With the weekends giving many of us time to step away from work, we must fill them with memories.
Whether exploring the parks, spending valuable time with friends and family, or attending an event in Chicago, weekends are meant to be enjoyed!
Luckily, in a city as sensational as Chicago, options are abundant. To help you make the most of your weekend, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Chicago from November 13 – 15.
Head to the first Chicago Artisan Market of the season
This weekend in Chicago is the perfect time to get a head start on your holiday shopping!
The Chicago Artisan Market opens for the 2026 season on Sunday, with its first event at Morgan MFG in Fulton Market.
Guests can shop clothing, jewelry, art, home decor, gourmet food, and other gift-worthy goods made locally.
General admission tickets cost just $8. Click here to grab yours and learn more information.
Candlelight concerts in Chicago transform classical live music into an intimate, multi-sensory escape, bringing string quartets into gorgeous, historic venues, lit entirely by thousands of flickering LED candles.
Whether they are performing classical masterpieces by Vivaldi or reimagining modern hits, the ambient glow and acoustic beauty create an enchanting atmosphere that feels a world away from the typical city noise.
Visit the Shedd Aquarium’s new cuttlefish friends
The Shedd Aquarium recently welcomed a pod of new ocean-dwelling friends to it family—a crop of adorable stumpy cuttlefish!
These tentacled critters are closely related to Octopuses and Squid, and only a few inches in size.
Guests can see the animals on view this weekend at the Shedd’s Wild Reef exhibit. Grab your tickets here.
Celebrate fall in Chicago with a special Harry Potter-inspired tea time at the Langham hotel.
The Forbidden Forest Afternoon Tea experience includes a whimsical selection of teas, pastries, and gourmet bites.
Reservations are available now through November 22.
The Art Institute of Chicago recently added the first Norman Rockwell painting to its collection, and it features the Windy City’s own baseball heroes: The Cubs!
Stop by the AIC’s American wing this weekend to see the piece up close and snap a no-flash photo where permitted.
Afterwards, unwind and grab a bite at the Chicago Athletic Association’s ornate Drawing Room lounge right across the street.
