What's New in Chicago, IL
Monday, September 21
62nd Chicago International Film Festival Runs Through Oct 25. Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade on Oct 24. Plus 4 places open right now with real prices and hours.
Chicago Park District - Horner Park is free. Lighted tennis courts. Good pickup basketball. Free. North Side.
Worth knowing this week
62nd Chicago International Film Festival Runs Through Oct 25
The city's flagship film festival screens at AMC NEWCITY 14, Music Box Theatre, and Gene Siskel Film Center through October 25.
Time Out Chicago · 2026-10-16
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade on Oct 24
Free evening parade from 6-8pm on Saturday October 24 celebrating Halloween as the artist's holiday with illuminated floats and performances.
The Savvy Globetrotter · 2026-10-17
Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up Open Through Nov 1
The two-acre outdoor Halloween experience near Goose Island features a corn maze, pumpkin patch, axe throwing, food trucks, and carnival games.
Choose Chicago · 2026-10-15
Think you know Chicago, IL? Test yourself →
Spot the fake venue. Guess which opened first. Name the neighborhood.
New on CityCheck
Recently verified listings in Chicago, IL.
Chicago Children's Museum
Streeterville — Free for IL residents first Sunday and Monday of each month. On Navy Pier.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park — Free. Every single day. 365 days a year. One of the last free zoos in the country.
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Hyde Park — There's a captured WWII U-boat inside. Also a coal mine ride. Free for IL residents on select days.
John G. Shedd Aquarium
Museum Campus — Beluga whales, penguins, touch pools. Polar Play Zone is built for under-5s.
Field Museum of Natural History
Museum Campus — SUE the T. rex upstairs. Fossil dig and beaver dam building downstairs (ages 2-6).
Open right now
City Winery Chicago
Show times vary, restaurant opens at 5pm
Buddy Guy's Legends
Mon-Thu 11am-2am, Fri-Sat 11am-3am, Sun 12pm-2am
Windy City Plumbing
Mon-Sat 7am-8pm, emergency service 24/7
Laugh Factory Chicago
Show times vary, check schedule
Daily challenge: How well do you really know Chicago, IL?
3 quick games. Takes 2 minutes. Locals average 70%. Play now →
168 places tracked in Chicago, IL · Updated daily