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 bars, shopping and services, and places to stay. Experience the fascination of a tourist; Feel the comfort of the local.

Horseback Riding in Chicago

You may not expect to find horseback riding in Chicago, but there are actually a few places in the surrounding area where you can ride a trail.

The Local Tourist Guides

The Local Tourist's Guide to Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden is an oasis in the northern Chicago suburb of Glencoe. The 385-acre attraction features over 2.5 million plants that represent nearly 10,000 varieties.

The Local Tourist's Guide to Navy Pier

The Local Tourist's Guide to Navy Pier is the ultimate resource for one of Chicago's most popular attractions.

Chicago Cultural Center: The People's Palace

The Chicago Cultural Center is a downtown landmark and one of Chicago's brightest gems.

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Outdoor Dining - Bars and Restaurants with Patios - Eat Outside

Featured Events

Irish American Heritage Festival

Irish American Heritage Center

4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

Get Directions

How Much:

$10 in advance if purchased by the end of the day on July 6 and $15 thereafter. Children 12 and under are free.

Irish Fest is July 7 - 9 and showcases the finest in local and international Irish and American music, dance and family activities.

Cirque du Soleil 'Luzia'

United Center

1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612

Get Directions - Save on nearby parking*

How Much:

$53 - $113

Get Discounted Tickets*

Discover LUZIA, where a waking dream transports you to an imaginary Mexico.

Tropical Wednesday at La Taberna Tapas

La Taberna Tapas

1301 S Halsted Street , Chicago, IL 60607

Get Directions

Get ready to have a great time with each one of your friends and family every Wednesday at a beautiful place to dance! We offer a Salsa Class and then great music by the hottest Latin DJ's!

AlphaBeer XVI

A.J. Hudson's

3801 N Ashland, Chicago, IL 60613

Get Directions

How Much:

$50 per tickets; $250 table of 6 (limited quantity available)

AlphaBeer is the only event that teaches you about 26 beers - one for every letter of the alphabet!

The Art of Rap Tour

The Chicago Theatre

175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

Get Directions

How Much:

$103.93; Get discounted tickets at $88.50

Get Discounted Tickets*

Following in the footsteps of the critically acclaimed documentary produced by Ice-T, The Art of Rap Tour brings together some of hip hop's heavyweights for a concert experience unlike any other.

Chef's Table: Rojo Gusano - SOLD OUT

Rojo Gusano - Ravenswood

4217 North Ravenswood, Chicago, IL

Get Directions

How Much:

$35

This exclusive, inclusive event is sold out. To be notified of future events be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Chef's Table: Strings Ramen

Strings Ramen

2141 S. Archer Ave., Chicago, IL 60616

Get Directions

How Much:

$35

Join us for an exclusive, intimate, inclusive multi-course dinner with drinks.

Today's Events

Daley Plaza Farmers Market

7:00am to 3:00pm

8:00pm

Native Gardens

7:30pm

Blackout Diaries

9:00pm

Techweek Returns to Chicago, June 19-23

(All day)

Chicago Botanic Garden Summer Evenings: Hot Summer Nights

6:00pm

Ah, Wilderness!

7:30pm

Free Evening at the Art Institute of Chicago

5:00pm to 8:00pm

The Night Season

8:00pm

Bette Davis Ain't for Sissies

7:30pm

2-Hour Small-Group Walking Tour of the Highlights of Chicago

See Chicago inside and out with this 2-hour, guided walking tour. Shared with a small-group of no more than 10, you will go through the Chicago Pedway to see "underground Chicago".

30.00

Two-Hour Walking Tour of Chicago's Famous Disasters

This small-group shared 2-hour tour starts at The Chicago Cultural Center in the Loop, where you will travel throughout to learn about the city's biggest, scariest and sometimes silliest disasters.

30.00

World's Fair Bus Tour

Relive the grandeur and magic of Chicago's two world's fairs on this one-of-a-kind bus tour that is the only tour in the city that recreates both fairs for their guests.

35.00

Chicago River Walk Tours

The recently expanded River Walk is Chicago's newest hot spot and beautiful pedestrian walkway that follows the Chicago River as it flows through downtown.

13.33

Chicago History and Architecture Tour

Chicago’s iconic downtown is famous for its soaring skyscrapers, meandering river and impressive architecture.

25.00

Sin, Crime and Corruption in the Windy City

Journey with us into the dark side of Chicago's wicked past and discover while marinating in its own juices of sin, crime and corruption, how the Windy City became the ideal criminal playground f

35.00

Chicago Essentials Bus Tour

Chicago is considered the most American of American Cities.

35.00

Walking Tour: President Obama's Hyde Park In Chicago

Follow in the footsteps of a living local legend on a two-hour walking tour of "Obama's Hyde Park." Learn interesting facts and stories about President Obama and the the Chicago political machine

20.00

Pullman National Monument Bus Tour

Step back in time and explore with us one this exclusive bus tour one of America's truly unique enclaves.

35.00

Chicago Holiday Lights Tour

Celebrate the holiday season with a Chicago Christmas lights tour! The 90-minute tour in a heated trolley takes you around downtown Chicago to see the sights and festive holiday lights.

25.00