Find Events, Festivals, Museums, Theater, Music, Sports, Nature and More
By Lisa Davis, About.com Guide
- Museums and Galleries
- Parades
- Parks and Nature
- Restaurants, Food, and Drink
- Sports and Recreation
- Theater
Architecture
Find resources to enjoy and visit Chicago's architectural wonders, learn about design in Chicago, to connect with the city's planning and preservation efforts, or to learn the history of a favorite b
- Old State Capitol Building - Springfield, IL
- Architecture in Chicago - Must See Buildings
- Chicago Signs - Photo Gallery
Attractions

Beyond museums, the performing arts, sports, and kagillions of other options of fun things to do in the city, Chicago also has great attractions. Be sure to explore those, too.
Dogs & Cats
Chicago relishes its dog friendly events and no-kill cat shelters; Fido and Miss Kitty never had it so good. Check here for adoption centers, dog parks, veterinarians, and other resources for enjoying your furry kings and queens.
- Top 12 Chicago Dog Parks
- Vet Advice on Chicago Dog Parks
- Chicago Dog Parks - What You Need to Know Before You Go
- Top 3 Preventable Health Concerns in Chicago Dogs
- Dogs in Chicago Restaurants - Rules and Regulations
- Chicago Doggie Easter Egg Hunt
Festivals and Events
From the Taste of Chicago to the Air and Water Show, Chicago's annual events and festivals are a key part of what makes the city thrive and alive throughout the year. Find the dates of your favorites and learn more about what's going on in Chicago throughout the year.
- Chicago Restaurant Week
- Gospel Music Fest
- Chicago Blues Fest
- Gay Pride Month and Parade
- Metronome Chicago
- Taste of Randolph Street Festival
- Taste of Chicago
- Gourmet Chicago Fest
- Navy Pier Summer Fireworks Schedule
- Outdoor Movie Festival
- Chicago Air & Water Show
- Fiesta del Sol
- Chicago Art Open
- Chicago Powwow
- Christkindlmarket
- Wreathing of the Lions
Holidays
Chicago loves all its holidays in one way or another. Find resources here to enjoy yours to the fullest.
- Martin Luther King Day
- Chinese New Year
- Valentine's Day
- St. Patrick's Day
- Earth Day
- Easter
- Mother's Day
- Memorial Day Weekend
Lesbian and Gay Life (LGBT)
Connect here with Chicago's vibrant LGBT communities.
- Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame
- Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
- Gay Games Photos
Movies

Chicago's film and movie scene emerged in the early 1900's when the Polyscope Company and the Essanay studios set up shop in the city. More than a century later, it continues to thrive.
- Movies and Films Made in Chicago, 1896 to 2006
- Chicago Outdoor Movie Festival in Grant Park
- Gene Siskel Film Center
- European Union Film Festival
- Chicago's Underground Film Festival
- RS Owens - Chicago Manufacturers of the Oscar
- Complete List of Films Shown at Chicago's Outdoor Film Festival
Museums and Galleries
Chicago offers some of the best museums in the world. How lucky are we that they're right in our back yard?
- Free Days at 30 Chicago Museums & Cultural Institutions
- Chicago's Top 10 Museums
- Late Night Hours at Chicago Museums
- Museum of Science & Industry
- Chicago History Museum
- DuSable Museum of African American History
- Hull-House Museum
- Irish American Heritage Center
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- National Museum of Mexican Art
- National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum
- Smart Museum of Art
- Volo Auto Museum
Parades
My favorite part of Chicago's annual march of parades is that just about every one of them has a "show must go on" policy. In other words, marchers must march in all kinds of weather. But, they're rarely alone. Chicago spectators are hard-core. Find what you need to enjoy Chicago's parades here.
Parks and Nature
When Chicago incorporated as a city in 1837, it was given the motto "Urbs in Horto," which means "City in a Garden." Thankfully, despite the incredible pace of development and threats to our ecosystems, the garden spirit thrives today. Use this site to find resources for enjoying and preserving the city and state's natural areas, parks, waterways, and Lake Michigan.
- Millennium Park
- Grant Park
- Garfield Park Conservatory
- Lincoln Park Conservatory
- Chicago Weather
- Hyde Park Parrots
- South Shore Cultural Center
- Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
- Chicago's Top Beaches
- Best State Parks in Illinois
- Volo Bog State Natural Area
- Illinois Geology
- Illinois Campgrounds and Reviews
Restaurants, Food, and Drink
Chicago offers some of the best restaurants in the country and on the globe. But every local knows, it's not just the five stars that offer great food, the lesser known restaurants deliver wonderful dining experiences and unique flavors, too. Finding those neighborhood gems is half the fun of exploring the city's culinary landscape.
- Barack and Michelle Obama's Favorite Chicago Restaurants
- Terzo Piano Restaurant
- Chicago Restaurant Week
- Top Ten Bars in Chicago
- Great Chicago Irish Pubs and Restaurants
- Great Breakfast Restaurants in Chicago
- World's Finest Chocolate Outlet Store
- Vienna Beef Factory Store & Restaurant
- Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Spots
- Chicago Farmers Markets
- Chicago Magazine's Best New Restaurants 2008
- Chicago's James Beard Award-Winning Restaurants
- Michelle Obama - Chicago Green City Market Luncheon Menu
Sports and Recreation

Chicago is a slam dunk marathon kind of town. Find schedules, teams, and resources for enjoying professional and amateur leagues, recreational activities, and more.
- Chicago Cubs
- Chicago White Sox
- Chicago Bears
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Top 5 Chicago Area Public Golf Courses
- Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
Theater
When New York hands out Tony Awards, Chicago almost always takes some home. Find out why Chicago's theater scene is among the best in the country by going to a play or seeing a dance performance.
