Saturday Chicago Events – A City Guide for Tourists Visiting for the First Time

Chicago is an amazing city that has so much to offer, from its vibrant culture to its iconic skyline. It’s the third-largest city in the United States, with over 2.7 million people living in the city and its metropolitan area. Chicago is known for its vibrant music, art, and theater scenes, as well as its delicious food. It’s also home to some of the world’s most renowned museums, such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum of Natural History.

Chicago has a rich history that dates back to the 1630s, when Jean Baptiste Point DuSable founded the settlement that would become the modern city. Since then, Chicago has experienced tremendous growth and development. It has become a major hub of industry, finance, commerce, and culture. Today, it is home to many iconic landmarks and attractions, including Wrigley Field, the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), and Millennium Park.

Visitors to Chicago can experience a wide range of activities, from exploring its iconic architecture to taking in a show at a comedy club. If you’re visiting for the first time, you may be overwhelmed by all the things there are to do. To help make your trip a little easier, we’ve put together this guide to Saturday Chicago events. We’ll break down some of the most popular activities and attractions in the city, as well as provide you with some helpful tips on how to make the most of your visit.

Explore Chicago’s Iconic Architecture

Chicago is famous for its iconic architecture, and a visit to the city isn’t complete without taking some time to explore it. The city boasts world-renowned buildings such as the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), the John Hancock Center, and the Tribune Tower. There are also many smaller architectural gems scattered throughout the city that are worth exploring.

Many of these buildings are open to the public and offer guided tours. You can purchase tickets for tours of these buildings or even take a self-guided walking tour. If you’d like to get up close and personal with some of these iconic structures, there are also architectural boat tours available. These tours provide an up-close view of the city’s skyline from the comfort of a boat on Lake Michigan.

Visit Museums and Galleries

Chicago is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums and galleries. The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most popular destinations in the city, with over 1 million visitors each year. This museum houses an impressive collection of artwork from around the world, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, and more. Other museums in Chicago include the Field Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Science and Industry.

In addition to these larger museums, there are also many smaller galleries throughout Chicago that are worth checking out. These galleries often feature works by local artists, offering visitors a unique cultural experience.

Listen to Live Music

Chicago is known for its vibrant music scene. The city has numerous venues where visitors can listen to live music, ranging from jazz clubs to rock venues. Some of Chicago’s most popular venues include The Metro, The Empty Bottle, and The Vic Theatre.

For those looking for something a little more intimate, there are also many small bars and pubs throughout the city that offer live music on a regular basis. If you want to experience Chicago’s musical culture in all its glory, be sure to check out one of these venues during your visit.

Eat Delicious Cuisine

Chicago is known for its delicious cuisine, and it’s no wonder why: the city has been home to many different cultures throughout its history. From classic American dishes like deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches to unique ethnic cuisines like Ethiopian and Korean BBQ, there’s something for everyone in Chicago.

If you’re looking for some of the best food in town, be sure to check out some of Chicago’s award-winning restaurants. For something a little more casual, there are also many food trucks throughout the city offering delicious treats at affordable prices.

Catch a Show

Chicago is home to many different theaters and performance venues where visitors can catch a show. From Broadway musicals at The Auditorium Theatre to stand-up comedy at Second City, there’s something for everyone in Chicago. For those looking for something a little different, there are also many smaller venues throughout the city where you can catch unique performances ranging from burlesque shows to spoken word poetry.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Chicago is home to many parks and green spaces where visitors can enjoy some fresh air and explore nature. One of the most popular places to visit is Millennium Park, which is home to many iconic sculptures such as Cloud Gate (also known as “The Bean”). Other popular green spaces include Grant Park and Lincoln Park Zoo.

For those looking for something a little more adventurous, there are also numerous biking and hiking trails throughout the city that offer breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area.

Popular Tours You Can Book Online

Architecture River Cruise Tour

One of the best ways to experience Chicago’s iconic architecture is by taking an architecture river cruise tour. This tour takes visitors on a cruise down the Chicago River and provides them with an up-close view of some of the city’s most famous buildings such as John Hancock Center, Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower), and Tribune Tower. Tours are available daily with knowledgeable guides who provide insight into each building’s history and architectural significance. You can book this tour here.

Chicago Food Tour

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, consider taking a Chicago Food Tour. This tour takes visitors to some of Chicago’s most beloved restaurants and eateries where they can sample delicious local specialties such as deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and other unique dishes. Tours are available daily with knowledgeable guides who provide insight into each restaurant’s history and culinary significance. You can book this tour here.

Lake Michigan Sightseeing Cruise

For those looking for something a little more relaxing, consider taking a Lake Michigan sightseeing cruise. This tour takes visitors on a cruise around Lake Michigan where they can take in stunning views of Chicago’s skyline from the comfort of a boat on Lake Michigan. Tours are available daily with knowledgeable guides who provide insight into Chicago’s history and local attractions. You can book this tour here.

Conclusion

Chicago is an amazing city that has so much to offer visitors on any given Saturday. From exploring its iconic architecture to listening to live music in one of its many venues or catching a show at one of its theaters, there’s something for everyone in Chicago. Don’t forget to take some time to explore its many parks and green spaces or sample some of its delicious cuisine while you’re there! Whether you’re looking for an exciting adventure or a relaxing escape, there are plenty of Saturday Chicago events that will keep you and your family entertained during your visit.