Things to Do in Chicago

20s and up / Affluent / All Ages

Party Earth Review Spanning from the Chicago River at the south end to Oak Street at the north, the Magnificent Mile (“Mag Mile”) is a popular stretch of North Michigan Avenue constantly abuzz with fashionistas, foreigners, families, and finance types out shopping, strolling, or snapping photographs of some of the city’s most famous architecture ... more

30s / Bars / Beer / Beer Lovers / Jeans

Party Earth Review Navigating a short stretch between Lincoln Park and Lakeview, the Chicago Beer Experience leads adventurous groups of friends and die-hard beer lovers along a half-mile hops-fueled adventure. Beginning in Lakeview at Vaughan's, a cozy Irish pub, the tour runs most Fridays through Sundays (regardless of the weather) and ... more

20s / 30s / Ambient / Bar Food / Dinner

Party Earth Review Although a Jayhawks flag above the front door immediately announces Crossing’s allegiance to the University of Kansas, the cavernous rooms within have space for fans of all colors looking to snag a spot in front of one of the joint’s several dozen TVs. A polished wooden bar decked out in bobble heads and booze is usually ... more

20s / 30s / Bachelor Parties / Bars

Party Earth Review Set in the swanky area of Chicago known as the Gold Coast, Rush and Division is an odd mix of flashy, loud, and slightly seedy that features a range of venues from the rowdy bars along Division to the fat-cat steakhouses on Rush. The addition of State Street to the west – along with the infamous supply of older men on the ... more

30s / 40s / Affluent / After Work / Pop

Party Earth Review Despite its unassuming brick façade and location on a desolate stretch of North Halsted Street, George Street Pub has managed to garner a loyal following of area yuppies and affluent locals since opening in early 2011. Situated between the bustling neighborhoods of Lincoln Park and Lakeview, the upscale yet laid-back gastropub ... more

20s / 30s / 40s / 80s Music / Bar Food

Party Earth Review Dinner, daily specials, freshly brewed beer, sports, and DJs – Moonshine delivers it all under one roof. Except the dog-friendly patio – that’s outside. This neighborhood favorite draws a diverse crowd for bites, beers, and Da Bears, especially when the Chicago sun peeks through and the sidewalk ... more

30s / 40s / Acoustic / Anything goes

Party Earth Review The brainchild of Buddy Guy himself – who returns to play sold-out shows every January – Buddy Guy’s Legends has hosted some of the biggest players in the industry since 1989, and features local performers and celebrity blues acts alike on its spacious stage every night. Young professionals and local businessmen in the ... more

20s / 30s / 40s / Alternative Music

Party Earth Review Opened in 1988 as a small upstart, Goose Island has grown into the quintessential Chicago brewery, producing dozens of award-winning beers recognized by almost every Chicagoan and hops-loving tourist alike. Set inside a large warehouse, a full restaurant and bar gives patrons the chance to tank up on grub and suds before ... more

Alternative Music / Ambient

Party Earth Review One of the first stops along the hopping Division Street stretch, Bangers & Lace is a cozy, hops-focused bar popular with young beer lovers looking for craft brews and the savory sausages to go with them. An intimate lodge décor featuring landscape murals and dozens of taxidermy animals forms the backdrop for the young ... more

20s and up / 30s / 40s / Affluent

Party Earth Review It may be one of the smallest of Chicago’s lakefront beaches, but Oak Street Beach is also one of the most popular – and certainly the most upscale. Nestled in the shadow of the skyscrapers, ritzy apartment buildings, and designer stores of Lake Shore Drive, the beach doesn’t exactly channel the ... more

20s / 30s / 40s / ATM / Anything goes

Party Earth Review Held the last weekend of the month from February to December, Randolph Street Market is a European-style bazaar with more than two hundred vendors – all hand-picked by festival organizers – hawking an array of antiques, handmade items, and vintage goods. Both an indoor and outdoor event, the market features ... more

20s / 30s / Bars / Beer / Burgers / Dinner

Party Earth Review One of the most popular of Chicago’s 33 lakefront beaches, North Avenue Beach gets packed as soon as it opens on Memorial Day, as a wave of image-conscious 20-somethings peel off their heavy fleeces to reveal the results of their winter workouts. Besides surf and sun, the beach’s main draws are the nearly ... more