BEST Events In Chicago
The Event Oracle Knows ALL the FUN Events in the Great City of Chicago. Select your date above then scroll for all the Arts, Entertainment, and Events in my Crystal Ball...
SEE ALSO: BEST Chicago Magic
SEE ALSO: BEST Chicago Dinner Shows
ALSO: BEST Chicago Magic
ALSO: BEST Chicago Dinner Shows
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Get to know your trees at the Morton Arboretum
Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Route 53
Chicago, IL 60532The Morton Arboretum’s mission is to collect and study trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world, to display them across naturally beautiful landscapes for people to study and enjoy, and to learn how to grow them in ways that enhance our environment. The goal is to encourage the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. The Morton Arboretum is the Champion of Trees!
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Field Museum
Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60605The Field Museum is a must-see destination while you’re here in Chicago. Where else can you meet Máximo the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur ever discovered; experience SUE, the most complete and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered; descend into an ancient Egyptian tomb, and explore over 10,000 years of Chinese history and culture, all in one afternoon? With 4.6 billion years in one place, the Field Museum takes you to the farthest reaches of this incredible planet we live on. Stop by the Field Museum and unearth a truly must-see experience.
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Design Museum of Chicago
Design Museum of Chicago
72 E Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60601Each exhibition is uniquely designed in concert with the exhibition themes, and the gallery space undergoes a complete transformation for each show. From undulating MDF “hills” for a show on Chicago’s bicycle culture to a behind-the-scenes environment for a show on design in theatre, the exhibition design always responds to and supports its content in a unique way. As a result, visitors are greeted with a new, unexpected experience every visit, and are inspired to see the exceptional within the simple. The museum is committed to creative solutions that elevate humble materials.
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Gangster Tours with Untouchable Tours
600 North Clark St (Clark & Ohio)
Chicago, IL 60654Take a gangster tour with Untouchable Tours. Our guides are actors and take on the persona of a 1920’s gangster. Our gangster guides present an accurate account of the crimes and activities that were going on in Chicago during the 1920s and ’30s (Prohibition Era). You will hear the exploits of Capone, Moran, Dillinger and the rest of the boys on this unforgettable Chicago crime tour! Some sites included are: the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, the Biograph Theatre, and Holy Name Cathedral. The tour is educational but very entertaining with prizes at the end!
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Visit the DuSable Black History Museum
DuSable Black History Museum
740 East 56th Place
Chicago, IL 60637The DuSable: Black History Museum and Education Center, is proud of its diverse holdings that number more than 15,000 pieces and include paintings, sculpture, print works and historical memorabilia. Special exhibitions, workshops and lectures are featured to highlight works by particular artists, historical events or collections on loan from individuals or institutions.
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Agora Artwork
Grant (Ulysses) Park
337 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60602Comprised of 106 nine-foot-tall headless torsos, Agora is one of the most important and extensive sculptural installations in Chicago’s recent history. The artwork gets its name from the Greek word for meeting place. The cast iron figures are arranged in interesting groupings. Some are frozen in positions that suggest great movement, while others appear to be standing completely still. Most of them are in monumental crowds, although some appear to be pulling away from the larger group. Valued at more than $3 million, the 2006 installation is the work of internationally-acclaimed sculptor Magdalena Abakanowicz. The Parkways Foundation received generous gifts from the Polish Ministry of Culture, Association of Fine Art Zacheta Wielkopolska, and numerous private donors for the project. Abakanowicz donated her time as did a group of dedicated Polish artists who helped her construct the pieces in Poznan, Poland.
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Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady
112 E. Wacker Dr.
Chicago, ILFor more than 25 years, the CAC's expertly trained docent volunteers have led the river cruise, sharing fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River. Hear how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world's largest cities in less than 100 years. In just 90 minutes, you'll get the best overview of Chicago’s architecture and its history.
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Secret Chicago Beer Tour
A secret location in Chicago
Chicago, ILAs we wind through one of The Windy City's most lovely residential areas you'll drink numerous seasonal beers and learn about: how Chicago politics shaped the beer industry; Chicago's gritty rivalry with Milwaukee; the German beer riot, and its long-lasting effects on political partisanship in Chicago city elections; a deadly Chicago theme park; and many more fascinating snippets of our history. We'll dive into the cultural dealings of the area, history before the Chicago fire, prohibition, and beyond!
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We Game Murder at the MTV Awards
Online
Chicago, ILA crime has been committed at the iconic TV Music Worldwide Awards, and a select group of celebrities are among the suspects. They'll soon discover that Michael Johnson, the crazy and eccentric King of Pop who was the favorite to win most prizes, has died under rather suspicious circumstances. Seeing as it's nigh on impossible to gather everyone in the police station, the police has instead decided to hold the interrogations online. Will the culprit be among the stars? Is it all a trap? Could other artists meet the same unfortunate fate as the King of Pop? Step onto the red carpet and find out! Ticket includes access to the online game that will be lead by an actor in real time, and everything necessary to play with your friends from home.
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Duckpin Bowling
The Pink Squirrel
2414 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, ILThe Pink Squirrel is a 21+ midwestern cocktail bar with a fun, retro atmosphere. Enjoy vintage inspired drinks while you and your friends sign up for one of the Duckpin Bowling lanes, which is just like bowling but miniature - and you don't have to rent any used & smelly shoes! Bowling hours are 5pm to 2am, seven days a week.
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Trickery Chicago
Trickery
3453 N Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657This show is an affordable treat, and a quick something to do after dinner. The show itself is a short one-hour long, but tickets prices won't break the bank. The venue is intimate at just 30 seats and everything happens just a few feet away. The decor is sumptuous and old-world. The age limit recommended is 12 and this is a BYOB venue, so if you are over 21, you can bring in your own beer, wine or liquor. But what about the magician you ask? Aaron and his trusty side-kick, Hoppy the amazing psychic wonder bunny, put on a very entertaining show, and it is obvious that Aaron loves what he does.
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Chicago Magic Lounge
Chicago Magic Lounge
5050 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL, 60640
Chicago, IL 60640Behind an unassuming entrance that leads into a laundromat, is the secret door to the 7,200 square-foot Deco-styled Chicago Magic Lounge. Once you've solved the mystery of how to get in, you hope ordering yourself a cocktail at one of two bars won't be anywhere nearly as difficult. Then enjoy the Chicago magic in the bar with no ticket required. Or come to see the show which begins with an hour of up-close magic followed by a cabaret show. There are both in-house magicians and special guests, so there is always someone new to see at the Chicago Magic Lounge. You can also order fun "small plates" from their full kitchen for a snack during the show.
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Cabaret Zazou
32 W. Randolph
Chicago, IL 60601Cabaret ZaZou is a unique entertainment experience where raucous comedy, extraordinary live music, international cirque performances, and a multi-course feast collide.
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The Magic Parlour
Palmer House Hotel
17 E Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60603Seating fewer than 50 guests, The Magic Parlour is a uniquely intimate and exclusive live entertainment attraction in the heart of downtown. It may be Chicago’s longest-running magic show, but it is also one of the city’s best kept secrets.
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Medieval Times
Medeival Times
2001 North Roselle Rd.
Schaumburg, IL 60195Travel through the mists of time to a forgotten age and a tale of devotion, courage and love--at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Imagine the pageantry and excitement that would have been yours as a guest of the Queen ten centuries ago. That's exactly what you will experience at North America's most popular dinner attraction. See our electrifying show featuring heroic knights on spirited horses displaying the astounding athletic feats and thrilling swordplay that have become hallmarks of this unique entertainment experience.
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Virtual ComedySportz
Twitch Livestream
Chicago, ILOur signature show ComedySportz now comes to you four times a weekend on our brand new Twitch channel! Two teams take each other on virtually for your laughs, chats and emojis. The classic games you love with new twists, our players come to you live from their living rooms to provide the perfect end to your stressful week. All matches end with our insanely intense Six Things Face-off, made popular by our online audiences.
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Premier Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River
Hornblower Odyssey Chicago
455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr
Chicago, IL 60611Odyssey Chicago River is the perfect setting for celebrating with friends, connecting with colleagues, or enjoying a romantic evening. Includes:
A two-and-a-half-hour cruise along the Chicago River
A three-course plated dinner with attentive tableside service
Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water
The most breathtaking views of Chicago’s architecture from the Chicago River
Exclusive reserved tables for your group size
Curated music selection from our onboard DJ
Our freshly prepared, three-course plated dinner menu is included in the base ticket price for all standard dinner cruises. Our chefs are happy to prepare vegetarian and vegan options, and we can also accommodate most dietary restrictions - just inform your server onboard. Menu items subject to change. -
Chicago's Best Standup
Laugh Factory Chicago
3175 Broadway Street
Chicago, IL 60657Standup Comedy is back at Laugh Factory Chicago! Chicago's best standup comedy has returned and will be better than ever. Every safety precaution has been taken to make sure you can enjoy live comedy safely! We know you've been itching to come back out and enjoy standup comedy. Laugh Factory Chicago has compiled the absolute best standup lineup that you will ever see. Some of today's biggest names and local comedians will deliver something for every taste and style of standup comedy at this hilarious event.
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Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
Chicago, ILIn business since 1907, this historical jazz venue is still offering live jazz every night in a prohibition-era speakeasy atmosphere.
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Friday Late Night Standup Comedy
Laugh Factory
3175 North Broadway
Chicago, IL 60657Chicago's Best Standup Comedy is back and will be better than ever. We know you have been itching to come back out and enjoy standup comedy. So we've compiled the absolute best standup lineup that you will ever see. Some of today's biggest names and local comedians will deliver something for every taste and style of standup comedy. CHIME Card and CASH APP cards will not be accepted for purchases.
Virtual Events Today
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Birding 101 Virtual Workshop
Virtual
Phoenix, AZLet an internationally celebrated birding expert and National Geographic introduce you to the joys of birding across the North American continent.
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Zazen Meditation
Virtual
Santa Fe, NMThe zazen schedule is 7:00 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. MT and Wednesday Dharma Talks (5:30 p.m. MT). Join us online for the 7am and 5:30pm meditation on Upaya Zen Center’s YouTube page.
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Adult and Teen Ballet, Beginning or Intermediate Class with Natalia
Virtual
Scottsdale, AZ 85260Reserve your Spot & Preregister for a Virtual Class Today!
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ETHEL and Friends: Balcony Bar from Home
Virtual
New York City, NYFix yourself a drink and experience The Met's Balcony Bar from home with ETHEL, one of the most acclaimed string quartets in the contemporary classical field. With an eye on tradition and an ear to the future, ETHEL is a leading force in concert music's reengagement with musical vernaculars, fusing diverse traditions into a vibrant sound. Expect familiar classical tunes mixed with a fair share of the group's signature cutting-edge repertoire. Guest artists and collaborators also make periodic appearances. ETHEL is Ralph Farris (viola), Kip Jones (violin), Dorothy Lawson (cello), and Corin Lee (violin). No login required.
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Friday Night Bingo with Kids Need More
Virtual
New York City, NYHave a blast playing BiNGO from the safety & comfort of your home while supporting children & families coping with the trauma of cancer, COVID- 19 and other life-threatening illnesses. Play your BiNGO Card for 5 Fabulous Rounds in the Zoom Party Room. Your card is good to play every round.
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Chef Bill's Free Cooking Class
Online
New York City, NYPlease join us for our FREE, live, fully interactive cooking class. There's always a new topic, from soups and appetizers, to entrees and side dishes, to desserts. Sometimes it's meat or fish based, sometimes it's vegan. Your comments and ideas help create future classes. These classes are unique because they're fully interactive: if you have questions and comments, we'll talk about them. And with two cameras, you see everything that's happening. And these classes really are free. This isn't a thing to get you to sign up for paid classes. Chef Bill, a professional chef, has been doing these free classes since November 2020. Why? Because they're fun. Join us to learn about recipes, techniques, and fun cooking things!
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The Metropolitan Opera - Nightly Opera Streams
Virtual
New York City, NYSeize this unique opportunity to watch opera every night of the week! Each day, a different encore presentation from the company’s Live in HD series is being made available for free streaming on the Met website, with each performance available for a period of 23 hours, from 7:30 p.m. EDT until 6:30 p.m. the following day. The schedule will include outstanding complete performances from the past 14 years of cinema transmissions, starring all of opera’s greatest singers.
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The Living Room Comedy Show VIRTUAL
Online
New York City, NYThe longest running stand-up comedy show in Brooklyn is back. It's still totally clean, it's still free and it's still hilarious. The only difference is this time it is streaming live on Zoom (so actually in your living room). Friday at 8pm (ET)/ 5pm (PT) join us from wherever you are to see some of TV's funniest comedians. You may be quarantined but everyone is invited. No restrictions on audience as we ask the comics to keep their acts clean.
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The Living Room Comedy Show
Virtual
Brooklyn, NYThe longest running stand-up comedy show in Brooklyn is continuing virtually! Hosted by Carrie Gravenson and Aaron Kominos Smith, it's still totally clean, it's still free, and it's still hilarious. The only difference is it is streaming live on Zoom (so actually in your living room). Fridays at 8pm (ET)/ 5pm (PT) join us from wherever you are to see some of TV's funniest comedians. You may be quarantined but everyone is invited. No restrictions on audience as we ask the comics to keep their acts clean.
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Online Dance Party
Online
New York City, NYThis is an inclusive party, and it is FREE. Everyone is welcome and made to feel so. Do you want to party, but don't really feel like going out? Unlimited drinks are on the house, there's no cover charge and you don't have to pay for parking, cabs, or baby sitters. Mostly top hits of the last 20 years and club/dance music, as well as some 90s, 80s, Disco, Rap, Latin, and International tunes. Requests are welcome.