I'm in Chicago for 4 days, 3 nights. I'm at a conference for work until about 5 or so, but want to know what interesting sights there are that I can catch in the evenings... I've got a limited budget and am up in the Deleware/Michigan part of town. I have no probs using the "L," as that was my main mode of transportation residing in NYC. I'm not a drinker, so I would like to avoid bar recommendations... is there anything worth seeing at night?

How about a baseball game? Surely one of the teams will be playing when you are in town. Sox tickets are easier to get and IMHO a great place to spend the evening.

There is always theater as well but that may stretch the budget.

There are often festivals that you could check into as well or perhaps museums, aquatium, planitarium or art institute but you may have known that already.

I would suggest maybe some Chicago "Blues". There are at least 2 locations on Clark (an easy walk or cheap taxis ride). Also, check Hottix at the Water Tower on Michigan Ave. You can get last minute 1/2 price tickets to "local" Theater productions. Check Metromix.com for shows.

If you happen to be here on a very clear evening, the view from the top of the Hancock Building is great. It is right near where you are staying.

Hot tix is great for 1/2 price theater tickets, sold on the day of the performance. For locations and an idea of what comes up, www.hottix.org

On Tuesday nights in the summer, there are free movies in Grant Park
http://entertainment.metromix.chicag...-81738,00.html

The Art Institute is open late, until 8 pm, on Tues and is free. The Terra Museum on Mich. Ave. is also free and open until 8 on Tues.

Hancock is also a good suggestion, go to the bar instead of the observatory, you still have to buy a drink but it is less than the observatory and you get a drink.

Lots of movie theaters, several of which play older movies and indies. Check out the Music Box, Facets and the Gene Siskel Film Center.