Explore Chicago's Architecture, Fireworks, Sports, and More in This Week's Episode

Listeners looking for the best things to do in Chicago this week, and any week, will find the city bursting with activities for every taste. If you crave spectacular city views, catch the 90-Minute Architecture River Tour today, August 3rd, at 5 p.m.—these tours, run daily through October, put you right on the water for tales from Chicago’s architectural legacy, all while floating past Wacker Drive’s famous skyline. Tripadvisor reviewers insist this boat ride is “a must do,” equal parts beautiful and fascinating. If you prefer your river adventure with a spin, consider joining the Chicago: Bikes, Bites, and Brews Tour, which pairs city cycling with tastings of local favorites—think deep-dish pizza and Chicago craft beers, ideal for food-loving explorers, according to My Guide Chicago.

Music lovers and night owls can experience Chicago’s signature summer fireworks at Navy Pier at 10 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday through August 30th, with live music and food stalls, creating the city’s iconic summer carnival atmosphere. For something more intimate but equally entertaining, the immersive Teatro Zinzanni continues inside the Spiegeltent at the Cambria Hotel with chaos, cabaret, and a gourmet dinner served alongside acrobatics and comedy—tickets are available for their show tonight from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Sports are the heartbeat of Chicago. This Sunday, August 10th, catch the Chicago White Sox battling the Cleveland Guardians at Guaranteed Rate Field with first pitch at 1:10 p.m. The following weekend, Bulls Fest 2025 takes over the United Center on August 23rd and 24th, mixing a massive outdoor three-on-three basketball tournament, clinics for all ages, local food, art, and appearances from Bulls players and legends—all designed for fans and families and free to attend.

Art aficionados can stroll Millennium Park to see Franz West’s monumental installations on display now. Meanwhile, the celebrated Color Factory hosts Colorpalooza until August 3rd, immersing guests in technicolor exhibits designed for sharing and play. For Japanophiles, McAninch Arts Center’s “Hokusai & Ukiyo-e: The Floating World” showcases more than 70 Japanese woodblock prints and Edo-period artifacts today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Families or those seeking free fun should wander Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the only free zoos in America, home to gorillas, meerkats, and more—just minutes from downtown. The Chicago Riverwalk offers additional free entertainment, with pop-up concerts, art, and fantastic people-watching, while Big Bus Tours’ Hop-On, Hop-Off service lets you discover classic landmarks and offbeat gems at your own pace.

If unique experiences are your thing, anticipate the Chicago Air and Water Show, August 16th and 17th, the largest free event of its kind in the country, with roaring jet planes, lakeside seating, and millions in attendance along North Avenue Beach.

Chicago’s food scene is legendary: whether it’s iconic hot dogs at Portillo’s, sizzling Italian beef at Al’s, artisanal bites at the Time Out Market, or French-Vietnamese fusion at hidden gem Saigon Sisters, there’s something for every palate. Locals may nudge you to try a tamale from the Esperanza food truck or dig into savory pierogi in Avondale for a taste of Chicago’s melting pot.

To wrap up a quintessential Chicago day, watch the sunset from the 360 Chicago Observation Deck with a cocktail in hand, or end your night at one of the city’s famed blues clubs—Kingston Mines or Buddy Guy’s Legends, where live acts play all night and the city’s musical soul lingers long after last call.

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