times need—a little escape from the city. If a full-blown weekend getaway isn't in the cards but you're still yearning for a change in scenery, there are plenty of options for a day trip within a few hours’ drive of Chicago. Spend an afternoon soaking up the rays on beaches along Lake Michigan, go hiking near Chicago in one of Illinois' stunning state parks or sample a variety of beers and cheeses up north in Wisconsin. The attractions are endless, ranging from amusement parks and Japanese gardens to eye-opening museums and historic lighthouses.  And the best part? Many of these destinations are also accessible by Metra. So get to planning with our guide to the best day trips from Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips from Chicago

Last updated April 6, 2026: Looking for an outdoorsy experience that's a bit more adventurous than walking through your local Chicago park? Thankfully, you don't need to go too far to escape the urban jungle, because there's no shortage of great spots for hiking near Chicago. Cross state lines to visit the gorgeous Indiana Dunes along Lake Michigan, explore the ruins of a steel mill in Joliet or tackle the sprawling 30-mile Ice Age Trail at Kettle Moraine State Forest in Wisconsin. Plus, some of these paths double as great Chicago bike trails—you can even make a weekend of it and plan a camping adventure. If you're ready for a quick escape from the city, put on your best boots and hit the trails at some of the best places for hiking near Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Hit the road on more day trips from Chicag RECOMMENDED: Discover these amazing treehouse Airbnbs near Chicago

Looking to spruce up your work from home set up? Or want to transform that drab living room corner into a lush rainforest? It might be a good time to invest in some house plants. Chicago has experienced a post-pandemic boom in brick-and-mortar plant shops that are more than ready to inspire green thumbs all over the city. Browse the storefronts to pick out budding Monsteras or find that perfect Bird of Paradise—each store is packed with knowledgeable staffers more than prepared to consult you on all your plants needs. Plus, if you need to pick up a special floral arrangement for that special someone, you'll find that most of these businesses double as some of the best flower shops of Chicago. So add some life to that dreary corner and check out these best plant stores in Chicago for greenery, special events, consulting services and more. RECOMMENDED: The best options for flower delivery in Chicago

Last updated April 13, 2026: Chicago is busy this week—in the best way. You’ve got the ART on THE MART, The Balloon Museum's extended residency in Chicago and Glow Wild lighting up Brookfield Zoo Chicago after dark. 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 April 2026

Is there anything better than June in Chicago? The days are long, summer festival season has arrived and cold weather finally feels like a distant memory, giving us ample opportunity to enjoy afternoons at Chicago beaches and evenings spent sipping frozen cocktails at the city's best rooftop bars. As always, you'll find plenty of seasonal events to keep busy, from big summer music festivals like the Chicago Blues Festival and the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash to charming neighborhood art fairs. Plus, don't miss the numerous Pride events happening. Say hello to summer with our list of the best things to do in Chicago this June. RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2026

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 April 6, 2026: As Chicago transitions from deep freeze to early spring, the city offers a wealth of ways to spend an April 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

Between the amazing restaurants to try, swankiest bars to visit and best things to do, having a good time in Chicago can be expensive. However, there are still plenty of options for fun on a budget. Chicagoans have access to affordable museums around the city, theater shows that don't break the bank and even a cat cafe. Here are some of the best cheap things to do in Chicago for under $20. And for even more cost-effective options, check out the best free things to do in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best cheap eats in Chicago

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.

Get excited, Chicagoans, because winter in Chicago is almost over and some of our most beloved events and traditions are happening this month. First up is St. Patrick's Day in Chicago, which is once again bringing river dyeing festivities and a parade to the Loop, along with plenty of other celebrations across the city (including the Shamrock Shuffle and parades on the South and Northwest Sides). Hoping to avoid the crush of green-clad people downtown? Check out some inspiring exhibitions at The Art Institute of Chicago, visit David Byrne's “Theater of the Mind” installation or feast on encased meats and beers at Haymarket's Sausagefest. You'll find all that and more in our roundup of things to do in Chicago this March. RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2026

Last updated April 1, 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 a dazzling flower show, the return of ART on THE MART and exhibitions at 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

Last updated April 1, 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

Part art installation, part psychological gauntlet, Theater of the Mind is David Byrne and Mala Gaonkar’s newest exploration of the self. Tucked inside a 15,000-square-foot office, the experience invites small groups of 16 or less to navigate a sensory-bending labyrinth. But the real variable isn't the set design; it’s the audience. Group participation is a central element of the show, which can be exhilarating but also sometimes awkward; the instructions are sometimes muddled, and the responses of the group can affect the narrative in ways that don’t always cohere. Ultimately, your enjoyment of Theater of the Mind may hinge on the group you’re there with—and on your own state of mind.

To know Matisse is to know Jazz—or at least the vivid images that make up the book, which gathers some of his most iconic works of the 20th century. After a lifetime spent wrestling with the tension between color and line—a struggle that often seemed fruitless—an emergency surgery and the long, bedridden recovery that followed led Matisse to experiment with cut paper shapes, the very forms he is now synonymous with. The result of that creative breakthrough was Jazz, a book of 20 vibrant plates, now on display at The Art Institute of Chicago alongside several of his other pursuits in painting, printmaking, textiles and beyond. While you may feel well-acquainted with Matisse’s work through pop culture osmosis—Icarus, for instance, emblazoned on the cover of The Body Keeps the Score, a trauma text that has achieved an unusual level of mainstream popularity—“Matisse's Jazz: Rhythms in Color” recontextualizes these familiar, often misread images. Icarus, for example, is not surrounded by stars but by bursting artillery shells, a subtle yet unsettling trace of fascist anxiety creeping into Matisse’s vision. Jazz itself occupies only a small atrium within this multi-room exhibition. Elsewhere, the galleries open onto Matisse’s experiments across mediums: woodcuts, graphite sketches and lesser-known sculptures, each offering a different angle on his restless practice. The exhibition ultimately stands as a testament to the idea that life can begin at 70. As we watch other artists rein

As one of the nation’s largest repositories of contemporary works, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) frequently hosts major touring exhibits featuring visionaries like Doris Salcedo, Simon Starling, and Daniel Clowes. Beyond the galleries, the MCA acts as a vibrant community hub, fostering dialogue and growth through its dedicated Community Partnerships and Engagement program. Visitors can engage with the museum through diverse public programming—from summer jazz on the terrace and a seasonal farmer’s market to curated film screenings. The MCA has solidified its reputation as a premier destination for landmark exhibitions, most notably with its expansive Yoko Ono retrospective and a career-spanning showcase of internationally renowned Chicagoan Nick Cave. By constantly reorienting itself to the current cultural landscape, the museum highlights both international and local artists as they engage with an ever-evolving world. The museum has also established itself as a premier culinary destination with its in-house restaurant, Marisol. Helmed by James Beard Award–winning chef Jason Hammel (of Lula Cafe) and surrounded by an immersive art installation by Chris Ofili, Marisol offers a full-service dining experience that is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.

You needn't look further than Pilsen to find one of the largest Latino cultural organizations in the U.S. At the National Museum of Mexican Art, you can explore a 10,000-piece permanent collection alongside rotating exhibits and performing arts showcases that honor the depth of Mexican culture. Since 1987, the museum has bridged borders by fostering appreciation for Mexican art through world-class education and professional artist development. The museum’s annual Día de Muertos exhibition is an annual highlight, celebrating the lives of those who have passed. After touring the galleries, visit the courtyard to see a dedicated installation curated by the youth artists of Yollocalli Arts Reach. Before you leave, take a moment at the community ofrenda to add a note or memory, becoming part of this moving collective tribute. Admission is always free, with docent-led tours available upon request. These tours are tailored for all ages—children included—offering a deeper look into the history and themes behind both permanent and temporary exhibitions. It’s a perfect way to connect more personally with the art and culture on display.

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.

Time to celebrate, Chicagoans! Humboldt Park’s beloved swan boats are returning this summer—because nothing says seasonal optimism quite like pedaling furiously while pretending to be a serene waterfowl. After taking last summer off due to a dip in sales (apparently even giant plastic birds aren’t immune to economic downturns), the fleet is officially floating back into our lives this week. Wheel Fun Rentals, the California-based operator partnered with the Chicago Park District, is relaunching its 15-swan fleet at the lagoon boathouse starting April 25. RECOMMENDED: Time Out's Humboldt Park neighborhood guide Photograph: Shannon Shreibak The company has operated out of 1301 North Humboldt Drive since 2018, but business slowed significantly post-pandemic. The franchise owners closed the concession last year with no plans to return, leaving the lagoon to the actual birds. But hope—and a new all-day café planned for the boathouse veranda—has a way of reviving things. The owners decided to bring back both boat and bike rentals.  Alongside the swan boats, Wheel Fun Rentals will also offer Surrey bike rentals. Pricing remains consistent: $30 per hour for a swan boat (a bargain, if you value whimsy), $29 for a four-wheeled Surrey bike and $39 for a double Surrey—perfect for families or groups willing to test both coordination and patience. Hours will be 11am to 6pm on weekends through May 17. From May 22 to September 1, hours expand to 11am to 7:30pm Monday through Friday and 9am

Whether you’re celebrating on 4/20 itself or easing in a little early, Chicago is offering plenty of laid-back ways to catch a buzz on the high holiday. From low-key hangs to full-on themed parties, the city leans into the moment with its usual mix of creativity and chaos. Think of it less as a single day and more as a long weekend excuse to explore music, art, food—and yes, a little indulgence. Here’s a roundup of some of the chillest events happening across the city. RECOMMENDED: The 23 best Chicago dispensaries for buying marijuana Dank Magic Mini MartLife on Marz Community Club (1950 N Western Ave), April 18 at 4:20pm This annual celebration blends hops, hemp and springtime energy into one hazy afternoon. Guests can expect open tastings of Marz beverages, along with food offerings like pizza, grilled bites and a market-style spread of plants and small goods.  Green RoomBlazed Bakery (2415 N Milwaukee Ave), 6:30pm Green Room delivers a relaxed night of music, sweets and socializing. DJs keep things moving while guests settle into a steady, easygoing atmosphere. A happy hour from 6:30–7:30pm features discounted infused lemonades. Chicago 420 Weekend TakeoverProhibition THCafe (2113 S State St), April 18–20 This multi-day event packs in a range of activities, from morning “wake and bake” sessions to late-night smoke hangs. Food plays a central role, with infused wing and catfish plates available throughout the weekend. Music, vendors and live performances round out the expe

The Hand & The Eye, a 36,000-square-foot sanctuary for the all things magic, officially opens its doors on Saturday, April 18. Anchored inside the legendary McCormick Mansion at Ontario and Rush (100 E Ontario St), the venue sits just steps from the Magnificent Mile, transforming a Gilded Age icon into what is being hailed as the world’s most ambitious home for modern magic. The estate is no stranger to reinvention—having famously housed Lawry’s The Prime Rib for decades—but its latest act is its most daring. Within its 37 rooms, the mansion hides a labyrinth of secret passageways and hidden chambers where world-class magicians perform intimate, close-up tricks. The experience pairs high-concept sleight of hand with an elevated culinary program, operating on the belief that nothing complements a vanishing act quite like an extravagant entrée.  “We’re creating a singular experience of wonder, where memories are made and magic is shared. You become a part of the magic,” says founder Glen Tullman. “We’re investing in Chicago to bring the most unique magic experience in the world to life, and to play a role in reinvigorating the Magnificent Mile.” Photograph: Courtesy of the Rockwell Group The five-story experience unfolds through a sequence of lounges, theaters and dining rooms that shift from stylishly cozy to wildly opulent. With more than five ways to enter the mansion, every visit is a curated pivot; the magicians you meet, the illusions you witness and even the menu you

“Summertime Chi” is just around the corner, bringing with it the annual wave of outdoor rituals that make the city spring to life. While some prefer hitting Chicagoland's many hiking trails or treasure hunting at the city's best vintage and flea markets, few things beat the magic of catching a flick under the stars. Fortunately for us, Rooftop Cinema Club is returning to the West Loop with a stellar new slate of films. Perched atop The Emily Hotel in Fulton Market, the open-air theater offers a curated mix of hand-picked classics, cult favorites and the recent blockbusters—all framed by sweeping skyline views and a menu of craft beverages. RECOMMENDED: The 14 best movie theaters in Chicago Photograph: Courtesy of Rooftop Cinema Club Rooftop Cinema Club's 2026 season officially kicks off on Wednesday, May 6. This year’s eclectic lineup features a little something for everyone, including (but not limited to) the following: Modern favorites: La La Land, Twilight and Mean Girls New releases: Zootopia 2, Sinners and Freakier Friday Nostalgic classics: The Sandlot, Love Jones and White Chicks Unbeatable double features: A back-to-back screening of Mamma Mia! and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Fulton Market for our fifth season on the rooftop,” says Gerry Cottle, founder and CEO of Rooftop Cinema Club. “Our programming team has had a blast putting together a schedule filled with Rooftop favorites—and that’s just the start. We’ve lined up s

Frustrated with blogging platforms and yearning for something a bit more tangible than a glowing screen, Ian Fugett founded The Pub a year ago. Since then, he’s been driving around Chicago, delivering stacks of the paper himself as part publisher, part very committed courier. Powered by a collective of Chicago and Midwest creatives, The Pub is a print-only publication featuring everything from investigative reporting and cultural critiques to short fiction and deep dives into niche curiosities. The paper is intentionally kept off the grid, encouraging readers to track down physical copies at local distribution hubs or join its “mail club”—a tangible alternative to the traditional digital newsletter. This offline approach is guided by the blunt manifesto found on the publication's homepage: “You’re not supposed to find us online. You’re supposed to go out into the real world to find us. Thanks.” The first issue of The Pub dropped last May, and the fourth—released in March—boasted 16,000 copies. Inside the most recent issue, you’ll find everything from a deep dive into the Flat Iron Arts Building's impact on gentrification to essays on highway construction costs, plus fiction, comics and even a CTA-themed word puzzle (arguably the most relaxing way to think about public transit). Each run is distributed to about 150 locations across the city, currently spanning from 63rd Street in the south to Devon Avenue in the north. Each issue is free, though donations and subscriptions hel

Broadway review by Shannon ShreibakRating: ★★★ (three stars) David Byrne has always been a thinking person’s artist, from his early years as the frontman for the art-rock band Talking Heads through his 2021 Broadway concert show, American Utopia, which opened with him holding a plastic model of a brain. In Theater of the Mind, which he co-created with writer Mala Gaonkar, he invites us again to inhabit his head, this time through an interactive, multisensory experience steeped in neuropsychological trickery. Photograph: Todd Rosenberg When you arrive at the Reid Murdoch Building, a sterile office block in the heart of the Loop, you are ushered into a waiting lounge awash in vibrant colors and East Asian–inspired banners. Entrance times are staggered, with groups of about 15 people moving together through the rooms to come. When it’s your group’s turn, your primary guide, dressed in a utilitarian jumpsuit, leads you to a stark white chamber lined with doors and lit by cold fluorescent rods. (It’s very severely Severance, sometimes to the point of parody.) The guide wheels out a miniature model house; the roof lifts, and inside are magnetic nametags for group members to wear as you stand in for Byrne’s friends in the show’s first scene: his funeral. From there, an actor playing Byrne narrates your tour through a 75-minute “memory palace” of episodes from his life, traveling backward in time through multiple rooms and passageways of a 15,000-square-foot complex that has been

St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Chicago just got a little… sweeter, all thanks to Lollapalooza. The premier Chicago festival has created custom Lollipop Star lollipops, which will play short, edited clips from several artists on the 2026 lineup that only the person with the lollipop in their mouth can hear. And, lucky for us Chicagoans, these musical suckers will be distributed throughout the city this weekend—just days ahead of the fest’s official lineup announcement. Ever heard a song with your teeth? We’re guessing (hoping?) the answer is no. Lollipop Star uses bone conduction to turn its stick into a private speaker. By simply biting or sucking the candy, vibrations travel through your jawbone directly to your inner ear—creating a personal audio experience that lives entirely inside your head. Having been lucky enough to snag an early sample, I can confirm the “Perry Berry” flavor is a hit. The tech is remarkably seamless; I felt the bass-heavy electronic beats vibrating right through my molars, yet someone standing just a few feet away couldn't hear a thing. And as for the music the lollipops teasing, I can confirm that Chicago's lucky recipients of these are in for a real treat. Photograph: Shannon Shreibak Lollapalooza will be distributing the lollipops at the Chicago River Dyeing and parade downtown, as well as River North, Gold Coast, Wrigleyville and Northalsted on Saturday, March 14. Distribution will move to the South Side Irish Parade, West Loop, Wicker Park and L

It’s time to break out your finest green attire and head downtown to gawk at floats decked out in Irish revelry. Chicago takes St. Patrick’s Day seriously, which means a little planning goes a long way. Will you choose green beer and shenanigans, or a quieter afternoon browsing maker’s markets and cultural festivals? Consider this your choose-your-own adventure for the weekend. We’ve rounded up the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago. Whether that means raising a pint of Guinness, catching some Celtic music or ducking into a cozy Irish pub, there are plenty of ways to lean into the holiday spirit. Here are our picks for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day—and Irish culture—around the city. RECOMMENDED: Your guide to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Dyeing of the Chicago RiverChicago Riverwalk, Mar 14 at 10am A tradition since 1962, representatives of the Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 pour dye into the Chicago River on the morning of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, turning the water a bright shade of green. For a rundown of the most prime viewing locations, check out our guide to the best places to watch the Chicago River dyeing. Shamrock’n the BlockOld St. Patrick’s Church, Mar 14 noon–6pm Head to the West Loop after the parade for this all-day block party packed with Irish cheer. Expect live music from acts like Whiskey Mick and others, pub fare and family-friendly activities like face painting and Irish dancing. Advance tickets are sold out, but general adm

This won’t come as a surprise, but it’s now official (again): Chicago is one of the best cities in the world. Time Out has just revealed its rankings of the world’s 50 best cities in 2026, and Chicago lands at No. 41. As locals already know, the city offers something in every season—whether it’s festive Christmas markets in winter, genre-spanning music festivals in summer or a deep bench of world-class museums and cultural attractions year-round. And that’s before we even get to the food. Chicago’s dining scene runs the gamut from Michelin-starred temples of fine dining to beloved no-frills neighborhood joints. Sure, the city is famous for icons like deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef—but the real story is the sheer range of cuisines and restaurants that make eating here a daily adventure. To determine the 2026 Best Cities ranking, we surveyed more than 24,000 residents across 150 global destinations, evaluating metrics like affordability, food scene, livability and overall vibe. We then combined these insights with the expertise of over 100 Time Out city experts.  Crunching the data, community stands as one of Chicago’s biggest draws. Seventy percent of locals shared that they feel a sense of belonging in the city, while 68% described Chicago as diverse, friendly and welcoming. Chicago also received a 94% approval rating for its food and art scenes—the third-highest of all cities surveyed. Topping the 2026 rankings is Melbourne, Australia, followed by S

As the city moves into spring, Chicago’s museums are rolling out a new crop of exhibitions spanning centuries, continents and artistic styles—from the cut-paper reveries of Henri Matisse to decidedly more unexpected subjects (hello, Pokémon fossils!). Whether you’re a devoted art lover or simply looking for a good reason to spend an afternoon in a gallery, there’s plenty to see in the months ahead. Major institutions and smaller museums alike are unveiling ambitious shows, offering fresh reasons to revisit familiar spaces—or finally check off the ones you’ve been meaning to see. Here are 10 Chicago exhibitions we’re already planning to visit this spring. The Dark Side of the MoonAdler Planetarium, Now through March 15 This immersive planetarium show pairs cosmic visuals with The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd. Each of the album’s 10 tracks is accompanied by a different visual sequence, blending futuristic imagery with nods to the band’s iconic visual history. Designed with input from longtime Pink Floyd collaborator Aubrey Powell, the show transforms the dome into a fully immersive audiovisual experience. Tickets are sold separately from general museum admission. Pokémon Fossil MuseumField Museum, May 22, 2026–Apr 11, 2027 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

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.”