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The best things to do in Chicago today

Find the best things to do in Chicago today, including parties, concerts, screenings and other can't-miss events.

Jeffy Mai
Written by
Jeffy Mai
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Not sure what's happening around the city today? Allow us to be of service. Chicago's best attractions, which include beautiful parks, neighborhoods and a free zoo, are always a good start. So are Chicago's best museums, from the Art Institute of Chicago to the Shedd Aquarium. Plus—as always—we're keeping track of the top parties, concerts, museum exhibitions, community events and more interesting stuff happening in Chicago day-by-day. Grab your calendar and check out all the best things to do in Chicago today.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago right now 

Best things to do in Chicago today

  • Things to do
  • Streeterville
Navy Pier, in partnership with the Design Museum of Chicago and The Vintage House Show Collective, presents a new exhibit exploring the history of the home-grown artists, clubs and labels that have built House music. The exhibit will be open and free to the public during all Pier operating hours through the end of October.
  • Things to do
  • Wrigleyville
Wrigley Field is a baseball mecca but from May 10-13, you’ll be able to play a round of golf inside the stadium. The exclusive experience will let guests hit tee shots from the upper deck down to custom greens on the field below. Once you’re finished, head to the clubhouse for music, food and beer.
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  • Movie theaters
  • West Loop
Rooftop Cinema Club, the open-air theater perched atop The Emily Hotel, is back for another season. Guests can catch showings of hand-picked classics, cult films and recent releases while also enjoying sweeping views of the skyline and craft beverages. It’s the perfect summer cinema experience. Check the official website for the full schedule and lineup.
  • Art
  • Film and video
  • price 0 of 4
Displaying a 25-story-tall video installation on the side of THE MART, ART on THE MART is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, with programming that changes seasonally. ART on THE MART's array of 34 digital projectors show the creations after dusk every evening. It’s best viewed from the section of the Chicago Riverwalk between Wells Street and Franklin Street.
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  • Things to do
  • Streeterville
Navy Pier’s newest attraction is here, transporting guests to some of Chicago’s most epic places via exhilarating flights. The multi-sensory experience incorporates drone technologies with aerial shots and first-person views to showcase the city like never before. Guests will swoop, dip and turn in motion seats as they climb up skyscrapers, check out iconic landmarks, float through fireworks and more.
  • Things to do
  • Suburbs
Sony Pictures Entertainment has brought its first immersive entertainment destination to Oakbrook Center, inviting guests to enter the worlds of popular franchises like Uncharted, Ghostbusters, Jumanji, Bad Boys, Zombieland and more. The 45,000-square-foot space is home to a variety of activities, ranging from escape rooms to virtual reality and racing simulators to bumper cars. When you need to refuel, drop into the Commissary Restaurant for a full menu of food, desserts and cocktails. Entry to Wonderverse is free, with attractions priced separately.
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  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • Loop
This annual festival assembles luminaries from the fields of politics, journalism and the arts for a multi-week series of programming across the city, with events ranging from lectures and discussions to screenings and musical performances. Not sure which events to hit? Some of the fest’s biggest speakers this season include former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, architect Jeanne Gang, musician Kathleen Hanna and comedian Reggie Watts. You can see a full schedule of programming on the Chicago Humanities Festival website.
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  • Things to do
  • Hyde Park
The Museum of Science and Industry debuts a new exhibit dedicated to the science and technology behind the world’s longest-running film franchise, James Bond. Fans can check out 13 vehicles and over 90 additional artifacts, including the prototype jetpack used in Thunderball, an MI6 Retina Scanner from GoldenEye and the Parahawk snowmobile hybrid from The World Is Not Enough. You’ll also be able to step into a lab space inspired by “Q” and test your skills developing the perfect vehicle for spy activities, designing stunts and more.
  • Music
  • Ukrainian Village
What’s better than a show at the Empty Bottle? A free show at the Empty Bottle. Every Monday, Chicago’s premier indie rock club hosts a free concert. Check the website for a schedule of upcoming performances and to RSVP.
House on the Plaza
  • Things to do
  • Loop
Take a midday break and head to Daley Plaza for a dance party. Live DJs will be spinning house music so get ready to get down.
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