Time Out Chicago

News Pretty Cool Ice Cream’s limited-edition offerings celebrate four iconic “L” lines. Written by Mark Peikert Thursday July 2 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp Photograph: Courtesy H2 Public Relations | Pretty Cool Ice Cream x CTA Advertising If you needed a compelling argument to leave your home and ride the “L” this summer, here’s one: ice cream.

Photograph: Lindsay Eberly | Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club Photograph: Lindsay Eberly From picturesque rooftop terraces to dimly-lit hideaways, the city’s best bars offer something special for every kind of outing.

Photograph: Courtesy Kathleen Hinkel | Visit a Chicago museum this summer. Photograph: Courtesy Kathleen Hinkel Discover the best things to do in Chicago, from iconic venues and views to cultural essentials and late-night shenanigans. Thursday July 2 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp Contributors: Time Out editors & Shannon Shreibak Advertising No matter where your interests lie, you can always find something to get excited about in this no-nonsense Midwestern metropolis.

News It’s the highest ranking American city. Written by Lauren Brocato Things To Do Editor, Time Out ChicagoThursday July 2 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp Photograph: Shutterstock.com | Buckingham Fountain Advertising It’s official: Chicago is the most beautiful city in the U.S. In fact, it’s the fourth most beautiful city on earth, according to a new ranking of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Photograph: Courtesy Dimmi Dimmi Photograph: Courtesy Dimmi Dimmi From neighborhood taquerias to fine-dining destinations to buzzed-about newcomers, these are the city's most essential spots. Thursday July 2 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp Contributor: Lauren Brocato Advertising The best restaurants in Chicago come in all shapes and sizes, from pizza joints and Michelin-starred heavyweights to some of the best cheap eats Chicago has to offer.

Photograph: Courtesy Chad Wadsworth/Lollapalooza | Lollapalooza 2025 Photograph: Courtesy Chad Wadsworth/Lollapalooza Make the most of your summer with our picks for the best events, festivals, concerts and more this month.

Photograph: Jordan Avery Photograph: Jordan Avery Jump into summer in Chicago with our picks for the best festivals, fairs, exhibits and events. Wednesday July 1 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp Contributor: Shannon Shreibak Advertising Is there anything better than June in Chicago?

News The Char’diniera Dog is set to bring the real fireworks this Fourth of July. Written by Gerrish Lopez Time Out Contributor, USWednesday July 1 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp Photograph: Courtesy Portillo's | Portillo's Char’diniera Dog Advertising The Fourth of July marks peak hot dog season, and just in time for America’s 250th, Portillo’s has teamed up with go-to Windy City supplier Vienna Beef to drop a culinary firecracker: the all-new Char’diniera Dog.

News Celebrate Independence Day at these parades, festivals, fireworks shows and more. Written by Lauren Brocato Things To Do Editor, Time Out ChicagoWednesday July 1 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp Photograph: Courtesy Mike Cox/Unsplash | Downtown Chicago Advertising The sound of firecrackers, the smell of grill outs and the sight of people dressed in red, white and blue can only mean one thing: Fourth of July weekend is here.

Photograph: Courtesy Nick Ulivieri/Navy Pier | Navy Pier fireworks Photograph: Courtesy Nick Ulivieri/Navy Pier With our guide to the best festivals, shows and cultural happenings across the city, consider your weekend plans covered. Wednesday July 1 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp Contributor: Shannon Shreibak Advertising We’re probably not alone in saying that the weekend is always on our minds here at Time Out Chicago HQ.