The Local Tourist is your Chicago local guide, helping you find things to do, restaurants and nightlife, events, and places to stay.
WHAT TO DO IN CHICAGO
It’s almost easier to tell you what you can’t do in Chicago than what you can. Check our guide to what to do in Chicago and start planning how you’re going to see it all.
Dance Nation: a Journey Worth Taking
Lights up. Step up. Don’t f*ck it up. The world of pre-teen girls comes…
47 Terrific Free Things To Do in Chicago
The number of free attractions, museums, and things to do will blow your mind.
Celebrating Winter Fun at Chicago Ice Skating Rinks
Chicago ice skating is one of the most popular things to do for friends, families,…
Celebrating Winter Fun at Chicago Ice Skating RinksRead More
Fortitude and Grit: the Story of Chicago’s Oldest House
The Clarke House Museum tells a remarkable story.
Fortitude and Grit: the Story of Chicago’s Oldest HouseRead More
Navy Pier Winter WonderFest
Festival Hall is transformed into a wonderland at this annual, family-friendly event.
A Perfect Getaway: Eaglewood Resort & Spa
We, city dwellers, frequently seek to travel far and wide to get away from…
The Band’s Visit: A Celebration of Humanity
THE BAND’S VISIT celebrates humanity in all its flawed beautiful glory…
COME FROM AWAY Will Inspire Us All
COME FROM AWAY tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the…
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN CHICAGO
If you’re hungry or thirsty, you won’t be for long in Chicago! This is an incredible foodie town, with gourmet groceries, an epic beer and spirits scene, world class restaurants, and the best bartenders around.
Osteria Trulli: Cuisine of Puglia via Arlington Heights
Experience the cuisine of Puglia at Osteria Trulli in Arlington Heights.
Osteria Trulli: Cuisine of Puglia via Arlington HeightsRead More
Boqueria opens in the Fulton Market District
Lively Barcelona-inspired tapas bar serves a menu of Spanish classics
La Celia Latin Kitchen spices things up in Avondale
Serving up a medley of Latin American flavors
La Celia Latin Kitchen spices things up in AvondaleRead More
Artango now grills up imported Argentine beef
In early 2016, Artango Bar & Steakhouse moved to their current location at 4767…
Chef Carlos Gaytan returns to Chicago with Tzuco
Tzuco continues his tradition of Mexican-French fusion cuisine
Time Out Market Chicago announces a November 21 opening
An incredible showcase of Chicago’s outstanding restaurant scene
Time Out Market Chicago announces a November 21 openingRead More
Evanston’s The Barn Steakhouse adds a special prix fixe menu
Early-bird diners can enjoy three courses for $30
Evanston’s The Barn Steakhouse adds a special prix fixe menuRead More
Sky Terrace Rooftop Lounge at the Ivy Hotel
Chic ambiance and a superb menu of both craft cocktails and upscale food
CHICAGO EVENTS
Whether you’re looking for live music, art fairs, festivals, family-friendly events, theater, tours, farmers markets, or any other fun event you can think of, you’ll never be bored when you’ve got so many options!
January 2020
19th Annual Polar Plunge
Join the Chicago Polar Bear Club for our 19th Annual Polar Plunge on Saturday, January 25th! Take the challenge and kick off 2020 by doing something crazy: Jump into the freezing waters of Lake Michigan with a few hundred Chicagoans, while also doing some good -- all proceeds from the plunge go directly to support three local Chicago families in need of our help. Then, thaw out with us at our afterparty at Moe's Cantina River North, for an all-you-can-drink special from 1:30-4:30pm (ages 21+). Get rewarded for doing some good:…
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AlphaBeer: Craft Beer from A to Z
AlphaBeer is an event designed to share the excitement, complexity, and downright deliciousness of craft beer. It's an unconventional tasting that explores beer from A to Z - literally. At this event you'll try a craft beer for every letter of the alphabet, and you'll be led by an expert who will guide you through the tasting. At AlphaBeer, you won't be waiting in line just to find out that beer you really wanted to try is already gone. Everybody…
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2020 Chicago Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival (January 25)
Connecting whiskey lovers with great whiskey. Building relationships with top whiskey brands. Creating memories with best friends Jan 25th! About this Event “Test Your Taste Buds” Calling all whiskey lovers and connoisseurs... Take your taste buds on a flavor adventure at The Chicago Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival taking place Saturday January 25, 2020! From Scotch, Irish, Single Malt and Blend to Bourbon and Rye… your taste buds will be in heaven as you sample dozens of amazing whiskey varieties. Now…
Find out more »February 2020
2020 Chicago Winter Tequila Tasting Festival (February 22)
Connecting tequila lovers with great tequila. Building relationships with top tequila brands. Creating memories with best friends Feb 22nd! About this Event “Test Your Taste Buds” Calling all tequila lovers and connoisseurs... Take your taste buds on a flavor adventure at The Chicago Winter Tequila Tasting Festival taking place Saturday February 22nd 2020! From Blanco, Reposado, Anejo or even Mezcal… your taste buds will be in heaven as you sample dozens of amazing tequila & agave varieties. Now the real…
Find out more »March 2020
2020 Chicago St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl (Saturday)
Calling all Irish jig leprechauns, four-leaf clover wearers, Irish lovers, those with green clothes and who love green beers ... About this Event “Luck Of The Irish Is With You This St Patrick’s Day” Take your tribe of hooligans on a St Patrick’s Day adventure at the 2020 St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl taking place Saturday, March 14, 2020 at several locations in Chicago presented by Social Scene. From Irish jigs, DJs, live bands & the must-have green drink cheers……
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