Time Out Chicago

Photograph: Courtesty Chief O'Neill's Photograph: Courtesty Chief O'Neill's From lush garden hideaways to bustling sidewalk patios, these are Chicago's essential spots for alfresco dining. Tuesday July 14 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp Written by: Time Out editors Advertising Alfresco dining is one of our favorite parts of summer in Chicago. Fortunately, some of the city's best restaurants offer outdoor seating for you to enjoy a meal in the sun.

News The Windy City is getting the full Hallmark holiday treatment. Written by Laura Ratliff Tuesday July 14 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp Photograph: Shutterstock | Chicago Bears Advertising Chicago is about to become the setting for a very specific kind of holiday miracle: one involving snow, romance and, apparently, the Chicago Bears.

Photograph: Courtesy Kathleen Hinkel | Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Photograph: Courtesy Kathleen Hinkel Learn about art, science, history and beyond at the best museums Chicago has to offer. Monday July 13 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp Contributors: Zach Long, Lindsay Eanet, Isaiah Reynolds & Shannon Shreibak Advertising Last updated July 13, 2026: Some of the world's most famous collections and exhibits can be found in Chicago.

Advertising Time Out says Taking over the former home of late-night Bucktown staple Lazo’s Tacos in 2023, Manchamanteles showcases the depth of regional Mexican cuisine. Geno Bahena, whose resume includes Frontera Grill, Topolobampo and Mis Moles, puts the focus on complex mole dishes alongside well-executed classics like tender cochinita pibil and juicy carne asada. The vibe: Homey and inviting.

Advertising Time Out says Few things in life are as certain as death, taxes and throngs of people at Big Star on a warm day. Sixteen years after opening, One Off Hospitality’s beloved Wicker Park joint still draws crowds for its lively patio, killer tacos and signature margaritas. Come summertime, it’s a quintessential Chicago dining experience. The vibe: Casual and energetic. Big Star knows how to make every visit feel like a party, and you’ll want to bring a group for an afternoon on the patio.

News It’s the sixth consecutive year the city has earned the unwanted title Written by Gerrish Lopez Time Out Contributor, USMonday July 13 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp Photograph: Shutterstock Advertising Chicago is a hotspot for summer travelers, but it turns out the Windy City is also a hotspot for some very unwanted guests.

Photograph: Courtesy Kathleen Hinkel | Chicago House Festival 2025 Photograph: Courtesy Kathleen Hinkel Plan your August in Chicago with our events calendar of the best things to do, including concerts, festivals and movies in parks. Monday July 13 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp Advertising We may be savoring our last full month of summer in Chicago, but the fun is far from over.

Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time Out | Millennium Park Summer Workouts Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time Out Your guide to the best events, festivals, concerts, pop-ups and more this week in Chicago. Monday July 13 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp Contributor: Shannon Shreibak Advertising Each week, our team at Time Out Chicago curates the ultimate weekly event guide, featuring the big events, IYKYK pop-ups and everything in between.

News The weekend will be packed with activations, including historic events at the Obama Presidential Center Written by Gerrish Lopez Time Out Contributor, USFriday July 10 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp Photograph: Shutterstock | Chicago Advertising All eyes will be on Chicago in a couple weeks as the best in women's basketball come to town. From July 23 to July 25, 2026, the midseason masterpiece that is the AT&T WNBA All-Star Weekend is taking over the Windy City.

News Get the same views for way less. Written by Lauren Brocato Things To Do Editor, Time Out ChicagoFriday July 10 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp Photograph: Courtesy Sergii Figurnyi/Shutterstock | Chicago Water Taxi Advertising One of the best ways to see the city is by cruising down the Chicago River.