(Photo credit: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre)
The new year is fresh and just getting started. As 2023 heats up, residents of Chicago are gearing up for Summertime Chi. For the record, Chicago is amazing all year round because of its rich culture, entertainment, food and people. Take a look at the top 20 things to do in Chicago this January.
Lion King (Photo source instagram @chiv_on)
1. Disney presents The Lion King at Cadillac Theatre
The Disney classic The Lion King is a guaranteed family favorite and consistently packs houses across the United States. The production has been running for the past few months and will close soon. Get your tickets while they are hot. The production will run until Jan. 14, 2023 at The Cadillac Palace Theatre located at 151 W. Randolph St Chicago IL, 60602
Loose Ends featuring Jane Eugene (Photo source instagram @citywinerychi)
2. Loose Ends at the City Winery
The City Winery hosts electrifying performances year-round. The legendary group Loose Ends featuring Jane Eugene is the latest musical offering from City Winery’s exceptional programming. Loose Ends will be performing Jan. 12 and Jan. 13 at The City Winery located at 1200 W.Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60607.
Art of Brick (Photo source instagram @msichicago)
3. The Art Of Brick at The Museum of Science and Industry
More than one million LEGO blocks created over 100 sculptures by artist Nathan Sawaya at The Art of the Brick. The family friendly installation has been extended due to popular demand at the Museum of Science and Industry located at 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60637.
Step Afrika! (Photo source instagram @StepAfrika)
4. Step Afrika! at The Auditorium Theatre
Step Afrika! is the first professional dance company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. It is a blend of African dance and the traditional stepping you can see among Black sororities and fraternities across America. Step Afrika! will be a one-night only event on Jan. 14, 2023 at The Auditorium Theatre located at 50 E Ida B Wells Dr. Chicago IL 60605.
5. Divinity In The Blue
D. Lammie-Hanson will be displaying her intricate artistry with her solo exhibit at Gallery Guichard located in the historic Bronzeville community of Chicago.
10 Year Anniversary of The Tequila Tales at The Promontory (Photo source instagram @thepromontorychicago)
6. Tequila Tales 10 year anniversary at The Promontory
The Tequila Tales shares the stage with The Corner Convo for a live recording immediately followed by the first live show in two years at The Promontory located at 5311 S. Lake Park Ave.West Chicago, IL 60615.
Godfrey Wine Fest (Photo source instagram @iogodfrey)
7. Godfrey Wine Fest
The Godfrey Hotel will hold its Wine Fest on Jan. 14 from 1pm-5pm. Tickets include four hours of wine tastings, giveaways & more on the roof top at 127 W. Huron and Lasalle Chicago, IL 60654.
The Field Museum (Photo source instagram @chicago_pl_us)
8. The Field Museum
The Field Museum is a great place to learn and have fun. As one of the largest natural history museums in the United States, there is always something interesting to do. The museum’s free days are as follows January 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31, 2023. The Field Museum is located at 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
360 Chicago (Photo source instagram @360chicago)
9. 360 CHICAGO
360 CHICAGO has the best views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. It also has Chicago’s highest thrill ride “The Tilt”. You can experience this from the top of the former John Hancock Center at 875 North Michigan Avenue, 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611.
Buddy Guys January Schedule (Photo source instagram @buddyguys)
10. Buddy Guy’s January Residency at Buddy Guy’s Legends
Live music is always amazing. Now imagine hearing it from the Blues legend Buddy Guy at Buddy Guys Legend located at 700 S Wabash Chicago IL 60605 .
Fever Chicago (Photo source @bee_eye)
11. Candlelight: Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop Favorites
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Chicago. You can see the Neo-Soul and Hip Hop Favorites show on Jan. 21, 2023 at 1500 N Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Adler Planetarium (Photo source instagram @adlerplanet)
12. Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium is the first planetarium in the world, connecting people to the stars. Illinois residents get in free every Wednesday from 4-10 p.m. at 1300 S Dusable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605.
Tribe Supper Club (Photo source instagram @tribechi)
13. Tribe Supper Club
Tribe Supper Club is a one-stop shop for good food, music and vibes. The first principle is “Thou shalt not kill the vibe.”
Art Institute of Chicago (Photo source instagram @lifetraveledinstilettos)
14. The Art Institute Of Chicago
The Art Institute is an epicenter of some of the most beautiful galleries in the world. It has one of the largest art collections world-wide and frequently hosts many exhibits. Admission is free for Illinois residents on weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays) from Jan. 9–March 24, 2023.
Ice Skating Ribbon (Photo source instagram @maggie.daley.park)
15. Maggie Daley Park
Maggie Daley Park is right on the outskirts of Grant park and is its own little world. During the winter months, Ice Skating Ribbon is what brings the people out into the cold to 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601.
Shedd Aquarium (Photo source instagram @shedd_aquarium)
16. Shedd Aquarium
Whales, stingrays, plenty of fish and a plethora of aquatic creatures are at the Shedd Aquarium ready for you to visit. January is as good a time as any. You can visit the Shedd at 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore DriveChicago, IL 60605.
House of Blues schedule (Photo source instagram @hobchicago)
17. The House Of Blues
Live music is the bread and butter of the House of Blues and January has a full plate. Check out HOB at 329 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654.
MLK Sports Brunch (Photo source instagram @nabj_chicago)
18. NABJ MLK Sports Brunch
Join NABJ-Chicago Saturday, Jan. 14 as they honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy during their inaugural Sports Brunch hosted at Haymarket Pub and Brewery on 737 W Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60661.
Zora Neale Hurston (Photo source instagram @americanwritersmuseum)
19. Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice
Explore and better understand racial injustice in America by examining the work of Black American writers from the end of the Civil War through the Civil Rights Movement. Visit the American Writers Museum at 180 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 300 Chicago, IL 60601.
20. Wordfetti – Live Poetry
At Wordfetti the wordsmiths come out to give the world a taste of their gifts. It’s free 99. Check it out at 1802 W 103rd St Chicago, IL 60643.
