Chicago is a fantastic city with lots to offer when it comes to food and entertainment so our IDC local guides have taken the time to curate a list of options near the conference venue and throughout the city. Below you’ll find sample itineraries from our guides, Maddie and Izaiah, for each day of the conference to help you get started exploring Chicago.
Maddie’s Picks
My picks offer a variety of art, performance, music, and nightlife experiences that showcase the vibrancy of the Chicago in summer. Featuring some of my favorite hangout spots in the city, and a variety of (mostly) vegetarian-friendly eats.
Monday, 06/19
- Restaurant: The Delta – Tamales and cocktails in a hip neighborhood spot
- Bar: Punk Rock Monday at Delilah’s – Enjoy $1 beers in an iconic punk dive bar
- Entertainment: Anagram Series concert at Elastic Arts – improvisational music at a vital independent performance venue. BYOB!
Tuesday, 06/20
- Restaurant: Marisol – A fun atmosphere, attached to the Museum of Contemporary Art
- Bar: Zebra Lounge – A fun cocktail bar with live piano music every night
- Entertainment: Museum of Contemporary Art (open until 9) – check out the new Gary Simmons exhibit in one of Chicago’s best art museums!
Wednesday, 06/21
- Restaurant: Lula Cafe – Incredible veggie-forward small-plates in Logan Square
- Bar: Happy hour @ The Owl (5-7 pm) – all drinks are half price!
- Entertainment: Jazz at The Whistler – free live music in this Logan Square bar
Thursday, 06/22
- Restaurant: Billy Goat Tavern – a Chicago mainstay for straightforward burger fare
- Bar: Podlasie Club – featuring Research and Development, one of the city’s hippest techno parties, from 9pm-2am!
- Entertainment: Art Institute (open until 8) – an absolutely massive collection of art. Check out the Peter Hujar exhibit!
Friday, 06/23
- Restaurant: Chicago Diner – the best place in the city for vegetarian/vegan fare
- Bar: Long Room – cute tavern vibes with a back patio
- Entertainment: Queer dance party at Smartbar/Metro – featuring the biggest queer/femme-oriented Pride dance party in the city!
Izaiah’s Picks
Experiences that elicit the imagination through art, culture, and play. Features speakeasies, unique dining, and cultural references that highlights the spirit of Chicago.
Monday, 06/19
- Restaurant: Lou Malnati’s – Considered the Royal Family of Chicago-style pizza, Lou Malnati’s history is as rich as its pizza is in flavor. Lou began making deep-dish pizza with his father Rudy in the 1940s, taking that pie-making knowledge and experience to eventually open his own pizzeria in 1971. It’s been a Chicago icon ever since, with a whopping 36 locations now in operation today and countless devotees across state borders.
- Bar: Whim – Where IMMERSIVE ART, UNIQUE COCKTAILS, and CAPTIVATING PERFORMANCE create unforgettable moments of discovery. WHIM embarks audiences across a path of dreamlike theatricals that immerse the individual into an eclectic range of perspectives
- Entertainment: WNDR museum – Enjoy an interactive experience: a multi-sensory showcase of art and technology. 12 – 8 pm, $32
Tuesday, 06/20
- Restaurant: Sunda – Hip spot for creative Asian fusion fare, sushi & specialty cocktails in a chic modern space.
- Bar: The drifter – Speakeasy underneath Green Door Tavern pouring craft cocktails & offering live entertainment.
- Entertainment: Pixar Putt – pop-up, mini-golf experience made up of 18 fun and interactive holes inspired by the stories, characters, and icons from some of Pixar’s most beloved films Time: 12pm – 10 pm, cost: ~$22
Wednesday, 06/21
- Restaurant: Mercadito – Mixologists make cocktails in an intimate space at this modern lounge with Latin-style small plates.
- Bar: Cindy’s Rooftop Bar – Hip, stylish rooftop bar/eatery at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel with choice seasonal fare.
- Entertainment: Navy Pier free firworks show – During the summer, one of the best aerial displays you’ll find in Chicago originates from Navy Pier. – Chicago’s lakefront treasure. The fireworks coincide with music as they explode over Lake Michigan Time: 9 pm
Thursday, 06/22
- Restaurant: KYU Ramen – Restaurant that boasts a beautiful design and houses speaiclty japanese ramen.
- Bar: Stay and play game cafe ($5) – “Stay and Play Game Café provides a casual atmosphere to enjoy small Puerto Rican plates, pressed sandwiches, rum-based cocktails, local beers, wine and coffee all while playing your favorite classic board games or discovering new modern tabletops.
- Entertainment: Chicago cultural center tour – Drawn by its beauty and the fabulous free public events, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the Chicago Cultural Center every year, making it one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. The stunning landmark building is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes, as well as free music, dance and theater events, films, lectures, art exhibitions and family events. 1:15 pm
Friday, 06/23
- Restaurant: Gordan Ramsey Burger – Trendy celebrity-chef venture dishing up hefty, creative hamburgers with vegan options.
- Bar: The Magic lounge – Performance venue with 3 environments featuring magicians & cocktails plus pre-show small plates
- Entertainment: The State of /sound: A world of Music from Illinois – This one-of-a-kind exhibit showcases artists from Muddy Waters to REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick to Earth, Wind & Fire, Chance the Rapper, and more. 11 am – 8pm