Chicago Events – Page 7

The 50 Best Cities In The World For 2024

January 23, 2024 Published by AI

Porto Porto | Photograph: Shutterstock / joyfull

We quizzed thousands of city-dwellers to rank the best cities in the world right now. Ready?

What makes a city great? Some would say it’s all about buzzing neighbourhoods, affordable food and drink and a mighty selection of things to do, from art galleries and museums to live music and theatre. Others might highlight things like the happiness of its locals, access to green space and strong community vibes.

We factor in all that and more in our annual survey, which asks city-dwellers around the world to tell us what it’s like to live, work and play in their hometowns right now. Thanks to the opinions and insights of locals on the ground and our global network of city experts, we’re able to create a global ranking of the world’s best cities – and the 2024 results are in.

As in previous years, the basis of the ranking remains our global survey of the people who know their city best: the locals. Working with research company Potentia Insight, we surveyed thousands of city-dwellers about the quality and affordability of food, culture and nightlife in their city. We also asked locals how their city makes them feel: are they happy there? Is it a beautiful place? Is it easy to make social connections? Their thousands of responses gave us a unique insight into the reality of living in the world’s greatest cities right now.

Now that international travel is forecast to bounce back to the highest levels since 2019, many travellers will be planning a city break this year – so in 2024, we added a little extra weight to a city’s global appeal. Each survey respondent was asked which other city they would most like to live in, and we polled more than 100 well-travelled Time Out staff writers and editors, based all over the world, for their take on which cities are particularly exciting places to visit right now.

So, ready to find out which cities came out on top this year? On your marks, get set…

The 50 best cities in the world for 2024 New York Photograph: Massimo Salesi / Shutterstock.com

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The Ultimate Guide To Having Fun In Chicago Without Any Booze

January 16, 2024 Published by AI

Still reeling from eggnog-induced holiday hangovers? You’re not alone. Following a season of merry excess, the new year brings new opportunities for a reset—and a more balanced approach to mulled wine, perhaps. Dry January or not, it’s an apt time of year to reassess one’s relationship with alcohol, whether that means cutting it out entirely, simply cutting back, or taking more of a Damp January approach.

Across the US, the non-alcoholic landscape has evolved substantially in recent years. Nowadays, non-alcoholic wines and beers are a booming business, major airlines are offering more booze-free alternatives, and the condescending term “mocktail” is a thing of the past, reserved for cloying Shirly Temples, while zero-proof cocktails have become as impressive and innovative as their boozy counterparts. They even come in canned form now.

All over the country, from Denver to Boston, sobriety isn’t just a buzz word or a fleeting flirt with Dry January, it’s a way of life—and an enriching, fulfilling one at that. Chicago is no exception. While much has been made of the city’s myriad craft breweries and award-winning cocktail bars, this is a world-class city with a proven penchant for hospitality, and truly something for everyone.

No matter how wet or dry your January may be, or where you land on the “new year, new me” mood board, there’s plenty to do, see, and drink in Chicago—without a drop of alcohol. In bars and beyond, from indoor pickle ball courts to outdoor slopes, there are endless entertainment options to be had beyond a boozy bar crawl. Here is the ultimate guide to having fun in Chicago while sober.

Non-Alcoholic Food and Drink Things to Do in Chicago

Zero-proof cocktails

Non-alcoholic cocktails have come a long way from soda water and juice. Lately, bartenders and mixologists have been pouring as much diligent effort and thought into zero-proof cocktails as they do their alcoholic offerings, enabling customers to savor the same craft without the hangover—and often at a lower price point.

This means that some of Chicago’s most revered cocktail bars, like Billy Sunday and Kumiko, offer elaborate mixed drinks that are well-balanced, flavorful, and Insta-ready, without an ounce of alcohol.

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Memorial Day Weekend In Chicago | Fireworks, Things To Do, Events & Parades

January 15, 2024 Published by AI

Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of summer in Chicago, and the city knows how to celebrate. Each year, Chicago comes to life with spectacular fireworks displays, buzzing rooftop bars, sunset kayak tours, fun neighborhood festivals, waterfront restaurants with unforgettable views, and so much more. Here’s our roundup of some of the top things to do in Chicago for Memorial Day weekend.

In this article

See the Chicago Memorial Day fireworks

One of the city’s top attractions is Navy Pier, a waterfront stretch of rides, restaurants, entertainment, and more. The Pier is known for its spectacular summer fireworks displays, which kick off with the Memorial Day fireworks show.

While you’re there, take a spin on the iconic Centennial Wheel, grab a drink at Offshore (the largest rooftop bar in the world), and check out more things to do at Navy Pier.

Hit the beachPhoto by Miguel Ángel Sanz

Chicago has more than two dozen free public beaches, and they officially open for the summer season on Memorial Day weekend — so make sure to pack your swimsuit. Swim, tan, play volleyball, or head to a nearby beachfront bar to enjoy a cold drink with your toes in the sand.

Some of the city’s popular beaches include North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach, 31st Street Beach, Montrose Beach, Hollywood Beach, and South Shore Beach. Check out our guide to Chicago beaches for more of the best places to soak up the sun along the city’s 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.

Celebrate summer at a festivalSueños Music Festival

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of festival season in Chicago. Check out some of these cool festivals, events, and markets happening over the holiday weekend.

Suenos Music Festival: Chicago’s reggaeton fest takes over downtown Grant Park with a lineup of Latin hitmakers.
Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest: The waterfront Lakeview neighborhood plays host to this Memorial Day festival, with tribute bands, artisans, and beer and wine vendors.

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Events That Shaped Chicago: 2023 Year In Review

December 28, 2023 Published by AI

CHICAGO — As the new year looms, pressing issues that dominated headlines in Illinois in the year 2023 range from significant strikes to devastating storms and drastic changes in the sports scene.

Over the course of the last 12 months, when it came to crime in Chicago, homicides trended down. While a victory for the city’s police department, robbery and thefts spiked, and stolen vehicle reports skyrocketed by more than double.

More Coverage:

For Mayor Brandon Johnson, 2024 will be the first test of his new crime-fighting strategy, unveiled at year’s end.

WGN Exclusive: Migrants, crime, investment in people: Brandon Johnson’s first 6 months as mayor

COVID-19’s officia l end as a public health emergency came in 2023, closing a chapter three years after it began.

“Normal” was not the operative word when it came to Chicago politics. For the first time in 40 years, the incumbent mayor lost their run for re-election.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot became a one-term mayor after losing to runoff contenders Paul Vallas and the progressive, former Chicago Teachers Union organizer who would become mayor, Brandon Johnson.

His first and tallest challenge was an inherited one and one of the biggest stories of the year: the migrant crisis.

Chicago migrants arrive

Bus after bus arrived from the Texas border, bringing asylum seekers from South and Central America. Suddenly the city had to make room for 26,000 new residents.

Most were immediately housed at Chicago’s police stations and at O’Hare Airport. However, the crisis was marked by fighting among neighborhoods unwilling to take on the risk and burden.

Turnover wasn’t just confined to the mayor’s office.

The longest-serving secretary of state, Jesse White, left office. After a months-long search, Larry Snelling became the permanent CPD superintendent. And often-embattled Cook County State’s attorney Kim Foxx announced she wouldn’t seek another term.

Jesse White CPD Supt. » Read More

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December 11, 2023 Published by AI

2024 Big Dates Crain’s Chicago Business » Read More

10 Hot Shows To See In Chicago This Month | Choose Chicago

November 16, 2023 Published by AI

Experience the magic of the holiday season with your favorite holiday theatre classics, concerts, and more! Check out ChicagoPlays.com to find a full list of performances happening this month and beyond, plus experience these shows and more for a discount on Hot Tix.

Looking for a Black Friday deal? Don’t miss Hot Tix’s brand new promotion, Half-Price Holidays running Nov. 24 – Dec. 3 featuring half-price tickets to over 20 Holiday Shows!

Want to find everything playing this holiday season? View the League of Chicago Theatre’s 2023 Holiday Theatre Guide.

The Nutcracker

Dance
Joffrey Ballet at Lyric Opera House
Dec. 2 – 27

Witness the magical 1893 Chicago World’s Fair with young Marie and her Nutcracker Prince in two-time Tony Award® winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s holiday masterpiece. It’s a celebratory Christmas Eve, and thanks to a surprise visit from the enchanting Great Impresario, Marie embarks on a spellbinding adventure into a realm of spectacle and wonder. Experience our holiday magic in this must-see tradition boldly reimagined for a new generation. Check for discounted tickets at Hot Tix

Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas

Musical
Studebaker Theater
Now playing – Dec. 31

It’s three days before Christmas and Mayor Fox has just announced a Christmas talent contest with a grand prize of fifty dollars! Meanwhile, times are tough for Ma and Emmet Otter since Pa passed away, and winning that prize money would allow them to secretly buy each other a Christmas gift. As Christmas Eve and the talent contest quickly approach, will Ma and Emmet sacrifice what little they have, or will their Christmas wishes come true? Check for discounted tickets at Hot Tix!

The Lion in Winter

Drama
Court Theatre
Now playing – Dec. 3

It is Christmas in the 12th century, and Henry II’s family is in tatters. His once-loving wife and now sworn enemy, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has been released from prison and is seeking vengeance at any cost; his three sons – Richard, Geoffrey, and John – are profoundly incompetent, consumed by petty sibling squabbles and gridlocked in duplicitous scheming; and his mistress (who just happens to be betrothed to his son) is running out of patience,

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Here Are The Current Lineups For 2024’s Biggest Music Festivals

November 15, 2023 Published by AI

Editor’s Note: Sound Trip is your go-to resource for navigating the most travel-worthy music events of the year—with insightful tips, captivating stories, and music festival guides annotated by the people who love them and know them best. Read more here.

Music festival season used to be more or less confined to the spring and summer months. But as festivals have grown more popular, the season has continued to expand more and more, and it now takes up nearly the entire calendar year. When you factor in the endless opportunities to travel abroad for festivals like Primavera Sound, it can be hard to keep track of all the different festival locations, dates, lineups, and prices.

That’s where Thrillist comes in. We’ve got our eyes on all the year’s biggest festivals and the information you need to plan your festival experience. Whether you’re into raving until the sun rises or vibing out in nature—or a mixture of both, the festival lineups below will offer you a wide variety of sonic escapes.

With Memorial Day weekend in the rearview mirror, we’ve already been through some of the most anticipated festivals of 2024. But there’s truly no shortage of music festivals coming up, with more lineups being added almost every single week. Our latest additions this week include high-profile festivals taking place this September in California and Connecticut, plus some EDM fests that you can enjoy for Halloween weekend. Check back regularly for updates on newly announced lineups for all the music festivals you can’t wait to attend, as well as new ones you’ve never even heard of.

Governors Ball Music Festival

Courtesy of Governors Ball Music Festival

Queens, New York
Gov Ball is back for another year in New York City, this time at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, between June 7-9, 2024. Headliners for the festival are SZA, Peso Pluma, The Killers, 21 Savage, Rauw Alejandro, and Post Malone. Additional performers include Sexyy Red, Doechi, Reneé Rapp, Carly Rae Jepsen, Farruko, and Dominic Fike. Three-day general admission tickets start at $310 for presale, and are set to increase on January 18. You can check out the complete lineup and purchase tickets at the GovernorsBallMusicFestival.com. For additional Gov Ball details, you can check out our comprehensive guide to the festival.

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December 2023 Events Calendar For Chicago

November 15, 2023 Published by AI

Christmas Around the World exhibit at Museum of Science and Industry Photograph: Heidi PetersDecember 2023 events calendar for Chicago

Find the best holiday activities in Chicago, including free things to do, and picks from theater, art and music

Edited by Jeffy MaiWednesday November 15 2023

The arrival of December sends the holiday season into full swing—prepare yourself for a jam-packed roster of glittering Christmas lights, festive holiday pop-ups and plenty of glühwein to be sipped at Christkindlmarket locations in both Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville. As the month draws to a close, bid adieu to 2023 at New Year’s Eve events and parties happening at Chicago hotels, clubs and other hotspots, where you’ll find Champagne towers and other special ways to welcome 2024 in style. Make the most of the final month of the year with our guide to the best events in Chicago this December.

RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2023

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November 11, 2023 Published by AI

2023 Chicago Festival Guide | Chicago News | WTTW WTTW News » Read More

The 18 All-Time Greatest Things To Do In Chicago

October 24, 2023 Published by AI

There are countless cool things to see, eat, and do in Chicago right now.

Updated on Oct 24, 2023 at 3:47 PM

Photo by Jaclyn Rivas for ThrillistPhoto by Jaclyn Rivas for Thrillist

All Time Greats is the ultimate city bucket list. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, consider this the essential guide to getting the most out of Chicago. Looking for events happening this weekend? Check out our Chicago weekend guide.

At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, Chicago is the rare city that really does have it all. It has all seasons, from the sweltering humidity of summer to the polar vortices of winter. It has towering skyscrapers and cozy brownstones. It has tasting menus and frills-free street food aplenty. It’s got world-class museums, Michelin stars, Taylor Swift-worthy stadiums, and the most iconic comedy club in the nation. And it has a whopping 77 neighborhoods (with a 78th on the way!), sprawled across 234 square miles of prime lakefront in northeast Illinois.

The third largest city in the country, a broad-shouldered behemoth that likes to compare itself to New York and flaunt itself as the metropolitan epicenter of the Midwest, Chicago undoubtedly boasts a lot to do, see, eat, and drink. Foodies could spend weeks eating their way through the West Loop alone, or hopping from rooftop bar to rooftop bar in the Loop and River North. Culture connoisseurs have a plethora of museums and live entertainment to choose from, year round. And tours here, whether a self-guided stroll on an urban trail or a cruise through an architectural Grand Canyon, offer a wealth of sights and experiences. In this ever-evolving town, it’s impossible to see all that Chicago has to offer, but this bucket list should offer a great introductory taste of what makes this city so great. Here are 18 of the all-time greatest things to do in Chicago.

Pequod’s Pizza | Photo by Jaclyn Rivas for Thrillist

Where to eat and drink in Chicago

The Publican

Fulton Market
The Fulton Market portion of the West Loop has really calcified as the nexus of Chicago’s famed food scene. Here, throughout a warehouse district formerly dominated by wholesale meatpackers,

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Tag: Chicago Events

The 50 Best Cities In The World For 2024

The Ultimate Guide To Having Fun In Chicago Without Any Booze

Memorial Day Weekend In Chicago | Fireworks, Things To Do, Events & Parades

Events That Shaped Chicago: 2023 Year In Review

J

10 Hot Shows To See In Chicago This Month | Choose Chicago

Here Are The Current Lineups For 2024’s Biggest Music Festivals

December 2023 Events Calendar For Chicago

J

The 18 All-Time Greatest Things To Do In Chicago

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