Things to Do in Chicago | Your Ultimate Guide to Chicago

Things to do in Chicago every day

How to spend spring in Chicago

Attractions

The best Chicago attractions

From museums and parks to jazz clubs and theaters.

Bars

Chicago's best outdoor bars

We rall deserve to crush a few cold ones in the sunshine.

Art

10 spring art exhibitions we’re most excited about

There’s plenty to see in the months ahead.

Travel

The most unique day trips from Chicago

Sometimes, we all need a change of scenery.

Things to do

Every free museum day in Chicago

Don't have to spend a fortune to visit the best museums

Shopping

The best flea markets in Chicago

A truly great flea market trip can take your weekend to the next level.

Health and beauty

The 23 best spas in Chicago

Before the city warms up, squeeze in some much-needed rest and relaxation.

Museums

The 28 best museums in Chicago

Experience art, history and science and these well-respected cultural institutions.

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The latest things to do in Chicago

Things to do

April 2026 events calendar for Chicago

Plan your April in Chicago with our calendar of the best things to do, including concerts, theater and art exhibits.

Things to do

The best things to do in Chicago this weekend

Find the best things to do in Chicago this weekend with our guide to concerts, exhibitions, festivals and more.

Things to do

The best things to do in Chicago this week

Find the very best things to do in Chicago this week, including cultural events, festivals and shows.

Things to do

Chicago Humanities Spring Festival

This annual festival assembles luminaries from the fields of politics, journalism and the arts for a multi-week series of programming across the city, with...

Until May 17, 2026

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Things to do

Northalsted Market Days

Northalsted Market Days is one of the largest street festivals in the Midwest, welcoming 100,000 people to the streets of Northalsted (formerly known as...

Aug 7Aug 9, 2026

The latest Chicago news

Restaurants

Popular Texas dessert shop The Bougie Foodie is opening its first-ever location in Chicago

The Austin cult favorite lands in Fulton Market with late-night cookies, bread pudding and a fresh-baked-all-day approach.

Things to do

Chicago's seasonal "Lights Out" program is now in effect through mid-June

Businesses and residents in tall buildings are encouraged to shut off lights at night to protect migrating birds.

Shopping

Japanese lifestyle and convenience shop Ebisu Life Store just opened inside Woodfield Mall

Yes, there are matcha Kit Kats.

The latest Chicago events

Things to do

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

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....

Until Jun 4, 2026

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Things to do

Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady

Ready to explore Chicago's amazing architecture while floating on the river? The Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise takes place aboard a...

Until Nov 22, 2026

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Things to do

C2E2: Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo

Get ready to show off your most creative and exquisite cosplay outfit when the ChicagoComic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), one of the largest pop culture...

Mar 27Mar 29, 2026

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Things to do in Chicago neighborhoods

Things to do

Avondale

The traditionally Polish neighborhood is dotted with arts centers, small parks and interesting shops.

Things to do

Andersonville

Visit one of Chicago's most charming neighborhoods.

Things to do

Logan Square

Explore a bustling selection of restaurants, bars and entertainment.

Shopping & Style

Shopping

The 22 best flower shops in Chicago

Find the perfect bouquet for every occasion.

Shopping

The best boutiques and shopping in Logan Square, Chicago

Fill an afternoon browsing the neighborhood's shops.

Shopping

19 Chicago gift shops for unique presents

It’s been said that the best gifts in life are free, but no one’s really buying that, right?

Most popular things to do features

Things to do

The best places to watch the Chicago River dyeing

Get a great view of the Chicago River dyeing ceremony for St. Patrick's Day from these vantage points.

Things to do

The 10 best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Chicago

Here's our guide to all things Celtic, including parades, street festivals and maker’s markets.

Things to do

Chicago was just named one of the best cities in the world for 2026

See where Chicago ranks on the latest global list and how it compares to top international destinations for culture, food and nightlife.

Things to do

Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026 guide: Time, route and where to watch

Find the best spots to watch the bagpipers and dancers in the St. Patrick's Day Parade with our guide to the festivities.

Things to do

A massive dinosaur exhibit is opening at the Brookfield Zoo this summer

Hold on to your butts!

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Things to do

When will the snow and cold weather stop in Chicago?

After a late-season winter storm brings snow, gusty winds and below-zero wind chills, springlike temperatures are expected to return to Chicago by the end of...

Things to do

April 2026 events calendar for Chicago

Plan your April in Chicago with our calendar of the best things to do, including concerts, theater and art exhibits.

Things to do

The best things to do in Chicago this weekend

Find the best things to do in Chicago this weekend with our guide to concerts, exhibitions, festivals and more.

Things to do

Obama’s long-awaited Chicago presidential center is finally opening in June

The long-anticipated Obama Presidential Center will debut with a four-day celebration in June, opening a new museum, civic campus and cultural hub in Jackson...