2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 97-171 of 171 items found in Arts & Culture
Metropolis Performing Arts Center
More than 40 productions and 360 performances each year ranging from musical theatre, plays, live music, dance, family shows, The Second City Comedy and professional regional children's theatre.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Mexican Folklore Dance Company of Chicago
As Chicago's oldest Mexican dance institution, MFDC has received countless recognitions and awards, performed for three presidents and represented Mexico in the 1994 USA World Cup opening ceremony, as well as numerous national television performances, most recently at the 2009 Latin Grammy Awards. MFDC's performances reflect Mexico's rich history which shapes its traditional arts, culture, and values. The historical periods revealed in the dances include pre-Columbian indigenous times, the Spanish Colonial Period, the Struggle for Independence and the 1910 Mexican Revolution.
CITY: Chicago
Miss Kitty's Grape Escape
Located in the heart of downtown Galena, this is a great place to relax and unwind. Enjoy wine, specialty martinis and craft beers. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays, Bloody Mary bar Saturdays and Quiz Show Sundays. Gourmet apps until 1 a.m.
CITY: Galena
Moraine Valley Fine & Performing Arts Ctr John and Angeline Oremus
The FPAC presents quality cultural programs and popular entertainment in the 600-seat Dorothy Menker Theater, 150-seat Oremus Theater and the Robert F DeCaprio art gallery.
CITY: Palos Hills
Mulligans
Famous for Long Island Iced Teas! Always a packed crowd in Downtown Bloomington!
CITY: Bloomington
Music of the Baroque
Music of the Baroque performs classical pieces in venues around Chicago.
CITY: Chicago
Navy Pier
The Midwest’s number-one attraction is the place in Chicago for lakefront fun. Take an exhilarating ride on the sky-high Ferris wheel, board a sightseeing or dinner cruise boat, and see a live performance at the outdoor Skyline Stage or acclaimed Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Dine at one of Navy Pier’s many boardwalk restaurants and browse the unique shops and stands (a great place to pick up a souvenir).
CITY: Chicago
Nick's Fishmarket Restaurant
Elegant, romantic, and incredible service. From Motown to Classic Rock, from Jazz standards to current chart toppers, music to dance to by the Pearl St. Band!
CITY: Rosemont
Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant Run Resort
Brand new theater includes stadium seating for 320 people with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.
CITY: St. Charles
Norris Cultural Arts Center, Theatre & Art Gallery
A 1,000 seat live theatre providing family entertainment for more than 20 years. Season tickets are available. Call for gallery hours and reservations.
CITY: St. Charles
Northern Illinois University
Come tour the Northern Illinois University, catch a show preformed by their Theatre or Dance department, or explore one of their Art Galleries. There is much to do on campus including their new Anthropology Museum, an Observatory, and the Huskies Den. Their Museums are free to visit, some fees may apply for shows or School of Music Concerts. There is never a dull moment on campus!
CITY: DeKalb
O'Brians Top of the Town
Piano bar and entertainment lounge. Dinner and cocktails, wine dinners, tastings and live music.
CITY: Staunton
Old Town School of Folk Music
The Old Town School of Folk Music provides a wide range of music, dance, theater, and visual arts courses to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Whatever one's interest, the Old Town School provides broad access to more than 700 accredited class offerings, private lessons, and workshops that span an array of artistic genres.The school features a main stage where concerts are held year round, along with a great shop that sells music and instruments.
CITY: Chicago
Opera House of Woodstock
Built in the 1800s in Steamboat Gothic style, the opera house hosts musicals, dramas, dance and touring groups.
CITY: Woodstock
Park West
One of Chicago's best equipped multimedia facilities, this historic theatre has been an integral part of the entertainment scene since it opened in the 1920's. Capacity 100-1000.
CITY: Chicago
Peoria Area Civic Chorale
A volunteer chorale group of around 100 singing members, PACC performs two concert series annually, May and December.
CITY: Peoria
Peoria Ballet
The Peoria Ballet offers a season of spectacular dance performances featuring the Peoria Ballet Company and guest artists from across the globe, while the Peoria Ballet Academy provides excellent dance education in ballet, modern, jazz, tap and hip hop.
CITY: Peoria
Peoria Civic Center
Downstate Illinois' largest center is a four-building complex with a 12,000-seat arena. With 110,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 2,200-seat theater, a ball-room seating 1,500 for banquets and 16 meeting rooms this venue can house it all. As the premier entertainment facility in downstate Illinois, the Civic Center plays host to a variety of concerts, family shows, sporting events and Broadway Theater Series each year.
CITY: Peoria
Peoria Symphony Orchestra
Professional symphony orchestra performing 7 classical concerts per season and various pops and youth performances.
CITY: Peoria
Porchlight Music Theatre
By uniting the arts of music, drama, dance, and design we transform stories into thrilling, passionate and relevant events, which affect the lives of artists and audiences alike.
CITY: Chicago
Porchlight Music Theatre
By uniting the arts of music, drama, dance, and design we transform stories into thrilling, passionate and relevant events, which affect the lives of artists and audiences alike.
CITY: Chicago
Rammelkamp Chapel - Illinois College
Rammelkamp Chapel is the home of religious life on campus as well as the site for various events ranging from weekly chapel services, mass, convocations, concerts and ceremonies.
CITY: Jacksonville
Ravinia Festival
Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music festival in North America and is lauded for presenting world-class music in an inviting, natural environment. The festival attracts over 600,000 listeners to some 120 to 150 events that span all genres including classical, chamber music, jazz, pop, world, music theater, dance and kids programming every summer from June to September. Events are hosted in an open-air pavilion that seats 3,200 plus lawn; the 450-seat Bennett, Gordon Hall; and the Martin Theatre, an 850-seat prairie-style building that stands as the only building from the park's original 1904 construction.
CITY: Highland Park
REDKiva Lounge
Only seconds from Randolph Street's "Restaurant Row", REDkiva offers live music in a sleek but comfortable lounge atmosphere. Perfect for after work cocktails, social gatherings or corporate events.
CITY: Chicago
Reggies
The Music Hount has live music nightly with no cover, full menu offering unique woodgire sandwiches, full bar with over 50 beers, 17 HDtvs, and music memorabilia. The Rick Club is an all ages venue. Shows and covers vary, check website for listings. Ask about our 80 passenger rock bus.
CITY: Chicago
Republic
Republic delivers an inclusive ambiance of styles and scenes in a lavish, ultra modern 11,00 sq ft facility.
CITY: Chicago
River Rockhouse
Restaurant. bar, and music venue features live music. food, drinks. Enjoy St. Charles' largest covered patio with a great view of downtown and the river. Live local and national music acts. Large outdoor patio. Banquet space for 500.
CITY: St. Charles
Rockefeller Memorial Chapel
Located in Hyde Park, this stunning Gothic chapel (funded by a gift to the University of Chicago by John D. Rockefeller) hosts regular performances by the Rockefeller Chapel Choir and visiting musical artists.
CITY: Chicago
Rockford Dance Company
Established in 1972, Rockford Dance Company pursues excellence in the art of dance through performance, education and outreach. A full season of dance is performed by company members, guest artist from around the world, and students from RDC’s school of dance. This ballet school also offers classes in modern, jazz, and tap and a recreational division full of many other unique dance genres.
CITY: Rockford
Rockford Symphony Orchestra
The Rockford Symphony Orchestra has been serving Northern Illinois for more than 75 years and has a strong tradition of presenting classical and contemporary orchestral music of the highest caliber in Rockford's beautiful and awe-inspiring Coronado Theatre. Nationally known guest artists frequently serve as soloists for RSO concerts, adding tremendous variety and diversity to each season. In addition to a wonderful array of Classics and Pops Concerts, each season the Rockford Symphony also presents The Nutcracker in collaboration with the Rockford Dance Company. The Rockford Symphony Orchestra also brings the joy of music to thousands of students each year through its comprehensive educational programming, including Youth Concerts and the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra. In 2007, the RSO was named the Illinois Orchestra of the Year.
CITY: Rockford
Rosemont Theatre
The plush Rosemont Theatre is your ticket to lavish Broadway musicals, full-scale productions and world-class entertainers. We also get raves for our extra-wide aisles, on-site parking, and our superior sound system. The Theatre presents unforgettable show-going experiences.
CITY: Rosemont
Rox City Grill Lounge
Relax or celebrate with your friends amidst the contemporary urban decor highlighted with authentic historic detailing. Enjoy the offerings of our full bar, our exceptional wine list, select samples from the extraordinary Rox City Grill menu, and live entertainment of piano bar favorites every Thursday through Saturday.
CITY: St. Charles
Sandwich City Hall and Opera House
On August 20, 1878, 25 years after Sandwich first became a town, a contract was signed for construction of the Sandwich City Hall and Opera House. An allotment of $10,000 was given for the project, with the stipulation that it must be completed by the end of the year. The building was finished on time, but there was a cost overrun of $2,000 After much time, money and energy by volunteers to restore and renovate the City Hall and Opera House, a grand re-opening was held on April 12, 1986. Once again the building functions as a community oriented facility, bringing community theatre, lectures, recitals, style shows, weddings and a wide variety of outstanding performers, ranging from country to classical, to its stage.
CITY: Sandwich
Sangamon Auditorium - University of Illinois Springfield
The auditorium presents a broad range of music, theater and dance performances.
CITY: Springfield
Sauce
This upscale yet moderately priced American bistro and bar has as clubby atmosphere with its mahogany, chrome and steel accents. The large outdoor patio draws a hefty Lincoln Park crowd who make this place their warm-weather hangout.
CITY: Chicago
Scandals Nightclub
This gay and lesbian show bar features drag shows, comedians, and dancing Wednesday through Saturday nights.
CITY: Springfield
Sears Centre Arena
A new 11,000 seat arena located in Hoffman Estates featuring world-class entertainment including concerts, family shows, and sporting events. Home of the Chicago Slaughter Indoor Football (IFL) and Chicago KICK Indoor Soccer (MISL).
CITY: Hoffman Estates
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 12 award-winning wineries located along a 25-mile scenic drive along highway 127 and highway 51 in the Shawnee National Forest. Along the way have a picnic, go on a hike, visit a shop, and stay in a cozy B&B or cabin. Many of the wineries host special events throughout the summer and fall.
CITY: Carbondale
Sidetrack
This multi-level gay bar spans eight storefronts and has room for 1,000 revelers. Be sure to check out the chic courtyard, along with U-Video Request Night on Tuesdays featuring all ’80s songs.
CITY: Chicago
Skokie Theater
This state-of-the-art, 150-seat auditorium presents musical and theatrical programs.
CITY: Skokie
Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra
The Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra features local and national musical talents, and perfoms four concerts each year.
CITY: Skokie
SoDo Theatre
A developing space for visual and performing artists and arts organizations. We are the home of Class Act Interactive, with classes and interactive experiences for children of all ages.
CITY: Champaign
Soma Ultralounge
Talk about setting the mood. With an atmosphere flushed with warm reds and bathed in caramel and gold lighting, the mood at Soma is always one of urbane expectation. Anything can happen here, and it does.
CITY: Champaign
Sound-Bar
Chicago's hottest upscale nightclub. Ultra-modern design, high-tech environment. Luxurious and stylish.
CITY: Chicago
3 - 23
Southern Illinois Music Festival
The 9th annual Southern Illinois Music Festival features over three-dozen performances in venues all over the Southern Illinois region. In addition to the New Chicago Chamber Orchestra, musicians from throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia perform orchestral music, chamber music, opera, ballet, and jazz in an informal and inviting atmosphere. This year’s Festival, titled “Swarm of B's,” runs June 3-23 and features some of our favorite composers that start with the letter "B"—Bach, Brahms, Barber, Bartok and Beethoven to name a few.
CITY: Carbondale
SPIN Nightclub
This huge club features two dance floors, four bars, several spacious lounges, drag queen hosts and music spun by live DJs. Regular live events include singers (complete with go-go boy dancers) and special theme nights.
CITY: Chicago
Sports Corner
Sports Center is a three floor sports bar located across the street from Wrigley Field featuring outdoor roof deck and 2nd floor Al fresco dining.
CITY: Chicago
Stang Arts Studio & Gallery
Stang Arts Studio & Gallery features art classes for both children and adults, along with holding various events throughout the year. The artist, Jamie Stang, also specializes in "paint parties." These parties are great for a group, as they feature great food, drinks, music and art. Jamie helps visitors discover their inner-artist while relaxing in a chic studio-style atmosphere. Check out her gallery while you're there too.
CITY: Effingham
Summer Wood Amphitheatre
Outdoor performances by nationally known, Christian-oriented artists at the largest outdoor Christian amphitheater in the Midwest. Family-oriented environment with children's programs, free admission to most events, and sign language interpretation.
CITY: Rockford
The Back Door Lounge at Starved Rock Lodge
Enjoy a relaxed dinner on the veranda during the summer months and live music every Friday from 8pm to 11pm. Rock, alternative, acoustic, R & B, Jazz, country & pop. Visit the website for a complete music schedule. Special events include beer dinners, pub crawls, theater productions, and holiday events.
CITY: North Utica
The Call Bar
This dance bar, located in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, plays music that ranges from retro to pop and show tunes. Themed video nights include Britney Spears videos all evening long on the last Friday of the month.
CITY: Chicago
The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University
Chicago Southland's grandest performing arts center at Governors State University, in University Park, features a wide array of world class attractions, children and family programming
CITY: University Park
The Corner Stone
Galena's hottest nightlife! Great place to relax with friendly staff and locals. Featuring live music Wednesday – Sunday all year! Full bar with more than 60 different beers, plus wine, martinis and cocktails.
CITY: Galena
The Loft - Bloomington
Enjoy this newly renovated martini bar with a wonderful atmosphere! No food served.
CITY: Bloomington
The Office Niteclub
Located in downtown Rockford’s historic River District, The Office offers dancing, drag shows, karaoke and an outdoor patio in warm-weather months.
CITY: Rockford
The Pour House
Nightlife bar with welcoming atmosphere for all and good quality food for lunch and dinner - try us!
CITY: Decatur
The Pulse
The Pulse's eclectic crowd mixes together in over 5,000 sq. feet of space. Pool tables, a dart machine and video games provide friendly competition and entertainment. There are also eight TVs for the sports-minded to enjoy and to cheer on their team.
CITY: Jacksonville
The Redhead Piano Bar
Chicago's premier piano bar offering top entertainers playing your favorite standards, rock and pop hits; upbeat, comfortable and open late.
CITY: Chicago
The Riviera Theatre
One of Chicago's oldest concert venues still hosts national headliners, up-and-coming acts, and even the occasional movie, including The Break-Up.
CITY: Chicago
The Signature Room at the 95th
Enchanted dining experiences await guests at this contemporary American restaurant. Located atop the John Hancock Center, it offers the best view of the city of Chicago. Live jazz, elegant dark wood and marble tiled artdeco interior compliments the mood.
CITY: Chicago
The Varsity Center for the Arts
What started as a single-screen movie house in 1940 has become a power house for live music and community theater. This gorgeous theater is one of the greatest components to Carbondale's thriving art & culture scene, as it serves as home to the Jackson County Stage Company, which presents several plays during the year, and hosts the weekly Friday Night Film series. The Varsity serves as a venue for live entertainment during the Carbondale Rocks Revival, an annual city-wide music festival in addition to accommodating local and regional musicians during the year to bring the city exceptional entertainment.
CITY: Carbondale
The Wild Hare
Calling itself the reggae capital of America is no stretch for The Wild Hare. Seven nights a week, the stage at the back of the room gets vibrant with local, national and international-caliber bands.
CITY: Chicago
Three Sisters Park
Three sisters, Sadie, Lillian, and Goldie Cohen, expressed a wish that the 400-acres of farmland located adjacent to the city of Chillicothe, IL be dedicated as park land and a model farm for educational, recreational, and conservational purposes. While the Cohen sisters lived just off Moss Avenue in Peoria, they loved their family farm. Their vision was for the property to remain agriculturally related. The master plan envisions the creation of a living history farm, a central activity building, large festival areas, a welcome center, restaurant, agricultural equipment museum activity area, and outdoor natural amphitheater. The open fields and forested areas offer unique space for special events, concerts and festivals.
CITY: Chillicothe
Tommy Gun's Garage
Enter through the back door under the L train tracks, give the password and experience Chicago during the Roaring '20s. Enjoy dinner and an interactive musical comedy revue with gangsters and flappers.
CITY: Chicago
Tres Hombres Club in Carbondale
Live entertainment. Monday night is jazz, Thursday offers an eclectic mix of local musicians, Sunday is DJ night.
CITY: Carbondale
United Center
Multi-purpose arena, home of the Chicago Bulls (NBA) and the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL). Other events - concerts, ice shows, circus, etc.
CITY: Chicago
Velvet Rope Ultra Lounge
This gay and lesbian Oak Park lounge features a dance floor, martini bar and a menu of small plates. Catch live DJs, drag shows and dancers on the weekends.
CITY: Oak Park
Viper Alley
Viper Alley is a new boutique concert venue and nightclub, with an exciting line-up of live musical acts in an industrial-chic setting. The venue offers year-round entertainment, combining high-tech bowling, food and nightlife with flexible private event space. An acoustically superior, intimate live music experience all year long. Our calendar of artists and performers cut across many different genres and generations in order to provide an eclectic mix of quality live music to Chicagoland's most discerning music fans.
CITY: Lincolnshire
12 - 14
Windmill City Festival
Windmill City Festival has long been a staple of the community and has become a tradition for many families. This 3 day event includes a carnival, 5k race, pet parade, and an ice cream eating contest. Every member of the family is sure to find a new favorite activity! This year's festival will be held Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14 at the Riverwalk in downtown Batavia. Admission is free.
CITY: Batavia
Wonder Works
Wonder Works is 6,400 square feet of fun, a place of creative play for kids birth to age eight. Located in Oak Park, Illinois at 6445 West North Avenue, the children's museum helps kids, their parents and caregivers unleash their imaginations through art, performance, design, building and more.
CITY: Oak Park
York Theatre
Enjoy first run films in a renovated 1924 Spanish-style movie theater with five auditoriums all equipped with Dolby digital sound. Baby Barton Pipe Organ is played on Friday and Saturday nights.
CITY: Elmhurst
