The Best Things To Do In Chicago Right Now

LondonhousePhotograph: Neal O’BryanThe 57 best things to do in Chicago right now

Discover the best things to do in Chicago, from iconic venues and views to cultural musts and late-night shenanigans.

Jeffy Mai

May 2024: Spring is here and it’s time to head outside! Walk through a beautiful park, take a hike on a trail or go on an stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk. Plus, summer street fests and alfreso dining season are back. There are plenty of other options, too, so stay satisfied and busy with these fun activities in May.

No matter where your interests lie, you can always find something to get excited about in this no-nonsense Midwestern metropolis. The best things to do in Chicago run the gamut—from seriously fun to awesomely educational. Looking for culture? Spend a day exploring Chicago museums. Hungry? You’ve come to the right place, because Chicago is famous for its delicious cuisine. There are tons of amazing restaurants in Chicago that highlight the city’s rich and diverse culinary landscape. (And plenty of uniquely Chicago bars that do the trick, too.) We’ve searched all across the city to assemble this list of the best things to do in Chicago. Follow it and never get bored here again.

You can also find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world, or take a look at our list of the best things to do in the world right now.

Time Out Market Chicago

Time Out Market Chicago

We’ve rounded up the best chefs in the city to join us at Time Out Market Chicago, a culinary and cultural destination in the heart of Fulton Market featuring 18 kitchens, three bars and one drop-dead gorgeous rooftop terrace—all spread across three floors.

1. Find a summer street fest near your neighborhood

What is it? The annual slate of summer festivals that take over Chicago streets and parks every year. 

Why go? Shop artisan goods made by local vendors, enjoy delicious bites and watch live performances at beloved neighborhood bashes like Wicker Park Fest and Taste of Randolph from May through September.

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The Best Restaurants In Chicago

A platter of meats and a platter of seafood on a table.Photograph: Courtesy of El Che Steakhouse & BarThe 30 best restaurants in Chicago you have to try in 2024

There’s no shortage of fantastic food in this city, but these Chicago restaurants make our list of top eats.

The best restaurants in Chicago come in all shapes and sizes, from pizza joints and Michelin-starred heavyweights to some of the best cheap eats Chicago has to offer. The cuisines are just as varied, with every corner of the globe represented through Korean, Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean and Japanese fare. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or simply visiting for the weekend, stuffing your face at one of these restaurants is easily among the best things to do in Chicago. This belt-busting food scene shows no signs of slowing down, so we cut to the chase and ranked our essentials—the absolute best restaurants in town.

Our editors scour the city for great dishes, excellent value and insider info. We hope to provide an authentic snapshot of Chicago’s ever-evolving dining experiences by updating this list constantly with the best new restaurants in the city as well as decades-old stalwarts that keep us coming back for more. It could be a mega-hyped destination restaurant or a remarkable hole in the wall: If it’s on the list, we think it’s terrific, and we bet you will, too. Many of the city’s best chefs and restaurants are in Time Out Market Chicago as well, and you can scroll through the full vendor lineup at the bottom of this page.

Time Out Market Chicago

Time Out Market Chicago

We’ve rounded up the best chefs in the city to join us at Time Out Market Chicago, a culinary and cultural destination in the heart of Fulton Market.

1. Oriole

What is it? A two-Michelin-starred fine dining experience from chef-owner Noah Sandoval.

Why we love it: Chicago is home to a number of upscale tasting menus but few are able to match Oriole’s deft execution. Upon arrival, guests are escorted into a freight elevator and given a drink before the door opens to reveal the dining room. Though there’s no telling what Sandoval has in store each evening, you can look forward to a minimalist style of cooking that puts the spotlight squarely on the premium ingredients.

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Things To Do And See On Memorial Day Weekend | Enjoy Illinois

It’s Memorial Day Weekend in Illinois

May 01, 2024 • Activities

Looking for local parades and memorial services to show your support and honor the men and women who served our country? Since Illinois is the Middle of Everything, our fair state has you covered. Discover Memorial Day 2024 services near you below. 

Chicago

Beyond Chicago 

  • Memorial Day Parade: The City of Aurora will continue its annual Memorial Day Parade on May 27 to honor our fallen heroes. The parade route will begin at the intersection of Benton and River. 

Great Rivers 

  • Mound City Memorial Day Service: The Mound City National Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony is one of the oldest in the region, dating to the years right after the Civil War. 

Land of Lincoln

  • Effingham County Veterans Memorial: Dedicated to the men and women who served from all five branches of the armed forces, the Effingham County Veterans Memorial is an ongoing memorial that honors names from both past and present. 

Trails to Adventure

  • Fallen Soldier Veterans Memorial: This statue and memorial wall, adorned with the names of local fallen heroes, reminds us of the sacrifice made by many soldiers during times of war. A Memorial Day celebration is held at Fallen Soldier Veterans Memorial in Johnston City every year.

The recent Illinois summer warmth has also paved the way for the unofficial start of the season on Memorial Day Weekend (May 25-27).

This upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, Illinois truly can put you in the Middle of Everything. From events and activities like festivals and fireworks to water parks and outdoor activities, residents and visitors from all across the state have plenty of choices when it comes to celebrating the long weekend ahead.

Here are the top events and activities happening Memorial Day Weekend 2024 across Illinois:

Fireworks at Navy Pier

Chicago

  • Mayfestiversary: Ravenswood Corridor neighbors Dovetail and Begyle breweries return for the annual Memorial Day weekend street fest on Malt Row.

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Chicago Events Calendar For 2024

chicago, skyline, chicago skyline, city, downtown, park, drone, shutterstockPhotograph: Shutterstock

Find the best things to do all year long with our Chicago events calendar of 2024’s biggest festivals, concerts, parades and exhibits.

Jeffy Mai

Looking for something to do in Chicago today, this weekend or in the coming months? You’ve come to the right place! Spring is here, so go hiking, plan an exciting weekend getaway or stroll through the city’s most beautiful parks. Alfreso dining season has also arrived and you can live your best life on a gorgeous rooftop bar or intimate outdoor patio. Experience the best of the city with our year-round guide to top-tier events and things to do in Chicago.

Full Chicago events calendar

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Things to do in Chicago

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Parents React To Sudden Closure Of Lake In The Hills Spring Carnival After Fights

Parents are sharing their experiences at a far north suburban spring carnival that was canceled over the weekend after multiple reported fights broke out amongst the crowds at the event.

“I didn’t know what to do. I was so scared for my kids and myself,” said parent, Monique, who asked NBC 5 to only use her first name.

Monique was at the Lake in the Hills Spring carnival Saturday afternoon with her two young children. She was atop a fun house when she snapped a photo of what she describes as excessively large crowds.

“It was very crowded. More crowded than usual, and I’ve been in this area my whole life, so I’ve been to all these fests,” she said.

Another parent says her son called her to pick him up less than 30 minutes after he got there.

“He sounded frantic,” said Robyn Larson. “He said when he first walked in, it was so crowded. He got a bad feeling instantly.”

In a Snapchat video, one parent captured the moment a fight broke out on festival grounds.

Local

Amid the skirmishes, officials made the decision to close the carnival down early on Saturday, with safety officials opting not to allow the event to resume on Sunday.

In a Facebook post, the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce said the decision was made in conjunction with safety officials.

“After careful consultation with the Village of Lake in the Hills and our Chief of Police, it has been decided that reopening the carnival would not be in the best interest of public safety,” officials said. “This decision was made with the utmost consideration for the well-being of our community members and attendees.”

A similar incident happened at a carnival in Tinley Park last summer, prompting officials to make safety changes.

Authorities canceled the final day of the Armed Forces Weekend Carnival near the 80th Avenue train station after reports of a “flash mob” that saw more than 400 teens gather.

Several citations were issued, and a police officer was also injured.

“We learned something out of it. We prepared for our Ribfest in the coming months, and we had absolutely no problems with that,” said Pat Carr,

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The Best Outdoor Bars In Chicago

Kaiser TigerPhotograph: Courtesy Kaiser Tiger

Get in gear for alfresco season with our guide to the best outdoor bars and patios in Chicago.

Sure, going to one of the best bars in Chicago is always fun, but there’s something exhilarating about having a drink outdoors. And after making it through another winter in the city, we rightly deserve to order a few cold ones while basking in the sun. If you’re looking for a Saturday rager or calm post-work happy hour, these excellent wine programs or beer gardens have everything you might be looking for. We’ve tracked down waterfront patios, hidden gardens and rooftop bars where you can mix a little bit of alcohol with a lot of fresh air. Make a reservation (if necessary), pack some sunscreen, hit up the group chat and prepare to spend an afternoon at one of the best outdoor bars in Chicago.

RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor restaurants in Chicago

Outdoor bars and patios in Chicago

1. Park & Field

Though its kitchen and bar are housed in a former auto repair garage, Park & Field’s main draw is its gigantic 6,000-square-feet patio, which features a bocce court, hammocks, fire pits and a camper that has been retrofitted to serve as an outdoor bar. Even if you visit during the coldest months, you can stay warm by cozying up next to a fire. Summer, though, is when Park & Field turns into a lively adult playground packed with fun and games.

2. Big Star

People come to the Big Star patio to eat tacos al pastor while munching on chips and salsa, but they stay because someone at the table orders a second pitcher of margaritas or another round of beers. The moment temperatures in Chicago begin creeping up, the outdoor seating at the Wicker Park location seems to fill up instantly—and the newer locations in Wrigleyville and West Town. Be prepared to wait for your turn, but know that chips, guac and margs are in your future.

3. Recess

Set among a pile of shipping containers next to West Loop event space City Hall, Recess bills itself as one of the city’s largest patios, complete with a multi-level set-up and multiple bars.

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Chicago Summer Festivals 2024: Music, Food, Street Festivals Happening Across The City | See List

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago summers are perfect for outdoor activities, whether it is exploring a street festival in a new community, or a free concert in Millennium Park.

Dozens of festivals happen every year in the city to celebrate culture, communities and genres of music.

The list below contains a variety of free and paid festivities happening across the city through September.

This list will continue to be updated as events are announced.

APRIL

Ravinia Festival

Dates from April 20 through Sept. 15

Ravinia Festival is a series of over 100 summer concerts from artists like The Beach Boys with John Stamos and TLC. The outdoor venue has concert seating as well as a lawn area, where you can bring your own food and drinks for a concert picnic.

MAY

Summer at Gallagher Way

Dates from May through September

3635 N. Clark St., Chicago

Gallagher Way, located next to Wrigley Field, has a variety of family activities planned throughout the summer. Events like free movie nights, markets, concerts and more will be free and open to the public. View the schedule here.

SEE ALSO: Gallagher Way announces summer events lineup for lawn area outside Wrigley Field

Solar Tide

May 10-11

The Patio Theater, Chicago

Solar Tide is a bass music and arts festival in Portage Park. Featuring 19 artists over two days, tickets start at $50.

Chicago Mayfest

May 17-19

West Armitage Avenue from Sheffield Avenue to Racine Avenue, Chicago

Mayfest returns for the 27th year in Lincoln Park. The street festival will have a variety of music performances, artisan and food vendors. A pet parade and a glassblowing workshop will also take place over the weekend.

Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest

May 24-26

3200 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago

This annual street festival will kick off summer in Lakeview with music, food and artisan vendors. The festivities are conveniently located steps away from the Belmont “L” station.

Randolph Street Market Festival

May 25-26

1341 W. Randolph St., Chicago

Randolph Street Market brands itself as a “fancy,

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Top Things To Do In Chicago This Month | Events & Activities | Choose Chicago

May is a jam-packed month in Chicago — summer is on the horizon, tulips are blooming all over the city, and weekends fill up with endless food, drink, cultural, and musical events. From the start of festival season to spring flower shows to major art fairs and cultural celebrations, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in the city this month.

Check out these top picks for things to do in Chicago throughout the month of May, including theatre and film festivals, Memorial Day weekend events, Cinco de Mayo festivities, AAPI Heritage Month events, and more.

Top events in Chicago this MaySuenos Music FestivalSuenos Music Festival

Celebrate Mexican culture at Navy Pier (May 3 – 5): Head to Navy Pier for a free celebration of Mexican culture, bringing together music and dance performances, workshops, and over 30 vendors.

Take a tour of the historic Pullman neighborhood (May 5): Walk through history on this guided tour of the Pullman National Historical Park and surrounding area.

Attend the Asian American Film Showcase (May 17 – 23): This 27th annual film showcase provides a platform for new works by established and emerging Asian American filmmakers at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

Try a variety of cuisines during AAPI Restaurant Week (May 17 – 26): Discover a multitude of AAPI-owned restaurants across the city and suburbs, all offering special deals and discounts throughout the week.

Feast on Mexican cuisine at Mole de Mayo (May 24 – 26): Pilsen will be home to its annual outdoor mole cook-off, featuring an open-air mercado with local shops, music, dancing, and more.

Navy Pier fireworks

See fringe theatre at Rhino Festival (Starting May 25): This year is the 35th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, Chicago’s longest-running fringe theater festival, when 50 artists showcase their plays, music, and art throughout six venues across the city.

Feel the beat at Suenos Music Festival (May 25 – 26): Head to Grant Park for a two-day Latin music festival that features a variety of Reggaeton and Latin performers, as well as art, activities, a Ferris wheel, and more.

Be dazzled by the Navy Pier fireworks (starts May 25): Kick off the summer with the first fireworks display of the season at Navy Pier over Memorial Day weekend.

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