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WHAT's UP? you ask . . plenty!

There's a lot of fun to be had in the 312 in the fall and winter - Check out our "highlight reel" of things to do in Chicago below. And don't forget to check our BLOG for some great insider tips on where to shop for Fall fashion! 
 

Make the most of your Chicago visit with Go City and save up to 50% exploring the hottest attractions with one digital pass! 

      

OCTOBER

NOW - OCT 6
The Reeling LGBTQ+ International Film Fest returns for its 42th year and it's bound to be as awesome as the previous 41! Come out and celebrate the these amazing films! 

NOW - JAN 19
Back again by popular demand, Choir of Man returns to the Apollo . . . If you missed it the first time, Or even if you didn't) get to this high octane show, stat! 

OCT 5
If you love beer and dinosaurs, get to Chicago Beer Fest at the Field Museum. Sample brews from over 65 breweries while you peruse the prehistoric history of the world. Now that's a cool first date! 

OCT 9 - OCT 20
Over 50 events will take place at multiple venues highlighting Chicago's "diverse fashion ecosystem". Get out and learn about local designers at Chicago Fashion Week.

OCT 13
The biggest run of the year takes place Oct 13 - yup, the Chicago Marathon. If you're not a runner, it's always a fun event to kick back and cheer on the runners! We'll see you there!

OCT 16 - OCT 27
If you haven't traveled internationally lately, at least get yourself to the Chicago International Film Festival. It's the 60th Anniversary and there will be lots of films to love and celebrate! 

OCT 19
If you're looking to get spooked this Halloween, check out the 10th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade. It's on State Street across the river and its artfully spectacular! 

OCT 28 - 31
Usher takes the stage at the United Center. How more can we possibly say about that? 

OCT 31
Get ready for some of the most spectacular costumes you've ever seen outside of a Hollywood movie set! It's the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade and it guarantees to spook and delight all at the same time! Keep your eyes peeled for a ton of neighborhood after parties too! 
 

NOVEMBER


NOV 2
She might bite a little, but Sarah Silverman has her very own brand of humor . . . and it's funny! Tickets available now for her Postmortum Tour at the Chicago Theatre.

NOV 13/14
Billie Eilish graces Chicago with her presence and her sweet sweet voice for two night at the United Center. Better get tickets, or phone a friend who has some! 

NOV 17 - JAN 7
A Chicago favorite is back and it's ON! Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo isn't just for kids .. . or the animals - it's a super fun event for adults too. If ya like a little sparkle, you're gonna like this a whole lot!

NOV 22 - DEC 24
It's back, and as festive as ever! Get yourself to  Christkindlemarket for some holiday cheer and a little shopping. If you visit any holiday market this year . . . make it this one! 

NOV 23
Speaking ao a bit of Sparkle! Stop by the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and get a taste of the holidays in November - It's all the  holiday pageantry one could ever imagine! 
 

DECEMBER


DEC 5 - 8
It's back and just as one of a kind as ever! The One of A Kind Show Holiday Edition is the chance for you to buy from independent artisans - Imagine . . . clothing, arts, sculptures, textiles, jewelry, home goods, and a ton more! It's the perfect holiday shopping destination - but don't forget to buy a little something for yourself! It's at the Merchandise Mart

DEC 10 - 15
Looking for a twist this Christmas? Then check out The Hip Hop Nutcracker at CIBC Theatre. They call it a remixed and reimagined version of the original. We call it, awesome! 

DEC 26/27/29/30
Surely you've laughed your head off watching him on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram - now you can get all that laughter live when Matt Rife takes the stage at the Chicago Theatre. Get there and yuck it up live! 

DEC 31
We love the sound of cold steal on ice - and if you do too, get to the NHL Winter Classic a Wrigley Field (yes, hockey at Wrigley). The Chicago Blackhawks will take on the St Louis Blues, and it's gonna be epic! 
 

JANUARY


We can't think of a better way to start the new year than with a night out with Kevin Hart! Seriously, THIS is the gift that keeps on giving.  He'll be at the Chicago Theatre. So will we! 

TAKE A CULTURE TRIP!
Some of Chicago's greatest cultural institutions are now welcoming back visitors! HOORAY! Of course, visitors can once again enjoy the plethora of cultural experiences that Chicago has to offer. Of course Chicago has a wealth of cultural experiences just waiting for you. Check out  some of Chicago's world famous museums like the Field Museum, Shed Aquarium, Art Institute, Museum of Contemporary Art.  Or let your imagination run wild at the Wndr Museum and the all new Museum of Ice Cream. Spectacular!!
 

CHICAGO IS A SPORTS TOWN! 

Fact. Chicago is a huuuuuge sports town, and as we head into fall and winter exciting times are on the horizon. Soon the Cubs will be calling it a wrap for the season along with the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Sky. But the Chicago Bears and Soldier Field are open for business, the Blackhawks are about to take to the ice at United Center! Plus, it's coming upon squeaky sneaker season as the Chicago Bulls soon take the court. There's always something to root for - and we can't wait!!
 

TURN IT UP! 

If you love music, there's nothing better than LIVE Music in Chicago! Chicago's stages are open and bands are scheduled to rock your world! Check out some of our favorite venues like Lincoln Hall, Schubas, Thalia Hall, The Metro, The Vic, The Green Mill, and tons more! 
 

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

The famed Chicago Architecture Tour is ready to guide you on an epic journey of discovery . . . Truly! You'll see some beautiful sites, enjoy a cocktail, and a "cool" river breeze in the heart of Chicago. Other Riverboat cruises are available too, check out Shoreline, Wendella, Mercury, and a ton more!

 

We're so lucky that Chicago has some of the best city parks and outdoor spaces in the World, and now is a great time to appreciate them in all of their splendor! Take a stroll through Millennium Park and The Bean, Grant Park, or Lincoln Park and see the dramatic backdrop of the city behind them. Or check out the Chicago Riverwalk and enjoy some outstanding public art and sculptures, eat, drink, and listen to live music! Feeling robustly athletic? Get yourself to the Lakefront Trail with a rented divvy or your own two feet! And if you're an animal lover, the residents at Lincoln Park Zoo are waiting to give you a warm welcome. 

 

SHOPPING, ANYONE?

Chicago stores and boutiques are open for business. If you fancy a new winter wardrobe, or just some browsing, you'll find most major retailers and boutiques are open. Just be sure to mask up and keep your distance! 
 
Chicago Classics
Chicago Classics
Chicago Classics
Nothing beats the classics. Get a true taste of Chicago at world-famous sights like the Willis Tower, Navy Pier or Lincoln Park Zoo.
ACME Insider, Illinois
ACME Insider
ACME Insider
Get the skinny on the city's best music venues, performances and hotspots, and experience Chi-Town like a Chicago insider.
 

DO YOUR THING - DIFFERENT! Check out our curated list of cool attractions

  • If you love the great outdoors, get yourself to the 606. An elevated jogging/hiking/biking path that takes you through some of the 312's most interesting neighborhoods like Bucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square, and others.
  • Bike your way through town on a Divvy. Those are the blue bikes you see pretty much everywhere . . . We suggest a ride up the Lakefront, coz it will net you some pretty awesome instagram shots!
  • If you've been dying to check out EATALY, you're in luck - it's a block away, and yeah, it's awesome. It's a bustling Italian marketplace that offers some of the freshest fare and authentic Italian foods around. Foodies won't want to pass it up.
  • In season, there are few things cooler than getting out on the cool waters of lake Michigan on your own (rented) jet ski, and worth e-v-e-r-y penny! Or one with the river in your very own kayak. Here you'll get some of the best views of the city, and get in a pretty decent workout too. Of course, both are seasonal.
  • Check out the Riverwalk (hint: it's on the river), and check out the peeps walking and cruising by. It's a great stop for a cocktail, or just to brown bag it.
  • What better way to hold on to a memory than with body ink? Deluxe Tattoo is one of the best tattoo shops in Chicago. We just recommend you visit sober - you know, no regrets and all. 
  • Everybody's heard about the Architectural Boat Tour, now go out and do it. It is def. one of the best "attractions" in Chicago.
 

CHICAGO'S MUSIC SCENE

If you dig music, you've come to the right city. In addition to the major arena's, Chicago boasts a ton of awesome, more intimate venues that often book the cutting edge talent on the cusp of stardom. You may also see them at one of Chicago's major music festival during the summer. Here is a short list of some of the best venues in the 312 to sit back and jam. -  These even made TimeOut Chicago's best list!