Things to do in Chicago today

What is there to do in Chicago today?

406 events are listed in the Chicago area today, Wednesday, October 14, 2026. That includes 72 culture, 64 live music and 53 nightlife events. 38 are potentially free.

What is the best comedy show in Chicago today?

Today's awesome comedy includes:

• Chicago's Best Stand Up at Laugh Factory Chicago, Today, Fri, Mon and Sun, various times, Laugh Factory Chicago. Heat 51
• Jury Duty, 9:30 PM, Annoyance Theatre, Lakeview. Heat 50
• Good Vibes ComedyGood Vibes Comedy Show!, 7:30 PM, Gallery Cabaret, Logan Square. Heat 47 Potentially free.
• Cryptic: The Improvised Paranormal Documentary, 8:00 PM, Annoyance Theatre, Lakeview. Heat 44
• Rob Stant, 7:00 PM, Zanies Comedy Club, Old Town. Heat 39
• Night Stand Up Comedy, Today, Tomorrow, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon and Tue, various times, Laugh Factory, Lakeview. Heat 22
• Taco Bout It Comedy, 7:00 PM, Botanero, Wicker Park. Heat 17 Potentially free.
• Chicago's Best ComedyChicago's Best Comedy Show, 7:00 PM, The Comedy Bar, River North. Heat 13

All comedy in Chicago over the next 30 days

What is the best live music concert in Chicago today?

Exciting options for live music today:

• Smashing Pumpkins, time not listed, United Center, West Loop. Heat 103
• Harry Styles: Together, Together, Today, Fri and Sat, 8:00 PM, The Chicago Theatre, Loop. Heat 86
• The Journey, 7:30 PM, Epiphany Center for the Arts. Heat 72
• Swapmeet, 7:30 PM, Schubas, Lakeview. Heat 71
• The Journey, 7:30 PM, Epiphany Center for the Arts - Catacombs, West Loop. Heat 65
• Golden Hour Featuring Otez.G, 5:00 PM, Epiphany Center for the Arts - Café Bar, West Loop. Heat 64
• Chicago Fire FC vs. Philadelphia Union, time not listed, Soldier Field, South Loop. Heat 63
• Max Diaz, 6:00 PM, Subterranean, Wicker Park. Heat 62

All live music in Chicago over the next 30 days

See every listing with live interest levels on Scoutonight.com →

What is the best tech event in Chicago today?

At least 1 tech event today, so here it is plus more later this week:

• InsurTech Chicago - AI: Limited or Limitless?, Today, 4:00 PM, Willis Tower, Loop.
• AI TECH Startup Pitch & Investor Connect — Chicago, Tomorrow, 6:00 PM, Emerald Loop Bar & Grill, Loop. Heat 22
• Advancing Human Judgment in an AI World, Fri, 12:00 PM, Chicago (Online).
• DePaul's Cyber Risk: Supply Chain Risk in the Age of Agentic AI Conference, Tue, time not listed, DePaul University - DePaul Center, Loop.
• Chicago Tech Startups, Investors, Experts Networking & Pitch Event, Tue, 7:00 PM, Easy Bar, Ukrainian Village.
• Chicago Women's Leadership Accelerator, Tomorrow, 8:00 AM, Lincoln International LLC, Loop.
• AI Startup Pitch & Investor Networking I Chicago, Tomorrow, 6:00 PM, Midwest Coast Brewing Company.
• Grace an interactive investigation into artificial intelligence, Tue, time not listed, Writers Theatre.

All professional events in Chicago over the next 30 days

What is the best event to learn AI and coding in Chicago today?

At least 1 AI and coding event today, so here it is plus more later this week:

• InsurTech Chicago - AI: Limited or Limitless?, Today, 4:00 PM, Willis Tower, Loop.
• AI TECH Startup Pitch & Investor Connect — Chicago, Tomorrow, 6:00 PM, Emerald Loop Bar & Grill, Loop. Heat 22
• Advancing Human Judgment in an AI World, Fri, 12:00 PM, Chicago (Online).
• DePaul's Cyber Risk: Supply Chain Risk in the Age of Agentic AI Conference, Tue, time not listed, DePaul University - DePaul Center, Loop.
• Chicago Tech Startups, Investors, Experts Networking & Pitch Event, Tue, 7:00 PM, Easy Bar, Ukrainian Village.
• Chicago Women's Leadership Accelerator, Tomorrow, 8:00 AM, Lincoln International LLC, Loop.
• AI Startup Pitch & Investor Networking I Chicago, Tomorrow, 6:00 PM, Midwest Coast Brewing Company.
• Grace an interactive investigation into artificial intelligence, Tue, time not listed, Writers Theatre.

What is the best healthy activity in Chicago today, with health-oriented people?

Ways to get healthy today, with people who care about it:

• Fundamental Sun-Style Tai Chi, 8:00 AM, Chicago Botanic Garden. Heat 24
• Sanando desde el Interior a través de la Meditación Serie 1, 6:00 PM, The Town of Cicero Community Center. Heat 22
• Ina Hot Sculpt (60m), Today, Tomorrow, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon and Tue, various times, Ina | Relax ‧ Regenerate ‧ Rebalance, River North. Heat 8
• Movimiento Sculpt: Dembow, Pop, and Reggeaton, 7:30 PM, El Movimiento Studio. Heat 6
• Community Gong Night, 8:00 PM, Sat Nam Yoga Chicago. Heat 5
• Fleet Feet Running Club: Fleet Feet South Loop, Today and Mon, 6:00 PM, Fleet Feet South Loop, South Loop. Heat 5
• Recovery in the H.O.O.D., 4:30 PM, Project HOOD.
• Nine Days of Navratri: A Celebration of the Divine Feminine, Today, Sat, Sun, Mon and Tue, 7:00 PM, Evolution Yoga.

All Reset events in Chicago over the next 30 days

What is the best way to meet people in Chicago today?

Ways to meet people today:

• Creative Hour - A Networking Experience, 1:30 PM, Chicago Cultural Center, Loop. Heat 32
• Social Sessions inSocial Sessions in the Lounge: Music by Rob Anderlik with Scott Tipping, 6:00 PM, Hey Nonny. Heat 27
• Young at Heart: Afternoon Party Games, 12:00 PM, Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago Public Library, South Loop. Heat 27
• I Like to Watch, 7:30 PM, Gman Tavern, Lakeview. Heat 26 Potentially free.
• Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Watch Party, 7:00 PM, Replay Lakeview, Lakeview. Heat 20
• Chicago Christian Speed Dating | IYKYK Dating | 20s-30s | 10/14/26, 6:30 PM, Recess, West Loop. Heat 8
• Fleet Feet Running Club: Fleet Feet South Loop, Today and Mon, 6:00 PM, Fleet Feet South Loop, South Loop. Heat 5
• TriviaTrivia, Today and Tomorrow, 8:30 PM, The Getaway, Ravenswood. Heat 5

All Meet People events in Chicago over the next 30 days

Where is the best place to go dancing salsa in Chicago today?

This week's awesome salsa nights include:

• Latin Dance, Fri, 6:45 PM, Ballroom Dance Chicago, Ravenswood.

Where is the best EDM in Chicago today?

At least 1 EDM night today, so here it is plus more later this week:

• Intimate House SessionsIntimate House Sessions, Today, 8:00 PM, Masada Nightclub, Logan Square.
• Kevin Saunderson, Fri, 10:00 PM, Spybar, River North. Heat 51
• Broadway Rave - Ages 17+, Fri, 9:30 PM, Subterranean, Wicker Park. Heat 44
• Heat Sync - Thursday Services, Tomorrow, 8:00 PM, Masada Nightclub, Logan Square. Heat 38
• Rooftop Sessions ftRooftop Sessions ft. Sheefy Mcfly, CTRLZORA, Ariel Zetina, D. Strange, Sun, 4:30 PM, Three Top Lounge at the Salt Shed. Heat 23
• Alesso, Fri, 10:00 PM, TAO Chicago, River North. Heat 21
• Modestep, Fri, 10:00 PM, Sound-Bar, River North. Heat 18
• Vinyl Set DJVinyl Set: DJ J Copes, Fri, 10:00 PM, Pilsen Yards, Pilsen. Heat 18

All nightlife in Chicago over the next 30 days

Where is the best secret party in Chicago today?

Today's nightlife lineup:

• The Night Shift @Blind Barber, 9:00 PM, Blind Barber, West Loop. Heat 38 Potentially free.
• Young at Heart: Afternoon Party Games, 12:00 PM, Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago Public Library, South Loop. Heat 27
• Karaoke Dance Party w/The DJ Firm, 9:00 PM, Tin Roof Chicago, Lakeview. Heat 24
• Minions Disco VibeMinions Disco Vibe Glow Party, 5:30 PM, The MLK Skating and Bowling Center. Heat 15
• Wednesday Happy HourWednesday Happy Hour, 6:00 PM, Whiskey Girl Tavern, Edgewater. Heat 8
• Japanese ConversationJapanese Conversation Club - Lakeview, 6:00 PM, Konbini & Kanpai Lakeview, Lakeview. Heat 7
• TriviaTrivia, Today and Tomorrow, 8:30 PM, The Getaway, Ravenswood. Heat 5
• Sugar Skull Painting at the Rooftop, 7:00 PM, Kennedy Rooftop / Hyatt Place Chicago Wicker Park, Wicker Park.

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What are the best tours of Chicago today?

Tours to take today:

• Tour The Chicago Athletic Association, 2:00 PM, Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Loop. Heat 24
• Unlock Chicago’s secrets with our outdoor escape game adventure!, Today, Sat, Sun, Mon and Tue, 7:00 AM, Navy Pier, Streeterville.
• Chicago Architecture: A Walk Through Time, 11:00 AM, Chicago Architecture Center.
• Underground Donut Tour - Chicago's First Donut Tour, 12:00 PM, Doughnut Vault.
• Gallery Tour, 1:00 PM, Art Institute of Chicago.

What is fun and free to do in Chicago today?

Today's potentially free fun:

• It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!: A Guitar for Guaraldi Tribute, 8:00 PM, Sleeping Village, Logan Square. Heat 58 Potentially free.
• Good Vibes ComedyGood Vibes Comedy Show!, 7:30 PM, Gallery Cabaret, Logan Square. Heat 47 Potentially free.
• The Night Shift @Blind Barber, 9:00 PM, Blind Barber, West Loop. Heat 38 Potentially free.
• I Like to Watch, 7:30 PM, Gman Tavern, Lakeview. Heat 26 Potentially free.
• Taco Bout It Comedy, 7:00 PM, Botanero, Wicker Park. Heat 17 Potentially free.
• Music Moves Chicago Presents: Afro-Cuban Dance with Edson Cabrera, 6:00 PM, Kennicott (Jonathan) Park. Heat 11 Potentially free.
• Wine Down Wednesday, 7:00 PM, studioSHAPES, Pilsen. Heat 7 Potentially free.
• Illinois Free Wednesday, 9:00 AM, Field Museum of Natural History, South Loop. Potentially free.

All potentially free events in Chicago over the next 30 days

What is the best free dance event in Chicago today?

At least 1 free dance event today, so here it is plus more later this week:

• Music Moves Chicago Presents: Afro-Cuban Dance with Edson Cabrera, Today, 6:00 PM, Kennicott (Jonathan) Park. Heat 11
• For Those Who Dance Oct. 2026, Sat, 10:00 PM, Matilda / Baby Atlas, Lakeview. Heat 24
• Latin Jam, Tue, 9:00 PM, Lemon, Wicker Park. Heat 11
• All Ages Women's Dance Party | ALTAR EGO, Sat, 6:30 PM, ALTAR Community.

What is the best free reset and health and wellness event in Chicago today?

Free ways to reset today:

• Free workouts with November Project, 6:06 AM, W Riverwalk, Loop.
• RNRC Wednesday Run, 6:00 PM, River Roast, Loop.
• Chicago Walk/Run Club, 6:30 PM, Castaways Beach Club.

What is the best free comedy show in Chicago today?

Free comedy today:

• Good Vibes ComedyGood Vibes Comedy Show!, 7:30 PM, Gallery Cabaret, Logan Square. Heat 47
• Taco Bout It Comedy, 7:00 PM, Botanero, Wicker Park. Heat 17
• Red Room OpenRed Room Open Mic, 7:30 PM, RED ROOM Comedy Club.
• Comedy Open Mic, 8:00 PM, Cole's Bar.

What is the best free live music in Chicago today?

At least 2 free live music shows today, so here they are plus more later this week:

• It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!: A Guitar for Guaraldi Tribute, Today, 8:00 PM, Sleeping Village, Logan Square. Heat 58
• Symphonic Band, Today, 7:30 PM, UIC Theatre.
• Sessions With Tandaleria, Sun, 6:00 PM, Epiphany Center for the Arts - Epiphany Hall, West Loop. Heat 34
• Wind Ensemble, Sat, 7:30 PM, UIC Theatre. Heat 20
• No BotherNo Bother, Sun, 6:30 PM, Martyrs', Lakeview. Heat 19
• Cole's Bar Jam Session, Mon, 7:00 PM, Cole's Bar. Heat 10
• Te Deum: Gratitude and Awe | Free Choir & Organ Concert, Sun, 4:00 PM, First Presbyterian Church of Evanston. Heat 8
• Azure MainAzure Main, Sat, 7:00 PM, Clara. Heat 7

What is the best free yoga or fitness class in Chicago today?

Free workouts today:

• Free workouts with November Project, 6:06 AM, W Riverwalk, Loop.
• RNRC Wednesday Run, 6:00 PM, River Roast, Loop.
• Chicago Walk/Run Club, 6:30 PM, Castaways Beach Club.

What is the best free event to meet people in Chicago today?

At least 2 free ways to meet people today, so here they are plus more later this week:

• I Like to Watch, Today, 7:30 PM, Gman Tavern, Lakeview. Heat 26
• Chicago Walk/Run Club, Today, 6:30 PM, Castaways Beach Club.
• Flow Fridays At GoldCoast Social, Fri, 10:00 PM, Goldcoast Social, Old Town. Heat 14
• City In An Orchard - Tree Planting at Cedillo's Fresh Produce Farm, Sat, 10:00 AM, Cedillo's Fresh Produce. Heat 10
• Chicago Monthly Banjo Meet Ups, Sun, 1:00 PM, Chicago Art Department, Pilsen. Heat 7
• Happy Hour Meetup | Inkwell, Tomorrow, 5:00 PM, Inkwell, West Loop.
• October Book Club, Sun, 4:00 PM, Silverroom, Hyde Park.
• All Girls Halloween Costume Party @TheMine, Fri, 8:00 PM, The Mine, West Loop.

What is the best free family activity in Chicago today?

This week's awesome free family activities include:

• Fiesta MexicanaFiesta Mexicana: Interactive Family Show, Fri, 6:30 PM, Pasteur Park.

What is the best free museum or culture event in Chicago today?

Free culture today:

• I Like to Watch, 7:30 PM, Gman Tavern, Lakeview. Heat 26
• Illinois Free Wednesday, 9:00 AM, Field Museum of Natural History, South Loop.
• The Journey: An Immersive Runway Experience, 7:30 PM, Epiphany Center for the Arts, West Loop.

What can families do in Chicago today?

Family fun today:

• Club Kid, 6:00 PM, Music Box Theatre, Lakeview. Heat 47
• Toyota Movie NightsToyota Movie Nights: The Nightmare Before Christmas, 6:00 PM, Gallagher Way, Lakeview. Heat 34
• Minions Disco VibeMinions Disco Vibe Glow Party, 5:30 PM, The MLK Skating and Bowling Center. Heat 15
• PlayLab PlayDate: Diwali Storytime and Craft, 11:00 AM, Field Museum of Natural History, South Loop. Heat 12

All Families events in Chicago over the next 30 days

What is free to do for a date night in Chicago today?

Today's free Night Out options (caveat emptor):

• It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!: A Guitar for Guaraldi Tribute, 8:00 PM, Sleeping Village, Logan Square. Heat 58 Potentially free.
• Good Vibes ComedyGood Vibes Comedy Show!, 7:30 PM, Gallery Cabaret, Logan Square. Heat 47 Potentially free.
• The Night Shift @Blind Barber, 9:00 PM, Blind Barber, West Loop. Heat 38 Potentially free.
• I Like to Watch, 7:30 PM, Gman Tavern, Lakeview. Heat 26 Potentially free.
• Taco Bout It Comedy, 7:00 PM, Botanero, Wicker Park. Heat 17 Potentially free.
• Music Moves Chicago Presents: Afro-Cuban Dance with Edson Cabrera, 6:00 PM, Kennicott (Jonathan) Park. Heat 11 Potentially free.
• Happy Hour, 6:00 PM, WineStyles Chicago. Potentially free.
• Red Room OpenRed Room Open Mic, 7:30 PM, RED ROOM Comedy Club. Potentially free.

Where in Chicago are today's events?

Lakeview has 43 events listed today and Loop has 26. River North has 24, West Loop has 20 and Logan Square has 13.

Around town today:

Area	Listed today	Event with the highest heat signal
Lakeview	43	Swapmeet, 7:30 PM, Schubas, Lakeview. Heat 71
Loop	26	Harry Styles: Together, Together, 8:00 PM, The Chicago Theatre, Loop. Heat 86
River North	24	Mike Wheeler Blues Band w/ Shirley Johnson, 9:00 PM, Blue Chicago, River North. Heat 24
West Loop	20	Smashing Pumpkins, time not listed, United Center, West Loop. Heat 103
Logan Square	13	It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!: A Guitar for Guaraldi Tribute, 8:00 PM, Sleeping Village, Logan Square. Heat 58 Potentially free.