Lauren Brocato

The arrival of December sends the holiday season into full swing—prepare yourself for a jam-packed roster of glittering Christmas lights, festive holiday pop-ups and plenty of glühwein to be sipped at the Christkindlmarket. As the month draws to a close, bid adieu to 2026 at New Year's Eve events and parties happening at Chicago hotels, clubs and other hotspots, where you'll find Champagne towers and other special ways to welcome 2027 in style. So make the most of the final month of the year with our guide to the best events in Chicago this December. RECOMMENDED: Check out our 2026 Chicago events calendar

Once November hits, you've got about two weeks of breathing room after Halloween before holiday events begin in earnest, from twinkling Christmas light displays to the first days of Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville. And of course, don't forget about Thanksgiving in Chicago. Hoping to avoid the holidays altogether? Take a spin on the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon or huddle away from the wintry weather at one of many Chicago museums as temperatures start to plummet. Say goodbye to fall with the help of our guide to the best things to do in Chicago this November. RECOMMENDED: Check out our 2026 Chicago events calendar

We’re probably not alone in saying that the weekend is always on our minds here at Time Out Chicago HQ. Like you (probably), we spend the workweek daydreaming about the next restaurant to obsess over and obsessively updating our concert calendars. Whether you’re museum-hopping, plotting a day trip to escape the city, or ready to ghost your original plans for something spontaneous, you’ll find plenty of ways to make the most of your weekend in Chicago. Updated October 28, 2026: Some years, Halloween falls in the middle of the week, but this year, it's on a Saturday, meaning we get a full weekend to celebrate. That means more costumes, more candy and more festivities. Whether you're looking for a rowdy party, a kid-friendly costume crawl or something in between, we've got your plans covered. We've curated this list of the best things to do this weekend, so you won't have any excuse to stay inside. Not up for a fright? There are plenty of non-Halloween things to do, too. Keep scrolling to discover more of the best things to do in Chicago this weekend. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago today

Each week, our team at Time Out Chicago curates the ultimate weekly event guide, featuring the big events, IYKYK pop-ups and everything in between. Here, you'll find the happenings that are worth your time and money, from family-friendly activities and daytime events to late-night shenanigans and the low-key functions that you won't hear about on TikTok. Updated October 26, 2026: Get your costumes and candy ready because Halloweek is finally here! There are plenty of ways to get in the spooky spirit every day this week, from haunted river cruises and Halloween pop-up bars to Second City's hilarious murder mystery show, Travel Can Be Murder. If you're looking for something a little less scary this week, there are a handful of must-see exhibits at Chicago's best museums, plus a free comedy show and the annual Hot Chocolate Run. Keep scrolling for more of the best things to do in Chicago this week. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago in October 2026

Last updated September 4, 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 the 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

Last updated October 27, 2026: Get your costume and candy ready because it's officially Halloweek in Chicago. Hoping for a fright this Halloween? Visit one of Chicago's most haunted places, attend one of the city's Halloween parades and parties, or wander through a terrifying haunted house. No matter your age, embrace the thrills and chills of spooky season with the help of our guide to the best Halloween events and parties in Chicago this year.  RECOMMENDED: The complete guide to Halloween in Chicago Read more: 10 best Halloween TV episodes to watch ahead of the spooky holiday These are the scariest movies of all time, according to science The 16 best horror movies of 2026

No matter where your interests lie, you can always find something to get excited about in this no-nonsense Midwestern metropolis. The best things to do in Chicago run the gamut—from seriously fun to awesomely educational. Looking for culture? Spend a day exploring Chicago museums. Hungry? You've come to the right place, because Chicago is famous for its delicious cuisine. There are tons of amazing restaurants in Chicago that highlight the city's rich and diverse culinary landscape. (And plenty of uniquely Chicago bars that do the trick, too.) We've searched all across the city to assemble this list of the best things to do in Chicago. Follow it and never get bored here again. Quick picks: The best things to do in Chicago 🌳 Millennium Park – See “The Bean” (Cloud Gate) and join a free walking tour (Free) 🎨 The Art Institute of Chicago – World-class collection with strong Impressionism and modern art wings ($20–$32) 🏙️ Willis Tower Skydeck and “The Ledge” – Enjoy sky-high views and step onto glass ledges above the city ($24–$49) Last updated October 27, 2026: Fall is in full swing, and there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Indulge in autumnal activities like apple picking and getting lost in a corn maze, or face your fears at a haunted house. Looking for weeknight fun? Check out Empty Bottle's free shows on Mondays, or be awed by the massive projection show ART on the MART. Read on to discover the best activities for making the most of the season. You can also find

Over the years, Chicago has served as the backdrop for films like The Dark Knight, The Blues Brothers and just about every John Hughes movie. While it’s always a thrill to witness a movie being made, it’s just as fun to see the finished product on the silver screen. Thankfully, the city is home to a wide array of great theaters, from multiplexes with massive recliner seats and in-theater dining service to art houses where you can catch the latest indies or international film festivals. And, like any respectable Chicago institution, many of these theaters boast fully stocked bars, offering extensive beer and cocktail options. No matter what movie you're looking to see, you’ll find the perfect place to watch among our list of the best movie theaters in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best drive-in movie theaters near Chicago Quick picks: The best movie theaters in Chicago 📀 Best for movie buffs who miss Blockbuster: Facets Cinematheque - also home to Facets Multimedia, a one-stop shop for renting obscure DVDs 🍿 Best for a dinner-and-a-movie night: AMC NEWCITY 14 - located next to multiple bars and restaurants in Lincoln Park 🎬 Best for movie-centric events: Music Box Theatre - hosts regular events like RATED Q: A Celebration of Queer, Camp and Cult Cinema, and the Chicago International Film Festival

The official start of fall in Chicago might be in September, but the season doesn't really hit its stride until October—a month replete with crisp air, colorful fall foliage and a heaping helping of spooky fun. Take advantage of everything autumn has to offer by exploring the best pumpkin patches near Chicago, getting lost in corn mazes or staring up at the changing leaves at your local park or garden. And of course, celebrate Halloween in Chicago with spooky pop-ups, haunted houses, horror movie marathons and even more ghoulish events and parties. Ready to embrace autumn? Check out the rest of the best things to do in Chicago this October.  RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2026

Summer in Chicago is fun, but the city really stands out in the fall when the trees start to change colors, a slight chill permeates the air, and there's an abundance of autumnal activities to enjoy. One of the best ways to celebrate the season? Visiting a corn maze. It’s nearly impossible to find one in the city, but just outside of Chicago, there are an array of farms and orchards that have elaborate—and sometimes seriously daunting—corn mazes to get lost in. With beautiful fall foliage, hay rides, apple picking and spooky mazes after dark, a visit to a corn maze is a great way to get into the Halloween spirit as well. So make the most of the season with a fun-filled day at the best corn mazes near Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Find the best pumpkin patches near Chicago

It’s always bittersweet to bid farewell to summer, but don’t let yourself get too down in the dumps—apple picking season is here along with the sunny start of fall in Chicago. The city’s suburbs and surrounding countryside are full of bountiful orchards where you can pick pounds upon pounds of the fruit to take home for snacking or baking (speaking of baking, many of these farms feature bakeries stocked with homemade, apple-filled treats). And that’s not all: Come October, you'll also find some of the best outdoor activities at pumpkin patches near Chicago, plus corn mazes and hayrides at a handful of the farms on our list. Take a look through our roundup of the best apple orchards near Chicago and get excited for all the autumnal fun still to come. RECOMMENDED: Discover the most unique day trips from Chicago

Whether your team won or lost, or if you're still on a post-concert high, you'll likely want to head out on the town after leaving the United Center. Luckily, one of the city's best dining districts, the West Loop, is located just a few blocks away from the Madhouse on Madison. If you're up for a stroll, it'll take no more than 30 minutes to walk there. You can also hop on the #20 Madison bus right outside of the stadium for a quick 10-minute ride. Once you've arrived, Restaurant Row offers plenty of options for whatever your vibe is.  These are the best West Loop restaurants and bars where you can keep the drinks flowing and chow down on bar snacks, pizza or one of the best burgers in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Guides for Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls fans

When this institution opened in 1961, African-American history was suffering serious neglect at the hands of the city’s—and, for that matter, the nation’s—cultural institutions. The Hyde Park cultural hub, named after Jean Baptist Point DuSable, the fur trader of Haitian descent who is considered Chicago’s first non-Native resident, is now one of the oldest African-American–focused museums in the country. On display are documents and artifacts from the lives of overlooked or unjustly marginalized movers and shakers, plus a collection of vibrant African-American art. A visit to the DuSable Museum begins with a walk through its picturesque surroundings near the University of Chicago campus. Situated among expansive green spaces lined with trees and manicured vegetation, the museum's setting is almost as impressive as its contents. The DuSable Museum houses more than 15,000 works, including paintings, sculpture, print works and historical memorabilia across two floors. Upstairs, you won't want to miss the hyper-realistic animatronic of Harold Washington, Chicago's first Black mayor. It's initially unsettling but worth sticking around for a succinct rundown about Washington and the state of the city in the `80s. Head downstairs to see the exhibit "Freedom: Origin and Journey," which explores the African-American experience throughout history. The moving exhibition highlights experiences like the Transatlantic Slave Trade, abolition, segregation and President Obama's election. The

Hiding on the University of Chicago campus is one of the city's best small art museums, the Smart Museum of Art. The Hyde Park museum houses the college's collection of modern and fine art and antiquities across two galleries. Always free to access, it features a diverse assortment of pieces, from ancient Chinese prints and works by Henri Matisse and Edvard Munch to immersive installations and contemporary pieces by Nick Cave and Emilio Fantin. After your visit, stroll through the scenic UChicago campus to ponder the works you just saw.

A new immersive light and music show is coming to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church this winter. Dubbed Celestia, the seated experience features intricate light displays projected on the church's walls and ceiling, paired with orchestral music. Plus, Friday and Saturday performances will be accompanied by a live choir. Celestia first launched in Denver earlier this year and is now expanding to locations in Chicago and Toronto in November.

Yes, the comedians will be naked. This 21+ stand-up show at The Crib Comedy Playspace features six comics who will take the stage—sans clothes—for what will probably be the most revealing sets of their lives. After launching in New York, the show returns to Chicago for a night of unfiltered and undressed fun.

The Art Institute of Chicago's exhibition Beatriz González: In Series and Full Color is the first prints and drawings retrospective of the late Colombian artist. Featuring more than 80 works across drawings, sketches, prints, sketchbooks, objects and archival materials, In Series and Full Color is a vibrant exploration of the notable artist's six-decade career.

Streeterville's River East 21 has become a thriving downtown film destination that still feels like a quiet neighborhood haunt, even on its busiest days. With 21 screens (and a forthcoming IMAX screen), you'll usually have no issues securing tickets for your desired showtime. This location doesn't offer in-seat dining, but they do have heated reclining seats, an on-site bar and plenty of decent concessions.

Families are invited to trick-or-treat along Montrose Avenue on Halloween Eve for the annual Montrose Monster Mash. Along the way, local shops and restaurants will hand out candy for a spirited night of spooky fun. There's no cost to join, but attendees are encouraged to register online in advance. Don't forget your costume!

The recently opened self-service photo studio Tokofoto is hosting a pop-up in collaboration with Hawa Cafe at its Ukrainian Village studio. Guests can sip matcha, coffee and tea, and try the photoshoot experience with flash studio sessions ($10 for 3-minute sessions). 

Head to the apple orchard, where visitors fill bushel baskets with dozens of varieties of apples, including McIntosh, Jonathan and Golden Delicious, throughout the fall. Afterward, stop by the store stocked with pies, caramel apples and warm doughnuts. There's also a pumpkin patch, live entertainment, a train that rides around the farm and plenty of activities for little ones. 

The team behind the popular Drunk Shakespeare series puts a spirited spin on the holidays with the return of Drunk Christmas Carol. The 90-minute rendition of Charles Dickens' iconic story features a completely sober cast, minus one actor who takes five shots before performing. 

What's a better Halloween activity than carving a pumpkin? Carving a pumpkin while drinking beer. To celebrate spooky season, Pilot Project Brewing is hosting a Pints & Pumpkins party at its Logan Square location. For $10, you get an apple cider, plus a pumpkin and carving tools. The best part? Pilot Project Brewing is donating $5 from every ticket sold to Meals on Wheels.

Head to Gangnam Market for a free Filipino variety show hosted by comedian Jackie Lynn. The 90-minute show features stand-ups, drag performers and musicians, and ends with a lively set by DJ Special Ed.    . 

Halloween won’t fall on a Saturday for another 11 years, so here at Time Out Chicago, we’re going all out. Even better? We get an extra hour of Halloweekend when the clocks fall back on Sunday, November 1. Naturally, we’re going to make every minute count. Over the past few weeks, our team has been experiencing and curating guides on where to party, drink and be spooked on Halloween in Chicago. Some of our favorite things we’ve done this year include First Lady’s Creepy Cruise, which is equal parts ghost tour and architecture tour, and Second City’s hilarious Halloween-themed improv show Travel Can Be Murder. Whether you’re looking to party in your Elizabeth Holmes or Freaky Nikki costume, or you’re throwing on cat ears (once again) to take your kids trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, we’ve got your Halloween plans covered. Staying in? Queue up a scary movie marathon with the best horror movies of the year, or test your limits by watching one of the scariest movies of all time (according to science).  RECOMMENDED: The best Halloween bars and parties in Chicago No matter what your plans are, there’s no excuse not to get in the spooky spirit this Halloweekend. Read on to discover the best things to do over Halloween weekend in Chicago.  1. Haunted Halsted Halloween Fest & Parade Wanna see some of the best Halloween costumes in the city? Head to Northalsted, where hundreds of people show off their creations at this spooky festival and procession. During the day, a street

Did you know that Chicago is home to 498 official landmarks? From the city’s northern edge to the Far South Side, Chicago is dotted with historic official sites, many of which are open to the public.  There’s a landmark located in a majority of the 77 neighborhoods (54, to be exact), and all of them are formally protected from demolition. From libraries and sacred sites to theaters, private homes and even a handful of architecturally significant firehouses, Chicago’s long list of landmarks all have "a special historical, community, architectural or aesthetic interest or value to the City of Chicago and its citizens," according to the Chicago Landmarks Ordinance, adopted in 1968. Whether you missed the free architectural fair Open House Chicago or want to learn more about the city’s rich history of landmarked buildings, there’s plenty to discover. We recommend checking out nonprofit Preservation Chicago’s Landmark Designation Report for a thorough and well-researched deep dive, plus an easy-to-use map. But with nearly 500 officially landmarked sites, where does one begin?  RECOMMENDED: This unique Chicago walking tour tells the city’s history one brick at a time We’ve combed through the complete repertoire of Chicago landmarks and have curated a list of the seven must-see sites that you can visit. And if you think it’s just old-timey houses and nondescript buildings, think again. White Castle #16 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jonathan Peters (@

Although the final season of FX’s The Bear has aired, we’re not ready to say goodbye to the chefs just yet. Luckily, the fanfare continues this weekend with a one-day pop-up at the iconic Mr. Beef restaurant with The Bear actor Will Poulter.  On Sunday, October 25, Poulter, who played the hunky British chef Luca in the Emmy-winning series, will join Michelin-starred chef Santiago Lastra at Mr. Beef (666 N. Orleans St.) to serve an exclusive Mexican-inspired beef sandwich in honor of Lastra’s debut cookbook, Mexican Soul.  The event kicks off at 1pm and will remain open until stock runs out. There’s no cost to attend, and it’s first-come, first-served, so we recommend arriving early to secure a spot in line. It wouldn’t surprise us if the queue stretches down the block, so showing up between 11:30am and noon might be the best way to guarantee entry. That being said, it’s difficult to predict how many people will show up to events these days (who remembers this year’s Apple Fest fiasco?). RECOMMENDED: Every Chicago restaurant featured in season 3 of 'The Bear' Braving the line, though, will be well worth the wait. Poulter and Lastra will be joined by Mr. Beef owner Chris Zucchero (who also gets screen time on The Bear) and the show’s co-executive and culinary producer Courtney Storer.  Photograph: Courtesy Lotus Land Agency'The Bear' star Will Poulter will join Michelin-starred chef Santiago Lastra at Mr. Beef on Sunday, October 25. The crew will serve their flavorful Mexican

It’s election season in Chicago once again, and as voters get ready to head to the polls, we’re focused on a different kind of democratic process. No, we’re not talking about the race for County Sheriff or Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner. We’re talking about the naming of O’Hare Airport’s new 50-ton pet rock. While working on the airport’s extensive expansion project in June, construction crews uncovered a massive, prehistoric boulder 30 feet below the airfield’s surface. The enormous rock measures 11 and a half feet wide, 8 feet deep, and 7 and a half feet tall, and weighs about as much as an adult whale.  The Chicago Department of Aviation decided it was too special to discard, so it moved the rock to a permanent location outside the Multi-Modal Facility at 10255 W. Zemke Road and launched a naming contest that received more than 3,000 submissions. RECOMMENDED: This proposed shuttle will get you from downtown Chicago to O’Hare Airport in 15 minutes flat—so what’s the hold-up? "The world already knows that O’Hare rocks—it’s why we’ve been named Best Airport in North America for 22 years straight and why we've reclaimed the title of the world’s busiest airfield," says CDA Commissioner Mike McMurray. "But a rock of this magnitude deserves a name of its own. Internally, we’ve been calling it the O’Hare bean, but now it’s time to make it official." View this post on Instagram A post shared by O'Hare International Airport (@fly2ohare)

It looks like Chicago is in for another warm winter, thanks to a super El Niño. As the weather pattern continues to strengthen across the Pacific Ocean, experts are becoming more confident that the Great Lakes region will experience a warmer-than-average winter. According to a new weather outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the effects of El Niño will bring warmer temperatures and below-average snowfall between December and February. For reference, El Niño refers to the warming of the ocean surface or above-average temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. This phenomenon can significantly influence weather patterns across the globe. But don’t pack away your parkas just yet: Despite predictions of a warmer winter, Chicago can still experience cold snaps and major snowstorms. Snow may also melt faster, creating sleet and possibly even rare wintertime floods.  RECOMMENDED: Chicago just smashed a nearly 20-year-old temperature record Regardless of the temperature, beloved holiday traditions like Christkindlmarket and the City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting will still look the same—though you might be wearing fewer layers. Activities like sledding, skiing and calling “dibs” might look a bit different this year, but, hey, you might not have to dig your car out of a snow pile as frequently. Don't worry, though: some destinations have solutions for a low-snow winter. For example, the park district makes fake snow for the Sleddi

If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of the circular “scientist” church on Wacker looks like or what the yacht club inside the massive boat docked along the Lakefront Trail is like, now is your chance to find out.  This weekend, more than 200 buildings across the city are opening their doors to the public for the 16th annual Open House Chicago architecture festival. Access to every participating site is free, and visitors are welcome to explore the buildings—many of which are usually off-limits to the public—at their own pace. Open House Chicago is organized by the Chicago Architecture Center, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s most iconic sites, from North Side Rogers Park to Beverly and Roseland on the South Side. Here’s everything you need to know about Open House Chicago 2026. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago this weekend Does Open House Chicago have free entry? Yes, Open House Chicago is a free festival open to all. What are the Open House Chicago dates and hours? Open House Chicago takes place on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Most sites are open from 10am to 5pm, but check the 2026 Open House directory for specific locations’ opening hours. Some sites are only open on one day, so double-check the directory before you head out. What neighborhoods are included in Open House Chicago? Open House Chicago spans nearly 30 neighborhoods, including West Town (the coolest neighborhood in Chicago, according to Time Out). Other neighbor

Chicago Fire FC just took a major step forward in the development of McDonald’s Park with the reveal of the stadium’s swanky luxury suites. Slated to open in the summer of 2028, McDonald’s Park is projected to be the anchor of the South Loop’s newest neighborhood, which developers have coined as The 78.  With only 600 seats, the luxury suites offer premium amenities like behind-the-scenes stadium access, large heated seats and primo views of the field that are much closer to the action than Soldier Field’s suites. We were able to step inside a one-to-one model of a luxury suite, complete with the exact same details, finishes and decor. We also got a preview of the stadium’s various seats, from basic stands to premium heated seats. RECOMMENDED: The best sports bars in Chicago for watching every big game If what we saw is a preview of what the rest of the McDonald’s Park will look like, then it’s going to be one of the country’s most beautiful stadiums. Keep scrolling to see photos from the exclusive preview event. Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutThe projected view from a suite at McDonald's Park Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutSeating area inside a McDonald's Park luxury suite   Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutMcDonald's Park suite model     Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutMcDonald's Park suite model   Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutA model of McDonald's Park   Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutMcDonald's Park stadium seating

More than 50,000 runners will take to the streets this weekend for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. On Sunday, October 11, the World Marathon Majors course takes competitors through 29 neighborhoods for a 26.2-mile journey that starts and ends in Grant Park.  Whether you’re running or cheering from the sidelines, here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Chicago Marathon this weekend, including route details, where to watch and how to track runners. RECOMMENDED: Every Chicago Marathon 2026 street closure and traffic disruption to know this weekend When is the Chicago Marathon? The 2026 Chicago Marathon is Sunday, October 11. The first groups start at 7:20am, followed by the waves that head out between 7:35am through 8:35am. The 27th-Mile Post-Race Party in Butler Field ends at 4pm. What is the Chicago Marathon route?  The marathon starts and finishes in Grant Park, weaving through 29 neighborhoods across the city. Runners will head north through downtown along LaSalle Street toward Lakeview, before looping around to head south down Broadway, Clark Street and more. They will then head west across the Chicago River and into the Near West Side, before moving south through Pilsen, Chinatown and Bronzeville. The course finishes with a long stretch up Michigan Avenue back to Grant Park, with the finish line stationed on Columbus Drive. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chicago Marathon (@chimarathon) How can I track Chicago M

The Chicago Marathon returns this weekend, bringing extensive road closures and traffic disruptions as more than 55,000 runners cover 26.2 miles through 29 neighborhoods.  Road closures along the course will begin at 6am on Sunday, October 11, and will remain closed until 4pm. If you plan to cheer from the sidelines or have somewhere else to be on Sunday, here is a complete list of Chicago Marathon street closures and traffic disruptions.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago this weekend What roads will be closed for the 2026 Chicago Marathon? Grant Park closures: Balbo Dr. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr., 6am on 9/24 to 3pm on 10/16 Balbo Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr., 4am on 10/8 to 3pm on 10/12 Jackson Dr. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr., 4am on 10/8 to 6am on 10/12 Jackson Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr., 4am on 10/8 to 8pm on 10/11 Columbus Dr. from Ida B. Wells Dr. to Roosevelt Rd., 4am on 10/8 to 3pm on 10/12 Columbus Dr. from Monroe St. to Ida B. Wells Dr., 4am on 10/8 to 8pm on 10/11 Congress Plaza Dr. from Michigan Ave. (Van Buren St. to Harrison St.), 4am on 10/8 to 8pm on 10/11 Ida B. Wells Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr., 4am on 10/8 to 8pm on 10/11 Columbus Dr. from Randolph St. to Monroe St., 4am on 10/10 to 5pm on 10/11 Roosevelt Rd. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr., 11am on 10/10 to 6pm on 10/11 Monroe St. from Michigan Ave. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr., 4am on 10/10 to 5pm on 10/11 Columbus Dr

Our team at Time Out recently named West Town the coolest neighborhood in Chicago, noting that it’s a magnet for the city’s coolest new openings. We’re reminded that’s the case once again thanks to the recent opening of one of Chicago’s coolest new experiences: Tokofoto, a self-service photo studio in the Ukrainian Village. After trying something similar themselves during a trip overseas, Tokofoto co-founders, Jennifer Liu and Elizabeth Xu, decided it was time for Chicago to have its own version of the ultra-popular Asian experience.  The new photo studio at 860 N. California Avenue makes taking professional photos easy—and a lot of fun. You don’t need to worry about finding a photographer or having equipment. Simply show up and start snapping. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago right now On a recent visit, I booked a 50-minute session (you can also reserve 20 minutes) and arrived with two easy outfit changes in tow. Behind the lobby, smartly appointed with mid-century modern furniture, inspiration from previous shoots and decor referencing Asian pop culture, is the photo studio.  Inside the small room, the setup is ready to go, with a professional camera, light, clicker, background color of your choice (pink, blue or white) and a desktop and large monitor for reviewing shots. Tokofoto also provides props like flowers, glasses, blazers and seasonal items like fake pumpkins, plus chairs and stools of varying colors and sizes.  Photograph: Courtesy TokofotoA couple'

What’s creepier than Lower Wacker? No, it’s not Lower Lower Wacker (though that is terrifying). In our book, the answer is First Lady’s Creepy Cruise. This Halloween-themed cruise down the Chicago River offers 90 minutes of after-dark skyline views paired with disturbing stories of Chicago’s worst serial killers, gangsters and ghosts that still haunt Chicagoans today. In my search for the best Halloween events and things to do this fall in Chicago, the name "Creepy Cruise" piqued my interest. So, on a recent Saturday night, I stepped on board to find out what makes this cruise so creepy. Spoiler: I quickly found out. Boarding begins 20 minutes before departure, but by then, a majority of passengers had already queued up. Because First Lady’s cruises board on the Riverwalk between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive, the line to board sits just a few feet away from Lower Wacker, which is, in my opinion, a very creepy start to the experience. RECOMMENDED: The best Halloween events and parties in Chicago Much like a line outside of a haunted house, the narrow, snaking queue is filled with eager passengers excitedly chatting about how scary they think the voyage will actually be. My expectations for the fright factor of this experience weren’t very high, but I was happily proven wrong. Photograph: Courtesy First LadyCreepy Cruise A staff member with a skeleton mask welcomed us on board, and everyone hurriedly looked for the best seats remaining. I found a spot at the front of th

Every Wednesday at 8pm, dozens of people descend into a dim basement beneath the Den Hotel in Lakeview for an evening of comedy and cocktails at the Blind Wolf Comedy show. Each week, a rotating lineup of new, established and on-the-rise comics takes the stage to perform short, late-night-style sets for about an hour and a half. The best part? It’s completely free. I first heard about Blind Wolf, hosted by local comedian Devin Glass, from a poster plastered on a traffic signal pole in Lincoln Park. When I finally made it out to a show this week, I was shocked that the experience I had was, in fact, actually free. You’ll need to reserve a complimentary ticket on the event discovery platform Pie. I was able to snag one a few hours before the show. When I arrived about 20 minutes before showtime, there wasn’t a bouncer scanning tickets at the door, just Glass standing outside greeting us with, “You here for the show?”  RECOMMENDED: The best free things to do in Chicago this month He led us down a narrow stairwell in a gangway next to the Den Hotel and showed us inside with a quick rundown of what to expect. We secured seats on a couch near the front, ordered a round of drinks (there’s no formal minimum), and waited for the show to begin over a game of Connect 4 that was sitting on a nearby table.  Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time OutBlind Wolf Comedy To my surprise and delight, audience members were actually chatting as they took their seats. In a time when it’s typical to