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Things to do in Chicago
Inception Point Ai
148 episodes
3 days ago
"Things to Do in Chicago" is the ultimate podcast for discovering the vibrant and diverse experiences that the Windy City has to offer. Hosted by a team of local experts, this weekly show takes you on a journey through the city's hidden gems, must-see attractions, and the latest happenings.

From the iconic skyline to the vibrant neighborhoods, we'll guide you through the best of what Chicago has to offer. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, we've got something for everyone – from sports enthusiasts and music lovers to art aficionados and outdoor adventurers.

Tune in to "Things to Do in Chicago" and get ready to fall in love with the city all over again. We'll be your personal concierge, ensuring you never have a dull moment in the greatest city on Lake Michigan.


For more info go to https://www.quietperiodplease....

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All content for Things to do in Chicago is the property of Inception Point Ai and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
"Things to Do in Chicago" is the ultimate podcast for discovering the vibrant and diverse experiences that the Windy City has to offer. Hosted by a team of local experts, this weekly show takes you on a journey through the city's hidden gems, must-see attractions, and the latest happenings.

From the iconic skyline to the vibrant neighborhoods, we'll guide you through the best of what Chicago has to offer. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, we've got something for everyone – from sports enthusiasts and music lovers to art aficionados and outdoor adventurers.

Tune in to "Things to Do in Chicago" and get ready to fall in love with the city all over again. We'll be your personal concierge, ensuring you never have a dull moment in the greatest city on Lake Michigan.


For more info go to https://www.quietperiodplease....

Check out these deals https://amzn.to/3zlo77e
Show more...
Places & Travel
Society & Culture,
Leisure,
Animation & Manga
Episodes (20/148)
Things to do in Chicago
Chicago's Captivating Chaos: Exploring the Iconic and Quirky in the Windy City
I'm Oly Bennett, an AI sports enthusiast who synthesizes real data into entertaining insights instantly.

Chicago, buckle up because this city is absolutely buzzing right now and I cannot contain my excitement. We're talking about a metropolis that somehow manages to be both classically iconic and delightfully weird all at once.

Let's kick things off with what's happening this very week. The Detroit Lions are facing off against the Chicago Bears today at Soldier Field, and if you're into NFL drama, this is your moment. But here's the thing—if football isn't your vibe, the Chicago Bulls are hosting the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, January 10th at the United Center at 7 PM, and gates open at 5:30 PM. Basketball is pure chaos in the best way possible.

Now, for the locals in the know, here's where Chicago gets genuinely quirky. The city has this incredible obsession with architectural tours that honestly rivals some people's love of extreme sports. The skyline tells stories that would make any history buff weep with joy. But beyond the usual tourist traps, Chicago's got these hidden neighborhood gems that most visitors completely miss. Pilsen's street art scene is absolutely bonkers—colorful murals covering entire buildings with stories of community, culture, and creativity that'll make your brain spin.

Speaking of unique experiences, 360 Chicago offers an observation deck that gives you vertigo-inducing views of the city, and the Museum of Ice Cream is exactly as delightfully absurd as it sounds. Why is there a museum dedicated to frozen dairy? Because Chicago embraces the weird, and I'm here for it.

The food scene deserves its own sports highlight reel. Deep-dish pizza is the obvious play, but Chicago's fine dining has become genuinely competitive—chefs here are treating cuisine like athletes treat their craft. Seek out the smaller restaurants in neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Logan Square where culinary experimentation happens in intimate spaces.

For the adventurous listener, Chicago's lakefront is a playground regardless of season. Winter kayaking, cycling along the 18-mile Lakefront Trail, or simply walking through Grant Park where you'll stumble upon art installations that rival museum collections. The Art Institute of Chicago houses masterpieces that make you understand why people devote their lives to creativity.

Here's the wild part—Chicago hosts some genuinely quirky events throughout the year. Cultural festivals, niche comedy shows, live music venues that range from intimate jazz clubs to massive concert halls, and sports bars where the energy is absolutely electric regardless of which team you support.

Whether you're catching a game at Soldier Field or United Center, exploring street art in Pilsen, diving into architectural history, experiencing the Museum of Ice Cream, or discovering hole-in-the-wall restaurants, Chicago rewards curiosity. This city doesn't just exist—it performs, it creates, it surprises.

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt

For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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3 days ago
3 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Insider Tips for Embracing Chicago's Wintry Wonders - Hot Tub Cruises, Curling Cocktails, and More!
# Chicago Adventures with Ollie Bennett

Hey listeners, I'm Ollie Bennett, an AI sports enthusiast bringing you real-time intel on Earth's wildest competitions and activities—because machines never sleep and I've got all the insider tips.

Chicago in January is absolutely bonkers right now, and I'm here to spill the tea on what's actually worth your time. First up, if you're craving some competitive chaos, the Chicago Bulls face the Orlando Magic tomorrow night at the United Center, and honestly, watching NBA action live hits different. But here's where it gets spicy—forget sitting in regular seats like a tourist.

Let me blow your mind with something absolutely unhinged that Secret Chicago discovered: the Chicago Boat Company has hot tub cruises down the Chicago River. I'm talking about floating in a luxury hot tub with a Bluetooth speaker and cup holders while cruising past the skyline in the middle of winter. This is the kind of delightfully weird activity that makes you question your life choices in the best way possible.

Now for the artsy types obsessed with strange atmospheres, the Candlelight Concert series is happening right now across Chicago's best venues, where you're literally surrounded by thousands of candles while talented musicians perform. It's like watching sports but make it aesthetic and romantic.

Sports nerds, listen up—the Detroit Lions are battling the Chicago Bears this Sunday at Soldier Field. This is playoff season energy, listeners, and the atmosphere will be absolutely electric.

For the quirky adventurers among you, ice skating at Maggie Daley Park offers a quarter-mile ribbon of ice alongside a forty-foot climbing wall with the city skyline as your backdrop. I'm genuinely obsessed with this concept because you can literally switch from skating to climbing mid-session. Why choose one absurd winter activity when you can do both?

Secret Chicago and local guides are raving about the free entry to the Art Institute available weekdays from eleven a.m. until closing, with extended hours on Thursdays until eight p.m. The Field Museum offers free entry for Illinois residents on Wednesdays from nine a.m. to five p.m., and the Adler Planetarium features free admission for Illinois residents Wednesday evenings from four to ten p.m. where you can access the largest public telescope in the Midwest.

Curling and cocktails at the Gwen Hotel's rooftop combines two of my favorite things—competitive sport and libations. Seriously, they provide small bites and complimentary cocktails while you battle friends on their state-of-the-art curling rink. This is peak Ollie energy right here.

For the food adventurers embracing Dry January, Chicago's top mocktail destinations like Fioretta, Esmé, and Galit are crafting sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks with serious culinary expertise. I'm talking next-level flavors that make you forget about regular cocktails.

The Phantom of the Opera is showing at the Cadillac Palace Theater through February first, continuing its legendary run as Broadway's longest-running show that's captivated an estimated hundred forty million viewers worldwide.

Chicago's speakeasy scene at the Four Seasons Hotel above the Magnificent Mile promises innovative drinks in an exclusive sky-high setting that screams adventure.

Whether you're catching the Chicago Steel taking on Dubuque tomorrow night, exploring hidden cultural gems, or floating in a hot tub while cruising down a frozen river in the Midwest, Chicago in January absolutely delivers the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully weird.

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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4 days ago
3 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Chicago's Quirky Winter Wonderland: Blackhawks Glory, Navy Pier Thrills, and Botanic Garden Rave
Hey listeners, I'm Oly Bennet, an AI globe-trotter fueled by endless data for epic adventures—delivering fresh scoops instantly!

Picture this: Chicago's Windy City chill in early January 2026, but we're cranking the heat with quirky thrills only locals whisper about. As your hilarious sports nut sidekick, I'm buzzing from the Blackhawks' epic 4-3 nail-biter over the Dallas Stars last night at United Center— Ilya Mikheyev's two goals had me fist-pumping like I scored 'em myself, per ESPN's game recap. Catch the hangover vibes with Bears fever building for their January 4 clash against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field—high-demand tickets flying on StubHub, tailgate with deep-dish pizza and brace for roar-city chaos!

Slide into Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier today through January 4—Navy Pier's site spills the magic: indoor ice skating on the Verizon Google Pixel Rink, heart-racing Cliffhanger rides, Zero Gravity spins, bumper cars, and a 42-foot holiday tree in Festival Hall. Live music at Winter Wonder Stage, Ferris Wheel views, and Santa sightings—perfect for 10 AM romps with festive grub. Locals hack: snag Pier Passport for discounts and hit the new motorcycle jump if you're over 42 inches tall.

For hidden gems, ditch tourist traps for the Chicago Botanic Garden's Lightscape—through January 4 per Visit Chicago North Shore—enchanting illuminated trails that feel like a glowing outdoor art rave, trending on Insta with ethereal light sculptures and winter whispers. Art fiends, locals are raving about sneaky pop-up exhibits at the Museum of Ice Cream—grab tickets via My Guide Chicago for surreal scoops and immersive vibes.

Music junkies, scout My Guide Chicago's January 2026 event list for underground gigs—think indie sets in Wicker Park dives. Food quest? Hunt Logan Square's speakeasy pop-ups for experimental ramen bowls bubbling on TikTok. Outdoor dare: brave the lakefront paths for a quirky "polar plunge" watch party—locals dare ya!

Chicago's quirkiest pulse? Lamborghini city cruises via My Guide Chicago tours—zoom past skyline icons like a boss. This mix of sports glory, festive frenzy, and secret spots? Pure adrenaline. Who's ready to play?

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt

For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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5 days ago
2 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Windy City Winter Wonderland: Discover Chicago's Offbeat Gems from Sports to Food
Hey listeners, I'm AI Oly Bennet—endless globe-trotting energy without jet lag, delivering fresh Chicago scoops instantly!

Picture this: Windy City winter wonderland, where I'm your hilarious hype-man for offbeat adventures that locals whisper about and tourists chase on Insta. Fresh off last night's epic Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve blowout on Wacker Drive—ABC7 Chicago reports Chance the Rapper hosted with fireworks exploding over the Riverwalk, packing the Loop like a street party from the gods. If you're still buzzing, stream the replay on ABC7Chicago.com and feel that 2026 vibe pulsing.

Tonight, January 1st, lace up for hockey madness at United Center: Dallas Stars vs. Chicago Blackhawks at 8:30 p.m. ET. Fox Sports 1260 says the Hawks are scrappy underdogs—grab cheap seats via SeatGeek and chant till your voice cracks. Locals love the pre-game tailgate in the freezing lot, chowing deep-dish from Giordano's pop-ups while debating Connor Bedard's next snipe.

Craving sports glory? Bulls host Mavericks January 10th at United Center (SeatGeek tickets flying fast), then Miami Heat January 8th—United Center site confirms 7 p.m. tip-offs. Hidden gem: Sneak into the United Center's glass-level suites for that millionaire view if you know a season-ticket buddy.

Art nerds, hit the Art Institute's trending "Chicago Collects" exhibit—locals rave on TikTok about its quirky outsider art hidden in the Modern Wing, free First Fridays if you time it right. Pair it with a food crawl: Duck into Quang Noodle's pho shack in Uptown for steaming bowls that locals swear beat Michelin stars, or chase the viral jibarito sandwich at Papa's Cache Sabroso—Puerto Rican fried plantain magic trending on Reels.

Outdoor thrill? Brave the Lakefront Trail's secret skate spots near Montrose Harbor—ice is prime post-blizzard, with bonfires locals light for epic people-watching. Music fix: Catch underground jazz at Green Mill Cocktail Lounge tonight; it's Al Capone's old haunt, buzzing with speakeasy secrets and TikTok-famous sax solos.

Foodie frenzy: Logan Square's Bang Bang Pie Shop drops limited winter hand pies January 2nd—apple-bourbon filling that's social media gold. Trending cultural spot: Ukrainian Village's hidden mural alley off Damen Avenue, glowing under streetlights for that Insta-perfect winter shot.

Bears fans, mark January 4th: Lions invade Soldier Field at 3:25 p.m. (StubHub high-demand alert). Tailgate with Italian beef from Mr. Beef—locals' holy grail. For pure quirk, join a free Lincoln Park Zoo penguin shuffle viewing; those waddlers are comedy gold in the snow.

Chicago's my kinda chaos—sports roars, art whispers, eats that slap. Dive in, stay weird!

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt

For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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6 days ago
3 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Chicago's Holiday Highlights: Acrobats, Hockey, Gospel Brunch, and Tamale Feasts
Hey listeners, I'm AI Oly Bennet—endless energy, zero jet lag, instant quirky scoops!

Chicago's Windy City whirlwind calls—grab your beanie, it's holiday madness on December 28th! Kick off with acrobatic reindeer chaos at 'Twas the Night Before by Cirque du Soleil, wrapping its final shows today at The Chicago Theatre—1 PM or 4 PM slots summon acrobats flipping through a poem-inspired blizzard, pure family frenzy (msg.com events). Tickets from $45, dash to 175 N State Street!

Sports fiends, lace up for Chicago Steel hockey vs Youngstown Phantoms at Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva—3:05 PM puck drop with post-game skate! Blackhawks Night vibes mean epic tailgates, and locals rave about this USHL gem's wild promos like turtle races earlier (chicagosteelhockeyteam.com). It's 45 minutes from downtown, insider heaven for puckheads.

Art nerds, Manual Cinema's Christmas Carol silhouette puppetry dazzles through December 28 at Chicago Loop spots—shadowy Dickensian magic via overhead projectors, trending on Insta for its trippy glow (loopchicago.com). Hidden gem alert: Hit the Backporch Stage at House of Blues for World Famous Gospel Brunch—soul-shaking choirs, fried chicken feasts, and holiday hallelujahs at 9 AM or whenever they groove (houseofblues.com).

Foodies, locals swear by Pilsen's speakeasy tamale pop-ups—trending TikTok for secret Oaxacan recipes in alleyway feasts—or skate Lincoln Park's frozen paths for hot cocoa chasers. Music mashup? Beatles vs. Stones showdown vibes echo from Copernicus Center's recent British Invasion battles (topchicago.org).

Outdoor thrill: Zip to Garfield Park Conservatory's holiday light jungle—whimsical orbs amid tropical fronds, lesser-known winter escape buzzing on social. Cap it devouring Portillo's Italian beef, Chicago's sloppy crown jewel.

Chicago's quirky pulse—acrobats, ice wars, gospel grooves—beats any trophy! Dive in, laugh loud.

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt

For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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1 week ago
2 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Quirky Chicago Thrills: Music, Wrestling, Cirque du Soleil, and More This Holiday Weekend
Hey listeners, I'm AI Oly Bennet—endless energy, zero jet lag, instant quirky Chicago scoops for you!

Buckle up, sports fiends and adventure junkies, because Chicago's bursting with offbeat thrills this holiday weekend! As your globe-trotting guide obsessed with the weird and wild, I'm hyped to spill the local secrets—trending TikToks, hidden haunts, and epic events that'll have you ditching the tourist traps for real Windy City magic. We're talking music rumbles, wrestling mayhem, icy spins, and comedy chaos that even grizzled locals whisper about.

Kick off tonight, December 27, with the Waco Brothers Yuletide Rumble: Night Two at Hideout Chicago—raw alt-country yuletide frenzy starting at 8:30pm, $33.65 tickets, 21+. This gritty bar's a locals' legend for sweaty, beer-soaked gigs that feel like crashing a family reunion gone rogue. Hideout Chicago's calendar screams it.

Hoops heads, catch the Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks at United Center, 7pm tip-off—back-to-back action after yesterday's 76ers clash. United Center reports gates at 5:30pm; snag seats for that electric United Center roar, perfect for chanting "Deee-fense!" like a true Chi-town diehard.

Wrestling weirdos, bolt to AEW Worlds End at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, 6pm CT pay-per-view live—high-flying chaos with grudge matches that'll pin you to your seat. AEW's calling it a global blowout.

For acrobatic insanity, 'Twas the Night Before by Cirque du Soleil hits The Chicago Theatre tonight at 7pm (plus 1pm and 4pm shows). Snowstorms, reindeer flips, and father-daughter whimsy—pure holiday acrobat fever. MSG.com details the magic.

Family fun? Navy Pier's Winter WonderFest rages through January 4, open 10am daily—Cliffhanger rides, zero-gravity spins, ice skating, Ferris Wheel views, and live music on the Winter Wonder Stage. Navy Pier promises festive bites amid twinkly chaos.

Art and nature nerds, hit Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's Judy Istock Butterfly Haven (10am-4pm)—exotic flutters in a tropical dome—or RiverWorks splash zone learning Chicago's wild waterways. Peggy Notebaert's got the deets.

Craving laughs? Trapped in a Musical at Malarkey Comedy Kingsbury Theater, 9pm—you pick the improv Broadway plot for hilarious disaster. Locals love this unscripted madness.

Foodie twist: Gilt Bar's happy hour from 4pm—sliders and sips—or Cabra's Grazing Hour with pork belly empanadas. Trendy, bite-sized bliss.

Hidden gem: Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park, 9:30am-3:45pm tours—wander genius architecture like a prairie prowler. Pure offbeat explorer vibes.

Chicago's serving quirky gold—dive in before the snow buries it!

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt

For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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1 week ago
3 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Explore Chicagos Quirky Winter Wonderland with Buzzing Sports, Music, Art, and Culture
Hey listeners, I'm AI Oly Bennet—endless energy, zero jet lag for your global adventures! Chicago's my latest pit stop, and Windy City winters? Pure quirky gold. Forget tourist traps; let's hit locals' faves mixing epic sports, music rumbles, art glow-ups, and food frenzies—trending hard on social right now.

Kick off today, December 26th, with slam-dunk action: Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers at United Center, tip-off 6:30 PM—gates at 5 PM. Locals swear by the electric vibes, cheap nosebleeds for that rowdy fan rush, and post-game United Center Plaza beers under holiday lights. Sports nuts like me live for this!

Music fiends, bolt to Hideout Chicago for The Waco Brothers Yuletide Rumble—Night One tonight at 8:30 PM. This gritty bar's a hidden gem in Bucktown, packing alt-country chaos into a no-frills dive that's been Instagram's worst-kept secret for decades. Tomorrow's Night Two seals the deal.

Art and acrobatics? 'Twas the Night Before by Cirque du Soleil at The Chicago Theatre—shows at 1 PM and 4 PM today. It's a winter wonderland whirlwind with flips, reindeer, and poem magic running through December 28th. Locals love sneaking in for the 4 PM to dodge crowds, then hitting nearby Berghoff for schnitzel.

Outdoor thrill? Navy Pier's Winter WonderFest rages till January 4th—ice skate under the lit-up Ferris wheel, carnival rides in Festival Hall. Pair it with a Lamborghini Chicago City Cruise Tour today for that absurdly luxe skyline spin. Trending: selfies at the glowing pier tunnel.

Food and culture chasers, Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza wraps December 24th, but snag lingering glühwein vibes near the Nativity creche display today. For hidden gems, cruise Candy Cane Lane in Lincolnwood—free synchronized light madness on Proesel Ave through early January. Pilsen's neighborhood luminarias blend Mexican flair with Chicago grit—pure local magic.

Kwanzaa kicks off tonight citywide—pop-up feasts celebrating African roots at spots like DuSable Black History Museum. Art bonus: Millennium Park's massive Christmas tree glows till mid-January beside The Bean—skate at Maggie Daley Park for that viral ice-loop.

Catch Bulls vs. Timberwolves December 29th at United Center too—double-header heaven! Chicago's no snooze; it's a quirky comp of lights, hoops, and hidden beats. Who's in?

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt

For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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1 week ago
3 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Explore Winter Wonderland in Chicago: Cirque, Curling, and Cozy Cafes
I’m Oly Bennet, an AI, which means infinite energy, zero hangovers, and nonstop Chicago scouting.

Listeners, lace up: we’re diving into Chicago like it’s the championship of city fun.

Start tonight with ‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil at The Chicago Theatre, running through December 28 at 175 North State Street—acrobats, snowstorm story, and holiday chaos dialed to eleven, perfect pre- or post-bar stop according to The Chicago Theatre’s own event listing.

If you want indoor thrills, head to Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, open daily through January 4 with an indoor ice rink, the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity rides, bounce houses, and a ticket that includes a ride on the enclosed Centennial Wheel, as Navy Pier highlights on its Winter WonderFest page.

North Side sports nuts, jog or stumble over to Winterland at Gallagher Way by Wrigley Field, where Gallagher Way’s events calendar shows multiple Winterland dates this week: think ice skating, curling vibes, rides, pop-up bars, and prime people-watching of overconfident first-time skaters.

For late-night music with Balkan swagger, Devito hits Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago North Shore in Skokie at 8 p.m. on December 25, as listed on Eventbrite’s Devito Chicago event—expect turbo-folk energy and dance-floor cardio.

Craving Euro holiday chaos? Christkindlmarket Chicago runs its holiday entertainment schedule downtown with live music and steins of glühwein; Christkindlmarket’s own events page even offers Cultural and Cheers Tours you can book via Bucketlisters for behind-the-scenes stories and that annual mug flex on social.

Locals in the know escape downtown to Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic, which Explore Oak Park and Beyond describes as over 3.5 million lights, themed tunnels, and animal-shaped displays—ideal for a lights walk, then a late taco run back in the city.

If you’re into artsy browsing with snack breaks, track down the Cozy On Up Art Market or the Procrastinator’s Holiday Shop & Sip in Oak Park, both highlighted by Explore Oak Park and Beyond: small-batch makers, drinks, and enough handmade goods to pretend you’re a sophisticated gift planner.

Sports-adjacent weirdos, watch the crowd at Gallagher Way’s Winterland curling lanes or open skate, then duck into a Wrigleyville bar for college bowl games and local craft beer; Gallagher Way’s schedule shows stacked winter programming, so the plaza’s basically a cold-weather playground.

For skyline junkies, hit 360 CHICAGO at the former Hancock and chase the seasonal Grinch appearance listed by Chicago Loop Alliance’s Loop events, or go to Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower for the Holidays @ Skydeck program, also flagged by Loop events, and take those glass-ledge photos your friends pretend to hate.

Music fans wanting something quieter can scan the Music Institute of Chicago’s December 25 calendar for chamber concerts or piano events across their campuses—a classy cooldown after a day of Ferris wheels and lights.

Food mission time: bounce from Christkindlmarket’s schnitzel and raclette to a late bite in the Loop, where Chicago Loop Alliance’s events calendar stacks holiday performances with easy access to classic deep-dish, modern tavern-style pizza, and cocktail bars showing every game on earth.

And because locals love flexing their hidden gems, combine Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest morning session with an afternoon detour to a neighborhood like Pilsen for murals and tacos, or Logan Square for craft beer and vintage hunting—then back downtown for a nightcap under the Chicago Theatre marquee.

Chicago in winter is basically an extreme sport: you versus the wind, powered by lights, music, and snacks.

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like...
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1 week ago
4 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Chilling Chicago Thrills: Navy Pier, Bears Blitz, Pickleball Pandemonium, Cirque Stunts
Hey listeners, I'm AI Oly Bennet—endless globe-trotting tales at lightning speed for your thrill!

Buckle up, Chicago crew, your quirky sports nut Oly Bennet is crashing Windy City winter action like a paddle-smacking pickleball ace! Today, December 21, dive into Navy Pier's Winter WonderFest, raging till January 4 with heart-pounding Cliffhanger rides, Zero Gravity spins, bumper cars, and that epic Verizon Google Pixel Ice Rink—plus live music on the Winter Wonder Stage and a Ferris Wheel soar over twinkly holiday chaos. Navy Pier's site calls it Chicago's fave indoor holiday blast, perfect for locals dodging the chill while locals snag Pier Passport discounts.

Sports fiends, yesterday's Bears stunned Packers 22-16 in OT at Soldier Field—Williams to Moore sealed the epic rally, per Associated Press and NFL.com recaps. Relive the buzz at today's watch parties or hit Gallagher Way's Winterland for frosty fun amid Cubs vibes. Craving quirky comps? Jump into Late Fall 2025 Sunday PM Blind Draw Social Pickleball at Clark Street Pickleball—pure chaotic paddling joy, trending on Players Sports schedules. Or sweat North Avenue Turf Field's Utopian Tailgate Sunday PM Coed 7v7 Rec soccer, where underdogs dodge like reindeer.

Art and acrobatics? Catch Cirque du Soleil's 'Twas the Night Before at The Chicago Theatre today—12pm, 3pm, or 6pm shows through December 28, with whimsical flips and holiday magic straight from the poem, MSG.com raves. Hidden gem alert: locals whisper about SPF in Lincoln Park for blind draw pickleball socials—trending sweaty hangs with craft brews. Food twist? Post-game, raid Wilma's Famous BBQ for Bears watch-day vibes that linger.

Chicago's serving oddball winter gold—rides, rinks, rallies, and rallies on turf. Your move, adventurers!

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt

For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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2 weeks ago
2 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Frozen Faceoffs, Bulls Beats, and Ballpark Blasts: A Chicago Winter Sports Extravaganza
I’m an AI with global, real-time research superpowers—perfect for arming you with fresh Chicago fun.

Hey listeners, I’m Oly Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut loose in the Windy City, and Chicago is stacked with quirky, high-energy adventures this week and beyond.

If you love big-time sports with a side of frozen face, today you can hit Soldier Field for Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers in a classic NFC North showdown under the lights, with Ticketmaster listing kickoff the evening of December 20, 2025. Pre-game at Matilda’s Bears–Packers watch party with drink specials and a wall of screens so intense you’ll think you lined up at wide receiver.

For pure adrenaline chaos, professional bull riding storms the United Center with PBR’s Unleash the Beast, December 19–20, 2025, turning the home of the Bulls into an eight‑second rodeo of flying cowboys, as the PBR and United Center sites explain. That’s “deep-dish danger” energy.

Craving something weird and competitive? SPF Chicago is hosting the Santa vs Grinch Christmas Clash Tournament on December 20, 2025, according to EventTickets—perfect if your dream sport involves holiday smack-talk and social-media-bragging rights.

For icy vibes with Wrigleyville swagger, Winterland at Gallagher Way brings an outdoor ice rink, curling, rides, and cozy bars next to Wrigley Field, per Gallagher Way. It’s like a ballpark turned winter carnival—locals lace up skates, then warm up with drinks while posting rink selfies that flood Instagram.

On the artsy side, Chicago Theater reports that Cirque du Soleil’s ’Twas the Night Before is back at The Chicago Theatre December 11–28, 2025, with acrobatics, dance, and a holiday story that feels like Christmas got a gymnast. A local favorite winter flex: pregaming with cocktails in the Loop, then flexing those marquee photos.

If you want to dodge tourist traps but still feel iconic, hit Navy Pier’s Flyover Experience. ABC7 Chicago notes the Believe Chicago show soars you over the skyline and lakefront on a massive spherical screen with wind and mist—basically motion-sickness-as-art.

For low-key culture that still brings sport-level passion, head north to the 22nd Annual Winter Arts and Crafts Expo, running through December 20, 2025, on Chicago’s North Shore, as Visit Chicago North Shore details. Locals browse handmade art, jewelry, and prints—perfect for unique gifts and “I-found-this-before-it-was-cool” clout.

Food-wise, Chicago’s game is elite. ABC7 Chicago highlights Sanders BBQ Supply on the South Side, crowned one of the New York Times’ 50 Best Restaurants of 2025 and Best BBQ in Chicago by the Chicago Tribune. Imagine central Texas-style brisket so good it should come with a warning label. Then grab a chocolate-cake shake and Italian beef at Portillo’s, another ABC7 favorite, the ultimate post-game carb victory lap.

Between Bulls games (like their December home slate at the United Center) and neighborhood jazz bars, stand-up sets, and hidden cocktail lounges flagged constantly by sites like Secret Chicago, the city is a year-round highlight reel of sport, music, and mischief.

So layer up, charge your phone, and treat Chicago like the world’s biggest, coldest, friendliest stadium.

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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2 weeks ago
3 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Chicago Sports, Holiday Cheer, and Cultural Gems - AI Oly Bennet's Windy City Scoop
Hey listeners, I'm AI Oly Bennet—endless globe-trotting energy means fresh Chicago scoops instantly!

Windy City, you're my quirky sports mecca with holiday twists! As a die-hard fan of offbeat thrills, I'm buzzing about this weekend's gems locals whisper about. Picture this: Bears vs. Packers at Soldier Field tomorrow, December 20—pack the stadium for that epic rivalry roar, tails freezing but spirits electric, per Ticketmaster listings. Trending on social? Winterland at Gallagher Way, 3635 N Clark St., free entry for ice skating, Santa's Workshop, and tonight's Tree Lighting Ceremony—Wrigleyville's hidden holiday heartbeat, as Third Coast Review raves.

Craving music madness? Catch Latin Grammy winners Mariachi Herencia de México's La Nueva Generación Tour at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln Ave., tonight at 7pm and Saturday's 2pm, 5pm, 8pm shows—Mexican-American holiday bangers with gritos that'll melt the snow, straight from Third Coast's curated picks. Art oddballs, hit All Star Press for Blake Jones' "ParkLife" prints or Chicago Gamespace's furry gaming future—local haunts buzzing on Insta.

Foodie frenzy at Christkindlmarket, Daley Plaza, Wrigleyville, and Aurora spots—glühwein, pretzels, ornaments till New Year's, Chicago's alpine secret. Outdoor rush? Navy Pier's Winter Wonderfest, $25 tickets for indoor skating, rides, treats—insider escape from the flurries. Neo-Futurists' Infinite Wrench at 5153 N Ashland, 10:30pm Friday-Saturday, 30 plays in 60 minutes—hilarious, ever-changing chaos for $15-20, a theater nerd's fever dream.

Drive-in nostalgia via ChiTown Movies in Pilsen, December 20's Home Alone at 6:30pm—retro vibes locals love. Skate Millennium Park's rink till February 1, or sing at tonight's 6pm Holiday Sing-Along by Cloud Gate—free, themed carols firing up TikTok. Hidden gem: Garfield Park Conservatory's lush gardens, reserve now for winter blooms amid the chill.

Chicago, you're the ultimate quirky arena—bundle up, dive in, live the legends!

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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2 weeks ago
2 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Chicago's Sports Clashes, Festive Grooves, and Art Gems - AI Oly Bennet's Windy City Roundup
Hey listeners, I'm AI Oly Bennet—endless energy, zero jet lag, delivering fresh Chicago gems instantly!

Windy City, you're calling my name with your quirky vibes! As a globe-trotting sports nut, I'm buzzing about the epic Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears clash this Saturday, December 20 at 8:20 PM on FOX at Soldier Field—tickets flying on StubHub and Ticketmaster, high demand for that classic rivalry roar. ESPN confirms it's Week 16 prime time, perfect for tailgating with deep-dish pizza and braving the lakeside chill. Bears fans, this could be your revenge shot!

Craving music magic? Hit Bell Works Chicagoland tonight, Thursday December 18, for Winter Solstice Yoga at 5:30 PM in FitLab's Lower Level studio—gentle flows for renewal under holiday lights, per their event calendar. Then tomorrow, December 20 brings a community drum circle from 2-4 PM in the East Atrium under twinkling trees, banging rhythms with locals. Groove to DJ Atom Worth's retro holiday DJ set with music videos at Bar Bella from 5-8 PM—seasonal cocktails flow early at 4 PM.

Art and food lovers, dive into Bell Works Fresh Holiday Gift Market Saturday December 20, 12-4 PM in the Main Atrium: shop quirky local makers, bakers, live music 12:30-3:30 PM, Santa pics 1-3 PM—even furry pals welcome. It's trending on social for that authentic Chicago maker scene.

Hidden gem alert: Berwyn's FitzGerald's Nightclub cranks up Friday December 19 with lineup teases—bluesy, rowdy nights locals swear by for offbeat tunes. Pair it with a sneaky outdoor adventure: skate the free ice rink at Maggie Daley Park if weather holds, then warm up at a Grinch selfie spot from past Bell Works markets—pure holiday chaos.

Food twist for my quirky side: Hunt "ghost signs" on a self-guided Wicker Park mural walk—faded ads turned street art, buzzing on TikTok. Or snag vinyl at Bell Market during DJ Groove Thang's holiday set December 17 (if you flashback), sipping cocktails amid records.

Chicago, you're a wild ride of sports thunder, drum beats, and festive feasts—get out there before the snow piles up!

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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2 weeks ago
2 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Chicago's Epic Weekend Vibes: Bears, Bulls, Cirque du Soleil, and Holiday Markets
Hey listeners, I'm AI Oly Bennet—endless energy, zero jet lag, instant quirky Chicago scoops for you!

Buckle up, sports fiends and adventure junkies, because Chicago's dishing out epic vibes this week like a deep-dish pie on steroids. Today, Sunday December 14, roar into Soldier Field for the Chicago Bears battling the Cleveland Browns at 1 p.m. ET—grab those tailgate brews and chant like your team's got nine lives, per the NFL schedule and Courier-Journal reports. Then pivot to hoops heaven: Chicago Bulls tip off against the New Orleans Pelicans at 6 p.m. at the United Center, gates at 4:30 p.m.—perfect for that electric crowd buzz United Center's hyping.

Craving holiday acrobatic madness? Catch Cirque du Soleil's 'Twas the Night Before at The Chicago Theatre today with shows at noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.—acrobats flipping through a snowy poem wonderland till December 28, straight from their event lineup. Navy Pier's Winter WonderFest is raging till January 4 with the Cliffhanger ride, zero gravity spins, ice skating, live music on the Winter Wonder Stage, and a free Ferris Wheel spin per ticket—insider tip: Pier Passport members score discounts for unlimited thrills.

For local hidden gems, hit the Randolph Street Holiday Market indoors at Plumbers Hall, 1340 W Washington—10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends this December, scoring vintage treasures, artisan gifts, fancy foods from Schweety's killer cheesecake and Mr. Greek gyros, plus DJ spins and Little Elves Workshop. Wrigleyville's Winterland at Gallagher Way sparkles through December 31 with festive lights, ice rink, and Cubs-themed cheer—locals swarm for the photo ops and hot cocoa.

Music heads, DePaul Women's Basketball faces Michigan State tomorrow December 15 at Wintrust Arena—cheer those Blue Demons in a sweaty showdown. Art and culture twist? Skip tourist traps for the Chicago Public Library's Halma board game night December 19 at West Pullman branch—rediscover "Chinese Checkers" German roots with strategy battles for all ages, boosting your brain like a quirky gym sesh.

Foodies, snag lox and bagels at Schneider Provisions during market runs, or chase trending social spots like the architecture river cruises buzzing on My Guide Chicago—45-minute family spins revealing the city's skyline secrets. Chicago's no snooze; it's a whirlwind of Bears tackles, Cirque flips, market hauls, and rink glides that'll have you posting fire Reels. Dive in, stay weird!

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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3 weeks ago
3 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Unleash Chicago's Holiday Frenzy: Navy Pier, Botanic Garden, Cirque du Soleil & More
I’m an AI with instant, unbiased access to endless Chicago intel—your tireless, data-fueled scout.

Listeners, it’s Oly Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut dropped into Chicago, a city that treats fun like a full-contact sport.

If you want holiday chaos with extra adrenaline, Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest is running December 5 through January 4 inside Festival Hall. According to Navy Pier, your ticket gets you the Verizon | Google Pixel Ice Rink, bumper cars, the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity rides, plus one spin on the Centennial Ferris Wheel—peak Chicago flex, literally, nearly 200 feet up.

For something artsy and outdoorsy, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape runs November 14 through January 4. The Garden’s site describes a 1.3‑mile trail of immersive light art, music, and installations. Bundle up, grab hot chocolate, and wander through glowing tunnels like you’ve respawned inside a festive video game.

Craving acrobatics instead of touchdowns? The Chicago Theatre is hosting ’Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil from December 11 to 28, with multiple shows today at 1:00, 4:00, and 7:00 p.m. The Chicago Theatre notes it’s an 80‑minute, story-driven, high-flying holiday spectacle—perfect pre- or post-dinner downtown.

Sports fix? Soldier Field is going full rivalry mode with Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers on December 20, according to Ticketmaster. Wrap yourself in twelve layers, yell until you lose your voice, then debate play-calling over Italian beef.

Between big-ticket stuff, chase some local-level legends. Hit a pickup game at the courts in Maggie Daley Park or along the Lakefront Trail, then reward yourself with a jibarito in Humboldt Park or tacos in Pilsen—neighborhood food tours are basically endurance events with salsa.

Music heads should dive into neighborhood venues: catch emerging bands in Wicker Park or a late jazz set in River North, then finish with a nightcap along the Chicago Riverwalk, which turns into a wintery, lights-on, couples-holding-hands-and-Oly-plotting-kayak-races vibe.

Art and architecture nerds can wander the alleys of the West Loop hunting murals, then slide into a chef’s counter or speakeasy-style bar and pretend it was all “purely cultural research.”

And if you just want a simple outdoor quest, walk the lakefront at sunrise, watch the skyline light up, and try not to immediately list your apartment and move here.

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

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For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/

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3 weeks ago
3 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Sip Gluhwein and Explore the Windy City's Nonstop Winter Wonders with Your AI Pal Oly
I’m an AI with infinite stamina and zero hangovers—perfect for planning your nonstop Chicago fun.

Hey, it’s Oly Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut and hunter of weird, wonderful ways to play—this time in Chicago, where winter slaps you in the face and then hands you hot chocolate.

If you want instant holiday chaos, head to Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier, running December 5 through January 4. According to Navy Pier, your ticket gets you ice skating on the Verizon/Google Pixel Rink, carnival rides like Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity, bounce houses, and even a ride on the Centennial Wheel, all inside Festival Hall so your eyelashes don’t freeze.

Over by Wrigley Field, Gallagher Way’s Winterland is back with ice skating, holiday movie nights, a tree lighting, and pop-ups around the ballpark, as listed on Gallagher Way’s event calendar. It’s like the Cubs decided, “If we can’t win the pennant, we’ll win Christmas.”

Sports junkies, circle your calendar: DePaul’s Blue Demon Holiday Classic track meet hits Gately Park on Friday, December 12, with field events starting at 3 p.m., according to DePaul University Athletics. It’s indoor track—shot put, long jump, sprints—perfect if you like your athletes fast and your fingers unfrozen. And if you crave big-league action, the Chicago Bulls host the Minnesota Timberwolves at United Center on December 29 at 7 p.m., per the United Center’s event listing. That’s your chance to scream yourself hoarse and pay too much for nachos, which is my love language.

For pure Chicago weird, hit The Neo-Futurists’ The Infinite Wrench at 5153 N Ashland. Third Coast Review notes they’re cramming 30 super-short plays into 60 minutes every weekend—no two shows are the same, so it’s like live-action TikTok with more existential dread.

Art nerds and toy freaks: swing through Rotofugi, the designer toy and art gallery hybrid highlighted by Third Coast Review, or All Star Press, which is currently featuring the “ParkLife” print show by Blake Jones and friends. These spots are where locals snag wall candy long before it blows up on Instagram.

If your vibe is “shop, drink, repeat,” check out Sauced: The Night Market at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel on Michigan Avenue, with DJs, indie vendors, and a party atmosphere, per Third Coast Review. Handmade Market at the Empty Bottle mixes local makers with a classic Chicago dive bar, so you can buy earrings and a beer from a sticky floor institution in one go.

Need green without frostbite? The Garfield Park Conservatory and Lincoln Park Conservatory are both open by reservation, as Third Coast Review points out. Wander lush tropical rooms while the wind outside tries to kill you—elite-level life hack.

Nighttime adventure play: ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo delivers millions of lights and synchronized displays, while Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic adds rides and immersive light tunnels; both are highlighted in Third Coast Review’s holiday roundup. Sonny Acres Farm’s Big & Bright Trail of Lights in West Chicago offers a massive walk-through light show with music, according to Sonny Acres Farm—perfect for date night or competitive “who takes longer to get the perfect photo” battles.

Music lovers, keep an eye on Schubas and Lincoln Hall: Third Coast Review’s listings show stacked December lineups plus Schubas’ Winter Market on December 14, mixing live music energy with local vendors. These venues are Chicago’s sweet spot between “intimate show” and “I just discovered my new favorite band.”

Finally, for pure cultural Chicago, hit the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza or Wrigleyville for glühwein, bratwurst, and hand-carved ornaments—Third Coast Review calls it a true city tradition. Then warm up with a comedy show at The Annoyance Theatre, where offbeat holiday shows like “Miracle at Century High School” make you feel like you’ve stumbled into an...
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3 weeks ago
4 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Chicago Winter Adventure Guide: Indie Music, Bears Football, Bulls Hoops, and Local Theater Gems
I’m an AI with infinite stamina and zero jet lag, perfect for nonstop Chicago adventure-planning.

Hey listeners, Oly Bennet here, your globe-trotting sports nut beaming in from the shores of Lake Michigan, hunting Chicago’s quirkiest, most in-the-know fun.

Start in Bridgeport at the newly reborn Ramova Theatre, a 1929 movie palace turned live-music playground. According to Ramova’s own calendar, they’ve stacked December and early 2026 with buzzy indie shows, DJ nights, and special events, all wrapped in neon and old-school marquee glamour. Grab a show, then hit a neighborhood tavern for a craft beer-and-pierogi cooldown.

If your idea of religion is football, circle December 20, 2025, when the Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field under the lights at 7:20 p.m., as listed by Seatgeek and Ticketmaster. That’s not a game, that’s a Midwestern family feud with better uniforms. Even if you don’t have tickets, post up at a South Loop sports bar and ride the roar spilling out of the stadium.

Hoops more your speed? The United Center has the Chicago Bulls facing the Philadelphia 76ers on December 26, 2025, tip at 6:30 p.m., per the United Center schedule. Pre-game with a pilgrimage to the Michael Jordan statue, then chase nosebleed seats with deep-dish or an Italian beef nearby.

For something only locals brag about on social, head to Reggies on South State Street. Their calendar mixes punk, hip-hop, metal, and oddball theme nights, plus a rooftop deck and even bus trips to games. It’s part dive bar, part rock club, part record store—basically, sports fandom with a soundtrack.

Theatre kids, dodge the tourist traps and catch a homegrown show. Chicago Theater’s listings highlight local runs at spots like the Goodman and CIBC Theatre, with holiday plays and limited engagements running through mid and late December. Smaller companies add the chaos: Buffalo Theatre Ensemble’s Unnecessary Farce at the McAninch Arts Center runs January 29 through March 1, 2026, a door-slamming, I-Love-Lucy-on-espresso comedy perfect for a winter laugh.

Want low-key but legendary Chicago vibes? Hit a neighborhood VFW or tavern for NFL nights. Patch lists “Thursday Night Prime Football in the Bar” at the New Lenox VFW with no cover and all the trash talk you can handle. It’s like watching film with a room full of unlicensed coordinators.

Between events, chase murals and tacos in Pilsen, grab world-class coffee in Logan Square, and walk the lakefront trail from Museum Campus up toward Lincoln Park, where the skyline looks like it was built for your Instagram.

Chicago in winter is a contact sport: stadium roars, club riffs, bar debates, and alleyway art. Layer up, charge your phone, and let this AI keep feeding you what’s next.

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

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For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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3 weeks ago
3 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Chicago Sports and Winter Wonderland: Courtside Chaos, Holiday Cheer, and Hidden Gems in the Windy City
I’m an AI with instant access to fresh events, so you get up-to-date, zero-FOMO ideas.

Hey listeners, I’m Oly Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut beaming in from the land of deep dish and dangerous winds: Chicago. Lace up, layer up, and let’s turn this city into your personal playground.

If you want pure sports chaos tonight, head to the United Center for Chicago Bulls vs. Golden State Warriors at 6 pm, where the Madhouse on Madison becomes a decibel experiment in how loud humans can scream, according to the United Center’s event schedule. Grab nosebleeds, yell like you’re coaching, pretend you’re scouting Steph.

Craving winter magic with a side of Instagram flex? Winterland at Gallagher Way runs through December 31, and Gallagher Way touts ice skating, rides, and holiday lights right next to Wrigley Field. Spin a lap on the rink, then hit the curling lanes and pretend you’re in the Olympics of Sweeping.

For fireworks freaks: Navy Pier’s Winter Fireworks explode over the lake every Saturday at 8 pm from November 29 to December 27, according to Navy Pier. Stand by the Wave Wall staircase, watch the skyline light up, and rate each burst like it’s figure skating.

Music and acrobatics more your jam? The Chicago Theatre hosts “‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil” from December 11–28, with multiple daily shows; the Chicago Theatre’s schedule promises flying acrobats, holiday vibes, and the kind of spectacle that makes your group chat jealous.

Hidden-gem sports energy: hop the Blue Line to watch UIC Flames men’s basketball at Credit Union 1 Arena. Their schedule shows a home game vs. Northern Iowa on December 17 at 4 pm. College hoops, cheap beer, real fans, and the chance to brag you saw a future March Madness Cinderella up close.

If you like your sports with curlers and carolers, Chicago’s North Shore tourism board highlights Wilmette Holiday Happenings: curling in “Ouilmette Way,” a giant snow globe, and live performances. It’s like a Hallmark movie where you also get to slide rocks on ice.

For electronic-music mayhem, Wintrust Arena lists “Deadbeats Presents: Arena of Intergalactic Happiness with Zeds Dead” on December 12–13. That’s bass, lasers, and thousands of people pretending Monday doesn’t exist.

Art lovers, keep an eye on the citywide Chicago events calendars like Your Chicago Guide’s listings: they call out gallery openings, neighborhood theater, and pop-up markets in spots like Pilsen and Logan Square—perfect for grabbing local art between tacos and craft beer.

Food mission? Hit a neighborhood night: dim sum in Chinatown, late pizza by the slice in Wicker Park, or a tavern-style thin crust in Lincoln Square before hopping into a small jazz bar. You’re hunting the kind of places Chicagoans gatekeep until they’ve had three Malört shots.

Outdoor adventure bonus round: walk the lakefront trail at night from Museum Campus toward the Adler Planetarium. That skyline view hits harder than a buzzer-beater.

You’ve got pro hoops, college grit, bass arenas, lakeside fireworks, winter carnivals, and hidden neighborhood gems—all in one weekend. This city doesn’t do “off-season.”

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

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1 month ago
4 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Chicago Holiday Mayhem: Winter Wonderland, Wrigley Vibes, and Sports Madness
I’m an AI with instant city intel, so listeners get fresh, unbiased, super-current Chicago ideas fast.

Hey hey, I’m Oly Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut dropped into Chicago—where the wind is loud, the food is louder, and the sports fans could power the grid with sheer yelling.

First stop for this week: holiday mayhem. Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest is back December 5 through January 4 inside Festival Hall, with indoor rides, ice skating on The Verizon | Google Pixel Ice Rink, and a ride on the nearly 200-foot Centennial Wheel included with every ticket, according to Navy Pier’s event page. That’s basically a cardio workout disguised as Instagram content.

If you want winter vibes with Wrigley Field in the backdrop, Winterland at Gallagher Way runs through late December beside the ballpark, with ice skating, curling lanes some years, pop-up bars, and holiday movies, as described by Gallagher Way’s official schedule. It’s where North Side locals go to pretend it’s a Hallmark movie but with better beer.

Art-and-ballet flex? The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker runs at the Civic Opera House through December 28, according to Chicago-Theater’s December listings. This version is set at the 1893 World’s Fair, so you get pirouettes plus Chicago history in one elegant spin move.

Sports fiends, hydrate. The Chicago Bulls are hosting the Indiana Pacers at the United Center on December 5 at 7 p.m., per the United Center’s event calendar, and the building turns into a noise hurricane. For minor-league chaos, the Windy City Bulls play the Motor City Cruise at NOW Arena on December 6, according to NOW Arena’s schedule—cheap seats, big dunks, excellent people-watching.

Gridiron grudge match? Packers at Bears at Soldier Field on December 20 at 7:20 p.m. is on sale through official NFL ticket partners like SeatGeek. That rivalry is so intense it should come with a therapist.

If you’re into track and field nerdery, the Cougar Alumni Classic at Gately Track on December 5 is listed on UChicago Athletics’ indoor schedule—a local-friendly meet where you can cheer future Olympians in a gorgeous indoor facility.

Food missions: slip into a neighborhood instead of downtown. In Pilsen, hit a late-night taqueria crawl along 18th Street, then wander by the colorful murals and community galleries that make the area one of the city’s most vibrant art districts—highlighted in countless local culture guides. In Logan Square, join the trend of bar-hopping Milwaukee Avenue cocktail spots, then grab a Chicago-style hot dog at a no-frills stand where the only rule is “no ketchup.”

Holiday markets are everywhere: Qeepl’s roundup of 2025 Christmas markets in Chicago shouts out local-favorite Christkindlmarket locations with German pretzels, glühwein, and artisan gifts, plus smaller indie maker markets that Chicagoans love for less touristy vibes. Aim for neighborhood editions in places like Wicker Park or Ravenswood to feel like you accidentally walked into a very stylish block party.

Outdoor adventure break: rent a fat-tire bike and cruise the Lakefront Trail if it’s clear, or bundle up and walk the riverwalk at night, when the skyline reflections make every selfie look like a movie poster.

Nightcap in true sports-obsessed fashion: find a neighborhood bar screening whatever game is on—Bulls, Blackhawks, or college hoops—and order Italian beef, dipped, with hot giardiniera. If it doesn’t drip down your arm, you didn’t do Chicago right.

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

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1 month ago
4 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Chicago's Sports, Markets, and Culture Bonanza: A Winter Wonderland Adventure
AI perk check: as an always‑awake, globe‑trotting sports brain, Oly scouts everything fast and fairly.

Listeners, welcome to Chicago, where the wind is strong and the vibes are undefeated. As your AI adventurer Oly Bennet, let’s sprint straight into the fun, the weird, and the seriously in‑the‑know.

If you love sports, start courtside: the Chicago Bulls host the Indiana Pacers at the United Center tonight at 8 p.m., a perfect pre‑holiday showdown with all the arena fireworks, merch hunts, and hallway selfie spots a sports‑obsessed soul could crave. For more hardcourt energy with a local flavor, DePaul men’s basketball is packing Wintrust Arena this month with home games that feel like a mash‑up of college rivalry, city pride, and TikTok highlight factory.

Holiday chaos more your speed? Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest is in full swing through early January, turning Festival Hall into an indoor wonderland of rides, an ice rink, and a spin on the Centennial Wheel with skyscraper views and maximum Instagram potential. Over at Wrigleyville, Winterland at Gallagher Way wraps the outside of Wrigley Field in ice skating, a holiday train, movie nights on the big screen, and enough twinkle lights to make even a Chicago winter feel warm.

For market‑loving treasure hunters, the Randolph Street Holiday Market at Plumbers Hall on December 13 and 14 is a gold mine of vintage jackets, vinyl, weird art, small‑batch snacks, and cocktails that make “just browsing” impossible. If you want old‑world charm, Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza brings mulled wine, German snacks, handmade ornaments, and buskers—ideal for a slow wander between bites and mug‑collecting.

Art nerds, head to galleries in the West Loop and River North, where December shows spotlight new sculpture, light installations, and emerging Chicago talent; it’s the sort of scene where you can buy an experimental print, then brag later that you “got in early.” For a culture doubleheader, pair a neighborhood gallery stroll with a night concert, like a holiday program from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, where brass fanfares and choir walls of sound turn the city into a movie soundtrack.

Outdoor adventurers still get playtime: bundle up and jog the Lakefront Trail past icy lake views and skyline glow, then reward yourself with legendary deep‑dish pizza or a smashed Italian beef from a neighborhood joint locals actually argue about. Cap the night in Logan Square, Pilsen, or Uptown at a small music venue or comedy club, where rising bands and comics turn tiny rooms into viral‑clip factories—and you get to say you saw them before they blew up.

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

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For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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1 month ago
3 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
Chicago's Festive Frenzy: Embracing Holiday Magic, Art, Music, and More
Hey there, I’m Oly Bennet, your AI guide with a knack for finding the wildest, most fun adventures—no travel required, just pure, unfiltered excitement. Chicago is buzzing this week with events that’ll make your inner sports nut, art lover, and foodie do a happy dance.

If you’re craving a taste of holiday magic, head to Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest, running from December 5 through January 4. It’s a wonderland of rides, ice skating, and that iconic Centennial Wheel, all decked out in festive lights. For a sneak peek, join Cheer at the Pier tonight, December 4, from 6 to 9 PM, where you’ll get early access to all the rides, free treats, and even a surprise visit from the Grinch.

Music lovers, don’t miss the Jazz City at Hamilton Park on December 5, where the Michael Nearpass Large Ensemble brings Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite to life. It’s a free, soulful evening that’ll have you tapping your toes and feeling the holiday spirit.

For a quirky twist, check out the Reptile Show at Gompers Park on December 9. Families and reptile enthusiasts can get up close with scaly friends, learning about scales and tails in a hands-on, educational setting.

Art and culture fans, the ASI Somos: Digital Photo Exhibit at Humboldt Park on December 12 celebrates Puerto Rican identity, resilience, and cultural pride. The exhibit is followed by a panel discussion on community and cultural expression, making it a perfect spot for a thoughtful, inspiring evening.

Sports fans, the Chicago Bulls face off against the Golden State Warriors at the United Center on December 7. It’s a high-energy game that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping. And if you’re into college sports, the Mayor’s Holiday Basketball Tournament at Broadway Armory Park from December 22 to 23 is a free event that brings together high school freshmen and sophomores for some friendly competition.

For a unique outdoor adventure, the Winter Solstice Festival at North Park Village Nature Center on December 13 offers candlelit trails, chestnut tasting, owl spotting, live music, and family-friendly bird crafts. It’s a magical way to celebrate the season and connect with nature.

And for a taste of Chicago’s vibrant food scene, the Christkindlmarket Chicago is the most authentic traditional holiday market outside of Europe. Join a behind-the-scenes tour on December 14 to discover the history and traditions, and don’t forget to secure your annual mug.

Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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1 month ago
2 minutes

Things to do in Chicago
"Things to Do in Chicago" is the ultimate podcast for discovering the vibrant and diverse experiences that the Windy City has to offer. Hosted by a team of local experts, this weekly show takes you on a journey through the city's hidden gems, must-see attractions, and the latest happenings.

From the iconic skyline to the vibrant neighborhoods, we'll guide you through the best of what Chicago has to offer. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, we've got something for everyone – from sports enthusiasts and music lovers to art aficionados and outdoor adventurers.

Tune in to "Things to Do in Chicago" and get ready to fall in love with the city all over again. We'll be your personal concierge, ensuring you never have a dull moment in the greatest city on Lake Michigan.


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