Chicago Things To Do, Events, Restaurants, Bars, Shopping and More

The Local Tourist is your Chicago local guide, where you can find things to do, restaurants and nightlife, events, and places to stay. Experience the fascination of a tourist; Feel the comfort of the local.

Free Days at Adler Planetarium: Chicago's Gateway to the Stars

The Adler Planetarium is part of Chicago's Museum Campus, one of three museums that are some of the city's most popular attractions. Built in 1930, it was the first planetarium in the Western...

Portsmith brings brunch to the seaside in River North

Chef Nate Henssler of Portsmith has crafted a superb new brunch menu. He believes in a “less is more” approach and showcases the fresh seafood offerings with bold flavors yet simple plating.

Wine and Song with Seth Wilson

Wine and song is a regular post on Wine in Chicago where a local sommelier is challenged to pair a great song with a great wine.

Free Museum Days in Chicago

Find free museum days in Chicago, as well as museums that are free all the time. This page is updated frequently so you'll always be able to find the latest free days at Chicago museums. Be sure to confirm before you go, since these free days can change at any time.

Free Days at Adler Planetarium: Chicago's Gateway to the Stars

Learn all about one of Chicago's most famous landmarks, and find out when there are free days at Adler Planetarium for Illinois residents.

Hot for Gelato

Winter is here, so how about some hot GELATO chocolate? Yes, it's totally a thing!

Dozin' With The Dinos at the Field Museum of Natural History

The Field Museum is one of the most popular museums in the world. That also means it can be pretty crowded. What if you could go in after hours and then stay there all night long?

Featured Events

Two Lane Gems, Vol. 2 Reading and Book Signing Three Embers 10 Marriott Dr, Lincolnshire , IL 60069 Get Directions 312-725-8852 How Much: Free - registration requested; VIP tickets include an autographed book Just in time for Valentine's Day, author Theresa L. Goodrich presents "Two Lane Gems, Vol. 2: Bison are Giant and Other Observations from an American Road Trip"	02/05/2019 - 7:00pm
Cider Summit Chicago Navy Pier 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 Get Directions - Save on nearby parking* 312.595.PIER How Much: $35 after; $45 VIP Seventh Annual Cider Summit Chicago Set for February 9; Region's Largest Cider Tasting Returns to Navy Pier Grand Ballroom	02/09/2019 - 12:00pm
Elgin Literary Festival Hemmens Cultural Center 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL 60120 Get Directions How Much: Free The Elgin Literary Festival is a free celebration of the written word taking place at the Hemmens Cultural Center.	01/26/2019 - 10:00am
Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure- Chicago 340 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60654 Get Directions 8056035620 How Much: From $9-$20 (only $39.20 for a team of 2-5 people) after Promo Code: LOCALTOURIST Turn Chicago into a giant Gameboard with this fun Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Guided from any smart phone, teams solve clues, complete challenges while seeing the sights. A fun interactive adventure.
Diamond Live The Tribute featuring Steve Richards in Celebration of Neil Diamond's Birthday ! Pheasant Run Resort & Spa 4051 E Main St, St. Charles, IL 60174 Get Directions 630.584.6300 How Much: $25 Join us as Steve Richards and his band perform a Dynamic Tribute honoring Neil Diamond !	01/26/2019 - 8:00pm
Aaron Sorkin's The Farnsworth Invention Otherworld Theatre 3914 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60613 Get Directions How Much: $30.00 - use promo code PHILO for $10 off each ticket in your order! It’s 1929. Two ambitious visionaries race against each other to invent a device called “television.” Who will unlock the key to the greatest innovation of the 20th century?	01/25/2019 - 8:00pm
4th Annual Craft Beer Event- Cold Brews 6140 Dempster Street, Morton Grove, IL 60053-2631 Get Directions 18479650971 How Much: $35 Annual Craft Beer Event- Cold Brews!Music, Pizza, and Brews! Join us for the 4th Annual Craft Beer Event featuring the Frank and Dave Band, Pizza by Lou Malnati’s	02/16/2019 - 3:00pm