A number of freebies rock the block-long Cultural Center. The ongoing art exhibitions are top-tier, especially those in the 4th-floor Yates Gallery. Free jazz, classical and electronic dance music concerts take place at lunchtime (12:15pm Mon, Wed & Fri), while film screenings and other events happen on various evenings. InstaGreeter guides offer free hour-long tours of the Loop (departure from...

If the Water Tower had to pick a disco theme song, it would be “I Will Survive.” Because that’s exactly what it did in October 1871, after the Great Chicago Fire ripped through town. The blaze torched 18,000 buildings, pretty much the entire inner city. Except for the Water Tower, which survived thanks to its flameproof limestone bricks. These days...