Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
2 MIN READ – Chicago has been named the Best Big City in the U.S. for the seventh straight year by Condé Nast Traveler through their annual Readers’ Choice Awards. This award, which is voted on by Condé Nast Traveler readers, has been bestowed on Chicago every year since 2017 and is a momentous achievement and a true testament to the enduring allure of our beautiful and dynamic city.
2 MIN READ — In the world of dance, female choreographers have often been overlooked, but one artist is leading a transformative movement: Julianna Rubio Slager of Ballet 5:8. Her choreography is not just dance; it’s a compelling narrative demanding a stage.
6 MIN READ – Chicago Architecture Biennial announced a phased opening plan and newly extended dates for its fifth edition, CAB 5: This is a Rehearsal, along with details on more than 100 cultural partners that will present programming in coordination with this year’s citywide exhibition. Reflecting the 2023 Biennial’s theme of architecture as a time-based, iterative practice, CAB 5 will open in two phases.
4 MIN READ – LUMA8 proudly announces the 9th Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, a family-friendly happening featuring unique floats, spectacle puppets and all forms of creative performance.
2 MIN READ — The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) announced programming for this year’s Open House Chicago (OHC), a free festival that provides behind-the-scenes access to some of the city’s most historically, culturally and architecturally important sites.
4 MIN READ – Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are a powerful tool that can transform neighborhoods and cities. By bringing together local businesses, property owners, and community stakeholders, BID legislation can bring about positive change, fostering economic growth, enhancing public spaces, and creating vibrant communities.
1 MIN READ – The origin of iAmDad365 is deeply rooted in a family of 18 children, a father’s love, and an unyielding belief in the transformative power of being a dad.
2 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance’s Sundays on State event series concluded the season on August 13, attracting record breaking attendance of more than 146,000 throughout the event footprint. Across both event dates, Sundays on State saw over 270,000 attendees on State from Lake to Adams, representing all ages, backgrounds, and every single Chicago zip code and beyond. Hundreds of activations filled State Street, featuring 88 percent underrepresented business owners, generating millions in economic impact.
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…
