Things to Do

Fall in Chicago arrives with its own particular type of magic.

Dust off your favorite jersey and read on to find the best sports bars in Chicago.

Squeeze in some proper frights at Chicagoland's best haunted houses.

There’s no surer sign that fall is coming than seeing pumpkins pop up everywhere.

Apple picking season is here along with the sunny start of fall in Chicago.

Some of the world's most famous collections and exhibits can be found in Chicago.

The best spots for outdoor dining in Chicago show off all the beauty the city has to offer.

Many of the Chicago's best bars don’t open until 5pm, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until sunset for a drink. Rooftop bars and sprawling patios are ideal for leisurely afternoons with cold beers and refreshing cocktails, while sports bars offer a place to catch the game alongside fellow fans. Some of these spots also serve brunch so you can start the day with mimosas and Bloody Marys. Whether you're off work or making the most of a Sunday Funday, these bars are our favorites for day drinking in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best beer gardens in Chicago Updated August 2026: The latest additions include Lakeview's Long Room, a bar serving both beer and coffee. Also joining the list are the Albion Manor, an English pub, and Lottie's Pub, a classic neighborhood watering hole in Bucktown. Time Out has also instituted a sitewide change in review policies. Our food and drink venues included in guides now have star ratings, with five stars corresponding to “amazing,” four to “great” and three to “good,” and we’ve also standardized how most listings are structured. For more on our new policies, feel free to check out how we review at Time Out.

There are plenty of activities around the city that don't cost a penny.

Sometimes, we all need a change of scenery.