Chicago has more than 20 beaches with ample space for swimming, sports and soaking in the sun. The beach season runs from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, so enjoy the warm weather while it lasts. North Avenue Beach The broad scope of Lincoln Park includes North Avenue Beach, a zig-zagging beach adjacent… Read more »
After looking through our list of picnic spots in Chicago, pick up some prepared food and drink from these convenient locations. Eataly Made-in-Italy salumi, cheese and snacks are the star of the market at Eataly, a gourmet Italian food chain located in River North. Its proximity to Millennium Park, Lakeshore East Park and Navy Pier… Read more »
Every weekend during the summer, Chicago comes alive with festivals, ranging from neighborhood celebrations to huge events that spotlight the city’s ethnic and cultural diversity. We’ve combed through the listings and found these 11 festivals. Admission to all, except for the Windy City Smokeout, is free, although some have a suggested donation. Maifest Spring’s counterpart… Read more »
Three miles north of downtown, Lakeview East offers everything one can want from a Chicago neighborhood, including local shops, plenty of restaurants and nightlife. It’s also the home of Northalsted, a 0.75-mile section of N. Halsted St. that has long been the heart of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. Check out our guide to all the fun… Read more »
Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22 this year. The observance spreads awareness for environmental protection around the world. Chicago is getting in on the holiday with Earth Day-themed events and specials. Earth Week at the Lincoln Park Zoo Starting Monday, April 21, the Lincoln Park Zoo will celebrate the planet with Earth Week. With family-friendly… Read more »
Every year, the start of the baseball season brings a new sense of optimism. It also brings an opportunity to check out what recently opened up near the ballpark. So if you’re looking for a place to pre- or post-game when in Wrigleyville or Bridgeport to see the Cubs or White Sox, consider these new… Read more »
Spring has hit Chicago, and with summer just around the corner, you’ll want to cool off with ice cream. Below, we’ve listed even Chicago ice cream shops where you can get classic flavors or try innovative creations. The Original Rainbow Cone South Side-Born: Opened in Beverly in 1926, The Original Rainbow Cone has expanded to… Read more »
Chicago has no shortage of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, from parades to river dyeing to limited-edition menus. In 2025, these institutions will provide a variety of ways to honor the city’s Irish heritage through the holiday weekend. We also have our Ultimate Irish Pub Crawl, featuring eight Irish pubs throughout the city. HAWKSMOOR Rarebit and… Read more »
With more than 1 million residents of Irish heritage, Chicago is the perfect place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Every year, the Chicago River is dyed emerald green on the Saturday morning preceding March 17 as a symbol of Irish pride. Afterwards there’s a parade through Grant Park on Columbus Drive. Naturally, a city with… Read more »
Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent, is celebrated in Catholic communities around the world with a variety of traditions. For those of Polish descent, the festivities involve paczki. Pronounced “POONCH-ki,” they’re doughnuts traditionally filled until bursting with jam, cream or custard and topped with powdered sugar. In Chicago, the home of the largest Polish diaspora… Read more »
Chicago has more than 20 beaches with ample space for swimming, sports and soaking in the sun. The beach season runs from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, so enjoy the warm weather while it lasts. North Avenue Beach The broad scope of Lincoln Park includes North Avenue Beach, a zig-zagging beach adjacent… Read more »
With warmer weather returning to Chicago, it’s time to take advantage of the city’s blooming gardens and parks. Grab some food to go and check out these green community spaces for the perfect place to picnic. Maggie Daley Park From Millennium Park, take the BP Bridge across Columbus Dr. to Maggie Daley Park. There, you’ll… Read more »