tourist chicago show

Plan an Epic Vacation at the 2024 Chicago Travel and Adventure Show

Get a free ticket to the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show just for being a Local Tourist.

Learn how to travel like a local tourist everywhere you go at the 2024 Chicago Travel and Adventure Show!

At the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show , explore thousands of vacation options to top destinations from around the globe.

Meet one-on-one with travel experts who will help you find, plan and book your next vacation. Uncover travel deals and show-only specials.

I’ve exhibited at the shows in Chicago, San Diego, Denver, and Los Angeles, and it’s one of my favorite events. Not only do I get to meet hundreds, if not thousands, of like-minded travelers, but I also find new destinations to visit.

Because of the Travel and Adventure Show, I’ve had incredible experiences at destinations I connected with at the show.

A few include taking a heritage train ride in Arizona , visiting Ridgeland Mississippi (with a side trip to a UNESCO World Heritage Site ), and eating all the cherries in Traverse City, Michigan.

And I only get about an hour to walk the floor! Lucky you, you can take all day, or all weekend.

In 2024, I’ll also be speaking at the Denver, Atlanta, and Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Shows.

Going to the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show

What is the chicago travel and adventure show.

This show is a bonanza for travelers. Exhibitors travel from literally all over the world to showcase their destinations, and it’s one of the popular things to do in Chicago in winter .

Not only will you get to discover new places to visit, you’ll also save money on your vacations. Exhibitors offer discounts, and there are tons of giveaways.

One of the best parts of the show is the seminars. They’ve got three stages and the schedule’s packed.

You’ll get to hear expert advice and learn to travel like an insider from dozens of educational seminars.

This year’s lineup is amazing: Rick Steves, Phil Rosenthal, and Pauline Frommer are taking the stage.

Other speakers, including Angel Castellanos, will teach you even more travel tips and provide inspiration for your adventures.

In 2024, I return to the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show, too. My topic? Planning your Perfect Road Trip from Chicago!

There’s nothing like jumping in the car for an adventure, and right now road trips are more popular than ever. I’m an inveterate road trip enthusiast who’s traveled thousands of miles to tell the stories of America’s treasures.

In 2024, I’m celebrating the 22nd year of TheLocalTourist.com.

I’m also the author of Planning Your Perfect Road Trip , Living Landmarks of Chicago (now available in audiobook), and the Two Lane Gems book series, and publisher of (and contributor to) Midwest Road Trip Adventures, 2nd Edition and Midwest State Park Adventures .

In this fun and energetic session, I’ll be sharing my best road trip planning tips for your perfect road trip adventure, including choosing your ideal road trip from Chicago , saving money during your travels, and doing it all safely.

Whether you’re looking to drive cross-country or just need a weekend getaway, you’ll learn how to plan an experience you’ll love.

Bonus : everyone who attends will get access to a free e-book with tips and tricks for planning an amazing road trip.

Visit  travelshows.com  for a full seminar lineup and additional event information (coming soon).

I’m also exhibiting, so stop by my booth and enter to win my books , including Planning Your Perfect Road Trip, Show Me Shipshewana , and the best-selling Living Landmarks of Chicago . I’ll be signing books, too.

AND we always have bribery – er, I mean – candy.

When is the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show?

The 2024 Chicago Travel and Adventure Show takes place on the following dates and times:

• January 13, 10am to 5pm
• January 14, 11am to 4pm

Where is the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show?

The Chicago Travel and Adventure Show is at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

How much is the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show?

Tickets in advance are $18 for one day and $26 if you want to attend both Saturday and Sunday.

However, check below and you might be able to attend the show for free!

Get discounted tickets to the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show.

Visit TravelShows.com and use code LOCALTOURIST24 to save 30% on your ticket price!

Get a free ticket to the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show

Want a free ticket to the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show? Sign up below and we’ll send you a code for a free ticket!

You’ll also get Wanderlust Weekly, featuring travel tips and inspiration to fuel your wanderlust.

Please note that this free ticket is a thank you for my subscribers. If you have previously unsubscribed, you may not get the discount code because the auto sequence won’t work.

There will be a limited number of free tickets and the code is first come-first served. If none are available, use LOCALTOURIST24 for a discount.

Make the first stop on your next vacation the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show – January 13 and 14, 2024, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

Chicago Travel & Adventure Show Announces Full Programming Lineup

The Chicago Travel & Adventure Show, scheduled to return to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Rd. Rosemont, IL) February 19 and 20, today announced its full program for 2022, including an interactive photo experience from the Florida Keys & Key West, celebrity speakers and more than 200 exhibitors , from first time attendees to returning favorites.

Providing the ultimate destination for guests to plan, personalize and book their next vacation, the Travel & Adventure Show provides visitors with the opportunity to meet and learn from top experts from around the globe, with thousands of destinations represented for guests to explore and a variety of free onsite activities. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to attend keynote presentations and interact one-on-one with the world’s top travel experts including Pauline Frommer, Peter Greenberg, Andrew McCarthy and more.

“We’ve always designed the Travel & Adventure Show to be an adventure in and of itself and this year, we’ll continue to give visitors the opportunity to sample cultures and destinations from around the world, right here in Chicagoland,” said John Golicz, Unicomm CEO. “Whether travelers are looking to book their next cruise, find their new favorite exotic destination or uncover a hidden gem near home, they’re sure to find exactly what they’re looking for.”

The 2022 Chicago Travel & Adventure Show will showcase some of the top destinations and travel options that are open for travel now. Each exhibitor will also provide travel experts who are on-hand to answer questions, give real time updates on travel protocols, and create custom itineraries based on attendees’ travel goals. The event’s sponsors include Dominican Republic Tourism, Taiwan Tourism, Pigeon Forge CVB, Dollywood, The Florida Keys and Key West and Visit Springfield, IL. Other destinations and travel suppliers of note include Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Company, Go Touch Down Travel & Tours, AAA Travel, Celebrity Cruises, Visit Anchorage, Greater Miami CVB, Israel Ministry of Tourism and hundreds more. 

The Chicago Travel & Adventure Show will take place Saturday, February 19 and Sunday, February 20. The show floor will open at 9:30 a.m. for media and travel professionals and 10 a.m. for the general public on Saturday and close at 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The Chicago Travel & Adventure Show will host a variety of experiences at its three educational theaters across the two-day event. A selection of the various experiences is below. For the full schedule of panels, performances and demonstrations click here .

Travel Theater

Guests will learn the newest trends, hottest tips and most reliable tools from some of the world’s top travel experts. This year’s celebrity travel speakers include:

Pauline Frommer | Editorial Director, Frommer’s Guides

Pauline will share how to make the great return to travel, featuring new travel trends, budget tools and advice, hot destinations for the upcoming year and much more.  

Peter Greenberg | Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter, Producer and CBS News Travel Editor

CBS News Travel Editor, Peter Greenberg, is set to give you the tools and tips you need to travel responsibly, safely and without breaking the bank in the new post-pandemic travel landscape. 

Andrew McCarthy | Award-Winning Travel Writer, Actor and Director

Award-Winning Travel Writer, Andrew McCarthy, will discuss how to find incredible cultural experiences, deal with adversity and learn life-changing lessons while traveling. 

To view the full schedule click here . *Meet and greets follow each session.

Destination Theater

From where to go and when to go, to what to do and how to get there, destination experts give visitors the in-depth information needed to travel like a local.

Aussie Experts 

Guests will learn the most up to date information on travel protocols, itinerary advice and how to make the most of your vacation in Australia.

Viking Cruises

River cruising has become a massive travel trend in 2022 and beyond. Attendees will learn how one of the top river cruise brands in the world is delivering a safe and spectacular experience. 

Mari Masuda | Senior Director of Trade and Promotions, Tahiti Tourisme

Getting to Tahiti is easier than one might think! Learn the how, when and where to travel in one of the most exotic destinations in the world. 

Dominican Republic 

One of the top destinations in the Caribbean is back in business! Learn which hotels are open, which activities to book and the best ways to get to the Dominican Republic on a budget during this 30 minute session. 

Tia Froehle | Tourism Sales Manager, Visit Anchorage

Alaska is known for being fantastic in every season. Attendees to this seminar will learn the top itinerary options for 2022 and beyond with Visit Anchorage.

To view the full schedule click here .

Savvy Traveler Theater

Showcasing travel tips, tricks and actionable advice, you’ll learn how to travel like a pro straight from the experts. Topics include packing tips, finding the perfect tour, budget travel options and more.

Angel Castellanos | World Travel Expert, www.AngelsTravelLounge.com

With a constantly changing travel landscape, world traveler Angel Castellanos will be on-hand to discuss packing tips, travel technology advice, and general best practices on how travel has changed over the past two years. 

Julian Douglas | Travel Writer, Photographer and Experience Curator, Listen, Journey, Savor

Learn all about the top private tours from around the world in this captivating 45-minute session from Julian Douglas. Guests will receive advice on how to secure local guides, how to plan itineraries and how to make sure they get the best bang for their buck. 

Nick Reyes | Senior Author, The Frequent Miler

Loyalty points are all the rage post-pandemic. Learn how to earn, use and maximize loyalty and reward points from one of the top points bloggers in the world. 

In addition to the plethora of on-stage experiences, the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show’s exhibitors offer a range of luxurious vacation giveaways available to visitors. Giveaway items include:

• 50% of lifetime membership to Wanderful, courtesy of Wanderful
• Five-night stay at Brickell Bay Beach Club, courtesy of Aruba Tourism Authority
• Kiwi/Aussie-themed gift basket, courtesy of Aussie Experts/Travel 100 group 
• Two nights and an activity in St. Croix, courtesy of Cane Bay Dive Shop
• Eight-day trip for two to South Africa with full board, courtesy of Go Touch Down Travel and Tours 

A full list of giveaways can be found here .

The 2022 Chicago Travel and Adventure show will adhere to local health and safety protocols and will require all attendees age 5 or older to wear a mask and provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. There will also be limited touchpoints and ample hand sanitizer stations placed prominently throughout the venue.

Attendees can purchase single-day and two-day tickets online now for the discounted rate of $11/$18 or on-site for $15/$22. Children 16 and under are free and on-site tickets can be purchased with cash only. Admission for children age 16 and under is free. For tickets and event information, visit www.TravelShows.com/Chicago .

About Unicomm, LLC and the Travel & Adventure Show Series

Unicomm, LLC is an independent business-to-business communications company specializing in originating and managing world-class trade shows and conferences. Unicomm's properties include the nation's largest and longest-running series of travel events, the Travel & Adventure Show in Atlanta, Boston, Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, San Francisco/Bay Area, Los Angeles, Denver, and Dallas. Unicomm also produces industry-leading conferences including the annual American Traveler Trends Forum, as well as the  Virtual Travel & Adventure Show Series .

• Arts, Dance, Music Spotlight
• Entertainment Spotlight
• Event Spotlight
• Family & School Spotlight
• Interviews, Non-Theater Reviews, Stories, Whatever
• News Spotlight
• Sports News
• Reviews by Carol Moore
• Opera and Dance Reviews
• Other Professional Theater Reviews
• Community Theater Reviews
• Theater Spotlight
• Theater This Week
• Entertainment This Week
• Theater Openings This Month
• What's Happening Online

Upcoming Events

September 1 - September 7 * This Week in Indiana History

Community Heart & Soul: Legacy's Newest Initiative!

BRAD PAISLEY IS COMING TO HARD ROCK LIVE ON SEPT 6

Neil Diamond Tribute Concert Sept. 6 at TATC!

5th Annual Hidden Gem Half Marathon in Flossmoor announces race timeline, events & performances

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best of Chicago for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy Chicago without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Attractions
• Los Angeles

Chicago travel guide: 27 tips every first-time visitor needs to know

Chicago is a friendly city for tourists, but we’ve collected a few useful things to know before you arrive.

Welcome to Chicago! We’re glad you’re here (or considering a trip, at least). Whether you’re visiting on business or pleasure, we know it can be daunting to travel to a new city for the first time. There are logistical hurdles: figuring out the public transportation options , navigating the grid system, knowing the best neighborhoods to stay in . And then there are the cultural questions: When is the best time to visit? What should you do with your time? Where should you go? Is deep dish truly all it's cracked up to be? Is  Malört   that  bad or are locals just dramatic? We’ve drawn from our experience as Chicagoans, and polled our own visiting friends, to come up with a list of what you should know as a new arrival.

RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Chicago travel tips for first-time visitors

1.  take the "l" to and from the airports..

Beat the traffic and surcharges by skipping the taxi or rideshare when you arrive. Our regular Chicago Transit Authority "L" (short for "elevated") trains offer direct service to both Chicago airports: The Blue Line serving O’Hare and Orange Line for Midway International Airport. A $2.50 fare from Midway or $5 from O’Hare for regular service downtown in under an hour feels like a steal to us when we travel to other cities without such easy airport access.

2.  Get a three-day (or seven-day) CTA pass.

No need to rent a car if you're sticking close to the city. In the smartphone age, the CTA is easy enough to navigate even for newbies. Fares, though, can be a little harder to keep track of: You could load a dollar amount onto a Ventra card and then try to do the math every time you spend $2.50 on a train ride and $2.25 on a bus—or maybe that counted as a $0.25 transfer if it was within two hours of your last ride? Much easier to buy a three-day pass, which is $15 for 72 hours of unlimited rides. If you’re staying longer, a seven-day pass on a new Ventra card will run you just $20—totally worth it if you’re spending that much time here. All can be purchased from the Ventra vending kiosks at either airport and any CTA station, as well as many supermarkets and pharmacies.

3.  If you do drive, download the ParkChicago app.

If you’re driving into the city and want to use your car while you’re here, download the ParkChicago app ( parkchicago.com ) to your phone for all your street parking needs. Create an account with your license plate number and link a credit card, and you’ll pay in the app using the zone number printed on signs where paid street parking is available. Rates vary by neighborhood (many residential streets will be marked permit-only, while a blessed few unmarked streets are actually free to park on—check carefully for signage before you assume).

4.  While you’re at it, download all of these apps to help you get around.

Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze will give you solid directions, and the Uber and Lyft apps can find you a ride at just about any address and any time of the day or night (most rideshare drivers work for both services, in our experience). Transit  is our favorite for real-time arrival projections for "L" trains and bus routes, and if you’re a nervous navigator, you can tell the app exactly where you’re going and it will give you a heads up when your stop is approaching.

5.  Get the gist of the grid system.

Unlike a lot of cities, Chicago’s streets are laid out on a generally reliable grid system. Here’s the quick-and-dirty version: The intersection of State and Madison Streets, smack in the middle of the Loop, is the zero point of the grid. Street numbers fan out from there on north-south and east-west axes, and every eight blocks (outside of the Loop, at least) equals a mile. There are angle streets and river branches and historical quirks here and there to create confusion and six-corner intersections, but the grid is a solid foundation for getting around. Also, if you remember nothing else, east is always towards the Lake. 

6.  Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going.

In a city of almost 3 million people, delays are almost bound to happen whether you’re on the "L" or on the expressway (which, by the way, is what we call our controlled-access highways, a.k.a. freeways, interstates or motorways). If you’re trying to make an appointment with a rigid start time—whether it’s a meeting, a dinner reservation or a theater curtain—allow more time than you think you need, just to be safe.

7.  Tipping is standard for many services. Here's how to do it.

In the United States, tipping is customary for service in several situations, and the standard rates in Chicago may be higher than you’re used to elsewhere in the country. At sit-down restaurants, where you have a server taking your order at your table and seeing to your needs through your meal, you should tip at least 20 percent of your total bill for good service. If you’re out for drinks, a dollar per drink is usually fine if you’re ordering from the bar—more if they’re complicated cocktails.

If the establishment accepts credit cards, you can add the tip onto your total when you sign the bill. Many restaurants and coffee shops also now have a payment system that allows you to add a tip automatically to your bill via credit or debit card, and calculates the percentage for you.

Other situations will call for cash tips: Give a valet parking attendant a couple of dollars when they retrieve your car, and tip a bellhop or skycap a buck or two for each of your bags they handle. Hotel housekeeping staff should be tipped about $5 per day of your stay, which you can leave out in the room when you check out.

8.  You might need cash in other situations, too.

While it’s increasingly uncommon, there are a remaining few cash-only venues around the city that don’t accept credit cards—among them, some of our favorite dive bars and cheap eats establishments. It’s also good to have cash on hand if you’re planning on visiting any summer street festivals or looking to make a purchase at art or craft fairs; many small vendors can now accept credit cards via services like Square, but it's a good idea to bring cash just in case (and to avoid the high fees that are often found at on-site event ATMs). 

9.  Be prepared to have your purse or bag searched at large venues.

Whether you’re a business commuter or a tourist, unless you’re driving your own car everywhere you go you’ll probably be carrying a purse, tote, briefcase or bag of some kind to lug your stuff around. Security precautions at certain large venues—stadiums and ballparks, theaters, concert venues and music festivals—will mean an agent asking to take a cursory peek inside your bag before you go in; it’s standard practice. Certain venues, though, won’t allow very large bags or specific items inside at all, and they won’t be able to hold anything for you at the gate or the cloakroom. If you don’t want to find yourself making a trip back to your car or hotel and missing part of your event, it’s best to check the rules ahead of time.

10.  Skip the chains and stay in one of these local hotels…

You can stay in a Hyatt or a Hilton anywhere you go. When you’re here, splurge instead on one of the best hotels in Chicago —unique digs like the Chicago Athletic Association or the Emily Hotel. Or look at the city’s best boutique hotels , gems like the Freehand, Hotel Lincoln or the Robey.

11.  …or try an Airbnb, like one of these intriguing options.

Rent out an extravagant apartment or a homey condo for the duration of your stay—we’ve chosen some of the city’s most attractive options  here .

12.  There’s nothing “too touristy” about taking a tour.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s boat tours along the Chicago River are, frankly, one of our favorite reasons to have out-of-town guests (and they're fun to check out even when we don't have out-of-town guests). It’s just one of dozens of the best tours of Chicago , including walking tours and bike tours. You can also find food tours or brewery tours  of some of the city's best spots.

13.  Or take a self-guided tour of our best public art.

The unnamed Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza and, more recently, Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate (a.k.a. “The Bean”) have become symbols of the city. But there’s great public art to be found all over the place in Chicago, from murals by Hebru Brantley to mosaics by Marc Chagall to sculptures like Lorado Taft’s Fountain of Time . Even the enormous facade of the Merchandise Mart has become a canvas for video art with the ART on THE MART program.

14.  Bring comfortable walking shoes.

Chicago’s terrain is relatively flat and you won't find many hills to climb, unless you’ve built a side trip to one of our nearby hiking trails into your visit. But you’ll probably wind up doing more walking than you might think. Our city blocks are long, and both CTA stations and parking spots can be a good distance from your destinations.

15.  Wear layers. Year-round.

The weather in Chicago can fluctuate wildly in a matter of hours: Summer storms roll in out of nowhere, or the temperature rises 30 degrees Fahrenheit from morning to midday. If you’re going to be out on the town all day, it’s best to dress with options to shed or layer on as the day progresses. Even at the height of summer or winter this is true: Pitchfork  or Lollapalooza summer festival attendees in tank tops and short-shorts often find themselves wishing for a hoodie when the evening chill sets in, and there’s nothing worse than the overheated feel of being too bundled up on a packed CTA car in January.

16.  But summer is what we do best.

We can make a great case for every season in Chicago, but it’s hard to deny that summer is when visitors and residents alike can take the best advantage of what the city has to offer. After a long winter, Chicagoans scramble outside to outdoor dining and rooftop bars , our great public parks , Cubs and White Sox games, and of course to one of Chicago’s finest features—the 26 miles of beaches and open lakefront that make up the city’s eastern edge. We take our summers seriously.

17.  Speaking of summer, street festivals are a must.

We’ve already breathlessly sung the praises of summer in Chicago, but summer festival season deserves a shoutout all its own. Every weekend from spring well into autumn, there are multiple lively festivals to choose from, each with delicious food, live music and other fun activities to explore. From art fairs and cultural and LGBTQ+ festivals to exuberant, jam-packed concerts and celebrations of a specific food or drink item (e.g. Ribfest, Apple Fest and Burger Fest), there’s truly something for every taste.

18.  Get out of downtown.

A lot of the city’s hotels are clustered in River North, on the Mag Mile and in the Loop. Not coincidentally, so are a lot of chain restaurants and tourist traps. (It’s no surprise the only TGI Friday’s in the city is just off Michigan Avenue). Just like visiting Times Square doesn’t mean you’ve seen New York City, if you want to see how Chicago really lives, you’ll need to venture out into the neighborhoods. We like to call this a city of neighborhoods, and each area of the city has its own identity and attractions. Start with our guide on where to stay in Chicago .

19.  You could spend a week on museums alone.

Remember we said you’d be doing a lot of walking? A good chunk of that could take place inside Chicago’s must-see museums . The Art Institute alone is the second-largest museum in the United States by size—at over a million square feet and with 300,000 pieces in its collection, don’t expect to knock it off your list in an afternoon. You’ll have to pay admission to most of the big institutions; free days are generally offered only to Illinois residents, but a Chicago CityPASS is a good way to get discounted admission to several attractions. And plenty of smaller free museums and galleries never charge admission and are definitely worth your while.

20.  We still love Old Style, but we’re increasingly a craft beer town.

While Chicago has always been a beer-loving city, there was a dark period of a decade or so after Peter Hand Brewing closed in 1978 when no beer was actually being made here. The closest you could get to a “local brew” was stuff from Milwaukee. But in the late ’80s and early ’90s, a few hops-headed entrepreneurs launched Chicago’s first brewpubs, where beer was made and drank on the same premises. One of these, Goose Island, made its first foray into bottling and distribution in 1995; within another decade, the craft beer boom had begun. Now, Goose sits alongside names like Half Acre, Revolution and Marz on any list of Chicago’s best breweries , but there are well over 100 breweries operating in the city and suburbs, many of which have attached taprooms and offer brewery tours,  and events like FOBAB (Festival of Barrel-Aged Beers) and Illinois Craft Beer Week have become tourist draws all their own.

21.  We don’t really eat that much deep dish.

We like Chicago-style deep dish pizza , trust us. But it’s not exactly a staple of our diets—in fact, we know a lot of Chicagoans who only eat deep dish when we have friends in town. There’s so much more to food in Chicago—heck, there’s so much more to pizza in Chicago . But let’s not forget we also have Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurants , great taquerias in Pilsen, Indian fare on Devon Avenue, Vietnamese  food on Argyle Street, killer old-school steakhouses  and much more. When it comes to the best restaurants in Chicago , there are almost no limits. Oh, but the thing about no ketchup on Chicago hot dogs ? That’s real.

22.  You can (and should) skip the Magnificent Mile.

We mentioned the chain restaurants around Michigan Avenue. Well, these days most of the shops lining the pedestrian-packed sidewalks of the Mag Mile are also outposts of department stores and brands you can find elsewhere in the country (or even elsewhere in the city). For more unique retail, look where the locals do: great shopping neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Bucktown, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Logan Square or Andersonville.

23.  Carve out some time to stroll through the park.

• Things to do

With more than 600 parks in the city limits, there's plenty of green space to take in. Plan the perfect morning by grabbing a pastry and coffee at one of the best bakeries in the city and taking a walk through the public parks. Millenium Park is a great first stop to see iconic landmarks like the Crown Fountain, "The Bean" and the Art Institute. But if you're looking for a more authentic and low-key saunter, we recommend venturing out toward other giant parks around the city. Try Humboldt Park to take a dip in the only inland beach in Chicago or head over to Jackson Park to admire the beautiful Osaka Garden with picturesque views of the Museum of Science and Industry. We recommend marveling at the orate gold dome fieldhouse at Garfield Park to brag to friends back home about the "hidden architectural wonders" of Chicago.

24.  Experience the local sports culture.

From the Michael Jordan-led Bulls dynasty in the ‘90s to recent championship titles by the Blackhawks, Cubs and Sky, Chicago prides itself on heavy-hitting sports teams and wildly passionate fans. With most stadiums easily accessible by train or bus and single-game tickets relatively affordable if you book in advance (it’s possible to get White Sox tickets for as little as $7 , for example), cheering on one of the many local teams with a hot dog and an Old Style in hand is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening in Chicago. 

If you’re not much of a sports person, it still helps to know when the local teams are playing for getting-around purposes. If you’re heading north on the Red Line and the Cubs are in town, be prepared for a packed-to-the-gills train or bus and possible delays. There’s even a handy website for quick references.

25.  Dare to take a shot of Malört.

Throwing back a shot of Chicago's most controversial spirit will undoubtedly get you some street credit from Chicagoans. You be the judge: Is it really as bad as they say or can you endure what some call "the worst booze ever?" Don't be too worried about how to source it—pull up to any dive bar in the city and there will definitely be a bottle.

26.  There’s way more to Chicago theater than downtown, and more to comedy than Second City.

The big musicals that do a run in the Loop under the banner of Broadway in Chicago  are a major tourist draw; some visitors build their trips to Chicago around getting to see Broadway-style shows without having to go to New York. And hey, we’re not going to tell you not to see Hamilton  (or whatever other marquee show is playing) if that’s what brings you here. But Chicago’s homegrown theater isn’t centralized around one district. Instead, theaters large and small have cropped up across the city and suburbs; you can catch a show in neighborhoods from Lincoln Park to Jefferson Park, Back of the Yards to Grand Crossing, and many residents become loyal subscribers of the theaters in their own backyards. Similarly, while Second City has produced a lot of famous names, it’s not the only comedy club in town for the improv and sketch comedy Chicago’s famous for. You’ll find a greater variety of shows (and possibly more comfortable seats) at Lincoln Lodge or the Annoyance, and many more of the city’s best comedy nights take place in bars, bookstores and other non-theater venues.

27.  Chow down on iconic Chicago dishes.

Sure, it's great to fill up on deep dish pizza , a Chicago-style hot dog or an Italian beef . Once you've checked those off your bucket list, though, there's plenty of other lesser-known dishes popular in Chicago that are worth the rave, too. The jibarito, originating in Humboldt Park, will have you rethinking your sandwich standard while slow-cooked rib tips popular on the South Side reveal the deep flavors of Southern cooking that made its way up the Mississippi River. Don't forget to try mild sauce with your fried chicken—your first taste of it may entice you to bring some home by the gallon. 

While you’re here

Best things to do in chicago that locals and tourists will love.

These attractions and events are fun for first-time visitors and residents alike

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

Time Out magazine

Chicago   Travel Guide

Courtesy of jaskoomerovic | Getty Images

28 Fun Things to Do in Chicago

Chicago shines for its world-class museums, various shopping districts, vibrant neighborhoods and lively nightlife venues. Explore the city's innovative roots at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, where you can walk inside the U-505

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Millennium Park and Cloud Gate Millennium Park and Cloud Gate free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Construction around the Cloud Gate sculpture will limit the public's access to this top tourist attraction until spring 2024. While you might not be able to snag a selfie with "The Bean," many other attractions are available within the park. – Cortney Fries

A first-time visit to Chicago isn't complete without a stop at Millennium Park. Situated in the Loop just north of the Art Institute of Chicago , this 25-acre space is used to showcase cutting-edge art, architecture and landscaping; it also acts as a backdrop for concerts and festivals.

Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're visiting Chicago Sept. 8 through 10, head to Grant Park early – around 11 a.m. to avoid the lines – for the Taste of Chicago. Enjoy the park and eat the best cuisine the city has to offer. Admission is free. – Sarah Estime

Often referred to as "Chicago's front yard," Grant Park is an approximately 313-acre swath of green space that starts at the eastern edge of the Loop and stretches down to the northern fringes of the Near South Side.

Art Institute of Chicago Art Institute of Chicago

Home to one of the country's most impressive collections of impressionist and post-impressionist art (plus works from numerous other genres), the expansive Art Institute of Chicago features nearly 300,000 works from all over the world in its permanent collection. You'll find pieces created in the Byzantine era, as well as paintings completed just a few decades ago.

Highlights include Jacob Lawrence's "The Wedding," Georgia O'Keeffe's "Sky above Clouds IV" and Grant Wood's "American Gothic." The Art Institute's exhibits also include all sorts of intriguing artifacts, from European armor to the Thorne Miniature Rooms, which showcase interior design and furnishings in Europe and America from the late 13th to early 20th centuries. In addition to the permanent collection, the Art Institute hosts traveling exhibitions covering a variety of subjects and showcasing a diverse array of artists and genres.

The Magnificent Mile The Magnificent Mile free

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Magnificent Mile, known for its world-class shopping, also has plenty to offer architecture buffs. Book a walking tour with the Chicago Architecture Center and hear the untold stories of North Michigan Avenue's architectural icons. Tours start at $30. – Sarah Estime

For shopping at more than 450 retailers within walking distance in downtown Chicago, make your way to The Magnificent Mile.

Navy Pier Navy Pier free

Extending out onto Lake Michigan, Navy Pier offers plenty in the way of family-friendly entertainment.

The first thing you'll spot once you set foot on the pier is the towering Ferris wheel (which stands 196 feet tall); you'll also find a drop tower and a carousel. Once the kids have had their fill of thrill rides, you can spend some time cruising the Chicago River on a sightseeing or speedboat tour or spend a few hours exploring the Chicago Children's Museum , with hands-on exhibits ranging from treehouses to fire trucks.

Lincoln Park Zoo Lincoln Park Zoo free

U.S. News Insider Tip: North Avenue Beach is a short walk over the North Avenue Bridge when you park at the southern end of the Lincoln Park Zoo lot. Explore the zoo, then stroll over to the beach for an afternoon in the sand. – Cortney Fries

Located 2 miles north of the Loop in the North Side neighborhood of Lincoln Park, the Lincoln Park Zoo is home to nearly 200 species, such as zebras, sloths and hippos. Visitors can view the zoo's furry (or scaly) friends in their natural habitats: Check out the gorillas in the sprawling, award-winning Regenstein Center for African Apes, or head to the Kovler Seal Pool to get up close and personal with harbor seals. Seal training and feeding occurs daily at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Best Chicago Tours

Chicago Tours

The 6 Best Chicago Walking Tours, According to Reviews

Aug. 20, 2024

The 16 Best Chicago Tours for 2024, According to Reviews

May 16, 2024

The 7 Best Chicago Boat Tours of 2024: River & Lake Cruises

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

One of Chicago's most notable attractions is its skyline, and one of the best places to experience it is at the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck.

Formerly known as the John Hancock Observatory, 360 CHICAGO towers 1,000 feet over The Magnificent Mile from its location on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center (or 875 North Michigan Avenue as its more formally known). Encased by floor-to-ceiling windows, 360 CHICAGO boasts expansive views of the city; on a clear day, you can see four states. Meanwhile, the interactive screens will help you identify different landmarks that appear in your panorama.

The Field Museum The Field Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip: After hours of museum hopping, grab a kid-approved lunch at Kim & Carlo's Hot Dog Cart. The no-frills stand offers everything from vegan dogs to the traditional Chicago hotdog. Enjoy your lunch on the water. – Sarah Estime

This extensive natural history museum occupies half an acre of Grant Park 's Museum Campus and houses exhibits that showcase artifacts from multiple eras and destinations, making it a must-see for kids (as well as any fans of the "Indiana Jones" movies).

Chicago Architecture River Cruise Chicago Architecture River Cruise

A visit to 360 CHICAGO or Skydeck Chicago will give you a good overview of the city's layout. But if you want to learn more about Chicago's sky-high buildings, tag along on an architecture river cruise. During a river cruise, you'll gain great views and historical insight about well-known structures like the Wrigley Building, the Leo Burnett Building and the Fulton House.

Though several companies, including Wendella Sightseeing Co. and Chicago Line Cruises, offer architecture river cruises, most travelers recommend climbing aboard a Chicago's First Lady Cruises boat with a Chicago Architecture Center docent. You'll learn tons of information about the area's architecture, plus catch superb skyline photo-ops.

Maggie Daley Park Maggie Daley Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: There are many restaurant options around the park, but Wildberry Pancakes & Café is a satisfying brunch spot. Choose from creative pancake options, a variety of omelets, crepes, sandwiches and salads. Go hungry and leave happy. – Cortney Fries

Opened in 2014, Maggie Daley Park is an expansive property located just east of Millennium Park in downtown Chicago.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

U.S. News Insider Tip: Mid-November through the first week of January, experience the annual "Christmas Around the World" and "Holidays of Light" exhibits. Volunteers decorate more than 50 trees in celebration of holiday traditions from around the globe. – Cortney Fries

Chicago's extensive Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the Western Hemisphere's largest science museum, showcasing more than 35,000 artifacts and a variety of hands-on exhibits meant to inspire creativity. The museum resides in the 14-acre former Palace of Fine Arts, which hosted the famous World's Columbian Exposition in 1893. The fair brought together some of the world's greatest scientific minds, including Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, who at the time were competing to prove which type of electricity – direct current or alternating current – was more effective. 

Wrigley Field Wrigley Field

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're visiting during the holiday season, don't miss Winterland at Gallagher Way for family-friendly rides and games inside and around the ballpark. Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville is free to enter. Enjoy festive shopping and international food and beverage selections. – Cortney Fries

Chicagoans take their love of sports very seriously. So, for a real taste of Chicago culture, head north of the Loop to Wrigley Field to watch the Chicago Cubs play ball at the Friendly Confines. History buffs will also appreciate this sports treasure, which first opened in 1914 and holds the honor of being the second-oldest Major League Baseball stadium in the country (after Fenway Park in Boston ).

Shedd Aquarium Shedd Aquarium

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're visiting in the summer (June through August), check out Jazzin' at the Shedd. You can enjoy jazz music and drinks with incredible views from the terrace. Plus, the lights dim in the aquarium for a unique experience. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

Shedd Aquarium is one of the world's largest indoor aquariums, housing around 32,000 creatures. While you're here, you can feel stingrays float beneath your fingers, listen to sea lions bark and learn all about a variety of turtles. A visit to Shedd Aquarium will lead you through a cornucopia of habitats, where you'll find additional animals like penguins, piranhas, sharks and beluga whales. Or, for an additional fee, you can participate in specialty experiences like animal encounters, feeding experiences and virtual reality.

The Chicago Riverwalk The Chicago Riverwalk free

U.S. News Insider Tip: During the summer, there is nothing better than watching the boats go by as you relax at City Winery Riverwalk Wine Garden. Rent a retro boat from Chicago Electric Boat Company and cruise the river yourself. – Cortney Fries

When the weather warms up in Chicago, there are few better places to enjoy the outdoors than the Chicago Riverwalk. The 1.25-mile pedestrian walkway on the south bank of the Chicago River is the perfect place to take a stroll and observe the city skyline. Plus, there are numerous activity options to enjoy directly on the water, such as a boat or kayak tour .

Skydeck Chicago at the Willis Tower Skydeck Chicago at the Willis Tower

More than 1.7 million people make their way to Willis Tower's Skydeck Chicago each year, and it's easy to see why. Occupying the 103rd floor – that's nine floors higher than 360 CHICAGO – of the 110-story Willis Tower (the third-tallest building in North America after One World Trade Center and Central Park Tower), Skydeck Chicago boasts breathtaking views of the city. Visit on a sunny day and you may be able to see far beyond Chicago's borders to Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and other parts of Illinois.

The highlight for most visitors is the Ledge. Extending 4.3 feet beyond the building's exterior, this platform is made entirely of glass – even the floor. Travelers also liked the video screens that show what it would be like to stand 103 floors above other Chicago attractions, including Wrigley Field and Millennium Park . However, long lines quickly form for Skydeck Chicago, so plan on arriving early or purchasing a Chicago CityPASS, which covers expedited admission into the attraction. Or, simply pay extra for expedited entry, which features an express line to the elevators. For the best views, it's advised that you visit just after opening or after sunset. If you'd like to enjoy the sunset from the tower, plan on arriving 30 to 45 minutes before sunset to ensure you have enough time to get through the elevator line and up to the top.

North Avenue Beach North Avenue Beach free

Located in Lincoln Park directly on Lake Michigan, North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular swimming spots in Chicago.

The sandy beach has volleyball courts, plenty of space for visitors to stretch out and multiple things to do near nearby. Plus, it offers spectacular views of the city skyline. Beachgoers can also find restaurants, sports rental companies, restrooms and more inside a 22,000-square-foot beach house adjacent to the shore.

The Second City The Second City

If you've seen a sketch comedy show or hilarious movie in the last 40 years, it's likely that someone from The Second City appeared in it. The Second City is one of the world's most iconic improvisational comedy theaters, and it has helped launch the careers of numerous famous comedians, including Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert. If you're in the mood for a laugh, check out a live show on any night of the week at any number of The Second City's seven stages (which are all housed in its facility at the northwest corner of North Avenue and Wells Street in Old Town). 

Recent reviewers said that everyone in their group could not stop laughing during the shows, which typically last 90 minutes to two hours. Ticket prices vary by the show and date, but run anywhere from $30 to $100.

The Chicago Theatre The Chicago Theatre

Aside from Cloud Gate and Buckingham Fountain , The Chicago Theatre's red and yellow marquee is perhaps one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Illuminating North State Street at the northern edge of the Loop, The Chicago Theatre first opened its doors in 1921 as an extravagant movie theater and performance venue. Throughout its history, the theater has hosted such big names as Duke Ellington, Diana Ross and Prince, in addition to screening blockbuster flicks. Though the theater fell into disuse in the 1970s, new management and a full renovation in the 1980s helped return the venue to its former glory. Today, the theater is still used for a variety of comedic, theatrical and musical performances.

According to past patrons, the theater's historic appearance enhances the overall experience of catching an event here. Just remember, cameras and video cameras, including those on cell phones, cannot be used during tours or performances.

Chicago Children's Museum Chicago Children's Museum

Located at Navy Pier , the Chicago Children's Museum offers temporary and permanent play-based exhibits for babies, toddlers and kids ages 4 and older. Founded in 1982 by the Junior League of Chicago as a response to cuts in arts programming, the museum was originally housed in two hallways of what is now called the Chicago Cultural Center . Today, children can dig for "teeth" and "bones" in "Dinosaur Expedition," climb through tunnels of "Cloud Buster," test their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) skills in the Tinkering Lab and paint, draw or sew in the art studio.

Recent visitors appreciated the interactive, hands-on exhibits, which they recommend for young children.

American Writers Museum American Writers Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip: Across the street from the museum, you will find the first Nutella Café, where you can savor French and Italian dishes featuring the heavenly hazelnut spread. The gelato is roll-your-eyes-to-the-back-of-your-head good. – Cortney Fries

The first museum in the United States dedicated to celebrating the diverse voices and influence of American authors, the American Writers Museum is an interactive journey through more than five centuries of written and spoken word. This relatively small museum, which opened in 2017, features thoughtful and reflective exhibits that you can touch, smell, hear and see. 

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

U.S. News Insider Tip: If driving in Chicago isn’t your thing, consider taking the No. 55 bus to the museum. The bus drops you off within just a five-minute walk of the museum. – Sarah Estime

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, named for Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable, the entrepreneur who is credited with founding Chicago, is a must-visit for anyone looking to learn more about African American history in the city of Chicago and America. It celebrates its 62nd anniversary in 2023, and is full of thought-provoking exhibits, including those that showcase fine art created by influential African American artists and historical materials. Note that visitors hoping to enjoy “The March” exhibit, an immersive experience depicting the historic March on Washington and Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech, can go in groups of no more than four at a time.

Adler Planetarium Adler Planetarium

The first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, the Adler offers unrivaled insights into our solar system. Indeed, "Our Solar System" is one of its permanent exhibits, along with "Mission Moon," "The Universe: A Walk Through Space and Time," "Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass" and "Astronomy in Culture," among others. Its facilities include the Doane Observatory, which has the largest telescope available to the public in the Chicago area, through which visitors can glimpse celestial objects trillions of miles away. The Adler also has three full-size theaters – the 3D Universe Theater, the Definiti Space Theater and the Grainger Sky Theater – in which it screens programs like "Destination Solar System," "Planet Nine" and "One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure."

Space enthusiasts invariably find the Adler's presentations both informative and entertaining, if somewhat pricey. Most visitors suggest setting aside a few hours to explore the various exhibits and shows. Travelers recommend maximizing your parking expenses by also visiting the Shedd Aquarium or The Field Museum , which also sit on the Museum Campus. Reviewers also appreciated the Lake Michigan and skyline views as seen from the planetarium.

Offbeat Street Art Tour Offbeat Street Art Tour

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you’re looking for unique souvenirs from your Chicago trip, consider The Goddess & Grocer for its gift baskets. – Sarah Estime

In Chicago, you can find eye-catching street art nearly everywhere. As you sightsee, you’ll be greeted with unique, thought-provoking art on the sides of buildings and underneath bridges. If you’re looking for an experience that walks you through the history and cultural significance of Chicago's street art scene, look no further than the Offbeat Street Art Tour. On this two-hour tour, you’ll discover new artists and learn the inspiration behind their colorful works, along with some interesting neighborhood history. You’ll also be able to take great photos along the way.

The Green Mill The Green Mill

U.S. News Insider Tip: For visitors looking for a bite to eat after a night of jazz music, head across the street to Damera for an authentic Ethiopian meal, or down the block to the Fat Cat for a burger. – Sarah Estime

Best known for serving gangsters during its speakeasy days, the Green Mill invites travelers to step back in time. The long bar that runs along the club's left side sits in front of smokey mirrors and is peppered with decor reminiscent of the Prohibition era. The entire place is cast in a warm reddish glow while old-time jazz plays from the jukebox. The bar – one of Al Capone’s favorites – has no set menu; order whatever cocktails you like (though the chocolate martinis are delicious). There is also a selection of beer and wine.

Garfield Park Conservatory Garfield Park Conservatory free

One of the biggest botanical conservatories in the United States, the Garfield Park Conservatory houses thousands of plant species in eight indoor gardens, as well as 10 acres of outdoor gardens.

Each indoor space has a distinct focus. The Aroid House features varieties of its namesake, which are among the most popular houseplants; it also features sculptures by the world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly made specifically for the Aroid House. As its name suggests, the Desert House boasts cacti and succulents, while the Fern Room arranges ferns around an indoor lagoon. The Palm House, the conservatory's largest structure, recreates a tropical landscape complete with more than 70 palm trees. Meanwhile, the Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden aims to educate little ones about plants. Horticulture Hall displays a range of flowers and plants and also has tables where visitors can take a seat and have a rest.

The Richard H. Driehaus Museum The Richard H. Driehaus Museum

Occupying a restored mansion built in 1883, the Richard H. Driehaus Museum presents exhibitions relating to architecture, art and design from the 19th century to the present day.

The Nickerson Mansion containing the museum boasts an entrance hall made with so much marble that the building was nicknamed "the Marble Palace." (The museum takes its current name from the philanthropist who founded it in 2003.) Its reception room features intricate woodwork as well as items from the museum's permanent collection, such as a Tiffany Studios lamp that dates back to the early 1900s. Meanwhile, the front parlor displays Renaissance Revival furniture original to the Nickerson Mansion. The dining room, fitted with elaborately carved oak, houses a silver punch bowl first exhibited at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Other highlights from the permanent collection include a gem-encrusted inkstand, a ceramic clock, multiple chandeliers, paintings, sculptures and an array of decorative items.

Chicago Cultural Center Chicago Cultural Center free

The "People’s Palace," a popular destination occupying a full city block in the downtown Loop neighborhood, is a stunning architectural marvel as well as a venue for a great deal of cultural programming, including art exhibits and concerts. Among its features are one of the largest Tiffany stained-glass domes in the world (made with around 30,000 individual pieces of glass) and a marble lobby adorned with mosaics made of gold, glass and precious stones.

Visitors invariably rave about the impressive structure and its elaborate decorations, saying it’s worth it to pop in for free to see the ornate ceiling.

University of Chicago University of Chicago free

Founded in 1890 by John D. Rockefeller, the University of Chicago is an urban research university in the city's Hyde Park neighborhood close to Lake Michigan. Currently, it has more than 7,000 undergraduate students and more than 10,000 graduate, professional or other students as well as nearly 2,400 full-time faculty members.

Impressive as those statistics may be, they aren't reasons to visit. But the university's 217-acre campus, which was designated a botanic garden in 1997, and its mixture of English Gothic and modern architecture are. Some of the newer structures were designed by celebrated architects like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen, while some of the older ones are adorned with gargoyles that date back to the 1893 World Columbian Exposition. The university welcomes visitors to explore its campus, and provides information about its architecture on its website. Those who've visited before routinely call the buildings diverse and beautiful, and many recommend stopping by in the spring when flowers bloom across campus, or fall when amber leaves transform the grounds.

Explore More of Chicago

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

30 Fun Fall Weekend Getaways for 2024

Holly Johnson August 29, 2024

The 19 Best Fall Family Vacations for 2024

Amanda Norcross August 27, 2024

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Chicago Shows

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament Illinois

Blue Man Group Chicago

Embrace the vibrant culture of the windy city: book your chicago show tickets with tripster today.

Now Searching...

Customer Support

• Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Links

• Chicago Sitemap
• Map of Chicago

Our Company

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Purchasing Policy

Our Partners

• Travel Suppliers

Call and Book Your Next Trip Today!

• 1-800-590-8125

We accept a variety of payment methods for your convenience:

Hottest tickets in Chicago

Sep 3, 2024 • 6 min read

Take your pick of the entertainment on show at theaters across Chicago. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Chicago knows how to put on a show, with some 200 theaters sprinkled around town. Improv comedy was born here and continues to headline on legendary stages. The drama scene draws equal acclaim, with many productions exporting to Broadway.

Want to find the top performances in town? Read on for our top theater picks in Chicago . A tip to get you started: check Hot Tix , which sells discounted tickets to theaters around the city. 

Immerse in the drama at Steppenwolf Theatre

Steppenwolf Theatre  is Chicago’s top stage, and mounts provocative plays by its Pulitzer Prize–winning, movie-star-filled ensemble that includes John Malkovich, Tracy Letts, Gary Sinise, and Laurie Metcalf. Performances take place in the main Downstairs Theater, in-the-round Ensemble Theater (where all seats are within 20ft of the stage) and cabaret-style 1700 Theater (which hosts emerging actors and playwrights). Hang out after the show in Steppenwolf’s cozy cafe, and you might end up having a drink next to the performers.

How to score a ticket: It’s best to book tickets for Steppenwolf Theatre  a few weeks in advance online. That said, a small number of $20 tickets go on sale for same-day shows; call the box office (312-335-1650) right when it opens at noon and see if you get lucky. Tuesday tickets are pay what you can (available by phone only).

Go big at a Broadway show in the Theater District

Glitzy touring productions set up shop in the Theater District downtown, where several century-old, neon-lit playhouses cluster around State and Randolph Sts. The opulent, seven-story Chicago Theatre is star of the lot. Cadillac Palace Theatre (with an interior based on the Palace of Versailles) and Nederlander Theatre (with stunning East Asian architectural elements) stand out among the others for seeing the likes of Back to the Future: The Musical and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child . 

How to score a ticket:   Broadway in Chicago handles tickets for all of the theaters except the Chicago Theatre. Buy online, or save around $10 per ticket in handling fees by buying in person at the box office (hours vary for each theater, so check before heading out). Same-day tickets often are available, especially for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday shows.

Laugh out loud at Second City

Second City is the comedy venue that put improv on the map and launched many superstars’ careers. Bill Murray, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Steve Carrell and more honed their wit at the nightly shows here. The slick Mainstage, e.t.c. Theater and UP Comedy Club host the most hilarious and polished ensembles riffing on politics and pop culture in ever-changing sketch revues. Several smaller stages put on the up-and-comers.

How to score a ticket: Book tickets on the Second City website . Prime-time weekend shows on the Mainstage often sell out a few weeks in advance. Late-night shows and midweek shows can be booked a few days ahead of time and typically are cheaper.

Watch 30 plays in 60 minutes at the Neo-Futurist Theater

The small Neo-Futurist Theater is known for its funny, irreverent, oddly moving show The Infinite Wrench . Members of the diverse young troupe write and perform their own mini plays, which range from brazen to sad to foulmouthed, funny and/or semi-nude. The clock starts, and the actors race to get through the repertoire, which becomes ever more manic as the deadline approaches.

How to score a ticket: Buy tickets for the Neo-Futurist Theater  online a few days in advance. Shows are Friday and Saturday at 10:30pm and Sundays at 7pm. Seating is first-come, first-served, so it’s wise to arrive when the doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. 

Behold mind-blowing tricks at the Chicago Magic Lounge

Find the secret entrance to the Chicago Magic Lounge behind a wall of laundry machines, and you’ll see amazing feats of prestidigitation nightly. For The Signature Show , magicians conjure at your cabaret-style table, followed by an hour-long stage performance where they read minds, levitate and make things disappear.

How to score a ticket: The small room often sells out. Reserve Chicago Magic Lounge tickets online two weeks in advance for prime-time weekend shows, and one week in advance for late-night and midweek shows. If that fails, you can always buy a drink in the 1930s-style bar where a roaming magician is on duty (no ticket required).

Join the carnival at Sideshow Gelato

Fire-eaters, sword-swallowers, magicians and jugglers perform on the stages inside this frozen treat shop. Kids shows take place on Saturday afternoons and involve an illusionist who pounds a nail into his head with a pie plate. Saturday evening cabaret shows add storytelling, dancing and stunts to the mix. Special one-night-only shows bring out acts like the 6ft-tall, man-eating chicken.

How to score a ticket: Check Sideshow Gelato’s website for the performance schedule and reserve tickets a few days in advance. Seating is first-come, first served. Walk-up tickets often are available. All shows are pay-what-you-want.  

Be part of the scene iO Theater

iO Theater is one of the hotbeds for improv comedy, where performers create shows on the spot based on suggestions the audience shouts out. See it in action with the Improvised Shakespeare Company, where the troupe ad libs wacky plays in Elizabethan verse, and Improvised Jane Austen, where the players freestyle with Regency-era tropes.

How to score a ticket: Buy tickets from iO’s website a day or two in advance. Compared to Second City, iO has cheaper and easier-to-get seats.

See comedy and fringe shows at the Den Theatre

If Saw: The Musical (a parody of the popular horror film), a queer take on Glengarry Glen Ross or a bawdy storytelling show sound like your kind of entertainment, check out the Den Theatre. The hip space in the heart of Wicker Park also hosts well-known stand-up acts on its main stage. Four smaller stages carry the fringe shows.

How to score a ticket: Buy tickets for the Den Theatre  a few days in advance (earlier for big-name comics). Some of the stand-up shows also have a two-drink minimum.

Explore an offbeat show at Chopin Theatre

Chopin Theatre is another great representative of Chicago’s storefront theater scene. Set in a 1918 building full of shabby-chic charm, it features oddball, thought-provoking plays, concerts and literary events. Everything plays here, from puppet festivals and Polish jazz jams to campy original works about Scooby Doo.

How to score a ticket: Buy tickets on the Chopin Theatre website . It depends on the event, but you’ll likely want to buy at least a few days in advance.

Feel the beat at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance

From Indian classical violin shows to hip hop dance acts, there’s always something interesting going on at this underground venue next to Millennium Park. More than 30 cutting-edge performing arts troupes call the Harris Theater home, including the Chicago Opera Theater, Ballet Chicago and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.

How to score a ticket: Buy tickets via Harris Theater’s website . While some shows sell out months in advance (looking at you, Chicago Philharmonic), others have same-day tickets available.

Explore related stories

Aug 11, 2024 • 8 min read

Chicago is a city that will keep you busy from dawn till long after dark. Here are 10 of our favorite things to do in the Windy City.

Aug 10, 2024 • 6 min read

Aug 10, 2024 • 7 min read

Jul 10, 2024 • 9 min read

Jun 11, 2024 • 4 min read

Jun 5, 2024 • 11 min read

May 9, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 10, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 15, 2024 • 9 min read

Mar 13, 2024 • 6 min read

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• Explore sell to government
• Ways you can sell to government
• How to access contract opportunities
• Conduct market research
• Register your business
• Certify as a small business
• Become a schedule holder
• Market your business
• Research active solicitations
• Respond to a solicitation
• What to expect during the award process
• Comply with contractual requirements
• Handle contract modifications
• Monitor past performance evaluations
• Explore real estate
• 3D-4D building information modeling
• Art in architecture | Fine arts
• Computer-aided design standards
• Commissioning
• Design excellence
• Engineering
• Project management information system
• Spatial data management
• Facilities operations
• Smart buildings
• Tenant services
• Utility services
• Water quality management
• Explore historic buildings
• Heritage tourism
• Historic preservation policy, tools and resources
• Historic building stewardship
• Videos, pictures, posters and more
• NEPA implementation
• Courthouse program
• Land ports of entry
• Prospectus library
• Regional buildings
• Renting property
• Visiting public buildings
• Real property disposal
• Reimbursable services (RWA)
• Rental policy and procedures
• Site selection and relocation
• For businesses seeking opportunities
• For federal customers
• For workers in federal buildings
• Explore policy and regulations
• Acquisition management policy
• Aviation management policy
• Information technology policy
• Real property management policy
• Relocation management policy
• Travel management policy
• Vehicle management policy
• Federal acquisition regulations
• Federal management regulations
• Federal travel regulations
• GSA acquisition manual
• Managing the federal rulemaking process
• Explore small business
• Explore business models
• Research the federal market
• Forecast of contracting opportunities
• Events and contacts
• Explore travel
• Per diem rates
• Transportation (airfare rates, POV rates, etc.)
• State tax exemption
• Travel charge card
• Conferences and meetings
• E-gov travel service (ETS)
• Travel category schedule
• Federal travel regulation
• Travel policy
• Explore technology
• Cloud computing services
• Cybersecurity products and services
• Data center services
• Hardware products and services
• Professional IT services
• Software products and services
• Telecommunications and network services
• Work with small businesses
• Governmentwide acquisition contracts
• MAS information technology
• Software purchase agreements
• Cybersecurity
• Digital strategy
• Emerging citizen technology
• Federal identity, credentials, and access management
• Mobile government
• Technology modernization fund
• Explore about us
• Annual reports
• Mission and strategic goals
• Role in presidential transitions
• Get an internship
• Launch your career
• Elevate your professional career
• Discover special hiring paths
• Climate Action
• Events and training
• Agency blog
• Congressional testimony
• GSA does that podcast
• News releases
• Leadership directory
• Staff directory
• Office of the Administrator
• Federal Acquisition Service
• Public Buildings Service
• Staff offices
• Board of Contract Appeals
• Office of Inspector General
• Region 1 | New England
• Region 2 | Northeast and Caribbean
• Region 3 | Mid-Atlantic
• Region 4 | Southeast Sunbelt
• Region 5 | Great Lakes
• Region 6 | Heartland
• Region 7 | Greater Southwest
• Region 8 | Rocky Mountain
• Region 9 | Pacific Rim
• Region 10 | Northwest/Arctic
• Region 11 | National Capital Region
• Per Diem Lookup

FY 2024 Per Diem Rates for chicago, Illinois

Daily lodging rates (excluding taxes) | october 2023 - september 2024.

Cities not appearing below may be located within a county for which rates are listed. To determine the county a destination is located in, visit the Census Geocoder .

Meals & Incidental Expenses (M&IE) rates and breakdown

The M&IE total is the full daily amount for a single calendar day when that day is neither the first nor last day of travel. The amount received on the first and last day of travel equals 75% of the M&IE total. See M&IE breakdowns for information related to the individual meal amounts.

• I'm interested in:

Primary Destination

Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.

Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."

Per diem localities with county definitions shall include "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."

When a military installation or Government-related facility (whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and/or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.

Meals & Incidentals

The separate amounts for breakfast, lunch and dinner listed in the chart are provided should you need to deduct any of those meals from your trip voucher. For example, if your trip includes meals that are already paid for by the government (such as through a registration fee for a conference), you will need to deduct those meals from your voucher. Refer to Section 301-11.18 of the Federal Travel Regulation for specific guidance on deducting these amounts from your per diem reimbursement claims for meals furnished to you by the government. Other organizations may have different rules that apply for their employees; please check with your organization for more assistance.

First & Last Day of Travel

This column lists the amount federal employees receive for the first and last calendar day of travel. The first and last calendar day of travel is calculated at 75 percent.

Additional per diem topics

• Meals & Incidental Expenses breakdown (M&IE)
• State tax exemption forms
• Factors influencing lodging rates
• Per diem highlights
• Fire safe hotels
• Have a per diem question?
• Downloadable per diem files

Need more information?

• Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories and possessions (set by DoD)
• Rates in foreign countries (set by State Dept.)

Related topics

• Travel resources
• E-Gov Travel
• POV mileage reimbursement rates

PER DIEM LOOK-UP

1 choose a location.

Error, The Per Diem API is not responding. Please try again later.

No results could be found for the location you've entered.

Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories and Possessions are set by the Department of Defense .

Rates for foreign countries are set by the State Department .

2 Choose a date

Rates are available between 10/1/2022 and 09/30/2025.

The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.

When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.

Latest developments as Chicago woman mysteriously disappears while attending Bahamas yoga retreat

Taylor casey, 41, of chicago, was reported missing when she didn't show up for morning yoga classes during a retreat she was attending in the bahamas, by francie swidler • published june 27, 2024 • updated on june 27, 2024 at 5:47 pm.

An investigation is underway after a Chicago woman mysteriously disappeared while attending a June yoga retreat in the Bahamas not long after the U.S. issued a " Level 2" Travel Advisory for the island due to crime.

Taylor Casey, 41, of Chicago, was attending The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat on Paradise Island in Nassau when she went missing, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a flier posted to Facebook . She was last seen June 19 and is currently listed by police as a missing person.

📺 24/7 Chicago news stream: Watch NBC 5 free wherever you are

As the investigation into Casey's disappearance continues, here's what we know right now.

When did Taylor Casey disappear, and where was she?

Casey was attending a Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in Paradise Island in Nassau when she disappeared, according to officials. Organizers of the program say Casey's disappearance was discovered on June 20 "when she did not attend morning classes."

"A participant from our yoga certification program, Taylor Casey is missing," The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat posted on Facebook earlier this week. "She was last seen at the retreat late on the evening of June 19th."

The statement went on to request that anyone with information on Casey's whereabouts contact local police.

Mexican Independence Day, El Grito in Chicago: What to know about 2024 celebrations

Foxtrot re-opens Gold Coast store after months closed

"The Ashram is working with authorities in their investigation." the statement said. "Your assistance is greatly appreciated."

Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter .

The retreat is described as a "vibrant yoga ashram offering vacations, courses, and teacher trainings as well as cleanses, detox programs, healing arts trainings, family programs, kirtan and more," according to the group's Facebook page.

Visitors are able to rent a variety of accommodations when staying at the Ashram, including rooms, huts and tents, the group's website showed .

The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat did not immediately return NBC Chicago's request for comment.

Family travels to Bahamas to meet with authorities

Earlier this week. Colette Seymore, Casey's mother, stated in a press release that family and friends were " deeply concerned for Taylor's safety and well being ."

"We love Taylor and want her home," the release said, which was posted to a public Facebook group titled " Find Taylor Casey ."

Seymore's statement went on to say that Casey was eager to share her experience at the yoga retreat with others upon her return, leading her to believe her daughter may be in danger.

"Taylor would never disappear like this," the statement said.

According to the release, Seymore was expected to travel this week to Paradise Island and Nassau to coordinate with local authorities.

Latest updates from police

The latest report from the Nassau Guardian stated that police have used drones, divers and a canine unit in their search for Casey. During a local press conference Wednesday, Nassau Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings reported that Casey's cellphone had been found in the ocean and recovered, but that her belongings were still at the Ashram.

“Let me say that our priority is to find Taylor and to find Taylor in good health," Skippings said in the Nassau Guardian's report.

According to the report, police searched both the island and the area around it. Officials were not able to confirm the type of lodging Casey was staying in during her time at the retreat.

The outlet also noted that the Bahamas' Director General of Tourism had met with family members and local police as part of the investigation.

“It is an ongoing police investigation," Director General of Tourism Latia Duncombe told local reporters. "Our hearts are with the family of the person [who] is missing and I’m sure the authorities are doing everything within their power to bring some resolve.”

In January, the U.S. issued a " Level 2" Travel Advisory for the Bahamas , warning that travelers should "exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime."

"The majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands," the advisory said. "Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence. "

The Nassau Guardian said Duncombe addressed the travel advisory this week.

“The destination is safe and we have to make sure visitors do feel safe when they visit the Bahamas," Duncombe said. "Whenever there is an odd occurrence, it does increase concern and we want to make sure we address it in a very measured way.”

NBC Chicago has reached out to Casey's family, the yoga retreat and the Royal Bahamas Police Force to learn more. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

This article tagged under:

Block Club Chicago

Your Neighborhood News Site

30 Theater Productions To Check Out In Chicago This Fall

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Credibility:

• Original Reporting
• Sources Cited

CHICAGO — Fall is theater season, and in an amazing theater town like Chicago, there are numerous possibilities to get your cultural fix.

Block Club has gathered no less than 30 live stage events taking place through November (and into December), in various neighborhoods and price ranges. Take a look and start reserving your seats.

Know of a show or theater company that should be on our list? Tell us more at [email protected].

[title of show] An Original Broadway Musical

Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway

Through Sept. 22

Two struggling gay writers, Jeff and Hunter, make a pact to write their own original work just three weeks before a musical theater festival’s deadline. The show’s name, “[title of show],” is pulled from the placeholder on the festival’s application form. Within the 90-minute musical, the two writers create and perform their production while learning about themselves, friends and artists.

Alice by Heart

Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St.

Through Sept. 29

Inspired by the classic tale “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” this Kokandy Productions musical follows budding teen Alice Spencer’s life as it’s turned upside-down in the rubble of World War II’s London Blitz. As Alice shelters in an underground Tube station with her ailing friend Alfred, the duo escape into a rabbit hole leading to Wonderland.

The House of Ideas

City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.

Through Oct. 6

“The House of Ideas” delves into the exciting early days of Marvel Comics in the ’60s as writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby attempt to re-invent the comics industry. Spoiler: They succeeded.

East Texas Hot Links

Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave.

This Pulitzer-nominated play takes place in the 1955 woods of East Texas. At the Top o’ the Hill Café, regulars share stories, tell jokes, unwind and find refuge from the racial tension outside — until a mysterious omen brings it inside.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave.

Sept. 6-Oct. 6

A Shakespearean classic, this play follows the inexperienced King Henry V as he guides his country into war, invading France to claim the throne he believes should be his. Chicago Shakespeare artistic director Edward Hall “explores the thrill and destructive power of war, examining nationalism at its most dangerous and seductive.”

Beneath The Willow Tree

The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.

“Beneath The Willow Tree,” a world premiere show presented by Pulse Theatre Chicago, tells the story of three generations of Black women in the Bordeaux family. When Willow Bordeaux returns from New York University to her home in the Louisiana bayou with a new love interest, the family must find its way back to each other through “uprooted family secrets … trampled traditions and unpacked trauma.”

Naked Angels Tuesdays

Chicago Dramatists, 798 N. Aberdeen St.

Sept. 10-Dec. 10

This popular cold reading series features five pieces of writing and one musical act.

The Delicate Tears of the Waning Moon

Water People Theater, Instituto Cervantes of Chicago, 31 W. Ohio St.

Sept. 11-Oct. 4

Inspired by true events, “The Delicate Tears of the Waning Moon” follows journalist Paulina as she emerges from a coma and works to recover her memory after a brutal attack. Through Paulina’s struggle to achieve justice, the play “delves into the relentless human rights abuses faced by journalists who stand up for the truth.”

Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St.

Sept. 12-Oct. 27

Steppenwolf opens its 49th season with a revival of Michael Frayn’s classic play-within-a-play. As onstage antics collide with offstage foibles, the slapstick comedy offers an ingenious tribute to “theater people” everywhere.

Beyond The Door

Baffes Theatre at Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St.

Sept. 13-15

Directed by nine-time Jeff Award recipient E. Faye Butler, “Beyond The Door” is based on the raw and personal memoir “Who Said it Couldn’t Be Done?” by Chicago author Denise Jones. The play weaves together diverse narratives, “transcends boundaries, shatters expectations and invites audiences into a realm where true-life stories unfold with unparalleled brilliance.”

Inherit the Wind

Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St.

Sept. 14-Oct. 13

Science and religion go head-to-head in the three-time Tony Award-winning play “Inherit the Wind,” which zooms in on a small-town educator’s trial for teaching the theory of evolution. This is based on the real-life Scopes “Monkey” Trial of 1925 with Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan.

The Martyrdom of Peter Ohey

Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland St.

Sept. 19-28

“The Martyrdom of Peter Ohey” poses the question: How do we cope when the world around us is a circus and we must bear the brunt of it? In the play, a family’s life is upended when a tiger, scientist, tax collector and various absurd characters invade their home.

The Tempest

The Edge Off-Broadway Theater, 1133 W. Catalpa Ave.

Sept. 19-Oct. 20

Idle Muse Theatre Company’s Shakespearean production of “The Tempest” tells the story of a usurped noble and his daughter who have been banished to a magical, faraway island. When a tempest brings a royal ship to that island’s shores, schemes for vengeance and justice and fantastical happenings ensue, alongside new love and possible forgiveness.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by American Blues Theater (@american_blues_theater)

American Blues Theatre, 5627 N. Lincoln Ave.

Sept. 20-Oct. 27

Stephen King’s terrifying psychological drama comes to the stage in American Blues’ new theater as a best-selling novelist’s rescue by his “No. 1 fan” in a remote Colorado cabin soon turns sinister.

Blue Eyed Soul Sung By Brown Eyed People

Black Ensemble Theatre, 4450 N. Clark St.

Sept. 21-Nov. 10

“How many times have you heard a soulful song and just assumed that the singer was Black only to find out — they were not?” This new musical by Jackie Taylor celebrates music and its ability to unite people.

Topdog/Underdog

Filament Theatre, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Sept. 22-Oct. 20

The Gift Theatre’s “Topdog/Underdog” is a darkly comic tale of two brothers, jokingly named Lincoln and Booth by their father, who are haunted by their past and obsessed with street con game three-card monte.

Chicago Lore(s)

UrbanTheater Company, 2620 W. Division St.

Sept. 27-Oct. 27

In “Chicago Lore(s),” aging civil rights revolutionary Jose “Cha Cha” Jimenez and his best friend Billy “Che” Brooks reflect on key moments in their lives, like the founding of the Young Lords in ’60s Chicago, rediscovering “forgotten American history of Puerto Ricans in Chicago.”

Destinos 2024

Various venues

Sept. 30-Nov. 17

Latine theater festival Destinos returns for its seventh edition this fall, featuring works from Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Mexico as well as the United States. There will be 22 productions performed at theaters across the city, including a play exploring the role of mole sauce in Mexican culture, the return of Albany Park Theatre Project’s immersive “Port of Entry,” a Brazilian play about a female shaman and more.

Primary Trust

Goodman’s Owen Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St.

Oct. 5-Nov. 3

In “Primary Trust,” 38-year-old longtime bookstore worker Kenneth is perfectly content with his routine life — until his employer decides to close the store. As Kenneth is forced to find a new direction, this play explores how new beginnings and leaving one’s comfort zone can lead to fulfillment.

House of the Exquisite Corpse IV: Superstition

Steppenwolf Merle Reskin Garage Space, 1624 N. Halsted St.

Oct. 10-Nov. 2

Rough House Theater Company’s “House of the Exquisite Corpse” returns in October with six puppet horror experiences, each built around a superstition — like the bad luck that comes with stepping on a crack or dreams foretelling the future.

Into the Woods

In Kokandy Productions’ adaptation of the classic Stephen Sondheim musical, characters from beloved childhood fables chase their happily-ever-afters through an enchanted forest, only to find “the unintended consequences of granted wishes unravel their worlds.”

Milo Imagines the World

Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave.

Oct. 12-Nov. 10

This imaginative musical, based on Matt de la Peña’s children’s book of the same name, takes audiences through the mind of a child as he learns about the world through song and dance.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The Edge Theatre, 5451 N. Broadway

Oct. 16-Nov. 23

One of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies returns to the Chicago stage this fall, this time with a Babes with Blades Theatre Company twist.

Dear Elizabeth

Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.

Oct. 17-Nov. 17

In “Dear Elizabeth,” Remy Bumppo Theatre Company peeks into the lives and 30-year friendship of literary giants Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell.

Leroy and Lucy

Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.

Oct. 24-Dec. 15

Two lost souls, Leroy and Lucy, meet at a Mississippi crossroads in the dead of night, sharing secrets and a guitar. This play’s world premiere featuring music by Ngozi Anyanwu is “everywhere and nowhere all at once.”

Frankenstein

Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave.

Oct. 25- Oct. 27

In the Studebaker Theater and Fine Arts Building’s take on a gothic classic, this Manual Cinema production uses shadow puppetry and live music to tell the stories of Shelley, Victor Frankenstein and Frankenstein’s monster, exposing “how family, community and education shape personhood — or destroy it by their absence.”

The Addams Family

Beverly Theatre Guild, 2153 W. 111th St.

The stage version of everyone’s favorite spooky family is a perfect fit for the frightful season; don’t miss this Halloween treat from Chicago’s longest-running community theater.

Blue Man Group Halloween Performance

Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St.

The “spooktacular” version of Blue Man Group’s iconic performance will feature pre-show face painting in the theater lobby, Halloween-inspired surprises during the show and celebratory goodie bags for children in costume younger than 17.

Nov. 8-Dec. 8

Court Theatre presents TimeLine Theatre’s production of the Tony Award-winning musical Falsettos, an exploration of love and family against the backdrop of the AIDS epidemic, presented with a sung-through score.

Throbbin Wood

Nov. 18-Dec. 15

In the PrideArts holiday tradition of presenting adults-only British pantos, “Throbbin Wood” offers a racy version of the familiar tale featuring “Throbbin Wood and his Horny Men” from “Got-wood Forest.”

Support Local News!

Subscribe to Block Club Chicago , an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods. Already subscribe?  Click here to gift a subscription , or you can support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation.

Listen to the Block Club Chicago podcast:

Arts & Culture Editor Twitter @gwenemarie More by Gwen Ihnat

Chicago Travel Advisors

Donald e. stephens convention center, saturday, february 1, 2025 – donald e. stephens convention center.

Join like-minded travel professionals in your area for a valuable networking and educational event experience on day one of the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show! This is your opportunity to interact with leading global destinations and suppliers through a dynamic itinerary of special interest sessions and show floor activities created to maximize your time at the event.

The FAM TAS Program Includes:

• Access to Educational Sessions led by leading experts and top destination representatives
• Exciting Passport Program with chance to win FAM Trip Giveaways and prizes
• Access to the Exhibition Saturday and Sunday to meet with suppliers, attend sessions, see cultural performances and more!

(Please Note, Program details are subject to change. Please check back for updates)

2025 Show Dates/Hours:

Saturday, february 1 : 9:30am – 5pm sunday, february 2 : 11am – 4pm, floor only admission  or fam-tas program for travel advisors.

Any Questions? Please Contact Your Sales Rep by Calling:  203-878-2577 x0 Email:  [email protected]

Session Schedule – Saturday, February 1st

2025 FAM-TAS AGENDA (Check Back Soon For Updated Information)

Registration Opens

9:30 am – 10:30 am

Welcome breakfast & presentation with mexican caribbean.

10:30 am – 12 Noon

Visit the Show Floor

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Lunch & presentation with alaska land & sea adventures.

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Fam-tas: croatia national tourist board, wine & cheese event tasting: saturday, february 1st.

The most attractive Croatian destinations and prominent DMCs and hotels look forward to welcoming the US travel agents and advisors for the tasting of Croatian indigenous wine varieties and meet over B2B sessions at the Croatian Pavilion, booth #1811. You’ll learn all about travel to Croatia and have the opportunity to meet and discuss the newest itineraries and travel options with Croatian partners.

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Afternoon session & presentation with explore fairbanks alaska.

Immediately Following the Last Session

Immediately Following Afternoon Refreshments Passport Winners Announced

Passport Program

FOR FAM-TAS REGISTERED AGENTS ONLY

2025 FAM-TAS Passport Program (Check Back Soon for Updated Information) 

Enjoy access to an exciting passport program featuring a select group of leading destinations and suppliers who are eager to connect with you on the show floor!

Stop by all passport stations to get your FAM-TAS Program Passport stamped for your chance to win a Trip Giveaway.

Check Back Soon for Updated Information

Booth #: 1005 TBA

Booth #: 1731 TBA

Booth #: 1206 TBA

Booth #: TBA TBA

Booth #: 1732 TBA

Booth #: 1309 TBA

Booth #: 1114 TBA

Booth #: 1212 TBA

Chicago-Based ‘The Daily Show’ Fans Welcome Their Favorite Show to the Windy City — and in at Least One Case, Hope to Shake Out an Extra Ticket

By Michael Schneider

Michael Schneider

Variety Editor at Large

• ‘The Masked Singer’ First Look Features Explosive, Moody Cover of Bastille’s ‘Pompeii’ By Celebrity in ‘Ship’ Costume (EXCLUSIVE) 1 hour ago
• ‘Without A Trace’ Creator Hank Steinberg Seals New Deal With Fox Entertainment 3 hours ago
• A24’s Doc ‘The Sixth,’ About the Terror of Jan. 6, Is Essential Viewing. So Why Are the Directors Struggling to Get It Seen? 1 day ago

CHICAGO — Here’s how much of a fan Susan Friedman is of “ The Daily Show ”: Back in 2010, the Chicago resident decided, on a whim, to drive to Washington, D.C. for the day in order to attend Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert’s very real “Rally to Restore Sanity And/Or Fear.”

“I just drove in, went to the rally, and then drove back,” she said. “And when people heard that I was going, three other people said they were in. They just literally joined the car, and we didn’t even know each other!”

Related Stories

Can Today’s Tech Touchstones Solve Hollywood’s Loneliness Epidemic?

'Down Cemetery Road' Series at Apple Adds 10 to Cast

Popular on variety.

“I’ve been in the queue for weeks now,” she said. “And so, I’m sort of hoping that either somebody has an extra ticket, or by the grace of God, they let me experience this. And the thing is, I’m volunteering at the DNC, and I took today off hoping that I’d be able to… I thought if I come early, maybe somebody will have pity on me.”

Friedman said she spent the past 10 days volunteering for the DNC. “The delegates and everyone arrived this weekend,” she noted. “The protesters arrived this weekend too, so downtown is where it’s really happening.”

Friedman, who had turned the 2010 dish towel into a rally sign, was also wearing a T-shirt touting Chicago’s famed Second City comedy theater. Friedman says she’s a fan of both Stewart and Second City alum Stephen Colbert — whose CBS late night talker “The Late Show” is also in town.

When told that Kimmel takes the summer off, Friedman said: “He could have vacationed in Chicago! We would have taken care of him.”

Given that Chicago is seen as a comedy town — thanks in part to The Second City and other comedy troupes — having both “The Daily Show” and “The Late Show” (which is airing live from downtown’s Auditorium Theatre) is seen as a huge boon to the laffer community. “People here want to support we support the arts,” Friedman said. “We support comedy. Chicago’s a different breed.”

By late morning, staffers were scurrying around the Athenaeum, as production trucks were parked up and down the street. Security was milling around, too, although there still wasn’t much to keep an eye on. Next door, the mammoth Saint Alphonsus Church and its school were welcoming kids and parents back to class — seemingly unaware of “The Daily Show” commotion next door. (Although a Saint Alphonsus parking lot was filled with production vehicles for the program, so presumably they must have known something was a foot.)

Sitting on the steps of Saint Alphonsus was another “Daily Show” fan, Ric Corns. The Chicago resident had arrived early to meet up with a friend. Unlike Friedman, he had secured a pair of tickets to Monday’s taping, which will be hosted by “The Daily Show” correspondent Michael Kosta and feature Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as a guest.

“I’ve watched ‘The Daily Show’ on and off probably since 2004, since I was in high school,” Corns said. And I’ve always loved Jon Stewart. I loved his perspective and oddball takes. I’m still a little miffed about his rant on Chicago pizza, but I’m excited to finally go to an episode of ‘The Daily Show.’

“I’m excited to see Jon Stewart live, and it’s great to go to ‘The Daily Show’ when there is such a big event like the Democratic National Convention here,” Corns continued.

Corns said he felt an air of excitement around town. “I think it’s really positive. So far, admittedly, I haven’t seen anything controversial, or any protesters or anything like that. It feels like there’s a lot of unstoppable momentum built up now. This is a prime moment for ‘The Daily Show’ to really seize on it as well and make a lot of great commentary, especially now that we’re so close to the election.”

More from Variety

‘Better Man’ Review: Robbie Williams Biopic Would Be a Snooze, but for the Wild Choice to Depict Him as a Chimp

Hollywood Must Define AI Technical Standards to Prep for Its Future    

‘Nickel Boys’ Review: RaMell Ross Breaks Free of Reform-School Tropes, but Loses the Plot in the Process

‘The White House Effect’ Review: How the U.S. Government’s Global Warming Fight Went Cold

High-Resolution 8K Has Its Places, but TV Might Not Be One of Them

‘In Waves and War’ Review: Moving Doc About Afghanistan Vets Treating PTSD With Hallucinogens Is an Odyssey of the Mind

More from our brands, will ferrell celebrates harper steele’s transition with emotional road trip in ‘will & harper’ trailer.

Pre-Owned Rolex Prices Just Keep Falling—Here Are the Best Models To Buy Right Now

NYCFC Taps Klutch to Sell Premier Sponsorships for New Stadium

The Best Loofahs and Body Scrubbers, According to Dermatologists

SVU: Kelli Giddish to Appear in Multiple Season 26 Episodes — Get the Scoop on Rollins’ New Job (and How It’ll Affect Carisi)

Blue Line shootings show CTA has fallen behind on passenger safety

The cta spends millions on security, but still stumbles as it tries to create a system in which riders feel truly safe..

A suspect has been charged in the Labor Day killings of four people aboard a Blue Line train.

Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

The Chicago Transit Authority can pat itself on the back — as it did just a few weeks ago — when it opens glistening new L stations and executes multibillion-dollar expansion plans.

Sure, the agency can build it — but who will come if potential passengers don’t believe the transit system is safe?

We were all reminded of that once again on Monday when four people were shot to death as they slept on a westbound CTA Blue Line train headed to the Forest Park Terminal.

Then, in an unrelated incident the same day, a 37-year-old man was stabbed multiple times and critically wounded during an argument on a Red Line train in Uptown.

It would be wrong to simply say the CTA attempted to make safety a priority. It has.

The agency will likely spend $68 million on security in 2025, up from $17.5 million in 2018. And the CTA last month said it is beefing up its transit surveillance camera network — already among the largest in the nation — by awarding a 12-month, $200,000 contract for a pilot program with ZeroEyes, a company that uses AI to detect and report when someone aboard a bus or train is brandishing a firearm.

Indeed, CTA cameras helped catch Rhanni Davis, 30, the suspect now charged with the Blue Line killings.

But with all those millions, and all that camera technology, private security personnel and Chicago Police Department assistance, the CTA still manages to fumble in creating a system in which riders feel truly safe. Crime on the CTA declined in 2023 , but the decline was driven by a drop in robberies, while the numbers on other crimes have stayed the same or risen since the pandemic.

And if the Blue Line victims were homeless (three of them were shot while they slept, police say, something that is common among unhoused people on public transit), the shootings also point to the difficulties the city continues to have in adequately addressing the needs of unhoused people.

Shot ‘execution style’

In Monday’s horrific slayings, Davis, 30, has been charged with shooting three men and a woman. Police were notified of the shooting from a 911 caller around 5:30 a.m., after the train pulled into the Forest Park terminal on Desplaines Avenue in the western suburb.

“They were shot execution style as they slept,” Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins said.

• Motive unknown in fatal shooting of 4 on Blue Line — ‘Sometimes truly horrific, heinous acts have no answer’
• Suspect in killing of 4 Blue Line passengers in custody

But even with a suspect now facing charges, at least two looming questions have to be addressed.

Where were the private security officers — many of them armed and patrolling as canine units — on which the CTA spends millions to ride the system and protect its stations and passengers?

In addition, 300 unarmed security guards watch over the system each day, according to the CTA.

And where was the network of social workers and human services personnel the CTA and the city have tasked with getting unhoused people into safe shelter for the night, as opposed to riding buses and trains back and forth to keep out of the elements?

While we’re looking, where was CTA President Dorval Carter Jr.?

With such a terrible crime making headlines, Carter should have been right there with Hoskins and Forest Park Deputy Police Chief Ernest Chin outside the CTA terminal — his terminal — on Monday, publicly discussing the shooting and the response to it.

Instead, the embattled agency boss waited more than a day before finally speaking at a Tuesday evening news conference. Until then, he had only issued a written statement expressing condolences, an underwhelming response considering the shooting is the first CTA multiple homicide in decades.

Last month, the CTA signed an 18-month, $30.9 million contract with Action K-9, augmenting the agency’s current security contingent. The CTA says the company will supply up to 100 unarmed guards and 50 canines per day, plus supervisors and equipment.

Every bit helps. But how much depends on how well the CTA manages and coordinates all of its security apparatus.

Meanwhile, Mayor Brandon Johnson — who should’ve handed Carter a gold watch and pension papers a year ago — on Tuesday said he grieved “for the loss of these lives, but we’re gonna double down on our efforts to make sure that we build a better, stronger, safer society.”

Johnson and Carter must first build a better, stronger and safer CTA.

The Sun-Times welcomes letters to the editor and op-eds. See our guidelines .

Send letters to [email protected]

Get Opinions content delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our weekly newsletter here .

More about the Sun-Times Editorial Board at chicago.suntimes.com/about/editorial-board

Visitor resources

• Attraction passes
• Domestic flight times
• International flight times
• Getting around
• Accessibility at Chicago’s airports 
• Getting around Chicago
• Accessibility at Chicago attractions
• Accessibility at Chicago’s museums
• Accessibility guide to Millennium Park
• Sensory-friendly attractions in Chicago
• Accessibility at Chicago’s theatres and performance venues
• International visitors
• Request visitors guide
• Bulk order collateral
• Subscribe to newsletter
• Helpful info
• Chicago weather
• Find Chicago hotels
• COVID-19 updates

If you need help planning your stay, getting around, or figuring out what to do in Chicago — we’ve got your back. Our handy visitor centers, printed guides, online resources, and apps have all the tips, tricks, and resources you’ll need.

Chicago Visitors Guide

Start planning your trip with our free Chicago Visitors Guide , highlighting the city’s attractions, dining, hotels, events, and more.

• View online
• Request a free print guide
• Request a bulk order

Choose Chicago Newsletter

Our bi-monthly newsletter   gives visitors and residents the inside scoop on things to do and places to see in Chicago. Subscribe today

Chicago maps

From iconic attractions to off-the-beaten-track places locals love, map your way to your Chicago right here.

• CTA transit maps
• Metra regional rail maps
• Pedway maps
• McCormick Place convention center maps

Visitor resource partners

Visitor Resources

Chicago planner magazine.

Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau

South Suburbs

Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau

North Suburbs

Lincoln Park

Discover DuPage County

West Suburbs

Heritage Corridor Destinations

Southwest Suburbs

Inspired Concierge Group

Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce

Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce

Macy’s on State Street Visitor Information Center

MEET Chicago Northwest

Northwest Suburbs

Naperville Convention & Visitor Bureau

National Concierge Association Chicago Chapter

River North

Rogers Park Business Alliance

Rogers Park

Rosemont Convention Bureau

Visit Lake County

Explore hotels, flights, deals, and more

Plan your trip.

Chicago Newsletter

Stay in the know.

Visitors Guide

Start planning today.

Get the guide

Your Favorites

Quick access links.