The Chicago theater scene is alive and well with exciting productions on the playbill throughout the year. From spectacular blockbuster musicals downtown to fresh exciting works coming out of the Belmont Theater District, not to mention special events and insider backstage tours, the city is bursting with show-stopping performances and experiences. This season is certainly no exception, and here’s what’s happening around town. 

Dazzling Productions in The Theatre District

Look no further than the Loop to find an incredible lineup of shows in the Theater District. Broadway in Chicago, offers some of the best seats in the house, bringing entertaining musicals and riveting plays to several of the fine venues in the area. This summer, step inside the gorgeous James M. Nederlander Theatre on W. Randolph Street when the Tony Award-winning Andrew Lloyd Weber musical Cats keeps the “Memory” alive July 16-August 4, 2019. Nearby, the grand Cadillac Palace Theatre presents another classic with the epic French revolutionary saga Les Misérables July 9-27, 2019 and also welcomes the new touring production of The Band’s Visit September 3-15, 2019. Over at the CIBC Theatre, the insanely popular Hamilton will delight audiences through January 5, 2020, while the acclaimed Goodman Theatre brings the laughs with the musical comedy The Music Man June 29-August 11, 2019.

For theatergoers who are interested in getting a behind the scenes look of one of the city’s most famous landmarks, The Chicago Theatre Marquee Tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the history, architecture and memorable moments that have taken place here. Just look for the hard-not-to-miss CHICAGO sign that adorns the front of the building on N. State Street.

Entertaining Engagements

Theater fans have a lot to look forward in other parts of the city. Along with the North American premiere of Six, an energetic pop-style concert inspired by the doomed wives of King Henry VIII at its main performance space on Navy Pier, Chicago Shakespeare Theater is expanding its reach with The Comedy of Errors July 18-August 18 as part of the Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks program.

Not too far from downtown, the Belmont Theater District, which spans the Lakeview and Lakeview East neighborhoods, is a vibrant area with theaters, restaurants, and shops that also happens to hold the distinction of being Chicago’s largest theater district presenting more than 100 shows weekly. From the Alfred Hitchcock-inspired, full length improvised thriller Hitch*Cocktails to the Blue Man Group and everything in between, there is certainly a show worth seeing.

One event you won’t want to miss is the free Broadway in Chicago Summer Concert at Millennium Park on Monday, August 12, 2019. For one night only, theater’s brightest stars will take to the stage of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion to sing new and classic show tunes under the beautiful Chicago sky.

No visit to Chicago is complete without exploring the Magnificent Mile. While most people think of a 13-block stretch of North Michigan Avenue as the main thoroughfare, the reality is the Magnificent Mile District is actually larger and is bordered by Randolph Street to the south, North Avenue to the north, Lake Michigan to the east, and the Chicago River to the west. Within this vicinity, visitors will find some of the city’s legendary landmark buildings, buzz-worthy restaurants, world-class shops, hotels, cultural attractions, and so many interesting things to do.

Seeing the Sights

Travelers who want to learn more about the fascinating area and how it came to be the Magnificent Mile should join a guided tour to hear the stories, see the amazing architecture, and get the lay of the land. Big Bus Tours provides a great introduction with a hop-on and hop-off Classic Tour experience where guests learn how the area got its name as well as discover some of the thoroughfare’s most iconic buildings including the Historic Water Tower and Pumping Station, the only two structures in the area that are still standing after the Great Chicago Fire wreaked havoc on the city and the John Hancock Center (now renamed 875 North Michigan Avenue), which soars 100 stories and was the world’s second tallest building at its opening in 1968.

If you want a bird’s eye view of the Magnificent Mile and beyond, including Lake Michigan and four different states, the 360 Chicago Observation Deck in the iconic John Hancock building does not disappoint, especially if you’re brave enough to take a peek from TILT, an enclosed moving platform that tilts over Michigan Avenue from the 94th Floor.

For those who prefer exploring closer to the ground, the Magnificent Mile is also home to several cultural organizations. The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago has an impressive collection of works and exciting exhibits such as its most current “Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech,” which showcases the native Chicagoan and designer’s cutting-edge works including collaborations with another famous local, Kanye West, and Japanese artist Takashi Murakami through September 22, 2019. Meanwhile, the Chicago Sports Museum is a sports lover’s dream with high-tech, interactive installations that celebrate the city’s legacy in the world of sports. Of course, you can expect to see a lot of Chicago Bulls, Cubs and Bears memorabilia as well as fun exhibits including “Measure Up” where visitors get to test their skills against all-time greats such as #23 Michael Jordan.

Literary types will enjoy the lesser-known Newberry Library and its treasure trove of curious things such as the first edition of Alice and Wonderland, correspondence between Jack Kerouac and his publisher, among other rare items.

Finally, when retail therapy is in order, the Magnificent Mile is certainly the right place to go with three vertical malls, 900 North Michigan Shops, Water Tower Place and the Shops at North Bridge offering one-stop shopping and dining. Looking ahead, don’t miss the colorful store window displays, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and the Grand Tree Lighting Parade which kick off the holiday season in late November.

Summer is hardly over, and there are so many amazing things happening around Chicago this time of year. August is a busy month for sure with festivals and exciting events spanning arts, culture, food, and entertainment. Whether you’re in the mood to get your groove on, eat til your heart’s content or hop on a Segway and see the sights, here are some excellent options to check out in the weeks ahead. 

Segway Tour

Enjoy views of Chicago architecture and famous landmarks from a unique vantage point by signing up for one of the tours offered by Bike and Roll, located at the Navy Pier and Maggie Daley Park. A great intro to the city for those visiting in August is the Amazing Lakefront Tour highlighting DuSable Harbor and Park, Monroe Harbor, the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and Soldier Field, to name a few.

Chicago SummerDance

No need for a nightclub when you can just show off your moves during Chicago SummerDance, a free outdoor dance event series taking over city parks through August 24, 2019. Wednesdays through Sundays, the Spirit of the Music Garden in Grant Park and other Chicago Park District locations transform into a lively urban dance floor with complete with live bands, DJs and lessons in everything from Brazilian zouk to Ballroom, Salsa, House, and East Coast Swing. So get your dancing shoes on, grab some friends and don’t be shy because dancers of all levels are welcome. Oh, and for a few extra hours of dancing, be sure to come out for the SummerDance Celebration Grand Finale in Millennium Park on Saturday, August 24, from 1 to 8 p.m.

Grant Park Music Festival

Unwind and enjoy classical music concerts performed by a world-class orchestra, chorus, and special guests during the Grant Park Festival. The summer music series has been going on for many years and has become a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. August features a lovely line-up with the Grant Park Orchestra and violinist Vadim Gluzman performing Mozart’s Prague Orchestra at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance August 2-3 2019; the Mambo Kings on August 7 and Mahler’s monumental Resurrection Symphony featuring the Grant Park Orchestra and internationally renowned vocalists Amanda Majeski and J’Nai Bridges at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Chicago Hot Dog Fest

It’s that time of year again when hundreds head to Lincoln Park at Stockton and LaSalle for the Chicago Hot Dog Fest presented by the Chicago History Museum. The picnic-style extravaganza goes down August 9-11, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday and will feature Vienna beef hot dogs prepared Chicago-style of course—and other ways, too. However, food isn’t the only thing on the menu with an exciting line-up of bands including the School of Rock, Bollywood Groove, Tributosaurus Becomes the Rolling Stones, to name a few, and fun family-friendly activities for all to enjoy. Don’t miss it!

Chicago Air & Water Show

Back by popular demand, the Chicago Air & Water Show presented by the City of Chicago and the largest free event of its kind in the country will return August 17-18, 2019. While the focal point happens above North Avenue Beach, people are still able to view all the action unfolding along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street. This year’s performances include a lofty lineup such as the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, the USMC Osprey Demo, among others.

Sangria Festival

The warm weather offers the perfect excuse to indulge in refreshing drinks from Spain during the Sangria Festival taking place August 17-18, 2019 at Humboldt Park. Art, music, and entertainment are all part of the festivities of this event that centers around hand-crafted cocktails from the city’s top mixologists. Other goodies include food stations serving small bites and more, and live music on the lawn from Spanish rock to reggae, salsa, and funk, as well as performances by flamenco dancers and more. Salud! Tickets start at $15.

As you can see, August is a fabulous time to get out and about in Chicago!

Art appreciation is in full force in Chicago. Enthusiasts need to look no further than this Midwest City, home to some of the finest museums in the world as well as high-profile shows, cutting-edge galleries, and eye-catching public works that are transforming plazas and parks. Whether you prefer classical works by the masters or more contemporary projects, there is plenty to stretch the imagination, and worth seeing on your next visit.

On view at the Art Institute of Chicago through September 8, 2019, the blockbuster show Manet and Modern Beauty features the work of Édouard Manet in his later years. The exquisite exhibition delves into his diverse subjects with paintings of still lifes, pastels, and salon portraits of fashionable women, highlighting females across a range of social spectrums. Highlights include the multi-painting works In the Conservatory and Boating along with more than 90 works of art, personal letters, and historical costume accessories.

In the neighborhood of West Town, visitors to INTUIT: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art will discover a whole new world of original works by self-taught artists. Unlike mainstream art, everything on view reflects artists’ personal visions, and typically falls under the categories of visionary art, art brut, self-taught art and non-traditional folk art. Along with changing exhibitions such as Justin Duerr: Surrender to Survival featuring intricate drawings by the Philadelphia-based artist, the center also has the Henry Darger Room Collection, a replica of the small one-room apartment of Chicago-based artist Darger featuring painted and collaged drawings and a collection of hundreds of objects.

The heart of the city’s Mexican community in Pilsen is where you will find the National Museum of Mexican Art, which houses a significant collection of 10,000 pieces spanning 3,000 years. Along with exhibitions such as Nuestra Historia, highlighting the Mexican identity in North America with folk art, colonial artifacts, and contemporary works, the museum also hosts different events including Thursday Nights After Dark and art workshops. Admission is free.

Sometimes you want to see another side of the city—and not only the main tourist attractions. While Chicago may be famous for the Museums, Architecture, Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier, the destination also has a fascinating history full of stories, different perspectives, and famous personalities. For those who want to stray from standard tourist offerings, venture off-the-beaten-path, and satisfy your curiosity by taking one of these three unique tours.

If you have read the best-selling book by Erik Larson that chronicles two real-life Chicago events, the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 and the terror spread by serial murderer Dr. Henry H. Holmes, then you will no doubt enjoy the Devil in the White City Tour. Offered by the Chicago Architecture Center, the thrilling experience is just under three-and-a-half hours and presents an intriguing account of the circumstances with a bus tour that makes stops to points pivotal to the story including the home of fair critic Ida B. Wells, the fairgrounds in Jackson Park and others.

Back in the day, during the 1920s and 1930s, Al Capone and his cronies ruled Chicago, making their mark on the city. Find out about the shady underdealings that went on during the Prohibition era during the Chicago Crime Tour led by entertaining “gangster” guides who share what really went down at various stops such as the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and the Holy Name Cathedral.

Those in the mood for something lighter should consider the Historic Chicago Walking Bar Tour. The experience offered by Chicago Detours shows guests a different side of Michigan Avenue as they make their way to different pubs to learn all about the city’s jazz, speakeasy, and party past, all while viewing the stunning architecture and enjoying appetizers and drinks along the way.

What Chicago tour would you join on your next visit?