Summer safety quiz
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The Chicago Loopster team wants you to stay safe this summer. Take our quiz to find out how safety smart you are.
Fit for Free: No-cost Chicago workouts
Summer in Chicago is all too short. Celebrate with a free outdoor workout.
Looking your best doesn’t have to mean spending a lot. Chicago has plenty of free options for stellar workouts. Lace up your running shoes, borrow a yoga mat and get going.
Yoga on the lake with Fitness Formula Clubs
Fitness Formula Clubs offers lakeside yoga twice a week on the southernmost tip of Belmont Harbor. Classes meet Tuesdays from 6:30pm-8:00pm and Sundays from 11:00am-12:30pm. Classes are free, even if you are not a gym member. All you need is a yoga mat and sunscreen. For more information check out this video and meet your instructor.
Running is free and a great workout. Running alone is lonely. TimeOut Chicago listed the top 10 running clubs in Chicago (in no particular order).
Living in a city with a park as beautiful as Millennium Park is amazing! Enjoying a free workout in that same park is tremendous. The City of Chicago offers free workouts in Millennium Park every Saturday through September 10. Come for yoga, stay for Pilates and finish up with Zumba all three are accompanied by live musicians.
Own a bike? Then hit the road. Chicago Bike Trails offers a rundown of (wait for it) Chicago bike trails. Listing of more than 90 trails in Cook County and beyond, you’ll run out of energy before you run out of trails.
Chicago museums: Get cultured on a budget
No money? No problem. Check out our map of Chicago-area museums that offer free admission during “discount days” throughout the summer and fall. Art museums are marked in pink, history in yellow and the rest in blue.
The soundtrack to a free summer
There’s never a tuneless day in Chicago.
And there are plenty of alternatives to pocket-emptying festivals like Lollapalooza.
Whether you’re looking for indie rock, metal or Mozart, you can find exactly what you’re looking for – and it won’t even cost you a dime.
Full List:
Friday, July 15
White Mystery, Mickey, People’s Temple
Cobra Lounge
10 p.m.
Saturday, July 16
Mannequin Men, Hollows, E+
Cobra Lounge
10 p.m.
Penderecki Conducts Penderecki
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 17
Theophilius London, Kenna, Blah Blah Blah
Double Door
8:30 p.m.
Knock Down String Band, DJ Lawrence Peters
The Whistler
9:00 p.m.
Monday, July 18
Blonde Redhead + My Gold Mask
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
6:30 p.m.
Dan Smith & Brian Labycz
Myopic Books
7:30 p.m.
Fuck Knights, Creepy Band, Dumpster Babies
Empty Bottle
9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 19
Mwata Bowden
Museum of Contemporary Art
5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 20
Kwame Ryan
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Jeff Craven, John Simmons, Reese Urban, Czboogie
Smart Bar
10:00 p.m.
Village, Campfires
The Whistler
10:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 21
Yemen Blues + Etran Finatawa
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
6:30 p.m.
Jeekos, Rick Carrico, Anti AKA Black Lion, Geecee
Smart Bar
10:00 p.m.
Friday, July 22
Choral Masterpieces: Bernstein and Faure
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
6:30 – 8:00pm
Saturday, July 23
Choral Masterpieces: Bernstein and Faure
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 24
Thee Oh Sees, Football
Illinois Centennial Monument
4:00 p.m.
No BS! Brass, Big Light, Cealed Kasket
Double Door
9:00 p.m.
Monday, July 25
Ted Leo & the Pharmacists
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
6:30 p.m.
Unicycle Loves You, La Scala, Elephant Gun
Empty Bottle
9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 27
Prokofiev Symphony No. 7
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Iz & Diz, Tyrel Williams, Stephen P, Blue J, Julian Pena
Smart Bar
10 p.m.
Friday, July 29
Sibelius Epic Finland
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 30
Sibelius Epic Finland
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Walter Meego, Moneypenny, Craig Williams
Double Door
9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 2
Disembodiment, Odonrot
Double Door
9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 3
Jennifer Koh Returns
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, August 5
Ryan Opera Center
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
6:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 6
Ryan Opera Center
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
7:30 p.m.
Monday, August 8
My Brightest Diamond
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 10
Mozart and Strauss
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
6:30 p.m.
Friday, August 12
The Book with Seven Seals
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
6:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 13
The Book with Seven Seals
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
7:30 p.m.
Monday, August 15
Rasputina
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 17
Shostakovich Symphony No. 10
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
6:30 p.m.
Friday, August 19
Closing Night Verdi Requiem
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
6:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 20
Closing Night Verdi Requiem
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
7:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 21
High Places
Illinois Centennial Monument
4:00 p.m.
Five new Chicago summer beers and where to find them
A glass of 5 Rabbit poured at Hopleaf in Andersonville/PHOTO CREDIT: Brian Warmoth
Chicago changes with the seasons, and so do the beers served up by its local brewers. The Windy City boasts an abundance of brewing operations and many of them have new batches of beverages that have recently been made available or will be showing up soon at your neighborhood pub or liquor store. Here are five notable summer releases and a handy map to show you where they can be found.
1. Dripping Saison, Half Acre Beer Company
Half Acre added a little sweetness to this new yellow batch that came out at the end of June. If you like your beer a little fruity, look for it on tap wherever they keep Half Acre on hand. If you live near the corner of North Rockwell Avenue and West Iowa Street, you should be able to snag some at Archie’s.
2. Bourbon Barrel Aged General Molasses Porter, Revolution Brewing
On the darker side of new Chicago beers, Revolution Brewing just broke out their Bourbon Barrel Aged General, a molasses porter, earlier this month, and they’re pouring pints at their brew pub in Logan Square.
3. Fear! El Chupacabra, Vienna Lager, Rock Bottom Brewery
http://www.rockbottom.com/chicago
July 15 marks the return of this dark Vienna Lager to the tap at Chicago’s Rock Bottom Brewery. If you like your beer light and toasty, but not too strong, cruise on by their West Grand Avenue location and grab a glass while this batch lasts.
4. 5 Rabbit, 5 Rabbit Cerveceria
The newly established brewers at 5 Rabbit in Chicago want to bring a taste of Latino heritage to their work. Their namesake beer will shower your summer with just enough body and some refreshing citrusy goodness. This is a beer to get you through any heat waves that the season can throw at you.
5. Cut Throat Pale Ale, Finch’s Beer Company
Chicago newcomer Finch’s Beer Company entered the brew game with a pale ale that also uses a little citrus with its hops. You’ll find it at taps across the city, including Beckett’s Public House at the busy intersection of Ashland Avenue and Lincoln Avenue.
Need directions to track one of these beers down? Check out the addresses in the map above, or visit the brewers’ websites to find more options.
Find the food tour that’s right for you
Chicago is a foodie paradise if you know where to look. Luckily, there are tour guides for that!
Photo by tpbrown
1. Taste of Chinatown:
Who: Chicago Food Planet
What: The Chinatown food tour visits five sit-down tasting locations in the historic Chinatown community: Triple Crown, Lao Sze Chuan, Ten Ren Tea & Ginseng Co., Saint Anna Bakery and Lao Beijing.
When: Mondays, April through November, 11 a.m.
Why: To try Chinese food delicacies from the Canton, Mandarin and Szechuan regions.
How much: $60 adult | $35 adolescent & child. All food tastings are included in the ticket price.
Photo by bubzillion
2. Fork and the Road:
Who: Fork and the Road
What: If you’re a cyclist, foodie or just want to see the city, this tour is for you. The shortest route is 13 miles and the longest tour is 22 miles, but each has three or four stops. Everyone can find a tour to fit their taste buds: the Deli-cious, Ice-cycle, Latin Meat Lovers, Mediterranean Cruise, Tour of Asia or ‘Wich Way.
When: Weekends through Sept. 26
Why: To work off all the delicious food you’re eating.
How much: Tours range in price from $50 to $60 a person.
Photo by gtrwndr87
3. Pizza Tour
What: Sample pizza from four of Chicago’s greatest pizza venues and decide which to pledge your allegiance to. The tour visits two deep dish and two thin crust restaurants including Gino’s East, Giordano’s, La Madia, Pizzeria via Stato and State Street Pizza.
When: Every weekend
Why: Because everyone loves pizza.
How much: The tour is $48 for adults, $32 for college students and $24 for children 8-18 years old. Children 7 years or younger are free with the purchase of an adult ticket.
Photo by jumbledpile
4. Bucktown and Wicker Park Food Tour
Who: Chicago Food Planet
What: Discover the unique artists’ colony that has slowly evolved into a hidden foodie paradise as you enjoy delectable food and drink samples from six authentic mom-and-pop restaurants and ethnic eateries in the Bucktown and Wicker Park neighborhoods including George’s Hot Dogs, Hot Chocolate, Goddess & Grocer, Sultan’s Market, Piece and iCream.
When: Tuesday through Saturday, April through November starting at 11:30 am.
Why: To support “mom and pop” specialty restaurants and one-of-a-kind local cafés.
How much: Ticket price of $45. All food tastings, enough for lunch included.
Photo by srqpix
5. Near North Food Tour
Who: Chicago Food Planet
What: The Near North Food Tour visits seven of Chicagoan’s favorite eateries in the tasty Gold Coast, Old Town and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, including Bacino’s Pizzeria, The Spice House, Delightful Pastries, Ashkenaz Deli, Old Town Oil, Tea Gschwendner and The Fudge Pot.
When: Seven days a week, March through November starting at 11:30 a.m.
Why: To see architectural gems, beautiful gardens, historic mansions, backdoor venues, hidden parks and of course, to eat.
How much: $45 adult | $30 adolescent | $15 child. Tasting included.
Photo by antwerpenR
6. Coffee & Pastry Tour
Who: Chicago Savvy Tours
What: Chicago Savvy Tours offers an eye opening, sweet fest with our Coffee & Pastry Tour of Andersonville and Little Saigon including three coffee shops and three sweet venues for a delectable balance of sugar and caffeine. Also includes a visit to the Andersonville Galleria for shopping.
When: Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
Why: Because you’ll stop at Anne Sather‘s Swedish restaurant, where you’ll taste the best cinnamon roll ever.
How much: $27
Photo by Kirti Poddar
7. Chocolate Tour
What: Enjoy a guided walking and tasting tour to select chocolate shops, bakeries, and cafes, including secret chocolate treasures and famous favorites.
When: At least one tour a day. Times vary.
Why: Because you’ll learn about the history of chocolate, while eating it.
How much: The tour is $40 per person.
Best Chicago ice cream cones
Where are Chicagoans enjoying icy treats this summer? Here’s a map of popular parlors around town.
You’ll find Italian gelato marked in green; custard in blue; and frozen yogurt in pink. Everything else is just plain, old ice cream. It’s National Ice Cream Month so have a lick–I mean, look!
I am from abroad and I also want to have fun
Photo by Smithsonian Institution Archives
Are you living abroad in the U.S.? Is this your first Fourth of July in Chicago? Are you prepared to enjoy the celebrations but you do not know where to go or what to do? Here you will find some tips to enjoy the day as true Chicagoan!
The first thing you should know is why the Fourth of July is so important for U.S. citizens. It is Independence Day, when the US stopped being ruled by England. Since the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 (“America’s birthday,” they say) all the states decided to launch huge celebrations to commemorate this patriotic day.
This year, the majority of the 311.7 million U.S. population would be involved in this celebration. So, if you come from abroad I guess the first shock will be seeing so many people on the streets.
Apart from the initial shock, and taking into account that there is not only a unique way of celebrating, here are some tips you may follow to enjoy the day.
- Start the day with an American brunch, pancakes for example, so you will start feeling part of the community. Yes, you can!
- If the weather is good you can go to any of the beaches in Chicago or go to any of the neighborhoods that will be launching block parties. This means no cars on the streets and people dancing, playing music and having barbeques. Pilsen and Heart of Chicago are some of the main core areas for this.
- It may be a good idea if you could join a host family for that day. At the International Office of Northwestern University they offer this possibility.
- Buying a patriotic item is a must! From t-shirts to snickers, flags, nail polish ore even food with the colors of the US flag. Just involve in the patriotic feeling.
- Join a barbeque and try the Chicago hot dog (no ketchup on it) or give a try to hamburgers, corn, steaks, potato salad, watermelon, etc.
- If you want to drink some alcohol, and you are allowed to do so, try the local beers. Goose Island 312 may be a good start. If you do not like alcoholic beverages, treat yourself to a fresh lemonade.
- Do not forget about the sweet part! Have a cupcake or a pie, most of them will be customized in red, blue, white and stars.
- When the night comes, go by the lake and get ready to enjoy the Fireworks at the Navy Pier. Also you have the choice of buying tickets to see them from a boat in Lake Michigan.
- Remember that public transportation will be crazy that day so try to leave with enough time.
- And do not forget to bring your camera. This is a unique celebration that you will not be able to experience at your home country.
