The Gordon Foundation

If you're looking for a great place to catch a show, check out the House of Blues. Located in the heart of Chicago, this popular music venue chain offers a unique and authentic atmosphere. The House of Blues Chicago was established in 1966. It was designed to replicate the famous "Estavovski" Opera House in Prague, with its "Crazy Quilt" and Delta Mississippi mud kept under the stage. Over the years, the House of Blues has hosted countless shows featuring some of the greatest artists ever. From The Who and Al Green to Kanye West and John Mayer, this venue has seen it all. And with a capacity of up to 1,800 people, you will have a great time. So, whether you're a fan of rock, blues, or hip-hop, be sure to check out the House of Blues for an unforgettable experience.

If you're a fan of Shakespeare, you should attend the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. This professional theater company was founded in 1986 by Barbara Gaines and is the third largest in the Midwest. They produce works from the Shakespeare canon and other theatrical performances, with over six hundred performances annually at the Courtyard Theater and the Upstairs space. The theater has won numerous awards, including 36 Joseph Jefferson Awards, three Laurence Olivier Awards, and a Regional Theatre Tony Award. The theater also has a family series for younger audiences and special student pricing.

Chicago is renowned worldwide for its architecture, and the Chicago Architecture Foundation offers a variety of tours to showcase some of the city's most exceptional buildings. With walking, bus, and boat tours available, visitors can explore the downtown area or one of the city's many charming neighborhoods. Expert docents will guide you and share the stories behind the buildings, whether you visit iconic skyscrapers, elegant hotels, or legendary houses designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. With dozens of tours, you may need help selecting just one.

The Hideout is not your typical bar; it's a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of whether they fit in. This prohibition-era bar may be small, but it's been a community space for independent music and performance in Chicago for over 25 years. On Saturdays, you can enjoy live music and dancing at The Hideout. It's a hub for music, art, performance, plays, poetry, rock, and rebellion. The bar is rooted in complex, hard-playing, creative artistic expression and intellectual freedom. It's more New Deal than New Age, and while it's not for everyone, it's for anyone who wants to experience something unique and authentic.