30 Fun Things to Do in Chicago for New Year 2024

To make your tour of the city a little less taxing, opt for a Chicago city pass such as the GO Chicago card which allows you to save up to 55% on ticket prices on a number of attractions. These flexible sightseeing passes make your travel a breeze as all you need to do is show the pass at the entrance and walk-in. Pick the 1,2,3 or 5 day passes depending on your stay, the things you wish to see and your plans for things to do in Chicago to get discounted access to 25 tourist attractions.

Chicago’s neighborhoods are diverse with its own vibe and personality; here are the must-visit places for any first-timers who are looking for things to do in Chicago this weekend.

Being the city’s oldest neighborhood, uptown is where you can expect a mix of a rich history and modern diversity. It’s famous for its vintage architecture with many of its old structures such as Art Deco buildings and old movie houses being restored to their former glory. The area is also known for its vibrant music scene with the Green Mill, a 100-year-old jazz club being one of the most popular. Argyle Street is where you need to head for some delicious Asian eateries while you’re here.

Wicker Park or Bucktown is where you need to head to if you’re looking for something interesting going on over the season. Whether you’re looking for award-winning or trendy eateries or hunting for something unique to add to your shopping collection, you will find it all here. The area is also popular for pubs, art galleries, book stores, record shops, vintage stores and anything a traveler might be looking to take home.

Art enthusiasts who are looking for some Chicago things to do will come to love Logan Square and its thriving community of gifted artists. The neighborhood bustles with the creative energy of local musicians, artists, and the indie spirit all set within an urban vibe. Taking a stroll through the Logan Boulevard you’ll come across vintage limestone homes and structures and the area’s popular attractions such as the Logan Theatre which is the cultural hub in the locality.

The nature-lover’s favorite, Lincoln Park is popular for its greenery with its beautifully manicured gardens, an indoor botanical garden, a hidden lily pond and plenty of lakefront space with sweeping views of the city. Interestingly this neighborhood has a thriving culinary scene and also features Alinea, the ultra-acclaimed restaurant which is considered one of the best in the world.

Named one of the “12 Coolest Neighborhoods Around the World” by Forbes magazine, Pilsen has a rich Latino culture and a diverse tradition of arts, music, and culinary scene. It’s also popular for its nightlife, award-winning restaurants, and cool music venues that attract artists from all around the country. The one thing you will see everywhere is the sensational murals and street art throughout the neighborhood giving it quite a hip vibe.

Bound by the Chicago River on the south and Oak Street to the north, the Magnificent Mile is an upscale stretch of the Michigan Avenue. Also called as The Mag Mile, this section is Chicago’s largest shopping district with hundreds of mid-range and high-end stores. Being a Mecca for shopaholics, this avenue is always on the things to do in Chicago list of most visitors. While it’s most popular for shopping, it also has a number of tourist attractions which your Chicago city pass can cover.

Every month is a festival month in the City of Chicago celebrating food, art, music, culture, history and more. So, while you’re here planning for things to do in Chicago, be sure to check out these festivals.

This event which happens city-wide lasts for 11 days in the month of September and is attended by tens of thousands. Produced by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, this music festival which began in 1999 has had over 650 artists from 80 countries and attracted more than 650,000 attendees.

For the foodies who absolutely love dumplings, this is a chance to celebrate with other dumpling lovers from around the world. Featuring dumplings from the city’s finest ethnic restaurants, the event is free for all, but the dumplings need to be paid for. It is also a stage for cultural performances and activities and a preview to what’s going around the neighborhoods in September.

Offered by the Chicago Architecture Centre, Open House is a free event for the public that gives a behind scene access to 350 buildings across the city. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be in building you’ve always been fascinated by in the city, this event in October is your chance to check it out!

If you’re visiting during October looking for some fun things to do in Chicago this weekend, then visit the Apple fest that’s usually on a Sunday. Find everything Apple in this festival including hot apple cider, fresh apple pies and even a whole bushel of apples. The event is kid-friendly and fun for the whole family.

November is the time for delight for every beer enthusiast with this festival which brings the best craft beer from around the world. The event costs $85 for admission and has three tasting sessions. A handy app is also available for download and navigating the event.

This beloved annual event held in November should definitely be on your things to do in chicago list.

The family-friendly event features giant slides, carnival rides, indoor Ice-Skating Rink, holiday-themed activities and more spread over an area of 170,000 square feet. With plenty of activities in store, this fun event is attended by millions every year.

Wine enthusiasts visiting Chicago in December should visit the best wine tasting event in the city. This event where you can find the finest wine in the country is an elevated experience that is sure to stimulate all your senses. Also enjoy some great food and live musical performances while you’re at it. There are VIP and general admission tickets for the event.

The Navy Pier while being an iconic destination in the city is also that place for the grandest fireworks show in Chicago. If you happen to be in the city on New Year ’s Eve, this is where you need to be right before the fireworks start. Watching the magnificent harbor glisten under the glow of firework is a sight out of this world to behold and just one of those Chicago things to do for the residents and the visitors.

Chicago has one of the most vibrant music scenes in the country and is home to a number of influential genres. Here are the places to go to for an experience of Chicago’s own.

Chicago being the birthplace of House music has some cool house music places. Although many are just fleeting scenes, there are some that have become famous. Smart Bar, on 3730 N. Clark Street- Wrigleyville is a 30-year-old institution that features House, Disco and Techno. Primary, on 5W. Division Street-Gold Coast is a night club with a great sound system. Grand Bar Whiskey Lounge, on 1600 W. Grand Avenue is legendary for music and drinks.

Kingston Mines, in Lincoln Park is considered one of the best for Blues music in the city. It’s loved for great food, the atmosphere and of course the live music! Rosa’s Lounge located in Logan Square is another great place for music, good drinks, food, and a great crowd. Blue Chicago at River North is another favorite among the locals which is rated quite high for its over-all experience.

East Room in Logan Square is a popular location for after-parties with its 4 am licence. It’s open on any random night with many of the local DJs spinning great tracks. Disco on River North features a totally retro vibe and boasts a gigantic lighted dance floor with mirror balls. The Underground on River North is another fantastic nightclub frequented famous people, if you’re there on any day there’s a chance you’ll run into a celebrity.

Right at the heart of Chicago’s cultural scene is its theatre. If you are an enthusiast, then visiting one of these should definitely be on your list of things to do in Chicago.

The best of Broadway is some of the city’s greatest theatres. Cadillac Palace Theatre which has been home to some of the greatest shows has been running since 1926. The James M. Nederlander Theatre with its decor inspired by the Far East is another great theatre for the enthusiasts. Other renowned theatres include the Auditorium Theatre and CIBC Theatre.

The city has just as deep a background in comedy as it does in music and arts. The Second City in Lincoln Park is Chicago’s crown jewel in comedy. It has been the stage for famous comics such as Bill Murray, Steve Carrell, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert and more. The other great ones include Zanies in Old Town, iO Theatre on River North and Laugh Factory on Lake View.

While Broadway gets most of the limelight, the aficionados of theatres are often aware of these hidden gems. The Red Orchid Theatre in Old Town has been a place to nurture talent since the 90’s. The Chopin Theatre in Wicker Park has been around since 1918 having some of the greatest performances. Another old gem is The Mercury which opened in 1912.

With Chicago being home to some of the best institutions in the world, there are a number of museums that just cannot be missed by tourists. A visit to the City’s world-class museums should be on the itinerary things to do in Chicago.

Home of SUE, the famous T-rex skeleton, the Field Museum is a 300,000 square feet space meant to house some of the most important anthropological and biological collection since 1893. The museum features 30 permanent exhibitions containing exhibits such as glowering dinos, ancient Egyptian artifacts, halls of gemstones from around the world and a beautiful Chinese rock garden.

This family-friendly museum is full of interactive exhibits such as whistles and bells which are fun and educational at the same time. Built-in 1893 during the World’s Columbian Exposition, the museum features a wide range of science and industrial displays. Some of the highlights include a restored German U-505 submarine and a simulated coal mine.

Part of the Chicago Historical Society, the history museum is an adjoining section of a library which is an archive of thousands of photos, documents, and objects of historical significance. Some interesting exhibits also include an extensive collection of vintage clothing and the “Sensing Chicago”.

Being one of the city’s most well-known museums, the Art Institute is a sprawling complex of galleries and halls containing over 300,000 artworks. The building has an iconic duo of lions who flank the stairs that lead to the entrance. If you have plenty of time on your hands, you must include this museum visit among other things to do in chicago. Even if you could explore 0.1 percent of the massive collection of artwork, consider yourself as having done well!

This museum is the perfect place for you to learn how art evolved around the world in the last couple of decades. Featuring a range of artwork from the 1950’s the museum holds a collection of contemporary art and is well known for its touring exhibits. While it features the work of world-famous artists, it also displays pieces by the rising talent in the country and around the world.

While your chicago city pass gets you into places at discounted prices, here are the top places in the city you can enjoy for free.

Set on 37 acres of land, the Lincoln Park Zoo dates back to 1868. It’s home to dozens of species of animals including Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos, Primates, Felines and Sloths. While being home to 1,100 animals with new and exciting enclosures being added this free-to-visit attraction is an absolute delight for children. While entrance to the zoo is free, there are charges to parking and other amenities.

Featured in many movies, The Bean is a stainless-steel work of art and is one of the most visited and unique pieces of art open to the public. Unveiled in 2004 at the opening of the Millennium Park it has become one of Chicago’s iconic symbols and is among the most photographed attractions in the city. Interestingly, the original name of the sculpture is ‘Cloud Gate’; however, Chicagoans came to call it ‘The Bean’ due to its peculiar bean shape that beautifully reflects Chicago’s skyline.

The River Walk is one of Chicago’s star attractions owing to its incredible feat of urban planning. This 1.25-mile stretch is a treat for pedestrians who wish to enjoy the picturesque scenery throughout the walk or stopover at points that offer amazing photo opportunities. While the path can be traveled by foot, bicycle, river tours or personal kayaking, there are stunning works of public art all the way to keep you amazed.

Affectionately dubbed as “Chicago’s front yard”, Grant Park is 319 acres of open space that contains the famous attractions such as Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, Museum Campus Chicago and more.

If you’re travelling with kids and they love dogs as much as you do then this should be on your things to do in chicago this weekend list. Montrose beach has a whole section that’s fenced off for dogs to have fun swimming in the water and run free without their leash. This also means there’s plenty of fun for dog owners and a great opportunity to play with those puppies.

It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is; Chicago is always fun and has plenty to offer for every visitor. To make the best out of your visit with big savings, book your flight tickets with us along with cheap deals on hotels. The sooner you book your travel, the more options you have on some fantastic discounts on your next visit to Chicago.

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