Secret Chicago • Your Complete Guide To Things To Do In Chicago

Chicago’s iconic 3-day street fest returns to West Town this month with live performances and a family petting zoo

A West Town favorite, Do Division Street Fest is officially returning at the end of the month—expect three days of live music, local vendors, fashion, food, and family-friendly programming along Division Street between Damen and…

Get the most out of the city

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- Music,
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Only a short drive from Chicago: a newly constructed $360 million casino resort is gearing up for its summer live performance lineup

An exciting lineup of live performances is officially scheduled at the newly constructed Hollywood Casino Aurora, which is set to celebrate its grand opening next month. It will kick off…
- Top News,
- Wellness & Nature
A local fisherman caught an American eel in the Chicago River—it could signal big improvements to our ecosystem

An eel in the Chicago River? Yup, you heard that right. One local fisherman’s catch from the murky depths is making big waves across the Windy City. Here’s the…
- Top News
This Chicago university will officially offer free tuition starting in 2027 for families making less than $250,000

A university in Chicago is joining other top institutions in offering free tuition for undergraduate students from families earning under $250,000 a year. If you are considering applying to the…
- Things To Do,
- Top News
5+ Amazing Things To Do In Chicago This Weekend
- Escapes,
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This 1873 National Historic Landmark near Chicago is now a wildflower refuge — with hidden forest trails that lead to a beach just north of the city

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Things To Do

- Culture,
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Simi-mania hits Chicago—The viral mascot is hosting a DJ set this weekend

Dr. Simi is visiting Chicago this weekend—and what started as an afternoon pop-up is quickly turning into an all-day, and…
May 13, 2026

The largest peony festival in the Midwest is happening this weekend—just a three hour drive from Chicago

With the April showers out of the way, May flowers are in full bloom, and now is your chance to take them in near Chicago! The annual Indiana Peony Festival…
May 13, 2026

Chicago Speakeasies You Have To Try At Least Once

A long time ago, there were secretive gems scattered around the city. It was a lucrative time for lavish hideaways, where the jazz was steamy, and the burlesque burned down…
- Things To Do,
- Top News
Millennium Park just revealed its free summer movie lineup for 2026—including a massive 30th anniversary screening of ‘Independence Day’
- Culture,
- Things To Do
This enchanting lantern festival at the Peoria Zoo lights up the night for one final weekend

Food & Drink

This Weekly Food Truck Festival is Back in Chicago Beginning This Month

Food truck season is back, Chicago—the 2026 Chi Food Truck Fest kicks off its 11th edition at Daley Plaza this week. Here’s everything to know about this year’s event. 2026…
Dutch Bros just launched its first Chicagoland location

If you’re a Chicagoan who’s been dying to try Dutch Bros, the wait is finally over—the viral drive-thru coffee chain…
Chicago’s legendary breakfast spot is opening a massive new restaurant with a 50-seat sidewalk cafe

One of Chicago’s best-known breakfast restaurants, famous for its perfect cinnamon rolls, is adding a new location on the Wicker Park-West Town border. Last month, it was reported that…
Your ultimate guide to the 2026 Illinois suburb farmers market season: Dates, times, and locations for over 30 local markets

The farmers market season has arrived, bringing fresh produce, handmade goods, and more back to local town squares and parks. While we put together a thorough guide to…

Culture

The reason you can’t buy a single can of spray paint inside Chicago—even though the city’s walls are covered in art

When you wander the Chicago streets, one thing there is no shortage of is street art—alley walls and sides of buildings are covered in complex murals. Yet the creators painting…
This massive 25th anniversary music festival in Illinois was just canceled days before Memorial Day weekend

The highly anticipated music festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, has been unexpectedly canceled—and fans are shocked. Originally scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, May 21 to 24, in Chillicothe, Illinois, located…
The Top 11 Teen-Approved Activities In Chicago That Are Actually Cool

If you have teenagers, one thing is certain: family adventures have gotten a whole lot pickier. Whether you’re the cool aunt trying to impress your nieces and nephews, a parent…
Brandy Melville is Opening Its First Location in the Chicago Suburbs

This one’s for the girls! Popular teen and pre-teen retailer Brandy Melville is opening its first location in the Chicago suburbs this summer. Here’s everything we know. Brandy Melville Naperville…

Secret Guides

14 Of The Best Date Night Ideas In And Around Chicago

Sure Paris is the place for romance, but have you stopped to consider the ample opportunities Chicago has to offer? From…
Memorial Day 2026—Your guide to patio parties, bar hangs, and boat bashes in Chicago

Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago is just a few short weeks away, and now is the perfect time to shore up some plans for your day off! Whether you’re looking…
Where to see live classical music in Chicago this year

Chicago’s love affair with classical music goes way back—think 1890s orchestras, grand opera houses, and a city buzzing with choral groups and composers. From launching the world-famous Chicago Symphony Orchestra…
Derby Day 2026: Your Guide to the Best Kentucky Derby Events in Chicago

Derby Day is just around the bend on Saturday, May 2. If you can’t make it to Churchill Downs, no worries—there are plenty of places to sip Mint Juleps and…

Visit Chicago

The first 50 moms to visit WONDRA this weekend will get a free Mother’s Day rose

Reimagine your world and awaken your senses at WONDRA, a multisensory experience at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg. WONDRA takes you on a one-of-a-kind journey through the beauty, mystery, and magic…
Chicago 2026 Music Festival Season: Official Dates, Lineups & Tickets for Summer Concerts

The Chicago 2026 music festival season is almost here, and some of the biggest shows are right around the corner. From Lollapalooza and Karol G’s Chicago tour stop to the…
The Best Things To Do With Kids In Chicago: Music, Theatre And More

Chicago is one of the best places to show your kids art, culture, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will leave lasting impressions on the youngest members of your family. If you’re…
Going To A Chicago Stars FC Match At Their New Lakefront Stadium? Here’s What To Know

Heading to a Chicago Stars FC match this spring is about much more than just soccer, it’s a full-on…

Chicago’s iconic 3-day street fest returns to West Town this month with live performances and a family petting zoo

Editor's pick

This Chicago café is among the best French bakeries in the nation, according to a new ranking

1 hour from Chicago—this town is hosting a massive free festival this Friday with over 30 food trucks, a live DJ, and more

This Chicago neighborhood is hosting a two-day block party next weekend featuring over 60 beers and 24 live musical acts

Chicago’s free summer concerts return June 15: Here is the full 2026 lineup from Sheila E. to Matt B

Get the most out of the city

Top News

Only a short drive from Chicago: a newly constructed $360 million casino resort is gearing up for its summer live performance lineup

A local fisherman caught an American eel in the Chicago River—it could signal big improvements to our ecosystem

This Chicago university will officially offer free tuition starting in 2027 for families making less than $250,000

5+ Amazing Things To Do In Chicago This Weekend

This 1873 National Historic Landmark near Chicago is now a wildflower refuge — with hidden forest trails that lead to a beach just north of the city

Things To Do

Simi-mania hits Chicago—The viral mascot is hosting a DJ set this weekend

The largest peony festival in the Midwest is happening this weekend—just a three hour drive from Chicago

Chicago Speakeasies You Have To Try At Least Once

Millennium Park just revealed its free summer movie lineup for 2026—including a massive 30th anniversary screening of ‘Independence Day’

This enchanting lantern festival at the Peoria Zoo lights up the night for one final weekend

Food & Drink

This Weekly Food Truck Festival is Back in Chicago Beginning This Month

Dutch Bros just launched its first Chicagoland location

Chicago’s legendary breakfast spot is opening a massive new restaurant with a 50-seat sidewalk cafe

Your ultimate guide to the 2026 Illinois suburb farmers market season: Dates, times, and locations for over 30 local markets

Culture

The reason you can’t buy a single can of spray paint inside Chicago—even though the city’s walls are covered in art

This massive 25th anniversary music festival in Illinois was just canceled days before Memorial Day weekend

The Top 11 Teen-Approved Activities In Chicago That Are Actually Cool

Brandy Melville is Opening Its First Location in the Chicago Suburbs

Secret Guides

14 Of The Best Date Night Ideas In And Around Chicago

Memorial Day 2026—Your guide to patio parties, bar hangs, and boat bashes in Chicago

Where to see live classical music in Chicago this year

Derby Day 2026: Your Guide to the Best Kentucky Derby Events in Chicago

Visit Chicago

The first 50 moms to visit WONDRA this weekend will get a free Mother’s Day rose

Chicago 2026 Music Festival Season: Official Dates, Lineups & Tickets for Summer Concerts

The Best Things To Do With Kids In Chicago: Music, Theatre And More

Going To A Chicago Stars FC Match At Their New Lakefront Stadium? Here’s What To Know