Whether you're familiar with Chicago or visiting for the first time, you'll find lots to do around the city. There are always fun events going on or new restaurants to check out.

Below are activities that we think you might enjoy. This list covers just some of the many fun and diverse events the city has to offer. To help you learn about the other options, we've also included links to useful Chicago publications and websites.

Enjoy your summer in Chicago!

Events at UIC

Campus Programs
Chicago, Communication, and Culture - 3-week educational program for students that want to explore Chicago while improving their English
Gallery 400
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
UIC Events Calendar
UIC Pavilion
University of Illinois Alumni Association Events

Popular Attractions

Architecture Tours – Go on a guided tour of the city’s architecture by boat, bus, or on foot
Chicago Cubs – Cheer on the Cubs at Wrigley Field
Chicago White Sox – Cheer on the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field
Grant Park – Large park that is the site of many summertime Chicago events
Hancock Observatory – View the city from the 94th floor of the 3rd tallest building in Chicago
Magnificent Mile – Enjoy upscale shopping and dining
Millennium Park – Take a picture in front of the 110-ton steel sculpture nicknamed “The Bean” and cool off underneath Crown Fountain
Montrose Beach – A dog-friendly beach where you can kayak into Lake Michigan
Navy Pier – Over 50 acres of amusement: boat rides, museums, theatres, shopping, and a Ferris wheel
North Avenue Beach – Get some sun and people watch on this popular beach. Also, don’t forget to check out the large boathouse.
Oak Street Beach – Run or bike along the path at North Avenue Beach’s slightly less chaotic neighbor
Sears Tower Skydeck – See views of the city from the tallest building in the U.S.

Festivals and Events

Bike Chicago (all summer) Grab a bike and participate in one of the many events being held this summer
Blues Festival (June 5 – 8, 2008) Four days of blues music in Grant Park
Farmers Markets (dates vary by market) Pick up a variety of produce and prepared foods
Gospel Music Festival (May 30 – June 1, 2008) Free admission to see 50+ performances in Millennium Park 
Lollapalooza (August 1 – 3, 2008) Music festival in Grant Park that draws performers and attendees from all over the world
Neighborhood Festivals (all summer) Check out some neighborhood festivals with diverse themes
Outdoor Film Festival (July 15 – August 26, 2008) Free films shown every Tuesday evening at Grant Park
Taste of Chicago (June 27 – July 6, 2008) The world’s largest food festival offers both diverse food and music

Museums

Take advantage of free museum admission on select days

Art Institute – Thursdays are free from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Chicago History Museum – Mondays are free
Field Museum – 2nd Monday of every month is free
Museum of Contemporary Art – Tuesdays are free
Museum of Science & Industry – Visit their website for a list of free admission days
Shedd Aquarium – Visit their website for a list of free admission days

Concert Venues

Enjoy live music at one of the many venues located in or near Chicago

Allstate Arena
Aragon Ballroom
Charter One Pavilion
Chicago Theatre
Congress Theatre
Double Door
Empty Bottle
First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
House of Blues
Logan Square Auditorium
Metro
Park West
Ravinia
Riviera
Rosemont Theater
Schubas
Sears Centre
Subterranean
United Center
Vic Theater

Comedy

Take in an improv or stand-up comedy show

Comedy Sportz
iO
Neo-Futurists
Second City
Zanies Comedy Night Club

Theatres

Enjoy a play, musical, or opera

Auditorium Theatre
Briar Street Theatre – Home of the Blue Man Group
Cadillac Palace Theatre
Civic Opera House
Goodman Theatre
Oriental Theatre
LaSalle Bank Theatre
Steppenwolf Theatre
Victory Gardens

Day Trips

Venture out of the city to these nearby attractions

Chicago Botanical Gardens – 385 acres of unique gardens located in Glencoe
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home & Studio – Take a tour of the influential architect’s first home & studio located in Oak Park
Morton Arboretum – See over 4,000 kinds of trees and other plants from all around the world at this 1,700-acre arboretum located in Lisle
Woodfield Mall – Shop and eat at nearly 300 stores and restaurants all located under the same roof at this mall in Schaumburg

Publications

These publications keep you informed on upcoming events and local news

Chicago Reader – Free weekly newspaper
Red Eye – Free daily newspaper
Time Out – Weekly magazine

Useful Websites

Metromix – Search for reviews and information on places that you’re thinking of checking out
RTA Trip Planner – Provides detailed information on how to get around using public transportation