Chicago Visitors Guide

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:46:26 +0000

Check out some of Chicago’s year-round happenings, from diverse cultural celebrations to world-class music and food fests. Go to choosechicago.com/events or simply use your phone’s camera and scan the QR code for a complete, upto- date events calendar.

Events subject to change.

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Visiting Chicago starts at O’Hare and Midway International Airports

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:30:24 +0000

Conveniently situated in the center of the country, VISITING Chicago starts at our two first-class airports, whether arriving from the east, west, north, or south. Chicago likes things in twos: two Major League Baseball teams, two major daily newspapers, and two international airports! There is nowhere else on earth like Chicago. From the moment you arrive at Chicago O’Hare or Midway International Airports (O’Hare and Midway), you will be connected to the Second City which is second to none.

WORLD-CLASS CONNECTIVITY

O’Hare lies just 17 miles from downtown Chicago and is one of the most connected airport hubs in the country. O’Hare has eight total runways — the most of any commercial airport in the United States. A mere 10 miles from downtown, Midway is a premier point-to-point airport for leisure and business travel.

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SENSORY-FRIENDLY CHICAGO

Amy Bizzarri — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:24:43 +0000

The city’s leading attractions, museums, and theatres roll out the welcome mat with sensory-friendly experiences tailored for both children and adults.

ATTRACTIONS

Meet the world’s most fascinating marine animals at the Shedd Aquarium. Explore peacefully with special Calm Waters events, a sensory-friendly app, and a quiet room designed for personal comfort. Staff are trained in inclusive practices, offering special experiences that include an animal encounter and a low-sensory animal spotlight with ASL interpretation.

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CHICAGO SOUNDS

Amy Bizzarri — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:23:30 +0000

Chicago doesn’t just play music — it invents new sounds that change the game. From churches to street corners, recording studios to underground clubs, the city has birthed genres that have shaped music across the globe.

House music was born in Chicago’s underground clubs in the early ’80s. Frankie Knuckles, the Godfather of House Music, transformed disco into a pulsing, soulful genre that still dominates dance floors globally.

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FAMILY FUN GUIDE

Amy Bizzarri — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:18:05 +0000

Chicago is where adventure calls for kids of all ages, with thrilling outdoor experiences and indoor discoveries that are second to none.

OUTDOORS

Stroll the scenic Chicago Riverwalk and hop aboard an architecture cruise — like the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady or Wendella Tours — and glide past iconic skyscrapers. Chicago Fireboat Tours and the Chicago Boat Company offer sightseeing tours with an extra splash of adventure. In the evening catch Art on THE MART, a dazzling nighttime show that illuminates the riverfront with massive digital art projections synced to music.

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TAKE A CHICAGO ARTSCATION

Amy Bizzarri — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:17:26 +0000

Discover Chicago’s unmatched treasure trove of museums, theatre, music, and dance that don’t just take center stage — they set the bar.

INSIDER TIPS

THEATRE

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Lisa Shames — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:11:39 +0000

During warm-weather months, the entire city turns into a playground, offering everything from lakefront bike rides to kayaking on the Chicago River.

ON LAND

Some of the city’s most stunning Lake Michigan views can be seen along the 18.5-mile Lakefront Trail. Make the most of the scenery and rent wheels from Bike and Roll Chicago or Bobby’s Bike Hike and cycle the trail solo or on a guided ride. Or join a tour with Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours, which also rents e-bikes.

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CHICAGO PRIDE

Lisa Shames — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:11:01 +0000

Check out some of the city’s popular LGBTQ+-owned neighborhood places, ranging from welcoming shops to craveworthy eateries and lively nightspots.

NORTHALSTED

Along a half-mile stretch of North Halsted Street, The Legacy Walk honors noteworthy LGBTQ+ figures with memorial markers displayed on rainbow pylons.

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CHICAGO LIKE A LOCAL

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:19:58 +0000

DISCOVER HIDDEN GEMS WITH A CHICAGO GREETER.

Looking to see the city through the eyes of a local? The Chicago Greeter program matches visitors with friendly residents for free walks around the city, diving into everything from must-see sights to best-kept secrets. Now in its 24th year, the program annually hosts more than 3,000 visitors from around the globe, led by a team of more than 90 volunteer Greeters.

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DINE IN CHICAGO’S NEIGHBORHOODS

Lisa Shames — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:47:19 +0000

Discover restaurants across eight of the city’s diverse neighborhoods, where standout dining and local hidden gems make every visit unforgettable.

BRONZEVILLE

DINING

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WELCOME TO CHICAGO

Kristen Reynolds — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:10:14 +0000

Welcome to Chicago, the city that feels like home no matter where you’re from!

Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper, world famous for its skyline, bustling downtown, and iconic downtown shopping and cultural institutions.

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HOLIDAY CHEER

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 06:14:26 +0000

Join in Chicago’s favorite fall and winter events that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Lincoln Park Zoo kicks off autumn with Fall Fest, a family-friendly extravaganza featuring pumpkin patches, harvest activities, and the ever-popular Spooky Zoo, where costumed kids are treated to themed exhibits and trick-or-treating among the animals.

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TRENDING IN CHICAGO

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:31:35 +0000

From major museum unveilings to landmark celebrations and groundbreaking attractions,
Chicago’s 2026 calendar is packed.

ATTRACTIONS

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CHICAGO MAKERS & ARTISANS

Lisa Shames — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:31:15 +0000

From classic baked treats and handcrafted bicycles to swank hats with a celebrity following, meet six creative locals whose only-in-Chicago goods prove we’re never done, never outdone.

BROWN SUGAR BAKERY

Nostalgic, Southern-style sweets are the specialty at James Beard Award-nominated Brown Sugar Bakery, located in the Chatham neighborhood. This charming spot is known for its traditional layer cakes that use cherished family recipes, including fan favorites luscious caramel, whimsical rainbow sherbet, and rich red velvet. Owner Stephanie Hart also takes pride in being the only Black woman-owned chocolate manufacturer in the U.S., producing a line of delicious handmade caramels and creams.

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MEET DJ DUANE POWELL

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:19:23 +0000

Like the city itself, Chicago’s house music legacy is always evolving, thanks to DJs like Duane Powell. And it’s the type of music culture that could only be found in Chicago.

Chicago has long been a house music mecca. And as one of the city’s most prominent DJs, Powell has unique insight into Chicago’s house culture.

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