Skip to main content

it's all nearby!

CHICAGO IS OPEN and the Summer of 2021 is going to be the BEST EVER! There's so much to do and see this summer . . . so start planning your getaway and adventures - Below is a snapshot of what we'd do, in the 312. 
 

july 29 - Aug 1

Unless you've been living under a rock, you likely know that LOLLAPALOOZA is BACK! And with a star-studded, rock 'til you drop line-up! Foo Fighters, Post Malone, Megan Thee Stallion, Miley Cyrus, will be taking center stages along with tons of other bands you just gotta see! Tickets are going fast, or you could befriend somebody whose already got 'em . . . either way, get here! 


 

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. 

NOW - OCTOBER 24
Do you love yourself a Super Hero? Then check out the Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes 80- years of Marvel at the Museum of Science & Industry This is one Exhibit chock-ful of super powers! Reservations are required so hit the link, book your visit, and iron that cape! 

NOW - SEPTEMBER
The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit continues to thrill audiences at the Lighthouse ArtSpace at Germania Club in the Gold Coast. You'll see Van Gogh like never before. Seriously, book yourself some tickets and GOGH! 
 

AUGUST

The Art of Banksy makes its splash in Chicago August 7 and it promises to be a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the largest collection of this infamous street-artists' work under one roof . . . keep in mind, this is an unauthorized exhibit, a compilation of Banksy works from a variety of private collections. Get your tickets now, or they'll be as elusive as the artist himself! 

Of course Chicago has a wealth of cultural experiences just waiting for you. Check out all the museums here - All are open with reservations. Field Museum, 
Shed Aquarium, Art Institute, Museum of Contemporary Art and the Chicago History Museum
 

WRIGLEY CONCERTS ARE BACK!

If you're anything like us, you've been on pins and needles waiting to hear if Wrigley concerts would be back in 2021, and Eureka! They are. There's nothing like enjoying live music from your favorite bands surrounded by ivied walls! Check out the schedule below! 
July 17:     Chris Stapleton  
July 21:     Guns & Roses 
Aug 15:     The Hella Mega Tour Green Day, Fall Out Boy, Wheezer 
Aug 27:     Lady Gaga  
Aug 29:     Def Leppard/Motley Crue 
Aug 30:     Maroon 5  

 

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 in the World, and with many indoor activities closed, now is the time to truly 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. And if you're an animal lover, the residents at Lincoln Park Zoo are waiting to give you a warm welcome. Free-admission reservations are required, so book it before you go! 

 

SHOPPING, ANYONE?

Chicago stores and boutiques are open for business. If you fancy a new spring wardrobe, or just some browsing, you'll find most major retailers and boutiques are open. Capacity limits are in place to ensure social distancing, so be sure to mask up and keep your distance! 


An ideal safe, and social distanced activity is a visit to Lincoln Park Zoo. The animals here are 4 season after all! You'll need to make a reservation! 

While concert halls may be closed, there are still great ways to enjoy live bands! Many of the best music houses in the city like Lincoln Hall, Green Mill, and more are offering streaming concerts - so just get cozy at ACME and enjoy!

 
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.
View Chicago Classics Details
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!