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.
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
Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
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…
Explore Chicago’s Past at Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum showcases the city’s complicated history and is itself a piece…
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!
December 2019
Tommy Gun’s Garage Dinner Theater
Enter the world of a Roaring ‘20s Chicago speakeasy featuring gangsters, flappers, food, hooch and plenty of fun at Tommy Gun’s Garage Dinner Theater. Following a delicious sit-down dinner, you’ll be treated to a musical comedy revue featuring the songs of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington and more, all with gorgeous flappers performing the Charleston. Be ready to get in on the act at Tommy Gun’s Garage Dinner Theater — Chicago’s longest-running audience interactive dinner show —…
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Blue Man Group
Experience the magic and wonder of Blue Man Group Chicago in a newly revamped production that the Chicago Tribune raved about with a four-star rating. Enjoy the fun, comedy, and excitement of these alien men entertaining you and your family.
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2020 Chicago New Year’s Eve (NYE) Bar Crawl
“Cheers To New Years 2020 With Friends That Bring You Cheer” Calling all lovers, friends, besties, sisters & brothers ... Take your tribe into the New Year at the 2020 NYE (New Year’s Eve) Bar Crawl taking place Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at many locations in Chicago presented by Social Scene. From dance parties, DJs, live bands & the must-have midnight champagne cheers… the New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl is the perfect place to wrap up 2019 and celebrate the…
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2020 Chicago 10yr Anniversary New Years Eve (NYE) Yacht Party
“Cheers To New Years 2020 With Friends That Bring You Cheer” Calling all lovers, friends, besties, sisters & brothers ... Take your tribe into the New Year at the 2020 NYE (New Year’s Eve) Yacht Party taking place Tuesday, December 31, 2019 on the Anita Dee II presented by Social Scene. From dance parties, top floor DJ, live piano bar & the must-have midnight champagne cheers… the New Year’s Eve Yacht Party is the perfect place to wrap up 2019…
Find out more »January 2020
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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