What a good place for an art gallery and event space! Artists can have their voices heard (or seen)…read moreand create while showing their wares. WE came in as part of Bronzeville Summer Nights, with a punch card, but the arresting images would have drawn us in anyway. We met the artist, chatted a bit, and my party bought a small postcard for framing. The artist's name was Jenny Sammons. I hope they decide to have openings and shows. I'm 'old school' so I was expecting a paper card with upcoming events, but I'll just follow then on social media. It is not immediately a large space, but the walls have lots of room for artwork. I did not purchase any so I cannot speak to prices, and there was of course music playing, so it's a fun atmosphere. I just missed an opening, and I may do a 2nd review if I can get to the current show or another opening. (Given where they are, I assume the artist are from or near Bronzeville and identify as people of color, but it's a good idea to ask within if you are an artist wanting to have a show).

Wandered in here and was delightfully surprised by the staff and the culture/space they are…read morecultivating. A must visit!!

Some organizational issues but still had a great time…read more 1. No point in doing timed entry if the timed entry rules are the thing making everyone clump up and enter at once. Totally illogical. 2. No kids should be allowed at an adults event. They run the show every other day, give us a break from them. 3. Jazz band should have been outside. Sad that we barely heard any music the entire night. As usual the animals were amazing! Jubilee drink was yummy. Sunset was gorgeous.

The music and ambiance were both fantastic…read more Bumping down a star because there wasn't enough seating outside particularly as people were hogging seats in keeping their stuff on it. They would disappear for long periods of time but keep stuff unattended. There should be some paid seating that can be reserved. Or some active management of chairs so no one hogs tables. One of the most picturesque aquarium locations I've visited. Also, nice exhibits. The food was actually priced reasonably and good as well. It was a nice family friendly atmosphere to experience a jazz event. Particularly as most Chicago jazz venues appear to be 21+.

Three Arts Cafe is a must every time I visit Chicago. It's one of the most beautiful dining…read moreenvironments that you will find in Chicago. Locals call it "The Hardest Table in Chicago" so plan to make your reservations WELL in advance! We shared the gem lettuce salad, the lobster roll, and a cookie for dessert. The gem lettuce salad while simple is honestly one of my favorite salads I've ever had. The lobster roll was perfect as was the cookie. The ambiance was 5/5, service and experience was 5/5, and the food itself a 4/5. If you are able, I highly recommend trying three arts, you won't regret it!! I will say three arts is expensive, so maybe save it for a special occasion.

This is the most beautiful place i have been in Chicago . I ordered the lobster roll and side…read moresalad and it was delicious. The lobster roll was a perfect temperature and the salad had a great citrus vinegarette. The ambiance is so beautiful. The service was great as well

This is a must visit place in chicago if you love art. Sara…read morewelcomed us with a big smile and a lot of passion and she has an amazing selection of pieces from a variety of very talented artists. She's very knowledgeable. Kids are welcome . Highly recommend!

Welcoming and fun gallery space. The owner was really nice and made me feel at home. Great tunes,…read moretoo!

It's not every day that one of the major streets in the city is closed for blocks or a street…read morefestival. So we decided to head on down. We met a friend and her toddler there; we both drove since it was easier with our kids but of course most folks took the CTA. It was ok. It felt a little different from other street festivals in the city, maybe a little more flea-market-y. Or maybe that's my bougie-ness seeping through. I will commend them for not really having a bunch of booths--either merchandise or food--that I've seen in a lot of other places, and that's a great thing. It gets a little boring going to some of the north side stuff and seeing the same merchants each time. State was closed from Jackson to Randolph. There were lots of the aforementioned merchants, selling t-shirts, jewelry, personal care items, and more. There was a dance event happening--I'm not sure it was a class, exactly, but it was the folks participating seemed to know what they were doing. There was a little installation of sorts where you could take photos (or have a seat if you needed to). So there was a good variety of stuff happening. I don't think I'd go back, in part because it's just so far out of the way for me. Also, I didn't think to go on SpotHero for parking and as a result paid over $40 because I forgot the discount I get for my workplace doesn't work on weekends. Oops! If you do go and are able, taking the train is going to be your best bet.

Sunday on State is a great family friendly event in the heart of the loop with Iconic landmarks in…read morethe background, it's always a great mix of music, dance, art, and local flavors. This week July 13th, there's some 10'' tall day of the dead puppets, karaoke and multiple stages of performances spanning multiple blocks. Always look forward to this series of street fairs!

Very cool space to see a free community art exhibit, but be aware there are no restrooms and in…read moreorder to use a restroom you have to cross the street and go up the stairs of the Chicago Cultural Museum, although I bet/hope they have an accessible entrance with a ramp somewhere!! The space inside is light and airy, although oddly filled with mosquitoes on the day we visited!! I got a few mosquito bites! The guard was chatting with friends on his phone the whole time, but did stop long enough to tell me where to find a bathroom. Free entry was greatly appreciated. Street Parking was about $20 for our visit which took about 2 hours as we got coffee nearby too.

Although the museum was super small since it was basically about the size of one exhibit at a…read moremoderately-sized museum, the museum had some eye-pleasing and interesting artwork to see especially the ones involving typefaces and principles of design. It gave off a vibe of an architecture major.

The South Asia Institute hosted Chicago's first annual 2026 South Asian American Literary Festival,…read morea one-day immersive event, on August 22. This was my first visit to the space, and I am looking forward to returning. With panels throughout the day, food vendors, and art exhibits throughout the building, the experience was immersive, vibrant and thought-provoking. The programs that I attended (Glass Lyre Press authors' poetry readings, and a panel discussion on identify and the lived experience in storytelling) were captivating and provided a window into the influences and observations of the featured writers and how they use these to inform their craft. I have signed up for SAI's mailing list on the website to receive updates on exhibitions and programs. The museum operates on a donation-based admission model, in addition to offering memberships, so there are many ways to support SAI.

Great place for community events... had a lot of fun attending the open mic evening with…read moreenthusiastic artists performing their skills. Would love to come back

I live in the neighborhood and remember the days when you can simply walk in and enjoy, even when…read moreit was packed. It's always been popular. Now you need to stand in a "Stand-by" line, which makes no sense because everyone is granted entry anyway. Plus, you now need to scan a QR code and enter all your contact info. The attendant said it's about safety. This is about marketing; and it's a huge turn-off. The rest of the museum is great.

Free jazz concerts on Tuesday evenings, can't go wrong with that. They book some of Chicago's best…read morejazz groups every year and the season starts in mid June and goes through September. There is always plenty of seating, but get there early so you are assured of getting a seat. Food and drink is provided by Wolfgang Puck Cafe. Spending some time at the Museum of Contemporary Art before the show and during the break is an added bonus. This is one of my favorite summer diversions. If you haven't been and like jazz this is a must.