Location: Downtown / The Loop
Top Things to do in Downtown / The Loop
10 Concerts & Shows in Downtown / The Loop That You Shouldn't Miss
The windy city is a cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy, and die-hard sports fans. Snap a photo of your reflection in the silver Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park before heading to Grant Park to get hit with the refreshing spray of Buckingham Fountain. There are dozens of museums and theater companies in Chicago, so a cultural experience is never hard to find. You’re sure to laugh your head off at the Second City Theater, the professional launch pad of many famous comedians.
Restaurants in Chicago
1. Petrillo Music Shell
2. Symphony Center - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 744 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
I'll never forget the first time I listened to a concert in Chicago's Orchestra Hall. It was Andre Segovia, the incomparable Spanish guitarist, and the hall lived up to its billing as an acoustical marvel, the finest complex of its kind this side of Salt Lake City's Mormon Tabernacle. Located at 220 South Michigan Avenue, Orchestra Hall was built in 1904. Designed by renowned Chicago architect Daniel Burnham, the elegant 2,522-seat venue was earmarked as a home for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which had previously performed in the larger Auditorium Theater. Today, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is universally regarded as one of the premier symphony orchestras in the world and Orchestra Hall is part of a music complex that also includes Buntrock Hall, a rehearsal and performance space, Grainger Ballroom and Opus restaurant and cafe. From 1907 to 1996, the ninth-floor penthouse served as the home of the Cliff Dwellers Club. Aside from musical concerts and piano recitals, the hall also has hosted lectures by such notables as Harry Houdini, Amelia Earhart, Bertrand Russell and Orson Welles. Season tickets are as cherished as as hard to obtain as the Cubs, Bulls, Bears and Blackhawks. Orchestra Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994.
3. Lyric Opera of Chicago
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 461 reviews
Grand spectacle. The finest singers of our time. And immortal music performed by Lyric's internationally celebrated orchestra and chorus.
Reviewed By shellymR6740XN
Beautiful building & decor. Madame Butterfly was spellbinding. Recommend the pre- order for intermission refreshments. We were able to enjoy a leisurely glass of wine without waiting in line with this service. Was worried about what to wear but there was a wide range of fashion so just go & enjoy.
4. The Magic Parlour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 545 reviews
The Magic Parlour starring Dennis Watkins is an intimate evening of classic magic and mind-reading performance with this 3rd generation magician presented weekly by The House Theatre of Chicago in the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel.
Reviewed By M1888ZR - Michigan, United States
The Magic Parlour with Dennis Watkins was a wonderfully magical evening. Our party ranged from 22-75 and everyone had a fantastic time. The up close and intimate setting is what really sets this show apart from others. Dennis is a fabulous magician and entertainer!
5. Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 463 reviews
Reviewed By CaptTrouble - Hudson, United States
My husband and I walked around this pavilion while visiting Millennium Park. Designed by Frank Gehry, who also designed the Weismann Art Museum in Minneapolis and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, this concert venue seats 11,000 people (4,000 fixed and 7,000 lawn). It opened July 16, 2004. It is very large and airy, which would be good for summer concerts as it can get really hot in Chicago in the summer.
6. Chase Auditorium
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By ChristieV18 - Normal, United States
Tickets for this weekly show are best bought online to attend this fabulous evening of fun. The auditorium and its environs are very attractive and comfortable.
7. The Magic Penthouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 146 reviews
Imagine sitting on a rooftop, in the heart of downtown Chicago, with your favorite drink in hand, listening to live music, enjoying delicious food and awesome company, all while watching the most impossible magic. Each month we handpick 4 of the best magicians around to showcase their unique approaches to magic, in a fun and lively party setting...it's one event NOT to miss!!
Reviewed By sdgoldstein
We visited The Magic Penthouse a while ago and loved every minute of the mind blowing experience. We then hired Sin to work at a fundraiser that we hosted and he was incredible working in the crowd and speaking in front of 350+ people. Go highly recommend!
8. Hamilton
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 407 reviews
Reviewed By craigc409 - Bend, United States
Caught Hamilton at the CIBC Theater in the city. Great cast and musical score. Found out it was playing there and couldn't pass it up. Concierge at the hotel located our tickets on the main floor orchestra section for $105 each. Well worth it.
9. Drunk Shakespeare
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 116 reviews
"The best thing to ever happen to the theater" Slate Magazine "A live action Drunk History" TimeOut Magazine "Zany, rowdy and debaucherous" New York Times. One actor has 5 shots of whiskey and then attempts to perform in a Shakespeare play. There is a hidden library at 182 N Wabash Ave with over 10,000 books. Running Time: 90 minutes. Food & drink available. 21+ only. Photo ID required.
Reviewed By 366kg - Chicago, United States
Shakespeare and Chicago Improv, I’m in heaven. Shout out to a hard working and talented cast. They have No fear. Small and intimate space. No bad seats. Easy to get to Loop location. Drinking highly encouraged.
10. Teatro Zinzanni
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By Rich933 - Chicago, United States
An outstanding show! Slightly expensive but well worth the cost! From amazing acrobatics to comedy to literal music to your hears- it’s a party for all your senses!! Highly recommended!!
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