Chicago Entertainment

The Chicago entertainment scene is exciting, fast-paced and varied, packed with acclaimed restaurants, bars around every corner, clubs both laidback and stylish, sports action and a flourishing theatrical scene.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Chicago has a distinctly low-key, Midwestern flavour. While the city does have its share of see-and-be-seen spots, locals in general are not preoccupied with getting into the latest hot club. Hanging out with their buddies at a neighbourhood bar is a much more popular option. To join the scene, you only have to pick a residential district and roam around. To find a tavern filled with locals and maybe a pool table or a dartboard or two, you wont have to go far. Wine bars are very trendy these days. Most bars stay open until 02:00 Friday night and 03:00 Saturday, except for a few after-hours spots and some larger dance bars, which are often open until 04:00 Friday night and 05:00 Saturday.

Theatre and music

Chicago is a great city for the arts. Its thriving theatre scene was built by performers who valued gritty realism and a communal work ethic. The Shubert, Auditorium, Chicago, Oriental, and Goodman theatres, staging Broadway-scale shows, are complemented by over 75 small neighbourhood theatres where young actors show off their skills. The Steppenwolf Theater is one of the most proclaimed theatre groups in the country, but is still committed to developing and performing some of the most exciting and intense theatre anywhere. Working to promote new and emerging talent, the Victory Gardens Theater draws on workshops to develop its own material that is later translated into production.

Chicago is home to a vibrant music scene, with clubs focusing on everything from jazz and blues to alternative rock, reggae and Latin beats. Music and nightclub joints are spread all over the city, but many are concentrated in Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Wicker Park. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra stages world-class performances, while the Ravinia Festival and the Grant Park outdoor concerts attract huge crowds in summer.

Festivals

Chicago stages numerous festivals, including lively street fairs, carnivals, parades, festivals and numerous sporting events. These are some of the highlights:

• Chicago Boat, Sports and RV Show (January), held at McCormick Place, is one of Chicagos largest public events.
• Azalea and Camelia Show (February) is held at Lincoln Park Conservatory and features many beautiful flowers.
• Spring Festival of Dance (March to June) is held in the Shubert Theater and at other venues.
• Spring and Easter Flower Show (April) is a multi-coloured flower show, held in Lincoln Parks large conservatory.
• Art Chicago (May) showcases contemporary art and is held in the Navy Piers Festival Hall.
• Grant Park Music Festival (June to August) features mostly classical music and is held in Grant Park during the evenings.
• Taste of Chicago (June to July) is a 10-day food festival featuring over 60 food stands from many of Chicagos finest restaurants.
• Venetian Night (July) features a procession of boats gliding past Grant Park.
• Chicago Jazz Festival (August to September) is staged in the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park.
• Chicago International Film Festival (October) is held at many theatres and cinemas throughout Chicago.
• Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (November) is held on North Michigan Avenue and nearby side streets.
• Christmas Flower Show (December) is a seasonal flower show held at Lincoln Parks large greenhouse.