TICKETS: You can get $10 OFF using promo code “thingstodoinchicago10” at checkout. GET TICKETS NOW
If you ever dreamed of lighting up the sky with Sky Lanterns, having an unforgettable experience and being part of a a magical moment, then we have awesome news for you! The Lights Fest is coming to the Chicago area! This event is going to be held in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin because of city limits and this event needs plenty of open space to map out lanterns’ flight path and landing zone. Also this enables the cleaning crew to remove the lanterns after the event.
The Lights Fest is an experience where thousands of friends and families gather to listen to live music, fill up on great food and light up life by sharing personal wishes, dreams and goals. At the perfect moment, everyone ignites their personalized sky lanterns with Tiki torches and lets them take flight. It creates a surreal ambiance, where time slows down as your single flame rises with thousands of others. Come fill the sky with what lights you.
The lights fest is dedicated to leaving a positive impact on the environment and everyone who attends our event. This is an event that is for everyone but cultivates individual experiences. Whether you’re commemorating or celebrating, you’re creating a special memory that will last a lifetime.
Image via thelightsfest.com
Bring chairs, and blankets as there will be some sitting while listening to the music provided.
Please bring warm clothing. There will be merchandise for sell that includes blankets and sweatshirts, but encourage you to bring warm clothing. We know it will get colder as the night goes on.
WHEN AND WHERE:
September 28, 2019
Country Thunder
2303 Richmond Rd
Twin Lakes, WI 53181
TICKETS: You can get $10 OFF using promo code “thingstodoinchicago10” at checkout. GET TICKETS NOW
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Things to do in Chicago – Main Attractions
Chicago has miles of bathing beaches, amazing museums, unique attractions and a variety of food that you will not able able to discover and enjoy in a single visit. Whether you’re a tourist planning your adventure or a local Chicagoan planning a staycation, we’ve put together a list of the top @thingstodoinchicago. This list only covers main attractions that Chicago is known for, as well as the top places you must visit and food you must taste while you are here. Are you ready?
1. Millenium Park
Photo Via Instagram @jamielinton
Millennium Park has free admission,[3] and features the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Cloud Gate, the Crown Fountain, the Lurie Garden, and various other attractions. The park is connected by the BP Pedestrian Bridge and the Nichols Bridgeway to other parts of Grant Park. Because the park sits atop a parking garage and the commuter rail Millennium Station, it is considered the world’s largest rooftop garden.
In 2017, Millennium Park was the top tourist destination in Chicago and the Midwest, and placed among the top ten in the United States with 25 million annual visitors.
Here is a Map of Millennium Park for your next visit!
Map Via Chicago.gov
At the Millennium Park you will find The Cloud Gate.
Photo Via Instagram @kes_cor
The Cloud Gate is the perfect spot to get your “I’m in Chicago” shot. Take time to admire the sculpture itself, look at the city’s skyline and surrounds in its reflection.
At Millennium Park you will also find the Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Photo Via Instagram @bgallagherphotos
Jay Pritzker Pavilion is one of the most popular destinations in Chicago for a dizzying array of free cultural performances. It is a gracious host to audiences who come to enjoy its annual Summer Music and Film Series, as well as Gospel, Jazz, Blues, Mariachi and World Music Festivals, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, NPR’s Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me, Broadway in Chicago, Lyric Opera and Grant Park Music Festival. If you are visiting during the summer, you can also catch a Movie at the Park! This Years line up for Movies At The Park are:
June 4: “Black Panter”
June 11: “Frida”
June 18: “Love Simon”
June 25: “Wonder Woman”
July 2: “The Wiz”
July 9: “Ten Things I Hate About You”
July 16: “Moonlight” and “Pan’s Labyrinth”
July 23: “The Music Man”
July 30 “Fences”
Aug 5: Inside Out (film will run 10:30 am)
Aug 6: “The Muppet Movie”
Aug 13: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”
Aug 20: “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”
This superbly designed bridge connects the Millennium Park with the Maggie Daley Park and takes turns and winds, and encourages a slow walk from one park to another. You’ll want to see Cloud Gate (aka the bean), the amphitheater, and Maggie Daley Park so do yourself a favor and take the bridge. Great views, perfect for photos!
Another amazing spot to enjoy yourself and take some photos at the Millennium Park is the Crown Fountain.
Photo Via Instagram @sambernero
Designed by Jaume Plensa and built by Krueck + Sexton Architects, Crown Fountain uses numerous design elements including water, light, and glass to create a unique meeting point and reflection space. Though not originally constructed as such, the Fountain has become an interactive summer urban oasis for families and visitors who take refuge in the space during Chicago’s humid summers.
Approaching the Lurie Garden feels as if you are entering a secret garden in the middle of a concrete jungle. As you leave the Pavillon and enter the Garden you find it surrounded by giant walls of hedges. Rolling fields of native plants are separated by a few paths, including a long pool that cascades down the hill. Don’t be surprised if find visitors dipping their toes in the long pool for a refreshing rest.
The Nichols Bridgeway, a 625-foot pedestrian bridge designed by Renzo Pianorises over the Lurie Gardens and crosses Monroe Street connecting to the thrid floor on the new building. The bridge slowly arches to a height of 60 feet, offering breathtaking views of the park, skyline, and lake.
Offering spectacular views spanning up to four states, a one-stop Chicago experience full of interactive exhibits and…The Ledge, a glass balcony extending four feet outside the 103rd floor of Willis Tower!
March – September: Sunday – Friday 9am-10pm, Saturday 8:30am-12am.
October – February: Sunday – Saturday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-9pm.
Last entry 30 minutes prior to closing.
360 CHICAGO observation deck, located 1000 feet above the famed Magnificent Mile in the iconic John Hancock Building, offers breathtaking 360 degrees views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan. 360 Chicago observation deck is also home of TILT – Chicago’s highest thrill ride – an enclosed moving platform that literally tilts you out over Michigan Avenue from the 94th Floor. With its many interactive learning opportunities on the city’s rich history, colorful neighborhoods and its iconic architecture, along with a modern Bar and Café where you can relax and enjoy the best views of the city, 360 CHICAGO is the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Pier Park attractions include the amazing Centennial Wheel, the Pepsi Wave Swinger, carousel and more. Just so you know, the Centennial Wheel soars to nearly 200 feet, with climate-controlled gondolas for the most comfortable Ferris wheel ride ever.
Towering screens. Striking clarity. Deep, sharp sound. This is the ultimate immersive movie-going experience. Visit amctheatres.com to find out about upcoming films.
Kids dig for bones on a dinosaur expedition, scale a three-story schooner, and even make a splash in a squirting, pumping water playground. Chicago Children’s Museum is three floors of fun for kids (ages 10 and under) and their families.
Access any number of Chicago tours from Navy Pier, including Chicago Big Bus Tours, Vertiport Helicopter Tours and Architecture River Tours. You can also rent bicycles to explore the lakefront on your own.
Fireworks perfectly synchronized to music have become a Navy Pier institution. Biweekly shows are scheduled on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For an extra-special experience, watch the fireworks from the water, on the deck of a cruise boat.
5. Lincoln Park Zoo
Photo Via Instagram @lincolnparkzoo
It’s Free! Yes. This amazing Zoo is one of the world’s las free zoos. Home to 200 species and 1,100 animals it is open 365 days a year with events every single day. During winter, you will not want to miss the Zoo Lights, no reservation needed, no tickets, just walk right in and enjoy yourself.
Discover the surprising methods we use to learn about and care for great apes.
2:30 p.m.
Free-Flight Feeding McCormick Bird House
Enter a lush forest with tropical birds flying overhead as we offer food to fit every feathered appetite.
6. Shedd Aquarium
Image Via Instagram @kremdela
Every year Shedd Aquarium welcomes 2 million guests for unforgettable encounters with belugas and bluegills, stingrays and sturgeons, sea otters and a sea turtle—and so many more animals from aquatic environments around the world.
Well If you are In Chicago you must check out the following a the Field Museum:
#1 Sue the T. Rex
The largest, most complete, and best preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever discovered is permanently on display for intrepid adventurers to see. You’ll also want to view the other fossils in Dinosaur Hall. Grab a copy of Steve Fiffer’s book Tyrannosaurus Sue to get the inside scoop on the discovery of this monstrous fossil and the larger-than-life dinosaur hunters that define this field.
#2 Inside Ancient Egypt
The Field Museum has one of the largest collections of mummies in the United States. Visitors can explore a three-story mastaba, a type of Egyptian tomb. It features two full rooms from an authentic 5,000-year-old tomb of pharaoh’s son Unis-Ankh.
#3 Underground Adventure
Museum-goers magically shrink to 1/100th of a person’s actual size to get a bug’s eye view of critters on this planet. Explore giant worm tunnels and soil chambers in this interactive and educational exhibit.
#4 Grainger Hall of Gems
Rare jewels and precious gold objects from all parts of the globe are on display for visitors to inspect. You won’t believe your eyes!
#5 Evolving Planet
This awe-inspiring show takes visitors through 4 billion years of the Earth’s ever-evolving forms of life. From single organisms to overwhelming dinosaur finds, this hands-on exploration of living history will appeal to visitors of all ages.
#6 McDonald’s Prep Lab
On the second floor by the Evolving Planet exhibit, there’s a fossil preparation lab. Visitors can view experts working on new scientific specimens from around the world.
#7 Rotating Exhibitions
The Field Museum features ongoing rotating exhibitions that help people think more about this wondrous planet and the cultures that share it. Past themes from popular exhibitions have included Whales, Opening the Vaults: Mummies, and Chocolate. Check the Field Museum website for news on what exciting exhibitions are coming soon.
#8 The Ancient Americas
This showcase covers 13,000 years of human history in the western hemisphere. Kids can walk through a replica of an 800-year-old pueblo dwelling to get a feel for family life before computer games and texting.
#9 Genghis Khan
Learn all about this legendary ruler and the astounding treasures he amassed in his conquest to rule the world in this special exhibit.
#10 The Best Bathrooms in the Country
Before you go, swing by MacDonald’s on the ground floor and check out the best bathrooms in the country. I’m not kidding.
Don’t Forget to Tag #thingstodoinchicago @thingstodoinchicago when you upload your photos!
The Field Museum is open 364 days a year (every day but Christmas Day) from 9am–5pm, with last admission at 4pm.
The Chicago Riverwalk is an open uninterrupted pedestrian trail along the south bank of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago. It spans from Lake Michigan west to Franklin Street. Called the city’s ‘Second Lakefront’, the Riverwalk contains restaurants during the summer months, seating areas to relax, boat rentals, and theater-style seating for various performances. Other attractions along the Riverwalk include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza, and the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, offering visitors a chance to learn about the integral part the Chicago River’s played in Chicago’s development and if you are lucky enough, see a bridge lift from inside the bridgehouse. Enjoy the renowned architecture along the Chicago River as you meander through one of Chicago’s newest attractions.
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Things to do in Chicago (January)
1. Travel Show
Date: January 12 – 13, 2019
Explore Thousands of Vacation options with Chicago Travel & Adventure Show. It has travel experts and travel industry vendors at the Donal E Stephen Convention Center ready to guide you for your future trips! Children up to age 16 are free!
Tickets: $11 for one day or $18 for two days. Buy them HERE
2. Wndr Museum
Date: January 2 – 27, 2019
Step into a space that reveals the wonders of the world around us. Featuring a Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror Room, wndr museum invites you to explore a new genre of immersive experience. Use #ThingstodoinChicago on your Instagram posts for a chance to be featured!
From January 4 through 31, the Gene Siskel Film Center celebrates the art of the documentary in a special way with the series “Stranger Than Fiction: Documentary Premieres.” Identity in its many meanings and permutations is the theme that weaves through seven features and two shorts, as the subjects of these films explore what it means to be true to themselves, true to their values, and true to their dreams.
Unseen forces have assessed the data to create the perfect comedy content for all humans! Algorithm Nation or The Static Quo takes no prisoners (well, maybe just a few prisoners) during this frenetic, ultra-current, fall-down funny ride that focuses its sights on hyper-violence, astrological love connections, being woke, pyramid schemes, Facebook soldiers, Black Twitter, morning TV and a whole lot more. Consider this show to be the kind of escape room you’ll never want to escape from…ever.
Cast Members: Ryan Asher, Tyler Davis, Jeffrey Murdoch, Emma Pope, Nate Varrone, and Kimberly Michelle Vaughn
Director: Matt Hovde
Musical Director: Vinnie Pillarella
Stage Manager: Craig Taylor
PERFORMANCES:
Tuesdays – Thursdays at 8pm
Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm and 11pm
Sundays at 7pm
This performance runs about 2 hours with one 10 minute intermission and should be considered rated R.
Taking place over the course of five days in January, “Tomorrow Never Knows” gathers the best of rising local indie artists as well as acclaimed national acts, including both musicians and comedians. TNK is a city-wide event, uniting six independent venues in the area: Lincoln Hall, Schubas, Metro, Smartbar, Hideout and for the first time, Sleeping Village, making for a truly unique Chicagoan experience.
Adler After Dark – This month the theme is space invaders and there will be a special museum-wide game. Exclusively for adults 21+, this evening offers you open access, unlimited shows, and unique entertainment every third Thursday of the month from 6:00–10:00 pm (Summer hours, May-August: 6:30–10:30 pm.) With themes that change every month, Adler After Dark is never the same event twice. Reinvent your Adler experience every month with friends, family, or that special someone on a date they’ll never forget.
*Doane Observatory tours will not be available at January Adler After Dark as they continue to make improvements to the observatory. Thank you for your patience!
11. Puppet Festival
The 12-day, city-wide Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival showcases an entertaining and eclectic array of puppet styles from around the world including marionettes, shadow puppets, Bunraku puppets, tiny toy puppets, and distinctive, innovative styles of contemporary puppetry. The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is a mission-driven program of Chicago-based theater company Blair Thomas & Co. Founded in 2002, Blair Thomas & Co. is recognized as an international contributor to contemporary puppetry and a creator of uniquely expressive spectacle theater.
Cubs fans will enjoy autograph signings, player meet-and-greets, interactive exhibits, and special panels with Cubs players, alumni, and management at the Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand.
Get a special deal on a fixed-price lunch or dinner at 400 local restaurants during Chicago Restaurant Week. Don’t miss the biggest restaurant event of the year! Chicago Restaurant Week returns for two weeks of dining deals from hundreds of celebrated restaurants all across the city.
The 12th annual culinary celebration features special prix fixe menus starting at $24 for brunch and lunch, and $36 and/or $48 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity). It’s the perfect excuse to visit an old favorite or try somewhere new.
Register to join the Chicago Polar Bear Club, and then take the Polar Plunge into Lake Michigan for charity at Oak Street Beach, followed by an optional after party. Free to watch.
“Beernival” features carnival games with prizes, competitive flip cup, a beer pong tournament, and unlimited domestic beer at Rizzo’s Bar for age 21+. Ticket price includes domestic beer and cider for 3 hours. After the drink package is over, stay as long as you’d like right at Rizzo’s, where the fun will continue all evening long! Proceeds benefit Autism Speaks – Chicago Chapter
Each winter the LSRCC takes the Chicago street festival scene indoors with Winter Brew! On Saturday, January 26, local breweries and cideries from around Chicago will be setting up shop in the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center’s 5th floor Ballroom and 6th floor Skyline Lounge. Each will showcase at least up to two different craft beers or ciders, and rare, specialty tappings throughout the day. Come in from the cold and get warmed up!
Date: Saturday, January 26th 2019 (Lincoln Square)
Time: 12pm – 4pm (Saturday 1st session)
6pm – 10pm (Saturday 2nd session) Location: DANK Haus German American Cultural Center 4740 North Western Avenue, Chicago
Admission ticket: $10, advance purchase only Beverage/Food Tickets: Beers start at 4 tickets (one ticket = $1); Pre-purchase of 10 or 20 tickets available. NOTE: MUST be at least 21 years of age for entry to this event. Photo IDs will be checked at the door.
Explore Thousands of Vacation options with Chicago Travel & Adventure Show. It has travel experts and travel industry vendors at the Donal E Stephen Convention Center ready to guide you for your future trips! Children up to age 16 are free!
Tickets: $11 for one day or $18 for two days. Buy them HERE
2. Wndr Museum
Date: January 2 – 27, 2019
Step into a space that reveals the wonders of the world around us. Featuring a Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror Room, wndr museum invites you to explore a new genre of immersive experience. Use #ThingstodoinChicago on your Instagram posts for a chance to be featured!
From January 4 through 31, the Gene Siskel Film Center celebrates the art of the documentary in a special way with the series “Stranger Than Fiction: Documentary Premieres.” Identity in its many meanings and permutations is the theme that weaves through seven features and two shorts, as the subjects of these films explore what it means to be true to themselves, true to their values, and true to their dreams.
Unseen forces have assessed the data to create the perfect comedy content for all humans! Algorithm Nation or The Static Quo takes no prisoners (well, maybe just a few prisoners) during this frenetic, ultra-current, fall-down funny ride that focuses its sights on hyper-violence, astrological love connections, being woke, pyramid schemes, Facebook soldiers, Black Twitter, morning TV and a whole lot more. Consider this show to be the kind of escape room you’ll never want to escape from…ever.
Cast Members: Ryan Asher, Tyler Davis, Jeffrey Murdoch, Emma Pope, Nate Varrone, and Kimberly Michelle Vaughn
Director: Matt Hovde
Musical Director: Vinnie Pillarella
Stage Manager: Craig Taylor
PERFORMANCES:
Tuesdays – Thursdays at 8pm
Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm and 11pm
Sundays at 7pm
This performance runs about 2 hours with one 10 minute intermission and should be considered rated R.
Taking place over the course of five days in January, “Tomorrow Never Knows” gathers the best of rising local indie artists as well as acclaimed national acts, including both musicians and comedians. TNK is a city-wide event, uniting six independent venues in the area: Lincoln Hall, Schubas, Metro, Smartbar, Hideout and for the first time, Sleeping Village, making for a truly unique Chicagoan experience.
Adler After Dark – This month the theme is space invaders and there will be a special museum-wide game. Exclusively for adults 21+, this evening offers you open access, unlimited shows, and unique entertainment every third Thursday of the month from 6:00–10:00 pm (Summer hours, May-August: 6:30–10:30 pm.) With themes that change every month, Adler After Dark is never the same event twice. Reinvent your Adler experience every month with friends, family, or that special someone on a date they’ll never forget.
*Doane Observatory tours will not be available at January Adler After Dark as they continue to make improvements to the observatory. Thank you for your patience!
11. Puppet Festival
The 12-day, city-wide Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival showcases an entertaining and eclectic array of puppet styles from around the world including marionettes, shadow puppets, Bunraku puppets, tiny toy puppets, and distinctive, innovative styles of contemporary puppetry. The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is a mission-driven program of Chicago-based theater company Blair Thomas & Co. Founded in 2002, Blair Thomas & Co. is recognized as an international contributor to contemporary puppetry and a creator of uniquely expressive spectacle theater.
Cubs fans will enjoy autograph signings, player meet-and-greets, interactive exhibits, and special panels with Cubs players, alumni, and management at the Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand.
Get a special deal on a fixed-price lunch or dinner at 400 local restaurants during Chicago Restaurant Week. Don’t miss the biggest restaurant event of the year! Chicago Restaurant Week returns for two weeks of dining deals from hundreds of celebrated restaurants all across the city.
The 12th annual culinary celebration features special prix fixe menus starting at $24 for brunch and lunch, and $36 and/or $48 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity). It’s the perfect excuse to visit an old favorite or try somewhere new.
Register to join the Chicago Polar Bear Club, and then take the Polar Plunge into Lake Michigan for charity at Oak Street Beach, followed by an optional after party. Free to watch.
“Beernival” features carnival games with prizes, competitive flip cup, a beer pong tournament, and unlimited domestic beer at Rizzo’s Bar for age 21+. Ticket price includes domestic beer and cider for 3 hours. After the drink package is over, stay as long as you’d like right at Rizzo’s, where the fun will continue all evening long! Proceeds benefit Autism Speaks – Chicago Chapter
Each winter the LSRCC takes the Chicago street festival scene indoors with Winter Brew! On Saturday, January 26, local breweries and cideries from around Chicago will be setting up shop in the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center’s 5th floor Ballroom and 6th floor Skyline Lounge. Each will showcase at least up to two different craft beers or ciders, and rare, specialty tappings throughout the day. Come in from the cold and get warmed up!
Date: Saturday, January 26th 2019 (Lincoln Square)
Time: 12pm – 4pm (Saturday 1st session)
6pm – 10pm (Saturday 2nd session) Location: DANK Haus German American Cultural Center 4740 North Western Avenue, Chicago
Admission ticket: $10, advance purchase only Beverage/Food Tickets: Beers start at 4 tickets (one ticket = $1); Pre-purchase of 10 or 20 tickets available. NOTE: MUST be at least 21 years of age for entry to this event. Photo IDs will be checked at the door.
