Things to Do in Chicago on Weekends

Chicago architect Louis Sullivan is known as the Father of the Skyscraper even though his designs topped out at only four stories. The city has a rich heritage of architectural design. Weekend tours throughout the year guide visitors on theme tours around the city, including visits to local skyscrapers. Walking tours are offered all year but offerings are most plentiful during the summer and fall months. The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) leads informative tours of the University of Chicago, the neighborhood of Hyde Park, and local homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Many of the tours are free for those who become members of the CAF.

Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 South Michigan Avenue
(312) 902-1500

Watch actors, mimes and musicians perform free in Chicago parks. The Spirit of Music Garden takes place nightly during the summers from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. Music groups performing in Grant Park include Tukros, an Hungarian folk ensemble. Hungarian dance lessons are given before the performance so that visitors may actively participate during the musical performance. Check "Time Out Chicago" using the "Resource" link below for a schedule of music festivals in Grant Park, including the large classical music festival in July. Numerous rapid transit routes take riders to Grant Park.

Grant Park
Michigan Avenue between Monroe and Randolph Streets

Chicago is a city of beautiful and well-designed parks. Local businesses and industries have played a major role in creating and maintaining the city parks. Retailer Montgomery Ward took an active role in saving Grant Park in the early 1900s, providing funds and organizing city residents to purchase land which was then given to the city. Grant Park is now a green oasis with sports areas and sculpture gardens.

Grant Park
Michigan Avenue between Monroe and Randolph Streets

Millennium Park (named for the year 2000) is also host to a group of nationally-known architectural monuments such as Frank Gehry's Pritzker Pavillion and Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate (known to locals as "The Bean"). The Lurie Garden, also located in Millennium, includes more than two acres of perennials and annuals as well as a 15-foot high architectural hedge. The Nichols Bridgeway, McDonald's Cycle Center and Chinese Sculpture Garden are also found in the Millennium Park. Admission to the park is free. Cycle rental fees depend on the type of vehicle rented.

Millennium Park
Michigan Avenue between Monroe and Randolph Streets
(312) 742-1168

Famous musicians George Dixon, Art Hodes, Jimmy Walker, Mama Yancey and Wilber Campbell are just a few of the many who regularly played music in the Windy City. The weekends are full of jazz music in Chicago. Select a nightclub that suits your musical taste. Some clubs charge admission, others have a drink minimum and some require both for a Saturday night performance. The Velvet Lounge, House of Blues, Katerina's, and the Green Mill present jazz and experimental music. Rosa's Lounge, Kingston Mines, Buddy Guy's Legends, Blue Chicago (North and South locations) and B.L.U.E.S. open the stage to R&B, blues and gospel performers. Rock, pop and Hip-Hop are found at Bottom Lounge, Empty Bottle, Beat Kitchen, Red Line tap, Ronny's and Schubas. World Music is played at Old Town School of Folk Music, Uncommon Ground Devon and Joe's Bar.