Performing Arts Chicago

Performing Arts Chicago is dedicated to the presentation of new work by local, national and international artists.

CITY: Chicago

IO Theater

Home of the best long-form improv comedy in Chicago, iO offers two theatre spaces with performances by some of the best comedians around.

CITY: Chicago

Richard J. Daley Center & Plaza

This powerful, 31-story tower was designed by Jacques Brownson (b. 1923) of C. F. Murphy Associates. Composed of three massive structural bays, each an unprecedented 87-feet wide and nearly 48-feet deep, and supported by warren trusses at every floor, the building achieves incredible structural integrity and interior flexibility. The exterior wall plane consists of 12-foot-high windows with amber-tinted glass and 6-foot-high panels of self-weathering Cor-Ten steel, which has aged to a rich brown color. The large public plaza features a 50-foot-tall Cor-Ten sculpture of 1967 by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), gifted by him to the city of Chicago. The Daley Center plaza is one in a line of three important public plazas in the heart of the Loop (see also the Federal Center and Chase Bank Plaza). Photo courtesy of AIA Chicago, Wes Urschel. Copy and descriptions courtesy of AIA Illinois and the 150 Great Places in Illinois www.illinoisgreatplaces.com

CITY: Chicago

Flossmoor Sculpture Gardens

The Flossmoor Sculpture Gardens is an outdoor arts program that places sculptures in the village square, along charming residental streets, and in the Flossmoor Sculpture and Garden Park.

CITY: Flossmoor

First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

Beautiful outdoor music theatre open May through September with a capacity of just under 30,000 people. Concessions and private catering available; tour buses welcome.

CITY: Tinley Park

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

The Plaza Shopping Center

The Plaza has upheld the position as a cornerstone of the community for 50 years. The Plaza offers a family-focused selection of merchandise with emphasis on fashion, quality and value.

CITY: Chicago

Polar Play Zone at Shedd Aquarium

In the Polar Play Zone, kids can slip into a penguin suit and try being a bird in the Icy South play area. From there, head to the Icy North to explore the belugas’ Arctic waters in a kid-sized submarine. Don’t forget to shake hands—or is it arms—with colorful sea stars in the touch pools.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Detours

Experience history and culture through educated commentary and multimedia on iPads while exploring stories and places even locals don't know about. Highly trained guides share forgotten stories from the past on regularly scheduled tours.

CITY: Chicago

Benedictine University Sports Complex

This state-of-the-art sports complex includes baseball, softball, track, football, soccer and lacrosse fields. The complex is home to the DuPage Dragons and Chicago Bandits professional fast-pitch softball for women.

CITY: Lisle

Edman Memorial Chapel - Wheaton College

This large auditorium, seating more than 2400 people, is the site of campus chapels, concerts, commencements, and various community-related events such as the Artist Series.

CITY: Wheaton

Tour Black Chicago

This city tour travels in luxury coaches and highlights African-American social, cultural and historical events.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Park District

Come out and play with the Chicago Park District. Founded in 1934, the Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation and owner of more than 8,100 acres of green space. We invite you to take in a concert or a movie at one of our 580 parks.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Private Tours

Provides tours in nine languages. Each tour comes with a chauffeur, expert guide, and luxury vehicle. Group tours available.

CITY: Chicago

Aon Center

The city’s second-tallest building, located at 200 E. Randolph St., rises 82 floors. Interestingly, the structure was first clad entirely in marble, but the slabs turned out to be too thin and were later replaced with thicker slabs of white granite.

CITY: Chicago

Adobo Grill Old Town

Adobo Grill, one of the top Mexican restaurants in the city, is best known for table-side guacamole, margaritas and a collection of over 80 tequilas.

CITY: Chicago

Wilder Park Conservatory

A historic tradition lives on at the Elmhurst Park District Conservatory and greenhouses, located in Wilder Park. The conservatory holds four main plant displays a year: a Easter and Calla Lilies in the spring, Chrysanthemums in the fall, Poinsettias in December and an Environmental show with various themes in the Winter. In addition youth education programs are offered with our in house Horticulturist.

CITY: Elmhurst

Elmhurst City Centre

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Choose from a large variety of restaurants from fine dining to casual fare. Catch a movie or browse our wonderful shops.

CITY: Elmhurst

Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie School of Architecture Historic District

Guided and self-guided tours of historical district containing the greatest concentration of Wright-designed structures. A virtual outdoor museum of architectural history in America.

CITY: Oak Park

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Chicago's internationally acclaimed professional theater dedicated to presenting the works of William Shakespeare.

CITY: Chicago

Urban Adventure Cruise

Entertaining river and lake sightseeing boat cruise with informative tour guides lead this family-friendly 90-minute boat ride aboard Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline showcasing Chicago’s world-famous skyline and landmarks. Bring a snack and beverage aboard, too.

CITY: Chicago

College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center

The McAninch Arts Center is home to five resident professional ensembles: Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, DuPage Opera Theatre, Arts Center Jazz Ensemble, New Classic Singers and New Philharmonic.

CITY: Glen Ellyn

Leisure Lake Resort

Resort with 212 campsites, in-ground pool, 24 acre stocked fishing lake, 2 acre beach, on-site convenience store, activities throughout the year and much more.

CITY: Joliet

Rocket Ice Arena

Come feel the thrill of the chill at the Rocket Ice Arena, offering programs for all ages and ability levels in figure skating and hockey.

CITY: Bolingbrook

Kanan Cruises

Chicago's newest and largest cruise ship located at Navy Pier. Cruises are available for group and private charters along Chicago's lakefront for groups of 50 to 400 passengers.

CITY: Chicago

Oak Park Festival Theatre

Oak Park Festival Theatre presents its 35th year of professional productions. Its season opens indoors in the National Historic Landmark, Pleasant Home, 217 Home Avenue. Then the company moves outdoors to Austin Gardens, adjacent to downtown Oak Park. With Shakespearian classics, witty drawing room mysteries, and farces, plus moving contemporary plays, Festival Theatre pleases audiences -- indoors and out. See our website, or call (708) 445-4440.

CITY: Oak Park

Howl at the Moon

It's a singing, clapping, stomping, dance on the piano, rock 'n' roll show. It's part concert, part piano bar and all centered around audience participation.

CITY: Chicago

Carson Pirie Scott & Company

Carson Pirie Scott & Company’s former flagship store, designed by Louis H. Sullivan (1856-1924) was also built in stages, beginning in 1899, 1903, augmented by an addition by D. H. Burnham & Co. in 1906, and ending with a 1961 addition by Holabird and Root. Although Carson’s wide windows and narrow piers are expressive of the internal steel frame, the building is more famous for its exquisite ornament by Sullivan. The embellished storefronts, newly restored decorative cornice, and ornate columns capitals on the interior all bear Sullivan’s personal style of ornament. It was both named a Chicago Landmark and listed in the National Register in 1970. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1975. Copy and descriptions courtesy of AIA Illinois and the 150 Great Places in Illinois www.illinoisgreatplaces.com

CITY: Chicago

Hilton Chicago

Luxury hotel located on Michigan Ave. overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan

CITY: Chicago

Mies van der Rohe Society Tours

The Illinois Institute of Technology's Mies van der Rhoe Society offers dynamic tours of its architecturallly significant campus. Architects Mies, Koolhaas and Jahn are all represented here.

CITY: Chicago

Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago

The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago is the city's leading presenter of contemporary dance, showcasing artists of regional, national and international acclaim.

CITY: Chicago

Avenues at The Peninsula

Awarded Four Stars from Chicago magazine, Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune, Avenues serves contemporary cuisine. A discriminating wine list and meticulous service round out the Avenues experience, making it one of Chicago's greatest dining triumphs.

CITY: Chicago

Planet Explorers

3-2-1 Blast off! Get ready for the ultimate planetary play date. The Adler's new permanent exhibition Planet Explorers allows families with children ages 3 - 8 take the helm in this modern-day space adventure. Children will enter a world where they can play and learn what it takes to be part of a mission to outer space. They will become scientists, astronauts, and space explorers. Imagine studying the Moon from your own backyard with your very own telescope. Be a Mission Control specialist guiding the next rocket flight into space, or climb a gantry like a real astronaut and blast a 26-foot tall rocket off to new worlds. In the space station, learn how to operate the robotic arm to do important tasks and take a very special walk into space. Try your hand at planet exploration by driving rovers over the Planet X terrain. Drive X-Movers, crawl through and discover secret tunnels, and do cool experiments in the Planet X Lab. Free with general admission.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Photo Safaris

A professional photographer takes visitors to a landmark Chicago destination while giving tips on composition, lighting and exposure. These sessions are for photographers of any skill level with any kind of camera, digital or film.

CITY: Chicago

Avec

Located in the West Loop neighborhood, the cedar-lined dining room is as rustic as the menu. With seasonal menus that include sharable choices, they also have a cheese cave with a collection of artisan cheeses from Spain, Italy, France and Portugal.

CITY: Chicago

The Chicago Heights Drama Group

Bringing Broadway to the South Suburbs since 1931, The Drama Group is one of the oldest volunteer community theatres in the country. This drama group is a not-for-profit community theater.

CITY: Chicago Heights

The Plaza

For your shopping needs, including stores such as Carson Pirie Scott and Circuit City.

CITY: Evergreen Park

Kenwood Neighborhood

Located along Lake Michigan on the South Side of the City of Chicago, Illinois, is one of the 77 well-defined Chicago community areas. Kenwood was part of Hyde Park Township, which was annexed by the City of Chicago in 1889. Kenwood was once one of the most elite neighborhoods in Chicago and contains some of the largest homes in the city. It includes two Chicago Landmark districts, Kenwood and North Kenwood. Burnham Park runs along Kenwood's lakefront. A large part of the southern part of this region is in the Hyde Park-Kenwood Historic District. In recent years, the neighborhood has received national attention as the home of United States President Barack Obama.

CITY: Chicago

JBar at the James Hotel

Get your night started at our lounge, JBar. Anchoring the south end of Rush Street's nightlife, JBar offers signature cocktails in a modern environment. The James is a new hotel group that effortlessly blends a sense of modern, residential comfort with state-of-the-art technology and exceptional service.

CITY: Chicago

Andersonville & Edgewater: Chicago Neighborhood Tours

Discover the gay-friendly shops and restaurants of Andersonville, then head to Edgewater to see Art Deco and Tudor Revival architecture in the Bryn Mawr Historic District. Tours depart from the Chicago Cultural Center.

CITY: Chicago

Music of the Baroque

Music of the Baroque performs classical pieces in venues around Chicago.

CITY: Chicago

Lakeview Baseball Club

Groups of any size can rent this rooftop club space across from Wrigley Field. It's a great place to catch a bird's-eye view of a Cubs baseball game and enjoy a meal.

CITY: Chicago

Big Star

This stylin’ roadhouse serves up organic tacos and tostadas, along with small batch whiskey and tequilas, under the watchful eye of James Beard Award-winning executive chef, Paul Kahan.

CITY: Chicago

Nothing Like the Holidays - Adler Planetarium

A Puerto Rican family living in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood faces what may be their last Christmas together.

CITY: Chicago

Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery is a classic American bakery cherished for its selection of old-fashioned, freshly baked desserts. We are dedicated to serving fresh, handmade menu items with superior customer service.

CITY: Chicago

Oak Park Visitors Center

Stop by the Visitors Center for an audio walking tour, maps, books, souvenirs and unique gifts. Tickets are available for Hemingway's Birthplace Home and Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple, Historic Pleasant Home and the Historical Society of Oak Park & River Forest.

CITY: Oak Park

Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center

The Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center is a joint project of the Homewood-Flossmoor (HF Parks.com) and Olympia Fields (OF Parks.com) park districts. The near 40-acre nature preserve is home to a diversity of wildlife and habitat types. See beautiful woods, wildflowers, birds and furry friends along the way. There are trails along both sides of the park which is located at Vollmer and Western Avenues in Olympia Fields. Please be careful when crossing Vollmer Road. The Park is open to the public daily, sunrise to sunset

CITY: Olympia Fields

Dave & Buster's

There's no place quite like it! From hand-crafted tables and world class pocket billiards to the vast array of games in the Million Dollar Midway, D&B will provide one of the most unique entertainment outings you'll ever experience.

CITY: Addison

Beverly Art Center

Located in Chicago's historic Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood, the Beverly Art Center is a multidisciplinary, cultural center offering classes in art, music, dance, and theater. Offers rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and performing art.

CITY: Chicago

Diversey River Bowl

Diversey River Bowl features a phenomenal light show, great sound system, video arcade and bowling fun. Open lanes every night.

CITY: Chicago

Science Storms at the Museum of Science & Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago presents Science Storms, an unprecedented and dramatic permanent exhibit in the Allstate Court that reveals the extraordinary science behind some of nature’s most powerful and compelling phenomena—tornadoes, lightning, fire, tsunamis, sunlight, avalanches and atoms in motion. Inside the 24,000-square-foot exhibit, you’ll investigate the basic scientific principles responsible for nature’s biggest wonders while you get a hands-on, up-close look at these wonders themselves. Science Storms puts you in the middle of the action and lets you search for answers as to how and why things happen in nature.

CITY: Chicago

Cook County Cheetahs Minor League Baseball Season

Come out and join us for an old-fashioned favorite - baseball!

CITY: Crestwood

Balmoral Woods Country Club

An 18-hole championship course cut thru 10,000 oak trees, with water hazards on 9 of 18 holes, complete clubhouse bar and restaurant. Chicagoland Golf 5 Star rated facility.

CITY: Crete

Bloomingdales

The Chicago flagship store features six levels of merchandise, home furnishings, shoes, and cosmetics. Stop by the Visitors Center on level one for information and in-store promotions.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Chocolate Tours

Take a fun, educational guided walking and tasting tour of select chocolate shops along the Magnificent Mile or in the Loop. Learn about the history of chocolate and sample chocolate delights on this tasty tour

CITY: Chicago

Ralph Lauren

This stunning flagship store features the designer’s complete lines of All-American fashions for men and women, home furnishings and the swank RL restaurant.

CITY: Chicago

National Shrine of St. Therese

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - The National Shrine of St. Therese sits peacefully on a 50-acre estate owned and operated by the Carmelites. The Shrine is home to the most wonderful collection of relics, personal effects and memorabilia of Therese, "the little flower," outside of France. Religious shop/bookstore.

CITY: Darien

The Odssey II

This 850-passenger ship offers lunch and dinner cruises, plus weekend Moonlight and Sunday Jazz Brunch cruises, with live entertainment and amazing city views.

CITY: Chicago

Lombard Town Centre

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Enjoy unique shopping and dining in Historic Downtown Lombard and the beautiful Lilacia Park. Special events for all ages throughout the year. Free parking.

CITY: Lombard

Round Barn Farm and Museum

This 94-acre farm features picnic and recreational areas, antique farm equipment, a petting zoo, pony rides and barrel train rides. In fall find a pumpkin patch, haunted barn and pig races.

CITY: Manhattan

Riddles Comedy Club

South side's hottest comedy! Located at 5055 W 111 street in Alsip. we are just 20 minutes from the Chicago loop and Northwest Indiana. Lots of free parking, a full service bar offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and friendly staff all add up to a great night out!

CITY: Alsip

Chicago Theater Stories Walking Tour

Stroll around the downtown theater district and hear stories from the golden age of Chicago theater, a century defined by a pioneering spirit and cataclysmic events.

CITY: Chicago

Gallery Guichard

The gallery's mission is to continue to expose the art community and provide a portal to fine art and artists of different parts of the African Diaspora. A collaborative of artists, collectors and art administrators who have come together to create a unique art experience, and ensure fine art has a place in the rebirth of Bronzeville.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Historic Water Tower

One of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire, the Historic Water Tower is an icon on North Michigan Avenue and houses the City Gallery, which showcases Chicago photography. The tower was built in 1869 by architect William W. Boyington.

CITY: Chicago

Maywood Park

Just 20 minutes west of downtown Chicago, Maywood Park features live standardbred horse racing action on a ½ mile oval every Thursday and Friday night all year round. Live race post times are 7:10pm. General Parking is free.

CITY: Melrose Park

Best Western Plus Oakbrook Inn

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - 45 fully-appointed rooms in a boutique hotel setting. Every guest room features goose down comforter, cd/dvd player, refrigerator, microwave, Evening homemade choc.chip cookies, and complimentary breakfast buffet.

CITY: Westmont

Jeanine A Guncheon Gallery Etcetera

An unusual shop that runs the gamut from art, gifts & vintage. Uniquely individual. Owner and artist, Jeanine Guncheon, has a wide collection of her hand painted bowls, furniture, and one-of-a-kind sculptures. Commission pieces on request.

CITY: Forest Park

Andy's Jazz Club

A spacious, sophisticated saloon atmosphere, a deliciously varied menu and Chicago's finest Live Jazz! Dining is delightfully casual, served with Live Jazz steps from Michigan Avenue, rub shoulders with celebs and jazz buffs from around the world. Andy's renown is international.

CITY: Chicago

Chocolate at the Pen

On Friday and Saturday evenings the Peninsula Chicago hotel presents a decadent chocolate buffet in its lobby. Reservations are recommended.

CITY: Chicago

M Lounge

M Lounge is warmly lit with candles, sconces and blue lighting that illuminates the vast selection of spirits. Honey-brown walls, burgundy velvet curtains, comfy sofas and table seating in hues of chocolates and sage make this 1,400 sq. ft. oasis and its 28ft walnut bar cozy and perfect for any occasion.

CITY: Chicago

Lotton Art Glass Gallery

See some of the most beautiful art glass ever made, decorated and blown in the Old World style.

CITY: Crete

Splash Station Waterpark

Railroad-themed, outdoor water park featuring a 6 person racing slide, body slides, tube slides, lazy river and zero depth pool.

CITY: Joliet

Hostelling International

Newly renovated dormitory-style accommodations in the downtown area. For less than $30/night, guests can enjoy our fully-equipped kitchen and dining hall, internet room, 2 in-house restaurants, information center, and free programs.

CITY: Chicago

Arts & Artisans, Ltd.

One of Downtown's largest showcases of contemporary American art and jewelry, providing a vast collection of art media including stained and blown glass, metal and wood sculpture and much more!

CITY: Chicago

Baby on Board - Daley Center

The busy life of a successful power couple (she’s an image-conscious business woman and he’s a divorce attorney) is turned upside down when they find out they are unexpectedly pregnant and the next nine months turn into an emotional roller coaster ride they never saw coming.

CITY: Chicago

Hyde Park Hair Salon & Barber Shop

Hyde Park Hair Salon, originally Joe’s Barbershop, was founded in 1927 by young entrepreneur Joe Taylor. The salon began as an entrance to the Hyde Park Theatre but was soon sectioned off and transformed into a unique neighborhood barbershop. Years later, Joe’s Barbershop was sold to a new owner, the name of the shop was later changed, becoming Hyde Park Hair Salon. In 2007, the Hyde Park Theatre building was sold to the University of Chicago. The entire building was vacated which caused Hyde Park Hair Salon to relocate to its current location on Blackstone. The overall atmosphere combined with a trendy service menu has maintained a loyal and successful clientele during the past 83 years including celebrities Spike Lee, Phil Gates, Devon Hester, Bill Veeck, Suge Knight, Muhammad Ali, Harold Washington, and President Barack Obama, a patron of more than 17 years. President Barack Obama’s recent election caused a spike in the number of tourists visiting the barbershop.

CITY: Chicago

Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower

The Millennium Carillon, a unique musical instrument consisting of 72 bells, is one of only four Grand Carillons in the world. Enjoy carillonneurs perform during the summer concert series and climb 253 steps to the observation area to marvel at the views.

CITY: Naperville

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

Annie Lee and Friends Art Gallery

Come visit one of Chicagoland's largest full-service art galleries, featuring original art by nationally known artist Annie Lee. The gift shop offers hundreds of unique gifts and collectibles.

CITY: Glenwood

Route 66 Raceway

This racing and entertainment facility features concerts, NHRA drag racing events and demolition derbies.

CITY: Joliet

DuPage Dragons Baseball

There's no place better to bring a group during the summer than to a DuPage Dragons Baseball game at the Benedictine University Sports Complex. The Dragons are in the Central Illinois Collegiate League, which is sanctioned by both the NCAA and MLB.

CITY: Lisle

Silver Lake Country Club

Golf the two championship 18-hole courses, one nine-hole executive course, or play in the racquetball courts.

CITY: Orland Park

DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Wood Dale

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Wood Dale is located in the Chancellory Business Park near I-290 & Thorndale Ave. (9 miles from O'Hare Airport and 35 miles from Midway) and offers 3,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, a restaurant, a lounge, and more.

CITY: Wood Dale

Holiday Inn & Suites Bolingbrook

With it's ideal location, you'll find yourself just minutes away from great places to eat, shop and play. We're the perfect choice for your next getaway and the area's only full-service hotel. Find comfort with our traditional decor and hospitality. Experience our warmth and welcome while enjoying our inviting lobby, large indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, fitness center, sun deck, gift shop, event facilities and the Remington Street Bar & Grill. Thoughtful touches include our one bedroom, whirlpool and Presidential suites.

CITY: Bolingbrook

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

Embassy Suites Hotel Chicago-Lombard/Oak Brook

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - 262, two-room suite hotel with breath-taking indoor 10-story tropical atrium. Suites include living room, bedroom, wet bar, refrigerator, sofa bed, cooked-to-order breakfast and complimentary evening beverages.

CITY: Lombard

Best Western Naperville Inn

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Enjoy deluxe continental breakfast, lobby computer access, 24-hour exercise room. Guest rooms each have free internet access, cable TV, microwave and refrigerator. Hotel is centrally located near restaurants, shopping and more! Easy access to I-88.

CITY: Naperville

North Riverside Park Mall

Over 130 fabulous stores featuring the latest fashions and trends, including Carson's, JC Penney, Sears and Forever 21. A new Classic Cinemas opened in 2008 showing great movies. Conveniently located on Cermak Rd., west of Harlem Ave.

CITY: Riverside

Ram Restaurant and Brewhouse

THE RAM OFFERS A CASUAL DININGATMOSPHERE, INCLUDING A BREWHOUSE WITH ADJOINING BAR/LOUNGE AND RESTAURANT AREAS. LIVELY ENVIRONMENT ACCOMPANIED BY GREAT HOUSE-BREWED BEERS AND DAILY FOOD SPECIALS.

CITY: Rosemont