Zach Long

Before the annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off in Grant Park each March, representatives of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 have an important job to do: turning the Chicago River a vibrant shade of green. Thousands of onlookers show up to take in the annual spectable, lining sidewalks, bridges and the Chicago Riverwalk (or buying tickets to viewing parties on nearby rooftops). Before you watch the city's major waterway transform, you can learn about how this unnatural phenomenon is accomplished each year. We spoke with Plumbers Union recording-secretary Patrick McCarthy, who was able to reveal a few (but not all) of the secrets behind the Chicago River dyeing process. RECOMMENDED: Your guide to St. Patrick's Day in Chicago Why is the Chicago River dyed green? When Richard J. Daley was mayor of Chicago, he wanted to turn Lake Michigan green in honor of St. Patrick's Day. He was persuaded to dye the more manageable Chicago River instead, with the same green dye plumbers used to find sewage leaks. When did Chicago begin its annual river-dyeing tradition? The dyeing dates back to 1962 and has always been performed by the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union. What length of the river is dyed? A quarter mile of the waterway, stretching from Columbus Drive to State Street. How many boats are used to dye the river? Two boats—one to drop the dye in and another to stir it up. How long does the dye last? At least a day, but sometimes two to three days if there

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

When it comes to dining out, Chicagoans are positively spoiled. As of 2026, the city is home to 20 Michelin-starred kitchens that range from one of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago to a fine-dining Indian concept. One of the fanciest breweries in Chicago even made the list. And eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant doesn't mean dropping an entire paycheck on a meal—there are a handful of relatively affordable options in this year's lineup. What's the deal with a tire company handing out stars to restaurants? The Michelin Guide (which began as a physical book issued to drivers) evaluates the best restaurants in Chicago on several criteria, but the coveted stars are awarded based on the quality of food alone. Inspectors look for top-notch ingredients, mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in his or her cuisine, overall value and consistency. One star represents high-quality cooking that's worth a stop; two stars indicate excellent cuisine that's worth a detour; and three stars denote exceptional cuisine that's worthy of a special journey. With all of that in mind, take a look at the Chicago restaurants that earned Michelin stars for 2026.

The best restaurants in Chicago come in all shapes and sizes, from pizza joints and Michelin-starred heavyweights to some of the best cheap eats Chicago has to offer. The cuisines are just as varied, with every corner of the globe represented through Korean, Mexican, Italian, sushi and much more. Whether you're a lifelong resident or simply visiting for the weekend, stuffing your face at one of these restaurants is easily among the best things to do in Chicago. This belt-busting food scene shows no signs of slowing down, so we cut to the chase and ranked our essentials—the absolute best restaurants in town. Our editors scour the city for great dishes, excellent value and insider info. We hope to provide an authentic snapshot of Chicago's ever-evolving dining experiences by updating this list constantly with the best new restaurants in the city as well as decades-old stalwarts that keep us coming back for more. It could be a mega-hyped destination restaurant or a remarkable hole in the wall: If it’s on the list, we think it’s terrific, and we bet you will, too. Best Chicago restaurants at a glance: 🎉 For group dining: Maxwells Trading – Diverse shareable plates in a trendy setting (West Loop) 🇵🇭 For authentic Filipino flavors: Kasama – Viral bakery by day, elevated tasting menu by night (East Ukrainian Village) 🍽️ For a fine-dining splurge: Oriole – Two Michelin-starred tasting menu from legendary chef Noah Sandoval (West Loop) 🇮🇳 For modern Indian cuisine: Indie

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

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

Sure, Chicago may be best known for hot dogs, deep dish pizza and Italian beef, but the Windy City is also home to plenty of exceptional burgers. The best restaurants in Chicago have earned devoted followings, with people willing to wait hours for a table at Au Cheval or packing the bar at Mott St for its acclaimed burger. There's also lots of love for thin, griddle-smashed patties from spots like Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern and NADC Burger. So whether you enjoy a thick hunk of beef with simple toppings or crispy-edge patties dressed with bacon jam, garlic aioli and caramelized onions, our guide to the best burgers in Chicago will satisfy all of your cravings. RECOMMENDED: Find the best cheap eats in Chicago Updated February 2026: If you ask a group of Chicagoans about their favorite burger in the city, it's bound to start a discussion with names of spots like Au Cheval, Little Bad Wolf and Loyalist thrown around. It's a hot topic in this city, and it was no small feat to curate this list. In this revised ranking of the best burgers in Chicago, we've crowned the Wolf Burger from Little Bad Wolf the best of the best. It's a burger that will have you dreaming about it for days, but there are so many more great ones to try. We recommend starting with those on this list.

One of the biggest annual celebrations in Chicago is right around the corner—that's right, it's almost St. Patrick's Day. Head to the Loop to see the Chicago Plumbers Union Local 130 dye the river green on March 14. If you're hoping to snag a prime spot, we've got some ideas on where to watch. Keep the festivities going later in the day at the St. Patrick's Day parade or some of the best Irish pubs in Chicago, but be sure to save your strength for the South Side Irish Parade and Northwest Side Irish Parade the following day. Plus, you'll find a shamrock-themed race and other fun holiday events to keep the Irish spirit going for the whole month of March. So get ready to party like a leprechaun with our roundup of the best St. Patrick's Day events in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

Irish immigrants flocked to Chicago in the 1800s, making up a fifth of the city's population by 1850. It's no surprise then that whiskey bars and pubs in Chicago are relatively commonplace—you'll find them in almost every neighborhood, serving Irish beers like Guinness and Smithwick’s and dishes like fish and chips and shepherd's pie. And you don’t have to wait for St. Patrick's Day to visit, these spots are worth checking out any time of the year, boasting cozy nooks and sprawling beer gardens. Our guide highlights longtime favorites like Chief O’Neill’s and Mrs. Murphy‘s and Sons Irish Bistro, as well as more recent spots, including one of the best breweries in Chicago, Guinness Open Gate Brewery. While the beer and whiskey lists are obviously stellar at these places, the food is no afterthought, either. The Wolfhound offers a traditional Irish breakfast in the form of pizza, the Gage makes a perfect Scotch egg and Cork and Kerry serves Irish egg rolls. So whether you're looking for a hearty bite to eat or a bar to enjoy some whiskey, the best Irish pubs in Chicago will take care of you. RECOMMENDED: Our guide to the best Chicago bars Updated February 2026: Although the city only dyes the river green for St. Patrick's Day, Irish culture is celebrated 365 days a year here in Chicago. The city's massive Irish population has kept the pub scene alive and well, with plenty of authentic dives and modern bars offering hearty fare and extensive selections of Irish whiskey. Here, we

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 taprooms at Chicago breweries, 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 extra bright and boozy. 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 extravagant cocktails: The Aviary – Theatrical cocktail experience (West Loop) 😘 For date night: Lazy Bird – Basement bar with intimate vibes and live sets (West Loop) 🎉 For group celebrations: Three Dots and a Dash – Tiki cocktails with extravagant garnishes (River North) 🍸 For rare spirits: Billy Sunday – Amaro-focused drinks with unusual ingredients (Logan Square)   January 30, 2026: On a night out in Chicago, choosing which bar to go to can be daunting. With so many options for drinks of all kinds, this list breaks down everything you need to know to make the most of your night out on the town.  Our revised ranking of the best bars in Chicago spotlights the m

The Windy City is filled with beautiful parks, bustling shopping districts and dramatic outdoor art installations, but when it’s raining or snowing, you shouldn't let it ruin your day. There are world-class museums where you can explore everything from dinosaurs to modern art, relaxing spas for self-care, plus active fun to be had like bowling, bouldering and table tennis. So don’t let the weather get in the way of having a great day and stay warm and dry by enjoying some of the best things to do indoors in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago

Carpenter didn’t just direct seminal thrillers like Escape From New York and The Thing; he also composed their creepy, synthesizer-ridden soundtracks. He’s expanded upon the aesthetic with his four Lost Themes albums, creating original electronic arrangements that would be at home on the score of yet another Halloween sequel. Expect to hear some of Carpenter’s latest work and classic cues from his films during this residency at the Belasco theater Downtown—his first live performances since 2018—just in time for Halloween.

Happy-sack piano pop crooner Ben Folds has been on a progressive kick as of late, but still expect plenty of thumpingly fine and melodically sussed collegiate pop.

Taking place on the same street occupied by some of Chicago's best-known restaurants, this West Loop fest boasts six blocks of food, drinks and music. You'll find bites from more than 16 restaurants (on Randolph Street and beyond) as well as two stages packed with performances throughout the day. This year's lineup includes Local H, Lucky Boys Confusion, Ramona Flowers, Phantom Planet and more. Proceeds from the festival support the West Loop Community Organization.

Listening bars originated in Japan, conceived as places where guests could listen to music on expensive sound systems in acoustically-tuned rooms—and enjoy a drink or a snack while doing so. The concept has spread across the world, inspiring restaurants and bars in London and New York where the soundtrack being pumped into your ears is equally as important as the things you’re putting into your mouth. Of course, there are plenty of bars with killer audio equipment in Chicago (the new speakers at the California Clipper come to mind), but the Listening Room is one of the first restaurants to put the aural experience front and center. One of a trio of concepts that DMK Restaurants has opened on the ground floor of the historic Railway Exchange Building (designed by Daniel Burnham’s architecture firm), the Listening Room is the most understated of the three distinct sections of the Exchange. It doesn’t boast the soaring glass ceiling of the Atrium or the expansive bar and bottle-lined shelves of Theo’s. True to its name, the defining elements of the Listening Room are its turntable, record collection and hi-fi speakers. When my dining companion and I entered on a blustery winter night, we were greeted by the opening strains of “Dirty Little Girl” from Elton John’s classic album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The remainder of the record played as I sipped a punch made with spiced rum and orange juice (the One Two Punch) and picked at a crusty country loaf, baked in-house at the Excha

Café Marie-Jeanne only inhabited the building on the northeast corner of California Avenue and Augusta Boulevard for five years, but it’s hard for me to walk into its former dining room without conjuring up memories of croque madames and duck frites. The French-inspired restaurant was one I ate at with some regularity, and it’s sudden shuttering in the midst of the pandemic was just one of many disappointing permanent closures in Chicago. But I’m happy to report that Segnatore is a worthy successor, serving creative Italian fare that maintains the approachability favored by the space’s former tenant. The blackboards that once displayed Café Marie-Jeanne’s menu are gone, replaced by vintage oil paintings, candelabras and hanging bundles of dried flowers—a decorative theme inspired by the Italian folk healers that serve as Segnatore’s namesake. While it’s not overtly telegraphed by the restaurant’s decor, Segnatore’s Italian influences comes into focus as soon as you sit down at a candlelit table and peruse a drink menu that’s predominantly sourced from the boot-shaped, from the spirits used in cocktails to a long list of wines. Order some of the cherrywood smoked olives to snack on while you decide, because there’s no shortage of options. Building on years spent serving Italian fare at spots like Three Aces and Charlatan, chef Matt Troost compiles a menu that’s reverent in its technique (particularly the handmade pasta) but decidedly playful in its presentation. No dish exempl

For three decades Clifton Collins Jr has been bringing a memorable spark to relatively small parts in everything from Capote to Pacific Rim. Jockey is his turn in the spotlight, giving the veteran character actor a nuanced lead role to inhabit in a slice-of-life racetrack drama. From the outset, it’s easy to see where the film’s narrative is headed. Collins Jr is Jackson Silva, a lifelong rider who has been racing horses for decades. His line of work has left him with a litany of serious injuries and little more to his name than the RV that he calls home. His glory days are behind him and an uncertain future lies ahead. Yet Silva is unable and unwilling to quit the only job he knows. Even when confronted with his rapidly deteriorating physical condition, an aspiring jockey who claims to be his son and the encouragement of a co-worker with his best interests at heart, he refuses to hang up the saddle or settle for a new life as a mentor.  Shot on a racetrack in Arizona with non-actors appearing alongside a small cast of professionals, Jockey brings a heightened sense of reality to the unfamiliar world of horse racing. A scene in which a group of real-world jockeys rattle off the injuries they’ve sustained is particularly harrowing, providing a stark reminder of the traumas that come with the turf. Finally, Clifton Collins Jr gets his turn in the spotlight  While the script from writer-director ​​Clint Bentley is disjointed at times, most of the rough edges are smoothed over by

The stretch of Sheridan Road that borders Loyola University's campus in Rogers Park has long been home to student-friendly restaurants like Blaze Pizza and Taco Bell. Located just up the street (near local institutions like the New 400 Theater) Semilla’s Latin Kitchen casts a wider net—there’s a daily happy hour that caters to frugal undergrads and a sizable menu for diners seeking something more authentic than a Cheesy Gordita Crunch. Husband-and-wife co-owners Jose Roque and Patricia Norabuena are Chicago restaurant industry veterans—Roque was a founding partner at Wicker Park’s Amaru, while Norabuena formerly worked in the kitchen at the Pump Room. The menu at Semilla’s Latin Kitchen draws on Roque and Norabuena’s respective Mexican and Peruvian heritages, packed with dishes that demonstrate hallmarks of each country’s cuisine. Take one look at the appetizers served at Semilla’s and you’ll get a feel for the breadth of its offerings. There’s the hearty hummus-like tontoli (a traditional Mexican recipe that Roque’s mother often prepared) that’s made using ground cashews, pepitas and sesame seeds, served with pita bread for dipping. A Peruvian ceviche exemplifies the country’s seafood-heavy cuisine, with chunks of mahi-mahi that are likely larger than you’re accustomed to, accompanied by onion and sweet potatoes. While Semilla’s offers plenty of meat and seafood, vegetarians will appreciate a variety of dishes that make animal protein optional, including an array of quesadil

Combining bluegrass instrumentation with adventurous chamber music arrangements, the Punch Brothers make forward-looking folk music that respects traditions, but isn’t beholden to them. After a stint hosting a music-focused live show on NPR, frontman Chris Thile returns to the group reinvigorated, working on a tribute to the late Tony Rice's seminal bluegrass album Church Street Blues. Originally intended as a gift to Rice, Hell on Church Street takes his influential arrangements of songs by Bob Dylan and Gordon Lightfoot and reimagines them with plenty of mandolin, banjo and fiddle.

Armed with a sharp wit and a penchant for shredding, Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett has quickly become one of indie rock's guiding lights, graduating to increasingly large festival stages and collaborating with the likes of Philadelphia rocker Kurt Vile. Her latest album, Things Take Time, Take Time, strips back some of the studio gloss of her previous release in favor of more direct songs that confront the trials of everyday life with laconic turns of phrase. "Time is money, and money is no man’s friend," she observes on the record's opening track, earnestly imparting the kind of wisdom that seems obvious, but bears repeating. Similarly eloquent singer-songwriter Julia Jacklin opens the show.

Like many folks, prolific rocker Ty Segall hunkered down during the COVID-19 lockdown and tried to put the downtime to good use. His 2021 release, Harmonizer, is the result of a series of solo recording sessions, during which Segall built tracks around synthesizers as well as his usual array of guitars and drums. He debuted some of his new electronics-tinged tunes at last summer's Pitchfork Music Festival and he's returning (accompanied by his Freedom Band) to perform them again during a two-night stand at Thalia Hall. Local garage rockers Axis: Sova support.

Not far from the glitzy dining and shopping destinations that line Rush Street in River North, Adalina is yet another high-profile Italian restaurant that has quickly become a hot reservation. Boasting a prominent chef (Soo Ahn, formerly of Michelin-starred Band of Bohemia) and ownership with experience running local nightclubs and steakhouses, it’s a spot with pedigree to spare. And if you enjoy a lively scene with your meal, Adalina might offer your kind of dining experience—if not, you’re in for a rude awakening. Upon entering Adalina’s second-floor dining room, it quickly became clear that my date and I would quite literally be rubbing elbows with our fellow diners (even late on a Tuesday night). Tables are crammed into the space, forcing you to squeeze through narrow lanes when you need to get up from your seat. The sheer number of people in the restaurant also makes for a noisy meal—even when my date and I moved closer to one another, it was difficult to hear above the din. I felt sympathy for the tuxedo-clad servers, all of whom clearly had to do a bit of lip-reading while taking some orders. Once we’d successfully transmitted our order to our server and food began to arrive, our first bites didn’t exactly get the meal off on the right foot. The cacio e pepe arancini made with forbidden black rice sounded great on paper, but the fried rice balls had a somewhat unpleasant gummy texture to them—at least by the time they arrived at our table. A caesar salad was laden with

Holiday season shows in Chicago have become something of a tradition for folk rock outfit Whitney. This year, the band is performing no less than five shows in the city where it was founded—plus an extra gig at SPACE in Evanston (Dec 11). Each of the concerts will take place at a different venue, so if you're looking to sing along to "Golden Days" in an intimate setting, you'll want to catch the band at Schubas (Dec 6), Sleeping Village (Dec 10) or the Empty Bottle (Dec 12). And if you prefer to be among a larger crowd, snag tickets to Whitney's gigs at Thalia Hall (Dec 8) and Lincoln Hall (Dec 9). Look forward to plenty of classic tunes, some interesting covers and the potential premiere of some tracks off the band's forthcoming record.

There’s a new taproom taking up residence on “Malt Row,” the growing community of breweries (plus a distillery and a winery) situated in and around Ravenswood. Is/Was Brewing will celebrate the grand opening of its taproom at 5121 N Ravenswood Ave on Saturday, August 17, showcasing the saison-style beers that Is/Was founder Mike Schallau has developed over the past five years. A former homebrewer who cut his teeth working in various roles at Pipeworks Brewing Company, Schallau founded Is/Was in 2019 and began brewing beers that reflected his own tastes. He immediately gravitated to saison ales, a highly carbonated, yeast-forward style of beer that was first brewed by 19th-century farmers in southern Belgium.  Schallau says that he was drawn to saison beers because of how distinct they are from the conventional IPAs and lagers that many craft beer drinkers have become accustomed to.  “You can coax these really interesting, delicate, complex flavors out of the yeast rather than just throwing a bunch of hops or malt into [a beer],” Schallau says.  Photograph: Zach Long After spending nearly five years renting space and brewing capacity from Marz Community Brewing and Begyle Brewing, Schallau came across a production facility and taproom that had been vacated by the defunct Urban Brew Labs. While overhauling the space, Schallau attempted to channel the rustic feel of taprooms he visited in France and Belgium as he was researching saisons—less stainless steel and barrel staves,

It’s been more than four years since the redevelopment of the Morton Salt building was announced, and plenty of folks have had their eye on the reliable Kennedy Expressway landmark’s weathered rooftop mural ever since. On Tuesday night, the first phase of the project opened to the public, as the outdoor portion of Salt Shed—Chicago’s newest music venue from the team behind Thalia Hall and the Empty Bottle—hosted its inaugural concert. Local drummer and bandleader Makaya McCraven headlined a jazz-focused bill, which included British saxophonist Nubya Garcia and the final Chicago performance from soon-to-be-disbanded avant-garde act Sons of Kemet. And while lots of people showed up to listen to the music, many were also there to take in the new venue and to try to catch a glimpse of the still-unfinished indoor portion of the Salt Shed, set to open sometime in 2023. Tuesday night’s show wasn’t sold out, so it’s unclear exactly how cramped the Salt Shed gets when it reaches its 4,000-person capacity (upcoming sold-out shows on the venue’s summer schedule will be a better test). The outdoor space feels a bit like a much smaller, standing-room-only version of the Northerly Island amphitheater, complete with concrete beneath your feet and a view of Chicago’s skyline behind the stage. Here’s what to expect when you venture to the Salt Shed this summer, from the quality of the sound (it’s pretty good) to the price of a beer (it’s kind of expensive). Photograph: Elizabeth De La Piedra

Last year, Time Out readers named Chicago the second most beautiful city in the world and the second most fun city in the world. What distinctions will the city earn this year? We'd like you take a survey to help us find out! We’ve just launched the Time Out Index 2022, our fifth annual poll of city-dwellers around the globe, and we want to find out all about life in your city post-pandemic. What’s the restaurant scene like? The bar circuit? How easy is it to date? To make friends? What do you think of the art and nightlife? Plus where, dare we say it, is the coolest part of town? How have things changed in your city now we can all detect the sweet smell of normality? For those of us who live in cities, that hint—still stronger in some places than others—of a return to the good times is a big relief. Doing stuff is why we’re here, after all. We came for the food, for the culture, for the nightlife. We came to find new friends or because our friends were already here. And many of us stuck around throughout the pandemic for all those very legit reasons, too. The survey only takes five minutes, and at the end we’ll tell you exactly how much you love your city. As ever, we’ll be using all your responses to come up with our annual rankings of the world’s best cities and coolest neighborhoods. So go ahead, do your city some justice—and take part in the ultimate stock take of city living in 2022. Ready to tell us your opinions? Take the Time Out Index survey and be brutally honest

Festivals and events are poised to make a big comeback this summer—and one of Chicago's most beloved teams is getting in on the fun. This morning, the Chicago Bulls announced the inaugural Bulls Fest, which will take place outside of the United Center on September 3 and 4 during Labor Day weekend. Don't worry about scoring a ticket, because this two-day event will offer free admission to all fans. The centerpiece of the street festival will be a 3v3 basketball tournament for youth, teen, adult and wheelchair basketball teams. Taking place on courts set up in one of the United Center's parking lots, you'll be able to check out games throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. If you're interested in participating in the tournament, you can find more details about registration on the Bulls Fest 3v3 Tournament website. Just be prepared to fork over a registration fee—early-bird prices are in effect through April 30. The Bulls are also partnering with Logan Square art gallery All Star Press to host a showcase of local artists in the United Center Atrium called the "1966 Gallery," filled with creative interpretations of the Bulls brand. Next door at the Madhouse Team Store, Bulls Fest attendees will be able to purchase exclusive merchandise, with a portion of proceeds supporting Chicago Bulls Charities. Bulls Fest will also feature local food and drink vendors as well as live music throughout the weekend, including appearances from the Bucket Boys, the Bulls DJs, the Incredibulls a

As spring draws tantalizingly close, new dining options are sprouting at Time Out Market Chicago. On Wednesday, March 16, Evette's will begin serving a menu of fresh Lebanese fare in Fulton Market, including shawarma wraps, fries covered in garlic sauce and salads made with thoughtfully-sourced produce. With owner Mitchell AbouJamra at the helm, the Evette's location at Time Out Market Chicago will join the original Evette's in Lincoln Park and an outpost that serves customers at Spilt Milk in Logan Square. Recently, AbouJamra opened All Too Well in the storefront next to the original Evette's location in Lincoln Park, offering a selection of sandwiches, salads and deli items. The menu at Evette's is inspired by AbouJamra's "Teta" (Lebanese Arabic for "grandmother"), who passed down recipes built around bold Lebanese flavors. The centerpiece of the Evette's menu is chicken or beef shawarma and halloumi, served in a wrap or on a plate. You'll also be able to try Super Garlic Feta fries topped with pink garlic sauce, feta cheese and za'atar mayo as well as a Pretty Salad made with romaine, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta, fried pita, pomegranate seeds and a sumac lemon dressing. “Many of our recipes have been passed down many generations, but not all of them are traditional,” AbouJamra said. “We’ve added a twist to the classic items and just like my Teta, all of our dishes are implemented with the best of intentions to optimize what our guests are eating—nourishing, tasty a

After making a temporary move to September in 2021, Pitchfork Music Festival will return to its usual weekend in July this summer, taking over Union Park from July 15–17. The summer music festival revealed its complete lineup this morning, including headlining acts the National (originally scheduled to perform at the canceled 2020 festival), singer-songwriter Mitski and The Tonight Show house band the Roots. RECOMMENDED: Check out photos and reviews of Pitchfork Music Festival Other notable artists on this year's lineup include symphonic rock collective Spiritualized, indie-pop outfit Japanese Breakfast, rapper Earl Sweatshirt, reunited emo rockers Karate and jazz fusion combo BadBadNotGood. Of course, there are plenty of returning acts, such as Duluth-based noisemakers Low, unpredictable hip-hop artist Tierra Whack, Welsh singer-songwriter Cate Le Bon and Danish punk rock band Iceage. Local musicians are also represented on Pitchfork's 2022 lineup, including rapper Cupcakke, singer-songwriter KAINA and hip-hop activist Noname. Former Chicagoan Jeff Parker (best known for performing with post-rock outfit Tortoise) will also appear at the festival, accompanied by his band the New Breed. “Our goal was to highlight a diverse group of artists who are taking their musical genres to new heights, and I’m proud of how it’s come together,” Pitchfork editor in chief Puja Patel said about the festival's 2022 lineup in a statement. According to a release, Pitchfork Music Festival 2022 wi

It's been nearly two years since visitors have been able to take in a show at the Grainger Sky Theater, gaze up at scale models of the planets contained in our solar system or look inside the tiny Gemini 12 capsule that brought a pair of astronauts to space and back. That will change on Friday, March 4 when Adler Planetarium officially reopens, welcoming guests back to the popular Museum Campus attraction—in fact, it's the final major Chicago institution to reopen after closing at the onset of the pandemic. Like the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium, masks and proof of vaccination won't be required to visit the Adler Planetarium, thanks to the repeal of Chicago's mask and vaccine mandates on February 28. A release states that Adler is "mask friendly and we strongly support your choice to wear a mask." The Alder Planetarium is also debuting new hours, open from 9am–4pm daily, except on Wednesdays when the museum will remain open until 10pm. Admission on Wednesday nights (beginning at 4pm) will be free for Illinois residents (with proof of residency), though you'll still need to reserve your complimentary tickets through the Adler Planetarium's website. Moving forward, you'll need to purchase all Adler Planetarium tickets in advance via the institution's website. There's also a new ticket option for frequent visitors: The Star Pass, which offers one year of unlimited access to Adler Planetarium exhibits, visits to the Doane Observatory and sky shows in the domed theater. A St

Before he helped set a template for contemporary sketch comedy with the HBO series Mr. Show with Bob and David and was cast as slimy lawyer Saul Goodman in the hit series Breaking Bad (and its subsequent spin-off, Better Call Saul), Bob Odenkirk was just a kid from Naperville, IL who got a taste of Chicago's thriving comedy scene when he attended a show at the Second City as a teenager. That formative experience—and a chance meeting with improv guru Del Close—are expanded upon in the opening chapters of Odenkirk's new memoir, Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama, which looks back on his career as a writer, comedian and unlikely action movie star. This week, Odenkirk returns to Chicago in support of his book, chatting with fellow Saturday Night Live alum Tim Meadows at the Music Box Theatre on Wednesday, March 2 during an event presented by the Chicago Humanities Festival. Ahead of his appearance, we had a quick chat with Odenkirk about his memories of Chicago and his cravings for Al's #1 Italian Beef. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.  In your mind, why was Chicago the best place to begin your career? I was very lucky to have grown up in Naperville near Chicago, and as a result have a neighbor bring me to Second City—and that was pretty much all the reason you need to start your career in Chicago, if you love comedy and sketch comedy. But the truth is, Chicago was and is a great city to start your career because it has a thriving theater scene, and people actua

When it was initially announced last November, the latest show at the Lighthouse ArtSpace inside the Germania Club Building was titled “Frida: Immersive Dream.” But organizers clearly decided that there's a certain amount of brand recognition after the success of “Immersive Van Gogh,” recently renaming the Frida Kahlo show to fall in line with the established “Immersive [INSERT ARTIST NAME HERE]” template. As it turns out, the initial “Immersive Dreams” descriptor was very appropriate, considering the often surreal nature of the show's source material. This set of projections celebrating Kahlo's work manages to harness the emotional and sometimes political nature of her work—in many ways, it makes better use of the experiential format than the Van Gogh display. If you attended the aforementioned Van Gogh show in Chicago, you're already familiar with the venue within the Germanic Club Building where the display is presented. I didn't notice any major changes in the space itself, which comprises two larger rooms, a pair of smaller rooms and a balcony that overlooks the largest room. No matter which room you choose to stand it, you'll see some of the same images on display, though the projections look most impressive where they're spread across the 35-feet-tall walls of the two larger rooms. The two best places to immerse yourself in the projections are still from the floor of the largest room or from the balcony that overlooks it. Admittedly, it's been more than a year since I

Beloved Humboldt Park bar the California Clipper closed during the pandemic, but the vintage light fixtures inside the tavern are glowing red once more. On Thursday, February 24, the bar's new operators Orbit Group (Good Measure, Segnatore) will open its doors for the first time since 2020, allowing guests to order a cocktail and slide into one of the red leather booths. Don't worry—not much has changed at the Clipper. “There is a fresh coat of paint, the sign has been updated and there's new carpet on the stage. Other than that the space is the same on purpose, because as far as we were concerned the space is perfect,” general manager Carly Brown explained. The one major addition is a new lounge located in the adjacent space that formerly housed coffee shop C.C. Ferns, which is currently being called "The Little Clip." Local firm Siren Betty Design handled the renovations to the space (along with some small upgrades to the main bar), building a custom sapele wood and Formica bar featuring a curved back and mirrors that echoes the design of the original bar. The lounge's old linoleum floor was replaced with a new material that matches the original's coloring and the light fixtures hanging from the ceiling were sourced from the recently shuttered Southport Lanes in Lakeview. According to Brown, the small room will pay homage to Danny's—the defunct Bucktown bar where some of the Clipper's current staff once worked—equipped with a DJ booth and an intimate space for late-night da

There's a new Batman movie opening in theaters on March 4—simply titled The Batman—and if you've seen the recent trailer, you'll know that coffee plays a role in the Dark Knight's latest cinematic outing. In fact, it seems that the new iteration of the Riddler (played by Paul Dano) is being set up as a talented barista with a knack for question mark-inspired latte art. To celebrate Robert Pattinson's upcoming turn in the point-eared cowl, local roaster Dark Matter Coffee is partnering with Warner Bros. Pictures to give away Batman-themed lattes this weekend. You'll need to head to Dark Matter's Electric Mud cafe (by the Western Blue Line station) on Saturday, February 26; Sunday February 27; or Monday, February 28 to score your free drink. From noon to 6pm each day, guests will be able to claim a gratis Batman Latte (a rather stoic honey latte with cinnamon) or a Riddler Latte (an intriguing chocolate, honey and habanero latte with cinnamon). Each drink comes topped with the Riddler question mark—made with cinnamon instead of foam—and is available on a first come, first served basis. Electric Mud will also have a selection of The Batman T-shirts, hats, puzzles and posters to give away to guests throughout the day. It's rather fitting that you'll be able to sip a dark brew fit for a Dark Knight in Chicago, where The Batman filmed several exterior shots and a motorcycle chase back in 2020. While New Yorkers might think otherwise, Chicagoans knows that our city is the real Gotha

For the first time since 2019, the James Beard Foundation will hold its James Beard Awards ceremony on June 13, recognizing some of the most talented chefs, bakers, bartenders, sommeliers and restauranteurs in the United States. The awards ceremony will take place at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, but the James Beard Foundation revealed its semifinalists this morning—and there are plenty of familiar faces up for awards. Chicago is well represented among the semifinalists for the Best Chef: Great Lakes award, which recognizes an outstanding chef based in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan or Ohio—a Chicago chef has taken home the award during the past four ceremonies. There are a total of nine Chicago chefs up for the 2022 Best Chef: Great Lakes award, listed below: Rodolfo Cuadros, Amaru, Bloom Plant Based Kitchen and Lil Amaru at Time Out Market Chicago Diana Dávila Boldin, Mi Tocaya Antojería Paul Fehribach, Big Jones Jason Hammel, Lula Cafe Dave Park, Jeong Darnell Reed, Luella’s Southern Kitchen Noah Sandoval, Oriole John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, Smyth Erick Williams, Virtue Restaurant & Bar The complete list of semifinalists for the Best Chef: Great Lakes award includes chefs based in Indianapolis, Detroit, Cincinnati, Dearborn, MI and Lakewood, OH. Chicago restaurants and bars are also semifinalists in other James Beard Awards categories, including Parachute and Oriole in the Outstanding Restaurant category; Kasama in the Best New Restaurant category; and Nobody's Darli