Things to do
The best free things to do in Chicago this month
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.
Things to Do
Discover the best things to do in Chicago, including popular events, festivals, attractions, tours and free activities
Things to do
Best summer activities in Chicago
Make the most of summer with our guide to the city's best season.
Things to do
The 23 best Chicago beaches
There are few better ways to beat the heat in Chicago than by hitting one of the many sandy beaches.
Things to do
The best boat tours in Chicago
View the landscape from the comfort of one of the best boat tours in Chicago.
Attractions
The 45 most iconic Chicago attractions
We’ve handpicked the city’s must-see spots so you can experience the very best of Chicago.
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Things to do in Chicago every day
How to spend summer in Chicago
Things to do
The best free things to do in Chicago
There are plenty of activities around the city that don't cost a penny.
Restaurants
The 22 best Chicago Riverwalk and waterfront restaurants
The best spots for outdoor dining in Chicago show off all the beauty the city has to offer.
Bars
The 20 best rooftop bars in Chicago
Nothing screams summertime Chi like admiring the impressive skyline views with a drink in hand.
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
It’s official: NASCAR will not return for downtown Chicago street race in 2027
NASCAR is once again headed to the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet next year.
Things to do
The best things to do in Chicago this weekend
With our guide to the best festivals, shows and cultural happenings across the city, consider your weekend plans covered.
Things to do
The best festivals in Chicago for 2026, from music fests to street fairs
Start making weekend plans filled with food, music and art with our guide to Chicago festivals and street parties.
Things to do
The best Oktoberfest celebrations in Chicago
Raise a stein at these Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the city.
Things to do
The best things to do in Chicago this summer
Here's your guide to the best things to do in Chicago this summer.
The latest Chicago news
Art
A controversial statue could make a return as part of a new museum opening this fall
The Florence Scala Italian American Museum plans to open on October 12.
Things to do
It’s official: NASCAR will not return for downtown Chicago street race in 2027
NASCAR is once again headed to the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet next year.
Travel
This quirky Chicago property was named one of the best boutique hotels in the country
Staypineapple Chicago is known for pineapple-themed decor and playful hospitality, plus a prime location
The latest Chicago events
Things to do
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
Ready to explore Chicago's amazing architecture while floating on the river? The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise takes place aboard a First Lady...
Museums
Declarations: 250 Years of Writing Toward Independence
In honor of America's 250th anniversary, the American Writers Museum presents a pop-up exhibition titled "Declarations: 250 Years of Writing...
Things to do
Summer Skate at Navy Pier
Navy Pier's former Crystal Gardens space transforms into a retro roller skating rink this summer. Grab your skates (or borrow a pair; they're included with...
Things to do in Chicago neighborhoods
Things to do
Avondale
The traditionally Polish neighborhood is dotted with arts centers, small parks and interesting shops.
Shopping & Style
Shopping
Chicago’s best thrift stores for secondhand, vintage and resale shopping
Be prepared to score some serious deals on items you simply can't find at most other stores.
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
Chicago Air and Water Show 2026: Everything you need to know
Plan your Chicago Air and Water Show weekend with our guide to the best viewing locations, updated scheduling and more.
Things to do
The Chicago Air & Water Show returns this weekend—see weather updates, who’s performing and where to watch
Here’s everything you need to know about what’s probably the loudest weekend in Chicago.
Things to do
Chicago's most iconic street party was cancelled—here's why
Sundays on State will not return in 2026, but plans for a new cultural lineup are underway.
Things to do
Where to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show 2026
Get the best views of the Chicago Air and Water Show from rooftops, skyscrapers, beaches and boats.
Things to do
The best things to do in Chicago this weekend
With our guide to the best festivals, shows and cultural happenings across the city, consider your weekend plans covered.
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Things to do
The best August 2026 events in Chicago
Plan your August in Chicago with our events calendar of the best things to do, including concerts, festivals and movies in parks.
Things to do
The 54 best things to do in Chicago right now
Discover the best things to do in Chicago, from iconic venues and views to cultural essentials and late-night shenanigans.
Things to do
The 14 most amazing secret parks and gardens in Chicago
Escape to these tucked-away green spaces located within our city in a garden.
Things to do
The best October 2026 events in Chicago
Plot out your October in Chicago with our calendar of things to do, including the best festivals and Halloween parties.
Things to do
The best things to do in Chicago today
Find the best things to do in Chicago today, including parties, concerts, screenings and other can't-miss events.
Time In - movies we love
Movies
'The End of Oak Street' review: this ain’t your parents’ monster movie
Just when you thought there was nowhere new left for hungry dinosaurs to rampage, here come producer JJ Abrams and writer-director David Robert Mitchell (It...
The best movies of 2026 (so far)
From ‘The Bone Temple’ to ‘Project Hail Mary’, the best of the year to date.
Movies
The best animes of 2026 (so far)
With the return of popular animes like Jujutsu Kaisen and Frieren in January, this year in anime kicked off pretty early with heroic characters, cutting-edge...
Movies
10 must-see movies hitting cinemas in August
The Odyssey won July, with Spider-Man in hot pursuit at the box office. So what does August have to offer for eager cinemagoers and anyone looking for a nice...
Movies
'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' review: Zendaya and Tom Holland elevate this Spidey break-up movie
‘God, that’s cool,’ sighs Tom Holland’s Spider-Man as a bunch of ninjas descend on him in Marvel’s well-established slo-mo,...
Time In - songs we love
Music
The 14 best albums of 2026 so far
Olivia Rodrigo, Madonna, Slayyyter and more feature in the best releases of the year so far, according to Time Out editors and contributors
Music
The 10 songs of the summer for 2026
From Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress to Olivia Rodrigo, these are the hits battling to be this summer’s definitive tune
Music
The 50 best karaoke songs ever made
Whether you’ve got the voice of an angel or you’re totally tone deaf, karaoke unites us all.
Music
The 40 best party songs ever made
Party songs come in all shapes and sizes – here’s what should be on your playlist.
Music
The 37 best inspirational songs of all time
Get some pep in your step with these motivational anthems.