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WHAT's UP? you ask . . plenty!

With summer slowly winding down, we set our anticipation towards fall in Chicago. Besides dope fall colors, there's a lot of action to be had in the 312. Check out our "highlight reel" of things to do in Chicago this Fall. And hey, if you're a sports fan . . . you're in luck, 'coz Chicago teams are ready to hit it hard this season! The Chicago Bears take the field Sept 9 for their home opener against arch nemesis, the Green Bay Packers . . . the Chicago Blackhawks take to the rink on Oct 25 against the VGK for the home opener, and the Chicago Bulls face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct 25. Don't you just love squeaky sneaker season

 

NOW - OCT 1

The Chicago Reeling Film Fest returns for several film events you won't want to miss. It's the 41st Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival - and it is spectacular! 
 

NOW - OCT 29

Fall Fest Rocks Lincoln Park Zoo every Friday - Sunday in October. Events change so you'll have to look up the details yourself, (HAH) but every weekend brings some sort of Autumnal surprise! 
 

OCT 8

In the infamous words of a rando Seinfeld character who famously shouted out the window, "You're all winners", well, you truly ARE! The Chicago Marathon returns to the thrill of runners and spectators alike! If you've never been, it really is something to see! 
 

OCT 11 - OCT 22

Did you know that the Chicago International Film Festival is the longest running competitive film festival in North America? Now you do! It's in it's 57th year! 150 films from over 50 countries . . . don't miss it! 
 

OCT 13 - OCT 15

Phish comes to the United Center for 3 nights! Don't miss out!
 

OCT 16/OCT 17

If you lagers, large pretzels, polka, and animals large and small, and all things Oktoberfest, get to Oktoberfest at the Zoo (Lincoln Park Zoo to be exact) and revel in all of it! 
 

OCT 30

Who doesn't know just about every Queen song ever recorded? Amiright? Get to the United Center and sing along as Queen takes the stage with Adam Lambert takes center stage in the Rhapsody Tour! 
 

OCT 31

BOO! Get yourself to the greatest Halloween celebration in Chicago! It's the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade and it's a biggie! From the exotic costumes to the live performances, this is not your childhood Halloween celebration - it's even better!
 

NOV 9/NOV 10

If you've never seen Jerry Seinfeld live, you may want to find yourself at the United Center this November. Jim Gaffigan is the opener . . . and that's a funny way to start the night! 


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! 

Fall and winter are an exciting time for sports in Chicago with four major teams to follow, root for and "fantasize" about . . . Get it? Fantasy football . . . anyway, check out the local schedules then get to a game or a local pub - They;'re equally exciting for any sporting event! The Chicago Bears are in mid-season but if you love cold steel on ice, check out the BlackHawks! Love you some B-Ball - check the Bulls and Chicago Sky.
 

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.
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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.
View ACME Insider Details
 

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!