Cole’s is a good ol’ dive bar with groovy entertainment – for free. Logan Square’s hipsters flock in to shoot pool and suck down kick-ass Midwest microbrews (Bell’s, Two Brothers, Great Lakes) for $5 a pint. On most nights, bands and DJs command the back room performance space. Wednesdays are the exception, when the popular comedy open mic (9:30pm) lets...
Indie, folk and country bands twang at the Hideout, a wood-paneled venue akin to your grandma’s rec room. It’s camouflaged behind a factory, hence the name. Something cool hits the stage nightly, with spoken word, comedy and game shows joining the musical line up. The cover charge is usually between $5 and $10, though bigger-name bands on weekends can cost...
Hot Tix sells same-week theater tickets for half-price, either online or onsite from 3 outlets: * The office across from the Chicago Cultural Center (72 E Randolph St, Loop). * The Block 37 shops, guest services desk (108 N State St, Loop). * The Water Works Visitor Center (163 E Pearson St, Gold Coast). Tickets are available for drama, comedy...
Everyone who’s anyone learned their funny here: Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carrell, Amy Poehler and heaps more. The Mainstage and e.t.c. stages host sketch revue shows that are similar in price and laugh-your-ass-off quality. Reserve tickets well in advance for weekend performances. An extra bit of goodness: there’s free improv after the shows. You heard right: show...
The trippy Picasso sculpture rises up at the center of Daley Plaza, which is the place to be at noontime, particularly when the weather warms. All kinds of events let loose on the square here – bands, dance shows, ethnic festivals, a farmers market (7am-3pm Thu, late May-mid-Oct). And they’re always free. Oh, that sculpture? It remains a mystery as...
The Hideout is a very special place, transformative in the physical and metaphysical sense. During the summer everyone takes it outside, and the small alley-like street turns into a jamfest. Inside, decorative lights create a cozy atmostphere, lending good vibes to this truly midwestern hideout, tucked between 90/94 and the Chicago River. You’d never end up here if you weren’t...
Drag queen cabaret as it’s finest: diva’s, martinis, and a white cubed layout that doubles as a runway. Show the dolled up lip-singer’s some love with singles and you’ll be hard pressed to find a more entertaining way to drink the night away. The Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club is the bedazzled heart of Boystown. Daily Specials with half-priced martinis...
The greatness of Schubas consists of three parts: one part music venue, one part bar, and one part restaurant. You either come for the acts, the brunch, or their baked mac ‘n’ cheese*. Check the calendar for who’s coming to town as well as their sister venue, Lincoln Hall. *Half-priced mac ‘n’ cheese on Wednesdays.
What does Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Bill Murray, John Belushi, Stephen Colbert, Dan Aykroyd, and a slew of others have in common? Second City has been an important staple in the careers of many comedians. Check their website for the latest in hilarity, and if you’re around for a while and think you have what it takes to join the...