July 17, 2025 • 3 mins
Welcome to “Things to Do in Chicago” for Thursday, July 17, 2025! It’s a vibrant summer day in the Windy City, and after last night’s storms swept through, expect clear skies, clean post-rain air, and a city buzzing with energy[5][8]. Whether you’re a local carving out fresh city adventures or a visitor looking to soak up that iconic Chicago magic, today’s lineup truly has something for everyone.
With cooler air rolling in after those strong overnight storms—which also knocked down some trees and briefly disrupted traffic—grab your shades, head outside, and dive right into what Chicago does best: unforgettable experiences[5].
Here are some of today’s top events you won’t want to miss:
- For music lovers, groove out at the Millennium Park Summer Music Series tonight with a set from the legendary Digable Planets and rising local act Mother Nature, all under the city lights and among the skyline’s architectural giants[7].
- Comedy fans can catch the Chicago Comedy Club at the House of Blues, promising big laughs from the city’s funniest talent, starting at 7:30 PM[6].
- Sports fans and families: “The Messi Experience” at 2367 W. Logan Blvd offers an immersive tribute to Lionel Messi’s storied soccer career, highlighted by a massive mural from Chicago graffiti artist Miguel Aguilar—there’s merch, food, and entertainment for all ages[4].
- History and architecture buffs should jump aboard a 90-minute Chicago River Architecture Boat Tour to get a fresh perspective on why this city is truly one of the world’s most beautiful[6].
- Want something more hands-on? Try general public skating or bowling at the MLK Skating and Bowling Center, or check out live theater and improv at venues like Thalia Hall and Annoyance Theatre[1].
On the news front: City Council failed to override Mayor Johnson’s veto on expanding police snap curfews, and debates continue over rising unemployment trends among Black women—a topic getting citywide attention[2]. In lighter updates, new restaurant and bar openings are popping up throughout Logan Square and Pilsen as the city’s food scene continues to boom. After last night’s storms, there are some downed trees and minor delays on certain CTA bus and train lines, so it’s wise to check transit alerts before heading out[5][8].
For the classic Chicago experience: Don’t forget to stroll the Chicago Riverwalk, hit Millennium Park to spot the monumental “Stonehenge” and “Dorit” public art installations, and grab a deep-dish pizza in River North. For a quieter escape, locals have been raving about a lush, hidden garden near the Driehaus Museum—a real city secret perfect for unwinding after a busy day[9].
Local tip: Save a few bucks on your city explorations by purchasing a hop-on, hop-off bus tour ticket—these let you see attractions like Skydeck Chicago, Grant Park, and Navy Pier at your own pace, with live commentary included[3]. And remember, locals never call it the “Willis Tower”—it’s still the Sears Tower to us.
Looking ahead, tomorrow brings even more options, from open-air movies to food truck festivals by the lake and fireworks at Navy Pier. Tune in again to catch all the details on Chicago’s can’t-miss moments!
With cooler air rolling in after those strong overnight storms—which also knocked down some trees and briefly disrupted traffic—grab your shades, head outside, and dive right into what Chicago does best: unforgettable experiences[5].
Here are some of today’s top events you won’t want to miss:
- For music lovers, groove out at the Millennium Park Summer Music Series tonight with a set from the legendary Digable Planets and rising local act Mother Nature, all under the city lights and among the skyline’s architectural giants[7].
- Comedy fans can catch the Chicago Comedy Club at the House of Blues, promising big laughs from the city’s funniest talent, starting at 7:30 PM[6].
- Sports fans and families: “The Messi Experience” at 2367 W. Logan Blvd offers an immersive tribute to Lionel Messi’s storied soccer career, highlighted by a massive mural from Chicago graffiti artist Miguel Aguilar—there’s merch, food, and entertainment for all ages[4].
- History and architecture buffs should jump aboard a 90-minute Chicago River Architecture Boat Tour to get a fresh perspective on why this city is truly one of the world’s most beautiful[6].
- Want something more hands-on? Try general public skating or bowling at the MLK Skating and Bowling Center, or check out live theater and improv at venues like Thalia Hall and Annoyance Theatre[1].
On the news front: City Council failed to override Mayor Johnson’s veto on expanding police snap curfews, and debates continue over rising unemployment trends among Black women—a topic getting citywide attention[2]. In lighter updates, new restaurant and bar openings are popping up throughout Logan Square and Pilsen as the city’s food scene continues to boom. After last night’s storms, there are some downed trees and minor delays on certain CTA bus and train lines, so it’s wise to check transit alerts before heading out[5][8].
For the classic Chicago experience: Don’t forget to stroll the Chicago Riverwalk, hit Millennium Park to spot the monumental “Stonehenge” and “Dorit” public art installations, and grab a deep-dish pizza in River North. For a quieter escape, locals have been raving about a lush, hidden garden near the Driehaus Museum—a real city secret perfect for unwinding after a busy day[9].
Local tip: Save a few bucks on your city explorations by purchasing a hop-on, hop-off bus tour ticket—these let you see attractions like Skydeck Chicago, Grant Park, and Navy Pier at your own pace, with live commentary included[3]. And remember, locals never call it the “Willis Tower”—it’s still the Sears Tower to us.
Looking ahead, tomorrow brings even more options, from open-air movies to food truck festivals by the lake and fireworks at Navy Pier. Tune in again to catch all the details on Chicago’s can’t-miss moments!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is your Things to Do in Chicago podcast. Welcome
to Things to Do in Chicago for Thursday, July seventeenth,
twenty twenty five. It's a vibrant summer day in the
Windy City, and after last night storms swept through, expect
clear skies, clean post rain air, and a city buzzing
with energy. Five. Whether you're a local carving out fresh
(00:21):
city adventures or a visitor looking to soak up that
iconic Chicago magic, today's lineup truly has something for everyone.
With cooler air rolling in after those strong overnight storms
which also knock down some trees and briefly disrupted traffic,
grab your shades, head outside, and dive right into what
Chicago does best, unforgettable experiences. Five. Here are some of
(00:44):
today's top events you won't want to miss. For music lovers,
groove out at the Millennium Park Summer Music Series tonight
with a set from the legendary Diggable Planets and rising
local act Mother Nature, all under the city lights and
among the sky Byline's architectural giants. Seven. Comedy fans can
catch the Chicago Comedy Club at the House of Blues,
(01:06):
promising big laughs from the city's funniest talent. Starting at
seven thirty pm six sports fans and families. The Messi
Experience at two three six seven West Logan Boulevard offers
an immersive tribute to Lionel messi storied soccer career, highlighted
by a massive mural from Chicago graffiti artist Miguel Aguilar.
(01:28):
There's merch, food, and entertainment for all ages. Four History
and architecture buffs should jump aboard a ninety minute Chicago
River Architecture boat tour to get a fresh perspective on
why this city is truly one of the world's most beautiful.
Want something more hands on? Tried general public skating or
(01:49):
bowling at the MLK Skating and Bowling Center, or check
out live theater and improv at venues like Thileia Hall
and Annoyance Theater. One on the news front, City Council
failed to override Mayor Johnson's veto on expanding police snap curfews,
and debates continue over rising unemployment trends among black women,
(02:10):
a topic getting city wide attention. In lighter updates, new
restaurant and bar openings are popping up throughout Logan Square
and Pilsen as the city's food scene continues to boom
After last night's storms, there are some down trees and
minor delays on certain CTA bus and train lines, so
it's wise to check transit alerts before heading out. For
(02:31):
the classic Chicago experience, don't forget to stroll the Chicago Riverwalk,
hit Millennium Park to spot the monumental Stone Hinge and
Dorrit public art installations, and grab a deep dish pizza
in River North for a quieter escape. Locals have been
raving about a lush hidden garden near the dry House Museum,
a real city secret perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
(02:54):
Local tip save a few bucks on your city explorations
by purchasing a hop on, Hop off bus tour ticket.
These let you see attractions like Skydeck, Chicago Brandt Park,
and Navy Peer at your own pace with life commentary included.
Three and remember, locals never call at the Willis Tower.
It's still the Sears Tower to us. Looking ahead tomorrow
(03:17):
brings even more options, from open air movies to food
truck festivals by the Lake and fireworks at Navy Peer.
Tribbing again to catch all the details on Chicago's can't
miss moments
This is your Things to Do in Chicago podcast. Welcome
to Things to Do in Chicago for Thursday, July seventeenth,
twenty twenty five. It's a vibrant summer day in the
Windy City, and after last night storms swept through, expect
clear skies, clean post rain air, and a city buzzing
with energy. Five. Whether you're a local carving out fresh
(00:21):
city adventures or a visitor looking to soak up that
iconic Chicago magic, today's lineup truly has something for everyone.
With cooler air rolling in after those strong overnight storms
which also knock down some trees and briefly disrupted traffic,
grab your shades, head outside, and dive right into what
Chicago does best, unforgettable experiences. Five. Here are some of
(00:44):
today's top events you won't want to miss. For music lovers,
groove out at the Millennium Park Summer Music Series tonight
with a set from the legendary Diggable Planets and rising
local act Mother Nature, all under the city lights and
among the sky Byline's architectural giants. Seven. Comedy fans can
catch the Chicago Comedy Club at the House of Blues,
(01:06):
promising big laughs from the city's funniest talent. Starting at
seven thirty pm six sports fans and families. The Messi
Experience at two three six seven West Logan Boulevard offers
an immersive tribute to Lionel messi storied soccer career, highlighted
by a massive mural from Chicago graffiti artist Miguel Aguilar.
(01:28):
There's merch, food, and entertainment for all ages. Four History
and architecture buffs should jump aboard a ninety minute Chicago
River Architecture boat tour to get a fresh perspective on
why this city is truly one of the world's most beautiful.
Want something more hands on? Tried general public skating or
(01:49):
bowling at the MLK Skating and Bowling Center, or check
out live theater and improv at venues like Thileia Hall
and Annoyance Theater. One on the news front, City Council
failed to override Mayor Johnson's veto on expanding police snap curfews,
and debates continue over rising unemployment trends among black women,
(02:10):
a topic getting city wide attention. In lighter updates, new
restaurant and bar openings are popping up throughout Logan Square
and Pilsen as the city's food scene continues to boom
After last night's storms, there are some down trees and
minor delays on certain CTA bus and train lines, so
it's wise to check transit alerts before heading out. For
(02:31):
the classic Chicago experience, don't forget to stroll the Chicago Riverwalk,
hit Millennium Park to spot the monumental Stone Hinge and
Dorrit public art installations, and grab a deep dish pizza
in River North for a quieter escape. Locals have been
raving about a lush hidden garden near the dry House Museum,
a real city secret perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
(02:54):
Local tip save a few bucks on your city explorations
by purchasing a hop on, Hop off bus tour ticket.
These let you see attractions like Skydeck, Chicago Brandt Park,
and Navy Peer at your own pace with life commentary included.
Three and remember, locals never call at the Willis Tower.
It's still the Sears Tower to us. Looking ahead tomorrow
(03:17):
brings even more options, from open air movies to food
truck festivals by the Lake and fireworks at Navy Peer.
Tribbing again to catch all the details on Chicago's can't
miss moments
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.