bucktown

Things to do in Bucktown, Chicago

By Dom Bewley

Chicago's your vacation destination, is it? Excellent. May we interest you in one of its many districts, Bucktown? If you don't know about it, don't worry. Sit down, be quiet, and we'll tell you all about the best things to do in Bucktown, Chicago.

Including:

  • Bizarre sports
  • Rundown exploration
  • Theatres
  • Live music
  • Restaurants
  • and more!
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Get Whirly

Let's get this Bucktown show on the road, with something slightly different. Whether you're a fan of sports or not, you might just love this new kid on the sporting block.

What do you get if you combine lacrosse, hockey, basketball, and bumper cars? WhirlyBall is what you get. This crazy, made-up pastime combines elements of all of these into one awesome game. Get together a few friends, grab a few delicious craft beers at the bar, and try your luck on the WhirlyBall court. There are three of them onsite, along with bowling lanes, laser tag, and the aforementioned bar. Careful if you go to WhirlyBall at the start of your vacation. You may very well never go anywhere else.

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You're the Explorer

Want to touch some grass, experience great views of the Chicago skyline, and explore some abandoned architecture reclaimed by nature? Then you'll want to check out The 606. This abandoned railway line worms its way through many of Chicago's districts, including Bucktown. So, feel free to get on at any point, explore a bit, and then 'hop off' at a different location and look around.

If that wasn't enough, you'll also find a myriad of events going on there, from bake sales to outdoor yoga. Whether you saddle up or use your feet, you've got quite the adventure ahead of you. So, what are you waiting for?

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Showtime!

How about a little theatre to dramatize your vacation? Bucktown's got a bunch of performance venues that'll happily accommodate your bum in one of their seats.

Gorilla Tango Theatre is a community-led bunch that ensure every penny they make goes back into further productions. That includes sets, props, and other items that might otherwise be wasted. It sounds like a tall order, but they've already produced over one thousand awesome shows with this business model, and they have no intention of stopping. This model also allows them to give exposure to local theatrical artists, ensuring the city's scene continues to thrive. So, if you want to see what sustainable theatre looks like, go check them out!

Or, if you want to see American takes on tough European plays, give Trap Door Theatre a go. They use expressionism and absurdism to recontextualize well-known works, so you'll never see a performance quite like it! Having moved around the European scene, they've not settled in Chicago, where'll they'll happily blow your mind!

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Gigging

Speaking of performance, why don't we throw some live music into the mix? Bucktown's got its fair share of concert venues.

Hideout takes its name quite literally, as it can be hard to find without a map. However, those of you with the know-how to seek it out are in for a treat. It's in the heart of Bucktown's industrial area, but you'll find nothing but country within. With a host of regular country-rockers, as well as a variety of touring artists, you'll love listening to some bluegrass twangs will sipping cheap beer and tapping your cowboy boot.

Switching gears a little, Subterranean is where you'll find Bucktown's alternative music scene. With regular rock, rap, and metal gigs going on throughout the year, as well as club nights every week, it's the hip-happeningest place around.

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Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

No, it's comics. Specifically, a great comic shop with countless issues of the best comics and graphics novels around! Challengers Comics + Conversation pride themselves on their expertise, as well as their ability to talk with their mouths. That means you can expect to get great advice on any comic or graphic novel you're looking for, or recommendations for ones you've never heard of. All that, and just some pleasant conversation to boot. Brilliant.

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Eats

Let's move on to food now, as you're doubtless hungry after all that sweet information we've given you. As you'd expect, Bucktown has some great eateries for you to eat in, just like the rest of Chi-Town. Here are our faves!

The Bristol twists American classics with a New American style. They make everything fresh, right in the kitchen, so you can expect great-tasting food all day, every day. Why not order a pasta dish with, yes, freshly made pasta, and pair it with a lovely cocktail from their menu?

Want to try some Central American cuisine you may never have had before? Get Costa Rican at Irazu, and try some traditional treats in this delightful spot. Just bring your own booze if you want to drink. Don't worry; they're okay with it.

Got a sweet tooth? Never you worry, friend. Margie's Candies is here for you. Inside, you'll find ice cream, sweet treats, and milkshakes, all hand-made with care. A delightful stop on your Bucktown tour if you just need a sweet fix to get you through the day.

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Drinks

Let's end this list with a drink or two. If you're looking for a night out, Bucktown's got you covered. Here are our picks for the hottest spots to wet your whistle.

Part performance venue, part drinking establishment, Gallery Cabaret has a bar rammed full of beers, spirits, and everything in between. It pairs all that with a wealth of live entertainment, from jazz music, open mic nights, and blues bands all the way to bingo. It could be the perfect night out for you, as long as you like the entertainment!

Or, if you'd prefer a more standard bar experience, then check out The Map Room. This explorer-themed establishment has a wide variety of drink options from all over the globe, which is appropriate, really. Step inside, admire the decor, and then stare in awe at the massive variety of craft beers on offer. It's enough to make your head spin.

And that's our list of the best things to do in Bucktown, Chicago!

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Little girl on the shoulders of her dad, they are walking on the piers in Chicago
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15+ things to do in Chicago with kids for an amazing trip

Chicago offers a myriad of things to do that are fun for the whole family. From world-renowned museums to beautiful urban parks, there are plenty of family-friendly sights for you and your children to enjoy.
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Things to do in Old Town Chicago
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Things to do in Old Town Chicago

Ahoy there, sailor! Are you taking the old steamboat over to the growing Metropolis they call Chicago? I do declare, you may be delighted by the city's Old Town district. There's plenty to do and see there, partner. Want to know what? Well, we'll tell you right now. Here are some of the best things to do in Old Town, Chicago! Including: Stand up A little history The beach Immersive art The theater and more! Second City Let's kick things off with the best medicine. We're talking about laughter, of course! What if we told you that Old Town is where some of the best and brightest comics strutted their stuff before becoming famous? You might think that's nonsense. But believe us, it is not. Many of the comic greats you see on your screens today cut their teeth at Second City, America's premier improv club. Through the years, comedy legends such as Bill Murray, Alan Alda, John Belushi, and Mike Myers have called it home, and you'll always find hilarious hijinks going on there. So go check it out! Who knows, maybe you'll stumble upon the next big thing in comedy when you visit? If you like to laugh and you're visiting Chicago, Second City is easily one of the best things to do in Old Town! Chicago History Museum If you're visiting Chicago, you might not know much about the city or its history. Would you like to know more? Well, never fear, because the Chicago History Museum is here! Step inside, and discover the city's rich history from a number of exhibits. At the Crossroads of America exhibit, you'll get to relive the most significant events in the city's history, meet Chicago's most renowned leaders, and learn how culture shaped Chi-Town throughout the centuries. Step into Sensing Chicago, and appreciate the city with all five senses! Hop on a high-wheel bike, hear the roar of the Great Fire of Chicago, smell the unique scents of the Union Stock Yard, and catch a fly ball at Cominsky Park! Perfect for big and little kids alike. Enter the Abraham Lincoln exhibit and learn all about the life and struggles of one of the country's best presidents! See how his leadership shaped the Civil War, and the events that led up to his assassination. And finally, check out Facing Freedom in America, which charts the struggle of many people's efforts to achieve freedom in the country. These interactive displays will open your mind to the plights of many peoples, from suffrage to the civil rights movement. North Ave Beach Need to relax? Unwind? Lacking a little Vitamin D and want to get tanning? Then you'll want to hit the beach. Thankfully, Old Town has North Avenue Beach, which not only offers many opportunities for you to lounge or wade into the water, but also activities too! Head there in summer, and you'll find a slew of volleyball tournaments, bikes to rent, and opportunities to try out watersports like paddleboarding and kayaking. So, if you need a little sun, sea, and sand when you're in Chicago, go check it out! The Moody Church Whether you're religious or not, you may be partial to a grand spectacle. If the thought of grandiose architecture and awe-inspiring craftsmanship gets you giddy, go check out the Moody Church in Old Town. This grand place of worship was completed back in the 1920s, and stands as a testament to design. Go get your pray on, or simply attend to look around. You're sure to find someone on hand to talk you through the construction of the building, and the goings-on within over the years. Either way, it's a great stop on your travels through Chicago's Old Town! A Red Orchid Theatre Do you want to supplant your visit with dramatics? Go check out A Red Orchid Theatre. Widely considered to be one of the best theaters in the country, Red Orchid is comprised of multiple writers, actors, and directors, including Hollywood's Michael Shannon. Every year, their shows break new ground in the theater world, telling edgy, gut-wrenching stories that are performed with finesse. So, why not go check out one of their critically-acclaimed performances when you're in Old Town? Eat, of course! All that reading and planning your trip to Old Town has probably left you hungry. Let's fix that. Thankfully, Old Town has a whole host of delightful restaurants and cafes for you to visit! Want to start your morning just right? Try Kanela Breakfast Club, a Chicago eatery with spots all over the city. Omelets, eggs, grilled cheese, and much more await you on their diverse menu. If you want some delicious cocktails to wash down a hearty meal, head to Happy Camper. During the day, you'll pair authentic pizzas with a host of drinks. During the night, you'll get to enjoy one of the best bars in the city! Want to sample barbecue that delighted the late, great Frank Sinatra? Then stop by Twin Anchors, which has quality ribs on offer all year round. Are you feeling continental? Try La Fournette, a traditional French bakery right in the heart of Old Town. Alongside the usual suspects of baguettes, croissants, and sweet pastries, they also have salads, soups, and much more behind the counter. So, whatever you feel like eating, Old Town's got you covered! Get immersive with Van Gogh And finally, let's end this rowdy route through Old Town's best bits with something different. If you've dipped your toe into the world of art, you know about Vincent Van Gogh. The Dutch Post-Impressionist painter is one of the most critically-lauded artists in the world. His paintings sell for millions, and his best works hang in the most fabulous galleries on Earth. You might know of Van Gogh, but you've never seen his work like this. At the Immersive Van Gogh experience, you'll see his works come to life with animation. Walk through his most famous works, like Starry Night, Sunflowers, and The Potato Eaters. It's an illuminating experience, and with over 2 million visits to its original Paris installation, it's a easily one of the best things to do in Old Town when you visit Chicago! And that's our list of the best things to do in Old Town, Chicago! Enjoy your visit!
Dom Bewley
chicago in july
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Chicago in July

Sun lovers! Welcome to the main event, the one you've all been waiting for. It is finally time to don your smallest clothing, break the emergency sunscreen cabinet, and put on as many pairs of sunglasses as you can. That's right, it's summer! And slap bang in the middle of the season of sun is July. Peak summer. The longest days, the warmest nights, and the perfect time to plan a vacation. Heading to Chicago from out of state or abroad? Or are you just a Chi-Town resident who wants some ideas for things to do? Read on, one and all, and find out about Chicago in July - what's on, and what to do. Featuring: Head to the beach Festival fun Water taxi Hit up Chinatown Wander the markets and more! Chicago in July: What to Expect May is peak summer in Chicago. Generally, you'll find tops of around 84-85°F, or 29-30°C, and dips of around 62-63°F, or 16-17°C. So, time to get out your summer best, and maybe a light jacket or sweater for the evenings. There is also around 7 days of rain each July, so be sure to pack a waterproof or umbrella. Chicago in July: What to Do Go to the Beach It's summer, so it's the perfect time to get some sun, sea, and sand in your life. Thankfully, Chicago has a load of beaches to enjoy. North Avenue Beach is one of the city's most popular spots. As such, it's quite the tourist hotspot, and will be busier than you might like. However, it's got great sand, and a prime location which is a stone's throw from the likes of Lincoln Park Zoo, which may be ideal if you've got little ones with you who are getting bored and antsy. If you're closer to downtown, then Oak Street Beach might be perfect for you. Rent a bike, grab a chair, or get a few rounds of volleyball in on one of the courts. In fact, they even host volleyball tournaments there, if that's your thing. Or, if you're bringing your goodest boy or girl with you on vacation, Montrose Beach is the only 100% dog-friendly beach in the city. It's a great spot to let them meet other dogs and run around to their heart's content. Also, it gives you the chance to meet other dog lovers and make friends, or maybe more if you're single. Who knows? Go give it a shot! Lollapalooza Music lovers, take note. One of the world's biggest and best music festivals takes place in Chicago every July. That's right, it's Lollapalooza. Every year, around 400,000 party people congregate in Grant Park for four days of great music, refreshing drinks, and good vibes. This eclectic festival has a great mix of genres too, so no matter what you like, there's sure to be a number of acts on the bill you'll wanna see. This year alone, the likes of Metallica and Green Day will be duking it out alongside Dua Lipa and Doja Cat. So, no matter if you're into rock, pop, rap, EDM, or anything in between, you owe it to yourself to check out Lollapalooza. Take a water taxi Chicago's a big place, so walking everywhere will take time. And sure, you can take a cab or train, but isn't that a bit pedestrian? Why not travel in style, and take to the waves on one of Chicago's awesome water taxis? They'll take you across the water to any number of destinations, including parks, different areas of the city, and even direct to Chinatown. So, if you want to travel in style and aren't in a rush, do yourself a favor and hop on one and make the most of the sunshine. Sit back, relax, and let the boat do the work. Check our Chinatown One of the must-see Chicago locations in July is Chinatown. Whether you're in the market for food, shopping, or some culture, Chinatown's got you covered. For your shopping needs, look no further than Chinatown Square. This two-story outdoor mall has a delightful selection of shops, boutiques, salons, and restaurants throughout. In the market for some eastern spices to glow up your meals? Looking for some new threads, interesting decorations, or nick-nacks? Head on over. Alternatively, if you're looking for some photo ops to boost your socials, check out Nine Dragon Wall. This faithful recreation of the famous Chinese landmark is a must-see. Or, if you wanna relax and soak up some sun with a picnic, head to Ping Tom Memorial Park. Hit up the markets If you didn't know, summer means market season in Chicago. Every year, you'll find a number of these stellar shopping experiences popping up across the city. So, whether you're looking to pick up some locally sourced fresh produce, or sample some delightful street food and craft drinks, you'll find all you need and more at these markets! Maxwell Street Market, for instance, has a mix of food, handmade accessories, homeware, and even bands playing. It's got a great community vibe you can only find at markets like these. There's kid-friendly entertainment too, if you're bringing the little rascals along. Tour the city And finally, we'll round things off with some fantastic tours of the city. There are boat tours, bus tours, and bike tours that will take you around all of the city's most recognizable landmarks while making the most of that sweet, sweet sun. For the architecturally-minded of you, there's the Shoreline Architecture River Cruise that rides past the bay's most famous buildings, giving you the history of the area and the people who built them. If you want a more active approach to sightseeing, why not hire a bike and burn some calories while you're at it? There are so many green trails off of the city's beaten path; it's a great way to explore the city without worrying about traffic. Or, if you want to sit back and see the sights on land, try a Gray Line Chicago Grand Tour. You'll see all of the city's best bits with the sun beating down on you and the wind in your hair. All while a guide tells you about the history of the city and the significance of each area. And that about does it for our guide to Chicago in July! Looking for other things to do in Chicago? We've got a guide for traveling around the city, which is perfect for tourists. Want to plan a family vacation? We've got you covered. Celebrating a birthday there? Check out our guide right here.
Dom Bewley

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