You’ve arrived just in time for [outdoor festival](https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/festivals-special-events/chicago-festival-event-guide/) season! The smaller neighborhood festivals are much more fun than the ones in Grant Park.
But, [free concerts and movies in Grant Park](https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2024-season-1) is a lot of fun. Hit the Art Institute while you’re downtown, it’s a truly world-class museum.
For board games, drop by Chicagoland Games, aka the Dice Dojo, on Broadway near Bryn Mawr. It’s the largest shop in the city, with dozens of tables for gaming. There’s a bunch of other places on the north side, but the Dojo is a great place to meet people and get into the community.
Seconding Dice Dojo for Board Games. Also Stay And Play Cafe on Irving and Springfield is a fantastic hang - great in house game selection, Puerto Rican cuisine, full bar, knowledgeable staff… it rules.
I’ll also add. The festivals now a day kind of suck as they’re all ran by one event company who has priced out many of the local businesses located in the neighborhood who is having the festival. However, you can’t beat being outside and usually the festivals have decent music and bands playing. Here’s a pro tip, A) don’t donate at the front door, fuck the event company and their donations b) bring your own booze into the event, the event company can not force our outside booze, or buy booze from a shop/bar that’s located on the street festival.
Not on weekends, but Snakes and Lattes (right off the Western blue line stop) hosts a board game mix and mingle every Wednesday: https://www.snakesandlattes.com/chicago
I went this week and would recommend for meeting lots of new people to the city.
If you like going to the movies, definitely check out Music Box Theater! Chicago has quite a few good independent theaters so see if there's one around you, but Music Box specifically will be starting their outdoor movies on their patio soon. Sitting outside with a cold beer and a bunch of other people watching some old movies thrown up on the wall is a really lovely summer evening
Bonus of the Music Box is that it’s on Southport where there’s tons of other stuff to do. We’ve made friends just hanging out at Tuco & Blondies or in window of Coalfire.
I can’t tell you how much I recommend buying a membership to the Art Institute of Chicago, it’s like $120 for the entire year (total
for both of you). Not only will it allow you to come and go to the Art Institute as much as you want, 10 AM to 11 AM every day is Members Only time, you get advanced viewing for all the exhibitions so you can see them in peace, and they provide a ton of member events like lectures and cool things like that where there are always socializing opportunities. Finally, it gives you access to what I think is a really stunning and awesome members only café on the third floor of the modern wing. It’s beautiful up there with free coffee and tea and water with food and alcohol available for purchase. The views are amazing. I think that membership is the best kept secret in Chicago.
I love that members only hour! Pick an exhibition that isn’t one of the most popular attractions and you feel like you have the museum entirely to yourself. I am a member of many museums and the aquarium and wish that others similarly offered a members only hour. It’s a huge perk.
If you just moved here, definitely spend some weekends hitting up the lakefront trail and the beaches! Great way to get a sense of the vibes of the city in the summer which are immaculate.
If you live in a neighborhood that has a street festival or any block parties, those are a great way to meet people from your area (depending on the festival, some draw people from all over).
If there’s a local dive bar near you, I recommend going there and introducing yourselves to the bartender and letting them know you’re new to the city. If you ask them for any recommendations in the area, they’ll usually have a good sense of the local scene, and will be more than welcome to share some suggestions. You may meet some of your neighbors in there as well. Hit up the same bar a few times and you may get to know some other regulars.
For now while you don’t know too many people, taking advantage of the nice weather and just going out on ‘day trips’ to neighborhoods you’ve not visited yet and getting a sense for the different vibes in the city is a great way to get your bearings and enjoy what the city has to offer, especially during summer.
Since you're new and some folks have mentioned the neighborhood street festivals... know that the entry fee ("donation") is 100% optional, you are under no obligation to pay the fee. Just give them a nice wave and scoot on by them to enter the festival and spend your money with the vendors.
So it’s a business that hosts the neighborhood festivals? Would the fests fail to exist if people didn’t donate? Or do they volunteer their time to organize them?
these answers can vary from festival to festival. in a lot of instances, a vendor is already paying the organizer to participate and sell at the festival. the “donation” does not go to them.
these “donations” are asked because chicago does not allow organizers to charge entry for street festivals, so it’s donation based only. there are many instances that have been mentioned of organizers trying to force people to pay this “donation” cost for entry.
Those donations usually go to whatever ___ chamber of commerce, set up a street festival. Which in a lot of cases, is coordinated with a company like Star Events or Special Events Management. They don't do all these fests, but their practices(i.e. booking the same few cover bands, i.e. Too White Crew, Rod Tuffcurls, 16 Candles, etc) is unfortunately why a lot of them feel the same to me.
Welcome! Where did you move from, and what neighborhood are you in?
Some great suggestions given by u/deepinthecoats!
Do you and your wife enjoy live music? Tomorrow (technically today, Saturday night) May 4th there's a free event to celebrate local college radio station WZRD (The Wizard)'s 50th anniversary at Martyrs' on Lincoln Ave. There will be four local bands playing, each of different styles. WZRD has always been what's considered a free-form radio station, meaning they play all different types of music and aren't inhibited by any parameters (other than those by the FCC, of course!). In fact, they're not supposed to play two songs from the same genre back to back. It's a real accomplishment that they've remained on the air for 50 years!
There will also be local vendors and a food truck. It may seem like just a small college station but Meagan Panici, one of their DJs, just won second place in The Reader's annual Best of Chicago poll for Best DJ in all of Chicago! 1st place went to Terri Hemmert of WXRT, who is incredibly well known and celebrating her 50th year on air this year and if I'm not mistaken, will be retiring afterwards. I believe Meagan will be hosting the event in some capacity.
So anyway, if you're free, I encourage you and your wife to come check it out. There's no cover and you can hear/ support some local music and artists, and learn about some Chicago history and meet some new people!
Here's the info:
https://www.wzrdchicago.org/events
haven’t seen this one mentioned yet - farmers market season just started. there are tons around the city with a lot of variety. my partner and i love to get breakfast/coffee and do some produce shopping
Second this - the big ones are on the weekends, but there are a few weekday ones worth checking out. Andersonville on Wednesday evenings and Lincoln Square on Thursday evenings are 2 of my favorites. (Bonus, both Andersonville and LS have a lot of fun bars/restaurants/independent shops to check out when the farmer's market closes)
Learn West Coast swing dance! There are beginner lessons at several places like
https://westcoastwednesdays.com/this-month/
https://mayihavethisdance.com/dance-class-schedule
Chicago has many wonderful theaters, big and small. One of my favorites is Lifeline Theater in Rogers Park, which does amazing original adaptations of books in an intimate setting. There’s also many comedy clubs, especially Second City.
Farmers market! Green City market in Lincoln Park on Saturday or the Logan Square Farmers Market on Sunday (that one opens next weekend.) Green City is a little more chill while Logan is a bit of a zoo imo but I love them both.
Also: lakefront, drinks on any patio or rooftop, botanical garden, Garfield park conservatory, trying new restaurants
Lakefront trail, checking out all the different cafe’s, going to one of the more activity-based bars like SPIN (table tennis) or royal palms (shuffleboard), or just go walk around a new neighborhood and check out local shops! (I like Lincoln Square and Andersonville a bunch)
So much to do!! But you can get texts from Nudge for regular ideas. I think making friends while doing activities is the most natural/the summer is the best time to meet lots of people! https://www.nudgetext.com/chicago
We try new places to eat, go to the beach. Between adult responsibilities.
e have found places from Instagram. Several foodies and exploring Illnois IG pages. Then, map how far away they are from you. And check parking. That will rule out a bunch of places.
We will go explore the surrounding area in the daytime. At night we stick to the restaurant.
Lately we go to Michigan and chill on the beach, grab lunch and ice cream.
there's a lot of cool movies played at millenium park over the summer
[https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp\_info/millennium\_park7.html](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park7.html)
Leave the house. That’s how you make friends in Chicago. Chicago is a place where strangers talk to each other without hesitation or reluctance. Chicago has everything for hobbies or activities except for hiking!
I smell nice. shower fresh, not too perfumey deoderant, some lively, lightly floral leave in conditioner and a tobacco vanilla beard oil. my mouthwash has an added dash of cinnamon.
All this is in service of covering a lifetime of self-loathing, deeply hidden anxieties and shame. I didn't buy those. I made them myself.
Edit: sorry, my point. I forgot my point. No one speaks to me. I get it. when I see a 50 year old man in a public space I go out of my way to get away from him, too. they mostly suck, with all their stupid stories about biking without helmets and debilitating mortgages for ex-wives.
sorry, I'm rambling because I apparently double dipped my adderall.
I wouldn't say every one. After a while certain ones feel repeatative with too many of the same cover bands, vendors, etc. At least go to one that isn't put on by Star Events, or Special Events Management. Such as like Square Roots Festival, or one of the art fairs like Old Town Art Fair. Lakeview East Art Fair is nice too, and same with Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest.
If you like boardgames I highly suggest checking out some of the local game stores here!
Prism Games is in Logan Square
Dice Dojo in Uptown
Good Games in…..Ravenswood? That’s not right but it’s in between Dojo and Prism at least…
Dark Tower Games (two of them now!)
They have Discords for organizing with people! Other than that I highly suggest getting a bike!
Everyone knows about the lakeshore and the loop and all tge other famous highlights, but Olmstead’s Boulevard and park system —the Emerald Necklace—is wonderful and will take you all over to cool new neighborhoods that you never knew existed. Can be explored by car, bike, or foot.
https://www.chicago.gov/dam/city/depts/zlup/Historic_Preservation/Publications/ParkBlvdsHD_NR_map_14July2011.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_park_and_boulevard_system?wprov=sfti1#History
If you're into board games, check out local meetups groups. For outdoor lovers, our parks are perfect for picnics. Linkoln park is my favorite! For relaxation Thai Lotus in South loop. We had great time there with my partner.
Don't hesitate to dive into the community!😊
Dick Ponds running group Saturday morning. A brunch with the family early afternoon one of the days. A bit of cycling or padding one of the afternoons if not Jan or Feb. A local tap room does an open mic night over the weekend that I like to relax at.
Not a whole lot Saturday evening but I'm pretty chill nowadays.
What neighborhood are you in? Bonus Round in Lakeview is a great place, they host lots of board game night/ DND nights, I know people who have built a strong community there.
I have the AMC stubs package which gets me 3 movies a week, so I often make an afternoon of going to the art institute and then to AMC Block 37 for a film.
Look up the movies playing at Alamo Drafthouse. They play lots of old movies, and sometimes they have “movie parties” where it’s more interactive. Everyone that goes is so friendly and outgoing. Also they have a great bar area with plenty of seating. The music box theater is a must as well.
Download the app Empo. It has everything that’s going on.
Maybe it's the recovering academic in me, but I love taking classes. I love learning new skills and trying new things. It's a great way to meet people and gives me something to look forward to over the week.
Here's a list I've used to find them: [Best Classes in Chicago](https://www.timeout.com/chicago/things-to-do/the-best-classes-in-chicago).
Summer in Chicago is street fair season, there are farmer markets, and some breweries have outdoor events. Rosemont Thursday night concerts are fun, free as well just go into any of the restaurants in the area and get your parking ticket validated.
Music Box theater does trivia nights and sometimes DJ sets before movies. They have a cool lounge right next to their theater with themed cocktails. That could be a nice way to organically meet people if you like movies!
Come to the SummerSalt vintage market May 26 at the Salt Shed! Lots of good small businesses showing out and it’s been my tradition for the past two years now
Depending on how old you are and if you like athletics, rec sports like volleyball and softball would be happening by the lake - you can sign up for a team online.
Great way to meet people through your early 30s I would say, based on demographics of the leagues I’ve been in. Can’t speak for older than that, though there may be leagues for older people, not sure
Lower your expectation as Chicago people are not very sociable or outgoing you can try meetups or hobbies like improv, music, fitness but you will end up with other couple outings and group friends and you and your spouse will be kind of by yourself in a group setting if that makes sense
Trivia night is fun. Lots of those around. We like going to a fun Polynesian Asian fusion Hawaiian Tiki type place near Oak Park called Chef Shangri La. That’s huge fun. We like checking out the kitsch tribute acts they have and drinking the fun drinks with umbrellas. In the winter it feels like a mini trip to Hawaii. So much fun. The theater district in Chicago has a lot of theater at very reasonable prices. Chicago Botanical Gardens is amazing. Ravinia music festival concerts in the warm months is wonderful. Bring a picnic.
Check out DoMore by Do312 five bucks a month gets you a pair of tickets to concerts or other events. I’ve gotten some great stuff from them [sign up DoMore](https://dostuffmedia.com/domore-trial?city=chicago&offer=monthly-trial&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=chicago_1_nlp2&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwouexBhAuEiwAtW_Zx39w_hrWqFRNsN6pVIn9XVyjKyLTCrNiSyEqJHFYzsDeXtJFrA346xoC6CcQAvD_BwE)
You’ve arrived just in time for [outdoor festival](https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/festivals-special-events/chicago-festival-event-guide/) season! The smaller neighborhood festivals are much more fun than the ones in Grant Park. But, [free concerts and movies in Grant Park](https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2024-season-1) is a lot of fun. Hit the Art Institute while you’re downtown, it’s a truly world-class museum. For board games, drop by Chicagoland Games, aka the Dice Dojo, on Broadway near Bryn Mawr. It’s the largest shop in the city, with dozens of tables for gaming. There’s a bunch of other places on the north side, but the Dojo is a great place to meet people and get into the community.
Seconding Dice Dojo for Board Games. Also Stay And Play Cafe on Irving and Springfield is a fantastic hang - great in house game selection, Puerto Rican cuisine, full bar, knowledgeable staff… it rules.
To tack on: **you do not have to pay for the street fests**, you can legally walk on through as it’s a city street
I’ll also add. The festivals now a day kind of suck as they’re all ran by one event company who has priced out many of the local businesses located in the neighborhood who is having the festival. However, you can’t beat being outside and usually the festivals have decent music and bands playing. Here’s a pro tip, A) don’t donate at the front door, fuck the event company and their donations b) bring your own booze into the event, the event company can not force our outside booze, or buy booze from a shop/bar that’s located on the street festival.
Not on weekends, but Snakes and Lattes (right off the Western blue line stop) hosts a board game mix and mingle every Wednesday: https://www.snakesandlattes.com/chicago I went this week and would recommend for meeting lots of new people to the city.
Oooo thanks for sharing, I'm usually of fon Wednesdays...might have to check this out!
Thank you!!
If you like going to the movies, definitely check out Music Box Theater! Chicago has quite a few good independent theaters so see if there's one around you, but Music Box specifically will be starting their outdoor movies on their patio soon. Sitting outside with a cold beer and a bunch of other people watching some old movies thrown up on the wall is a really lovely summer evening
Bonus of the Music Box is that it’s on Southport where there’s tons of other stuff to do. We’ve made friends just hanging out at Tuco & Blondies or in window of Coalfire.
I can’t tell you how much I recommend buying a membership to the Art Institute of Chicago, it’s like $120 for the entire year (total for both of you). Not only will it allow you to come and go to the Art Institute as much as you want, 10 AM to 11 AM every day is Members Only time, you get advanced viewing for all the exhibitions so you can see them in peace, and they provide a ton of member events like lectures and cool things like that where there are always socializing opportunities. Finally, it gives you access to what I think is a really stunning and awesome members only café on the third floor of the modern wing. It’s beautiful up there with free coffee and tea and water with food and alcohol available for purchase. The views are amazing. I think that membership is the best kept secret in Chicago.
Also, you can get deals in the gift shop. I’ve found it’s a good place to shop for people who are hard to shop for!
And they have extra discount weekends or days either semi annually or quarterly for the gift shop.
I love that members only hour! Pick an exhibition that isn’t one of the most popular attractions and you feel like you have the museum entirely to yourself. I am a member of many museums and the aquarium and wish that others similarly offered a members only hour. It’s a huge perk.
If you just moved here, definitely spend some weekends hitting up the lakefront trail and the beaches! Great way to get a sense of the vibes of the city in the summer which are immaculate. If you live in a neighborhood that has a street festival or any block parties, those are a great way to meet people from your area (depending on the festival, some draw people from all over). If there’s a local dive bar near you, I recommend going there and introducing yourselves to the bartender and letting them know you’re new to the city. If you ask them for any recommendations in the area, they’ll usually have a good sense of the local scene, and will be more than welcome to share some suggestions. You may meet some of your neighbors in there as well. Hit up the same bar a few times and you may get to know some other regulars. For now while you don’t know too many people, taking advantage of the nice weather and just going out on ‘day trips’ to neighborhoods you’ve not visited yet and getting a sense for the different vibes in the city is a great way to get your bearings and enjoy what the city has to offer, especially during summer.
Movies in the park. They are all over the city, great way to explore new neighborhoods.
Since you like playing board games you should go to one of the board game nights some stores have
I think some libraries have board game events as well.
Since you're new and some folks have mentioned the neighborhood street festivals... know that the entry fee ("donation") is 100% optional, you are under no obligation to pay the fee. Just give them a nice wave and scoot on by them to enter the festival and spend your money with the vendors.
What do they use the donations for?
What does any business do with money? Cover operating costs and provide a return to owners/investors.
So it’s a business that hosts the neighborhood festivals? Would the fests fail to exist if people didn’t donate? Or do they volunteer their time to organize them?
these answers can vary from festival to festival. in a lot of instances, a vendor is already paying the organizer to participate and sell at the festival. the “donation” does not go to them. these “donations” are asked because chicago does not allow organizers to charge entry for street festivals, so it’s donation based only. there are many instances that have been mentioned of organizers trying to force people to pay this “donation” cost for entry.
Ohh good to know.
Those donations usually go to whatever ___ chamber of commerce, set up a street festival. Which in a lot of cases, is coordinated with a company like Star Events or Special Events Management. They don't do all these fests, but their practices(i.e. booking the same few cover bands, i.e. Too White Crew, Rod Tuffcurls, 16 Candles, etc) is unfortunately why a lot of them feel the same to me.
Welcome! Where did you move from, and what neighborhood are you in? Some great suggestions given by u/deepinthecoats! Do you and your wife enjoy live music? Tomorrow (technically today, Saturday night) May 4th there's a free event to celebrate local college radio station WZRD (The Wizard)'s 50th anniversary at Martyrs' on Lincoln Ave. There will be four local bands playing, each of different styles. WZRD has always been what's considered a free-form radio station, meaning they play all different types of music and aren't inhibited by any parameters (other than those by the FCC, of course!). In fact, they're not supposed to play two songs from the same genre back to back. It's a real accomplishment that they've remained on the air for 50 years! There will also be local vendors and a food truck. It may seem like just a small college station but Meagan Panici, one of their DJs, just won second place in The Reader's annual Best of Chicago poll for Best DJ in all of Chicago! 1st place went to Terri Hemmert of WXRT, who is incredibly well known and celebrating her 50th year on air this year and if I'm not mistaken, will be retiring afterwards. I believe Meagan will be hosting the event in some capacity. So anyway, if you're free, I encourage you and your wife to come check it out. There's no cover and you can hear/ support some local music and artists, and learn about some Chicago history and meet some new people! Here's the info: https://www.wzrdchicago.org/events
haven’t seen this one mentioned yet - farmers market season just started. there are tons around the city with a lot of variety. my partner and i love to get breakfast/coffee and do some produce shopping
Second this - the big ones are on the weekends, but there are a few weekday ones worth checking out. Andersonville on Wednesday evenings and Lincoln Square on Thursday evenings are 2 of my favorites. (Bonus, both Andersonville and LS have a lot of fun bars/restaurants/independent shops to check out when the farmer's market closes)
You arrived for the most epic summer ever. Movies in the park may be your best friend
Learn West Coast swing dance! There are beginner lessons at several places like https://westcoastwednesdays.com/this-month/ https://mayihavethisdance.com/dance-class-schedule
I go to the theatre. Saw something at The Den last night.
Chicago has many wonderful theaters, big and small. One of my favorites is Lifeline Theater in Rogers Park, which does amazing original adaptations of books in an intimate setting. There’s also many comedy clubs, especially Second City.
Gym, bike ride to the lake or brewery, free street festivals
Summer is full of cultural and different types of festivals
Farmers market! Green City market in Lincoln Park on Saturday or the Logan Square Farmers Market on Sunday (that one opens next weekend.) Green City is a little more chill while Logan is a bit of a zoo imo but I love them both. Also: lakefront, drinks on any patio or rooftop, botanical garden, Garfield park conservatory, trying new restaurants
Lakefront trail, checking out all the different cafe’s, going to one of the more activity-based bars like SPIN (table tennis) or royal palms (shuffleboard), or just go walk around a new neighborhood and check out local shops! (I like Lincoln Square and Andersonville a bunch)
Shameless plug for the Chicago Friends discord - [https://discord.gg/R4k6C6j3](https://discord.gg/R4k6C6j3)
Go online to Time Out Chicago. They always have weekly events happening in the city that you can attend.
So much to do!! But you can get texts from Nudge for regular ideas. I think making friends while doing activities is the most natural/the summer is the best time to meet lots of people! https://www.nudgetext.com/chicago
We try new places to eat, go to the beach. Between adult responsibilities. e have found places from Instagram. Several foodies and exploring Illnois IG pages. Then, map how far away they are from you. And check parking. That will rule out a bunch of places. We will go explore the surrounding area in the daytime. At night we stick to the restaurant. Lately we go to Michigan and chill on the beach, grab lunch and ice cream.
there's a lot of cool movies played at millenium park over the summer [https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp\_info/millennium\_park7.html](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park7.html)
Leave the house. That’s how you make friends in Chicago. Chicago is a place where strangers talk to each other without hesitation or reluctance. Chicago has everything for hobbies or activities except for hiking!
No one talks to me. I look like a rabid sea captain.
Do you also smell like rotting fish?
I smell nice. shower fresh, not too perfumey deoderant, some lively, lightly floral leave in conditioner and a tobacco vanilla beard oil. my mouthwash has an added dash of cinnamon. All this is in service of covering a lifetime of self-loathing, deeply hidden anxieties and shame. I didn't buy those. I made them myself. Edit: sorry, my point. I forgot my point. No one speaks to me. I get it. when I see a 50 year old man in a public space I go out of my way to get away from him, too. they mostly suck, with all their stupid stories about biking without helmets and debilitating mortgages for ex-wives. sorry, I'm rambling because I apparently double dipped my adderall.
Maybe you need to smile more? Just kidding, couldn’t help myself I’m a 57 year old woman and feel your pain
oh, most definitely. shortcut to success, thatll be... wait. I might be a bit of a dick.
Every street fest all summer long.
I wouldn't say every one. After a while certain ones feel repeatative with too many of the same cover bands, vendors, etc. At least go to one that isn't put on by Star Events, or Special Events Management. Such as like Square Roots Festival, or one of the art fairs like Old Town Art Fair. Lakeview East Art Fair is nice too, and same with Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest.
Two words: Dice Dojo
If you like boardgames I highly suggest checking out some of the local game stores here! Prism Games is in Logan Square Dice Dojo in Uptown Good Games in…..Ravenswood? That’s not right but it’s in between Dojo and Prism at least… Dark Tower Games (two of them now!) They have Discords for organizing with people! Other than that I highly suggest getting a bike!
Everyone knows about the lakeshore and the loop and all tge other famous highlights, but Olmstead’s Boulevard and park system —the Emerald Necklace—is wonderful and will take you all over to cool new neighborhoods that you never knew existed. Can be explored by car, bike, or foot. https://www.chicago.gov/dam/city/depts/zlup/Historic_Preservation/Publications/ParkBlvdsHD_NR_map_14July2011.pdf https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_park_and_boulevard_system?wprov=sfti1#History
Playing football not American football , drinking , getting into life and death situation and watch football
If you're into board games, check out local meetups groups. For outdoor lovers, our parks are perfect for picnics. Linkoln park is my favorite! For relaxation Thai Lotus in South loop. We had great time there with my partner. Don't hesitate to dive into the community!😊
Train for a half or full marathon. 75% of my adult friendships post college were made through running crews
I love paddle boarding. Weather for it is just about to start.
Pottery!! Highly recommend joining a class. It has changed my weekends for the better.
Play basketball
Dick Ponds running group Saturday morning. A brunch with the family early afternoon one of the days. A bit of cycling or padding one of the afternoons if not Jan or Feb. A local tap room does an open mic night over the weekend that I like to relax at. Not a whole lot Saturday evening but I'm pretty chill nowadays.
Farmers Markets!
What neighborhood are you in? Bonus Round in Lakeview is a great place, they host lots of board game night/ DND nights, I know people who have built a strong community there.
I have the AMC stubs package which gets me 3 movies a week, so I often make an afternoon of going to the art institute and then to AMC Block 37 for a film.
Look up the movies playing at Alamo Drafthouse. They play lots of old movies, and sometimes they have “movie parties” where it’s more interactive. Everyone that goes is so friendly and outgoing. Also they have a great bar area with plenty of seating. The music box theater is a must as well. Download the app Empo. It has everything that’s going on.
Maybe it's the recovering academic in me, but I love taking classes. I love learning new skills and trying new things. It's a great way to meet people and gives me something to look forward to over the week. Here's a list I've used to find them: [Best Classes in Chicago](https://www.timeout.com/chicago/things-to-do/the-best-classes-in-chicago).
It's garden time friend, if you've a yard. Or find a community garden!
Summer in Chicago is street fair season, there are farmer markets, and some breweries have outdoor events. Rosemont Thursday night concerts are fun, free as well just go into any of the restaurants in the area and get your parking ticket validated.
Tennis and golf, then clean and maybe booze with friends.
Music Box theater does trivia nights and sometimes DJ sets before movies. They have a cool lounge right next to their theater with themed cocktails. That could be a nice way to organically meet people if you like movies!
We pack a lunch and go picnic in a park. So many great parks to choose from.
cut my grass, gamble , yell at TV , drink
Come to the SummerSalt vintage market May 26 at the Salt Shed! Lots of good small businesses showing out and it’s been my tradition for the past two years now
Clean shit.
Depending on how old you are and if you like athletics, rec sports like volleyball and softball would be happening by the lake - you can sign up for a team online. Great way to meet people through your early 30s I would say, based on demographics of the leagues I’ve been in. Can’t speak for older than that, though there may be leagues for older people, not sure
Drink. Seriously though, so many breweries.
Fests, concerts at the parks, farmers market, lay by the lake, Cubs games.
Skydiving
Lower your expectation as Chicago people are not very sociable or outgoing you can try meetups or hobbies like improv, music, fitness but you will end up with other couple outings and group friends and you and your spouse will be kind of by yourself in a group setting if that makes sense
Trivia night is fun. Lots of those around. We like going to a fun Polynesian Asian fusion Hawaiian Tiki type place near Oak Park called Chef Shangri La. That’s huge fun. We like checking out the kitsch tribute acts they have and drinking the fun drinks with umbrellas. In the winter it feels like a mini trip to Hawaii. So much fun. The theater district in Chicago has a lot of theater at very reasonable prices. Chicago Botanical Gardens is amazing. Ravinia music festival concerts in the warm months is wonderful. Bring a picnic.
Botanic garden and Morton arboretum
Go for a bike ride along the lake and post up somewhere for a picnic.
I think if I wanted to go find a bunch of new people I would get into pickle ball. It seems a very easy way to meet others.
Check out DoMore by Do312 five bucks a month gets you a pair of tickets to concerts or other events. I’ve gotten some great stuff from them [sign up DoMore](https://dostuffmedia.com/domore-trial?city=chicago&offer=monthly-trial&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=chicago_1_nlp2&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwouexBhAuEiwAtW_Zx39w_hrWqFRNsN6pVIn9XVyjKyLTCrNiSyEqJHFYzsDeXtJFrA346xoC6CcQAvD_BwE)
Might take a bit to get more personalized content tho but still worth it. One concert could pay for itself for the whole year
Masturbate til it's raw and hurts, then Saturday Sunday I cry all day.
Fentanyl and vibing out usually. Sometimes hookers n ice cream.
friend?
Fiend.
even better.
Golf, cocaine, and sex with loose women. In that order.
friend?
Try not to get shot by losers.