Things to do
The 50 best things to do in Chicago right now
No matter where your interests lie, you can always find something to get excited about in this no-nonsense Midwestern metropolis.
Things to Do
Discover the best things to do in Chicago, including popular events, festivals, attractions, tours and free activities
Museums
The best Chicago museums
Want to see premier pieces from famous artists? Some of the world's most famous collections and exhibits can be found in Chicago.
Attractions
The best Chicago attractions
Chicago might be known as the Second City, but our attractions are first-class.
Things to do
Cheap things to do in Chicago
Enjoy the city without spending a ton of cash by searching out cheap things to do in Chicago.
Things to do
The best things to do indoors
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.
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Things to do in Chicago every day
Things to do during fall in Chicago
Things to do
Fall activities in Chicago: The best things to do
It won't be long before we're huddled inside for winter, so get out and enjoy the city with the best things to do in the fall in Chicago.
Travel
Admire fall foliage
Hoping to go leaf peeping this year? Head to Chicago's finest parks, gardens and cemeteries for some seasonal sightseeing.
Things to do
Toast to Oktoberfest
Even if you can't make it to Munich, plenty of Chicago institutions are throwing bustling, German-themed parties to ring in a new season.
Things to do
Hunt for ghosts
If you’ve ever wanted to have a real paranormal encounter, Chicago has plenty of destinations to try and make that happen.
Things to do
Take a hike
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.
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Events at Time Out Market Chicago
Highline Chicago
Fulton Market’s biggest rooftop party series is transforming the Time Out Market rooftop into a sky-high club.
Celebrate World Negroni Week
Cheers to this iconic cocktail! Grab your Negroni Passport and sip your way through the featured creations. Each Negroni you try earns you a punch on your...
Oktoberfest at the Market
On Saturday, September 27th from 1–5pm, we’re bringing Bavarian vibes, German-inspired flavors, and plenty of beer to the Market.
Enjoy grilling...
Sundays are for Lovers: R&B All Day
Join us for rooftop views and R&B vibes all day long. Soak in the last of rooftop season with specialty cocktails, great music, and even better...
Things to do
Drag Brunch
Time Out Market Chicago hosts a fabulous afternoon of glitz, glam and jaw-dropping performances! Hosted by Khloe Daniels, the drag queens are ready to...
The latest things to do in Chicago
Things to do
Five iconic landmarks you’ll be able to access for free during Open House Chicago 2025
From urban farms and distilleries to rock clubs and a magic lounge, you’ll be able to tour hundreds of buildings for free at this year’s edition of Open House...
Things to do
Florasonic
Experimental Sound Studio's longtime partnership with the Chicago Park District and Lincoln Park Conservatory continues with “Semblance of Fern,”...
Things to do
Tuesday Funk
This eclectic reading series is where good writing and good beer mix. On the first Tuesday of every month, five local writers convene to share their latest...
Things to do
After a two-year closure, Chicagoans can visit this beloved landmark again
Designed by the renowned architect behind Promontory Point, Lincoln Park’s Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is a triumph of both design and nature.
Things to do
Free pet-friendly Barktoberfest returns to the Chicago Riverwalk this week
Grab your pup and nab a Pup Cup
The latest Chicago news
Travel
HGTV just named the most beautiful garden in Illinois—and you probably won’t guess it
This Northern Illinois city is home to HGTV’s favorite garden in the state.
Restaurants
It's official: one of the best burgers in the world is in Chicago
The Loyalist is officially home to one of the best burgers in the world, according to World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants.
Things to do
Five iconic landmarks you’ll be able to access for free during Open House Chicago 2025
From urban farms and distilleries to rock clubs and a magic lounge, you’ll be able to tour hundreds of buildings for free at this year’s edition of Open House...
The latest Chicago events
Art
ART on THE MART
Displaying a 25-story-tall video installation on the side of THE MART, ART on THE MART is the largest permanent digital art projection in...
Things to do
Chicago Architecture Biennial Opening Weekend
Every two years, Chicago becomes a global hub of architecture and design during the Chicago Architecture Biennial. This edition’s theme is SHIFT:...
Music
Riot Fest
Get ready, punk rockers! Riot Fest is returning to Douglass Park from September 19-21 with a laundry list of rock, punk, metal and emo artists. It's always...
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
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
Five iconic landmarks you’ll be able to access for free during Open House Chicago 2025
From urban farms and distilleries to rock clubs and a magic lounge, you’ll be able to tour hundreds of buildings for free at this year’s edition of Open House...
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
These Chicago vending machines sell local art and unexpected treasures—all for under $20
By transforming vending machines into miniature oddities shops, Good Things Vending offers artists a reliable new way to reach new audiences and build...
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.
Things to do
The best October 2025 events in Chicago
Plot out your October in Chicago with our calendar of things to do, including the best festivals and Halloween parties.
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Things to do
The 50 best things to do in Chicago right now
Discover the best things to do in Chicago, from iconic venues and views to cultural musts and late-night shenanigans.
Things to do
Where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Chicago
Raise a stein at these Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the city.
Things to do
The best September 2025 events in Chicago
Summer is almost over, but September in Chicago is packed with things to do, including festivals, exhibits and concerts.
Things to do
After a two-year closure, Chicagoans can visit this beloved landmark again
Designed by the renowned architect behind Promontory Point, Lincoln Park’s Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is a triumph of both design and nature.
Things to do
The best orchards to go apple picking near Chicago
Load up a bag with some freshly-picked fruit—and don't forget to snag a box of apple cider doughnuts on your way out!
Time In - movies we love
Movies
'A House of Dynamite' review: Kathryn Bigelow’s nuclear thriller will spike your stress levels
The 1960s had Dr Strangelove and Fail Safe, the ’70s had Twilight’s Last Gleaming, the ’80s had WarGames, and the ’90s had Crimson...
Movies
From Frankenstein to ‘the new Parasite’: 10 must-see Venice Film Festival movies
Every year, the Venice Film Festival delivers a slate full of headline films, fires the starting gun on awards seasons and throws up a bunch of viral moments,...
Movies
Best TV and streaming shows in 2025 (so far)
The streaming year is off to flier. For anyone who’s spent the dark winter months hibernating at home in their downtime, Netflix, BBC, HBO, Apple TV...
Movies
The best comedy movies of all time
Giggle along with our list of the best funny movies like Borat and Mean Girls, as chosen by Time Out writers and top comedians
Movies
'The Thursday Murder Club' review: A cosy crime caper
Some murder-mysteries – Seven, for instance – immerse you in grisly menace. Others – Memories of Murder – weave a web of...
Time In - songs we love
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 best songs of 2025 so far
This year of music has started with a bang. We’ve seen Chappell Roan go country, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco smothering audiences with gushy love songs...
Music
The best albums of 2025 so far
We’re only a few months through the year and our auditory canals have already been graced with some absolutely cracking new music.
Music
The 30 best love songs of all time
Being in love tends to make you want to shout from the rooftops about how great it all is, so it’s no surprise it dominates the music world.
Music
The 37 best inspirational songs of all time
There’s a reason why motivational songs that put a firm pep in your step stand the test of time. As these timeless inspirational tracks prove, music that...