What's the best thing to do while in Chicago?
 

There are 6 of us of mixed age groups going to Chicago for a week to attend a conference, but I want some fun stuff to organise for the evenings - any suggestions?

Check out "Second City", the improv theatre that spawned many of the original SNL comedians.

Take an architectural boat tour. Check the schedules, though--it looks like the latest one might be late afternoon, perhaps too early for you. <BR> <BR>http://www.cfl81.com/

Second City is always a good bet. There are also a couple of other comedy places that do improv-Comedy Sportz and Improv Olympics that can be fun (Comedy Sportz is BYOB, not sure about Improv Olympics). The Improv shows, I believe, are only on the weekends. <BR> <BR>Blue Man Group is always highly recommended, their website is www.blueman.com. <BR> <BR>There are lots of small theater productions. We picked up tickets for Forever Plaid a couple of weeks ago at Hot Tix (1/2 price on the day of the show) and really enjoyed it. Here's a website for Chicago cultural happenings http://www.centerstage.net/ <BR> <BR>You might check out Navy Pier's website-there's probably more stuff on the weekends than the weeknights www.navypier.com. There's an Imax theater at Navy Pier, there are boat cruises, restaurants, a ferris wheel, concerts in the summer. <BR> <BR>The Art Institute is open until 8:00 pm on Tuesday and is also free that day. <BR> <BR>For something a little more offbeat, you might look into the Baton Club, a female impersonator show. <BR> <BR>www.metromix.com is a good website for current things going on in Chicago and also the City of Chicago's website is good for festivals at http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Tourism/

If you do ONE thing, do the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise!!! <BR> <BR>Spectacular views of the city! Otherwise, do N. Michigan Avenue, John Hancock Tower for drinks, Art Institute and Shedd Aquarium!

wrigley field if the Cubs are home with a night game.

My favorite of all which no one has ever mentioned on this forum, that I have seen, is the Buckingham Fountain water display. It's a colored water "dance" using all the lights and fountain jets. It lasts a good long time and is after dark on summer nights. It used to start in May and run until October. To me it was so romantic and if the wind is right the climax can be cooling as well as thrilling. I've always wondered why they have never featured it in a movie. <BR> <BR>It's in Grant Park and although there are lots of people, it doesn't get super, super crowded unless it is Taste of Chicago time or special concert night. It's the one thing besides the boat architectural tour that I always bring visitors too. I've never had one who didn't like it.

Look at Becca's March 12 trip report on Chicago ... contains some good information. Ciao