Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
Thirty three years after the Great Chicago Fire and a decade before World War I, State Street’s rapid development and expansion are apparent. Today, the thriving Great Street remains an industry leader, cultural and institutional mecca, and of course, a retail hot spot.
Longtime Chicagoans will recall that Mayor Richard M. Daley officially announced the plans for Chicago’s great park in March 1998. Six years later, following a host of cost increases, design changes, delays, and flexing of mayoral muscles, the unsightly rail yard had transformed into one of the world’s most beautiful green roofs, recently ranked third among all American parks as a tourist attraction.
While Mars and Tootsie Roll still have confectioneries in Chicago, it is the city’s passion for sweet treats that has kept our title strong. To celebrate National Candy Month we are exploring the past and present of candy making in Chicago.
What once began as a railroad and parking lot is now one of the most iconic places in the city of Chicago: Millennium Park. It has been 12 years since Millennium Park opened, so we have come up with a list of 12 fun facts, in honor of each year that the park has been open.
From panel discussions and expert-led tours to intergenerational art-making and block parties, there is something for everyone at Art Design Chicago.
A crowd gathered on a beautiful Thursday evening for another art and placemaking extravaganza in an alley tucked away by the Sullivan Center on Monroe Street. Under the theme TunnelVision, curated by Canvas, ACTIVATE transformed this historic space into a pixelated abyss, revitalizing the murals from past ACTIVATE events with digital media. The muse, EVO, opened a portal …
March 14, 2026
Chicago’s top-rated architecture boat tour, 90 minutes with expert CAC guides, stunning skyline views, open-air seating, and onboard amenities.
March 20, 2026
Explore Chicago’s haunted past on a nighttime river cruise featuring ghost stories, mob history, and eerie secrets of the Windy City.
April 16, 2026
Chicago River & Lake Michigan cruise with skyline views, iconic landmarks, and engaging guides sharing the city’s history and stories.
April 16, 2026
Experience Chicago at night on a 90-minute river and lake cruise, featuring a glittering skyline, cool breezes, and lively, family-friendly commentary.
April 21, 2026
Directed by Andrew Scoville. Co-created by Academy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning artist David Byrne* and writer Mala Gaonkar, Theater of the Mind is a new theatrical…
May 23, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Cruise from the Chicago Riverwalk to Lake Michigan for skyline views and a 3D-enhanced fireworks show with music and narration.
May 31, 2026
Let your creative potential shine this summer with a class at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, with options available for kids, teens and…
June 5, 2026
From June 6th until July 5th, the phenomenal Champions of Magic bring their acclaimed illusion spectacular to Chicago. Featuring their biggest illusions ever, experience the Broadway-scale…
June 19, 2026
MUSIC BY MARK HOLLMANNLYRICS BY MARK HOLLMANN AND JAY REISSBOOK BY ERIN QUINN PURCELL AND JAY REISSDIRECTED BY MARC BRUNISTARRING…
