Now that I'm a college grad, there's just less to do on a Friday night. No more house parties, less…read moreof my friends are around, and it's also just less socially acceptable to go wild now that I'm supposed to be an adult. Cue going out with my roommates to classy events like After Dark, where everyone's a little older than I'm used to and where I don't really feel like I fit in just yet, but it's still nice to finally be a part of the grown ups. I would say the average person was in their late 20s, and the crowd was quite dressed up (at least in comparison to my cotton black summer dress and flip flops). We had a great time. Food wise, they had some complimentary snacks consisting of crackers/dip, popcorn, and rice crispy treats, although I wish they had something more substantial to feed us. They also have a drinks line (need to first purchase tickets to buy drinks!) where you can get beer, wine, or cocktails. Entertainment wise, there was a fantastic DJ, a photo booth with a mime, and an arts and crafts stand where you can get stickers to plaster all over you friends. After getting drinks and snacks, we sat around for a bit on the (beautiful) outdoor patio, and afterwards proceeded to walk through the Modern Wing, which was open exclusively for the event. The Roy Lichtenstein exhibit was up, and it took quite awhile to peruse since it was absolutely huge. The artwork was amazing, and I'm really glad I got a chance to see this exhibit that I probably wouldn't have seen otherwise. The price of the event was so worth it since it covers both the art and the h'orderves. Overall, I had a fantastic time and am excited to attend other events similar to this (First Friday's at the MCA, anyone?). Only qualm is still that I wish they had more substantial snacks, since I was starving afterwards.

Eclectic mix of people, something for everybody here…read more Plenty of single people and couples too. It was great to walk around and view the art, which gave the event an added touch. One thing that was annoying was having to pay for drink tickets, it would be much more convenient if they just took cash. Not a black tie event as some people made it out to be. All in, its good for what you make of it, either enjoying your own company or going to meet others. Good vibes!

This was my first Immersive Experience and I really enjoyed it. It was awesome being able to…read moreexperience these paintings across different perspectives. There are 5 rooms for your viewing pleasure. While I saw people sitting and enjoying the show, I think this is really an event to move around and catch different perspectives of the same painting. For example when standing slightly off center in room 3 resulted in viewing a life sized panoramic image shifting across 3 rooms. Some rooms only give a small piece of the puzzle, so it's up to you to walk around and explore. I went in to the 730 showing and I think I've would've had a better time if I planned it for earlier. I think it's worth seeing the show play out twice in different rooms, especially the upstairs. The upstairs had it own panoramic situation as well. I spent majority of my time upstairs to be able to capture all that I can. I would've loved for the ticket taker to explain more of the process. They made it seem that you had to flow from room to room in order, when actually you should be moving freely about to capture the full perspective. For example, the raining scenes/paintings should be experienced in multiple rooms. As the painting is across more than one room. It gives more perspective. The bar was also closed for the 730 show. But it would've been nice to have been able to enjoy the wine/cocktails while taking in these scenes. They did have a cafe that served small snacks, water, soda, coffee, etc. At the end, the gift shop was running a sale and I picked up some great finds leftover from the Van Gogh experience. I would recommend others to go but would opt for a time when you can see the show run through twice. Make sure to stop by the gift shop!

Anticipation is a cruel thing when you're expecting to be seduced by art and worse when your…read moreexpectations are not met. Despite this opening statement - yes, I would still recommend this exhibition. You see, I'm comparing this to Nirvana - which was immersive VanGogh. By itself, this show is worth exploring. Arrangement is everything when you're presenting art previously viewed by everyone before. In this case, the images move too fast to immerse me into their world. I've always felt as a spectator and was never taken by it all. The sound track sounded tinny and unfamiliar. There are moments in the show that do deserve mention such as the Bolero routine and the opening sequence. As I said, this is still good art that's avant-garde in its exposition and a show not to be missed. We went on Monday night and paid $30. Beware of surge pricing.

C33 is a small bright windowed gallery, and we found a free exhibit in progress, Reconnect, by 44…read morelocal arts educators, in a gallery of the School of Visual Arts,(Feb 16 to Mar 12, 2026). There was a great variety of creative works, most of them framed art, some fabric arts or clothing, and some pottery. The current building entrance to this Columbia College Chicago building is on the east side, facing Wabash. The gallery entrance is near the central elevators, facing the NE corner of Wabash and Ida B. Wells.

This is a nice 'cozy' space located in Columbia College. The bright colors of the art (by Natasha…read moreMoustache) complemented the white walls. I will add this to my gallery list of future exhibits. It's very conveniently located, easy to get to. No wine like a usual gallery, perhaps bc it was a college campus? But there were bags of chips and bottled water, self serve.

Such a lovely exhibit…read more The location is perfect for this rich, immersive experience. A small vintage building, tucked away on a side street, feels quaint yet grand. The newly renovated lounge is beautiful, with large windows and original hardwood floors. The gift shop offers a ton of lovely items. The staff that I encountered were wonderful. Everyone was very professional, friendly and helpful. Once inside the grand room, excitement is in the air. Spacious and dim, we anxiously await what we know will be special. There is a balcony and small seating areas. The music starts and the images roll across the walls. The sound and visual systems are perfect. It was moving and, detailed yet grand. I wished it would go on forever. Even if you are not a classical music aficionado, you will thoroughly enjoy your experience. This exhibit is perfect to attend as a group or alone.

I was lucky enough to be invited to a private showing before the public tickets went on sale. I…read morehave seen several of the immersive exhibit at the space as well as one in Paris. This was by far one of the best.

A neat small place to learn about Chicago architecture and it's development, with short…read more timelines on the walls and miniature model of the city and another ofWrigley Field. I bought a perfect, sturdy canvas bag labeled Chicago Architecture Center.

The museum has great models of Wrigley field and downtown. There is a video that discusses the…read moreevolution of the city. There are interactive displays that describe prominent buildings, architects , and architectural styles in Chicago. A good place to learn about Chicago architecture!

The flat iron arts building is a lovely space where art galleries open to the public once a month…read moreduring First Fridays! There is also a guitar store, music school, art classes, and more that are open regularly! Its full of awesome art and very friendly humans who are excited to show you their creations and to chat :) It's fun wandering the few floors of intricate hallways and perusing the art both in the hallways and in the galleries. On First Friday in November, we got to see and participate in some interactive exhibits, like a claw machine with food (loved the concept related to SNAP benefits) and Wrath + Love's confessions project which involved a typewriter. There was live music from Phil's Circle Music which is an adult music school and someone was freestyling while others played instruments. And shout-out to Bri and Andrew from Screams Everything Studio, who are so friendly and make really cool art! Definitely recommend checking out their studio and visiting the building during first Fridays. Overall awesome vibe and a great way to experience Wicker Park, it's art and people :) I think we spent a little over an hour walking around the building but we came late and took our time, so we didn't get a chance to see some of the open galleries. But I think you could expect to spend about an hour or two there depending on your pace. First Fridays is free and a lovely way to spend an evening!

Checked out common language at the flat iron building for a silly rebound workout class! The…read morearchitecture of this building is so historic and unique, it felt like you traveled back in time :)

It's the kind of place where you can catch incredible up-and-coming bands one night and seasoned…read moreindie legends the next. The sound quality is excellent for such an intimate space, and the atmosphere is pure rock-and-roll -- raw, unpolished, and full of energy. Drinks are affordable, the lighting sets the perfect underground vibe, and the crowd is always lively and diverse. It's a place that celebrates real music and creativity without the pretension, making every show feel like a genuine Chicago experience.

October-April. It is…read morethe second Saturday of the month. noon to 4:00 PM free to the public 21+ and parents with kids (same goes for sellers) Parking: Street Transit: #49 Western bus - http://www.transitchicago.com/riding_cta/busroute.aspx?RouteId=198 Transit Chicago - http://www.transitchicago.com Handmade Market is a unique event to connect the makers of beautiful things to people who appreciate the unique and handmade. Featuring more than 30 amazing sellers at the market, selling jewelry, purses, knitted items, clothing, paper crafts, and more! The Empty Bottle starts serving at noon, so feel free to shop with mimosas in hand. (We do encourage relaxed shopping.) You can also grab brunch at the tasty Bite Café next door. Markets include funky jewelry, glass pendants, knitted items, handbags, clothing, paper crafts and more. Did you know that in the city there are many makers who create jewelry, clothing, scarves, handbags, journals, greeting cards, and more? Do you want your money to go directly to the people that make the things you buy? Here you can establish a personal connection, and our makers are even encouraged to demonstrate or make their products during the event. Sustainable crafterness this is a regular monthly event. We strive to create a crafter's market, with affordable handmade, mostly local items. There are a ton of crafters in the city, and we try to make this accessible to up and coming designers, jewelry makers, and others. Come out and help support your monthly crafter's market.

Chicago really rocks the paint and sip experience with this company. I was visiting, and truly…read moreenjoyed my experience with Stir Up The Paint. So uplifting and so much fun!