This blog is a little different, because it’s about my HOME! I’ve lived in Chicago for most of my life simply because Chicago is one of the best cities in the US… I’ll prove it to you in this post.
Best SUMMER activities:
Summer is Chicago’s best season! We’re ditching our bulky jackets and working on our tans!
Music Festivals!
I’m sure you’ve heard of Lollapalooza by now, but there are many more festivals to check out!! I personally recommend checking out Riot Fest. Riot Fest is all about punk, rock, and alternative music. There is also Pitchfork that is also alternative, but features indie and hip hop artists. If that’s not your scene, there’s also Mamby On the Beach, which is pretty popular for a chill crowd that likes to listen to house and techno, and also features some alternative or rap artists.
Food Festivals!
Taste of Chicago is a classic but tends to be extremely busy. It is America’s largest food festival, so If you’re up for large crowds then go for it. The food portions are sample sized, so you can try a bunch of different foods. But again, lines are long so don’t come too hungry.
If you’re looking for a more lowkey food festival, I would recommend Taste of Polonia not just because I am Polish, but because of the PIEROGI!
Chicago also offers a variety of international food fests like Lincoln Park Greek Fest, Tacos y Tamales Fest, and the Chinatown Summer Fair.
Farmers markets!
There are so many Farmers Markets to choose from in Chicago. 2 of my favorites are: Green City Market in Lincoln Park and Division Street Farmers Market in Gold Coast.
Let’s start with Green City Market: this market offers quite literally EVERYTHING from organic produce, to lavender oils. It is open every Saturday and Wednesday from May to October, so you can come back each month to try the in-season produce. The location of this market is also perfect: It’s right next to Lincoln Park Zoo, and conveniently located close to North Ave Beach, making it a perfect pit-stop before hitting some rays.
Next up is Division Street Farmers Market: this market is smaller compared to Green City Market, but it does pack a punch! It’s the perfect place to take a stroll, and pick up a bouquet of flowers, and a vegan empanada from Fons. It is also open from May to October, however, only open on Saturdays, so make sure to set your alarm on the weekend so you don’t miss it!
Summer Sports!
Hit the Ball park, and by that I mean a Chicago White Sox game, not a Cubs game. Chicago has two great baseball teams and this causes a bit of a divide. From a young age, you are tasked with a great decision – Sox or Cubs. The correct choice is obviously to root for the Southside, but some may disagree. Either way, grab a beer and watch some home runs this summer.
Best FALL activities:
Fall is one of Chicago’s most beautiful seasons. The changing colors of the leaves, the smell of pumpkin spice, and chunky sweaters.. what’s not to love.
Haunted Houses!
My favorite activity of the fall is of course haunted houses. Most of the haunted houses are located in the suburbs, but are well worth the drive for some spooks. Haunted houses I recommend are: HellsGate in Lockport, 13th Floor in Schiller Park, and Statesville Haunted Prison in Joliet which was my favorite, but it is unfortunately permanently closed.
Pumpkin Patches!
The two pumpkin patches located in Chicago are the Pumpkin Patch and Walk in Lincoln Park, and Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-up in Goose Island. Jojo’s shake bar also transforms its patio into a fall themed Pop-up, where you can try their fall drinks and even pick out a pumpkin. These are not traditional pumpkin patches. If you want traditional pumpkin patches you will have to, once again, head to the suburbs. But if you’re looking to stay local, the Lincoln Park Pumpkin Patch is perfect for some family fun. While Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-up is tailored to young adults, and offers photo props, ax-throwing, a corn maize, and drinks.
Check out a comedy show!
It tends to get a bit chilly towards the end of Fall, so some indoor fun is much needed! If you’re up for some laughs, there are a plethora of comedy shows you can attend. I recommend the Comedy Bar, or The Second City. The Comedy Bar offers a chill environment with comedians that have been in the business for a while and some that are just starting out. The Second City was the first comedy show I’ve ever been to, and it really does live up to its name as one of the best in the city.
Best SPRING activities:
Days are getting warmer and longer, and Chicago is once again singing!
Shop til ya drop down Michigan Ave!
Who doesn’t love to shop?? Especially in a big city. Michigan Ave does get pretty packed on the weekends, and even the weekdays if I’m being honest. But still, the lines inside the stores never seem to be that long or even crowded, it’s mainly just the streets that are crowded. I live pretty close to Michigan Ave so I can conveniently walk to any store I wish. If you’re driving in, it may be a little tough to find parking. Your best bet is to park in one of the nearby garages, though they are pricey.
Down Michigan Ave you can find all your classic stores – Nike, Zara, Saks, etc. If you’re looking for high-end luxury brands you will also find DIOR, Ralph Lauren, Channel, etc. BUT don’t skip out on all the high-end thrift stores that Chicago has to offer – this is the best part about shopping in Chicago. So many great luxury pieces can be found in second hand stores like The RealReal, and NorthShore Exchange.
And if you’re an avid shopper, I also recommend checking out Milwaukee Ave in Wicker Park! It’s a much more homey shopping experience, with great stores like Free People, Urban Outfitters, and Foot Locker. I recommend spending some time here, regardless of if you want to shop or not!
Museums!
You can visit museums in Chicago during any time of the year, but what better time to visit the museum than when the flowers are just beginning to bloom?
Any type of museum you can think of Chicago has. Interested in history? We’ve got it. How about Contemporary Art? We’ve got that too. Sports? Check. Cultural exhibits? Absolutely!
Some of my favorites are: The Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the National Museum of Mexican Art.
Pro Tip: The National Museum of Mexican Art has free admission year round. Most museums in Chicago hold a number of free admission days for Illinois residents, so be sure to check out their sites before visiting!
P.S. After visiting the The Art Institute of Chicago, roam around outside and keep the creative juices flowing.
Visit a Green Space!
Grant Park Rose Garden: The Grant Park Rose Garden is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Chicago. Spend some time here admiring the flowers while taking in the beautiful views of Chicago.
Lincoln Park: Lincoln Park is one the largest parks in the city, and it has just about everything – a large green space, 2 baseball fields, and a soccer field, a great running path, a lily pond, and of course Chicago artwork. Not to mention it is only a short walk to North Ave beach making it feel like you are in the center of it all.
Harold Washington Park in Hyde Park: This is the perfect place to have a picnic/barbecue, as there is a ton of open space and grass to lay out on. You also get incredible views of Lake Michigan!
Best WINTER activities:
Pack your layers because Chicago is OH SO cold in the winter, but boy is it pretty!
Ice skating Under City Lights
This one is a classic, and is arguably THE MOST festive thing you can do in Chicago during the winter. There are a few outdoor rinks you can check out. I recommend the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon simply because it is larger and more organized. A close second is the Millennium Park Ice Rink. Whichever you chose, enjoy your skate while being surrounded by breathtaking views of the city. And don’t forget to reserve your ice time prior to your skate, as bookings tend to fill up fast!
Holiday Markets!
The Christkindle market is a very popular market, so much so that they have two locations: One in the Loop, and the other in Wrigleyville. What draws me to this market is the collectible mugs you get with an order of hot chocolate or mulled wine. After you’re warmed up from your beverage of choice, you can try food from different vendors as well as shop for artisan goods! Be advised that this is often a crowded event. I would recommend checking it out during the weekday if possible!
Go to a Blackhawks OR Bulls game
Lots of events happen at the United Center, including hockey, basketball, and concerts. I highly recommend you attend either a game or a concert while in chicago. All Chicagoans are pretty avid sports fans, so it’s never a bad idea to watch the Blackhawks or Bulls play at the United Center and make some friends with fellow fans!
I hope you enjoyed this read! Stay tuned for another blog featuring Chicago’s best Eats! Coming soon!