Chicago is a very cool city to visit, and there are so many things to see and do when you are in the city. From museums to food and drinks to cultural events, there is something for everyone in Chicago. If you are planning a trip to this huge, sprawling city, you need to be sure that you have plans in mind for each day of your trip.
Music shows in Lansing, IL, are a huge part of what makes Chicago special. If you love music, then you will have a blast when you visit this city. There are tons of ways to catch live music for affordable prices, or even for free, in Chicago. Planning a trip that includes musical entertainment is a breeze if you know what to look for.
Having Fun South of Chicago
1. Check Out Free Musical Events and Shows
There are always musical adventures to be had in Chicago. Whether you are in the heart of downtown or you are out of the city’s sprawl in the Chicago Southland, there are musical events going on that won’t break the bank. For free concerts, it’s just a quick drive or Uber ride to Fox Pointe in Lansing, Illinois from Chicago. The family-friendly, super clean and beautiful venue is located just off I-80/94, convenient to Northwest Indiana. Fox Pointe hosts over two dozen free musical events each summer. The free Wednesday Series features popular cover bands playing modern pop such as the music of Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga. You’ll dance along to hits from NKOTB, N’Sync, the Eagles, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Queen, Elton John, along with 50s, 60s, 70s 80s and 90s favorites, Southern Rock and heavy metal. Friday Night Lights concerts are also free and feature the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, Mexico en El Corazon, and traditional pop singers emulating Sinatra, Martin and Davis Jr. You’ll also find funk, jazz and soul for free at Fox Pointe.
If you didn’t have time to grab dinner, Fox Pointe has a concession stand grilling up savory meals like a Platinum Polish, Pitch Perfect Pork Sliders or a Little Bit of Chicken Fried. There’s also a full bar with soft drinks, variety of beers, White Claw, wine and mixed drinks. Local bakeries and patisseries bring their sweet goodies to each concert, so you can indulge in a range of choices including churros, fruit pies, cheesecake, lemon bars, brownies, cookies, chocolate-dipped strawberries and tasty treats. Charming downtown Lansing on Ridge Road is just steps away, filled with boutiques, stores, restaurants and the world famous chocolatier and ice cream shop Gayety’s.
Always be sure that you ask around about the music events that are taking place near your hotel or near where you are going to be visiting so that you don’t miss out on a chance to enjoy concerts or live performances with ease.
2. Visit South Shore Cultural Center
The South Shore Cultural Center is a great way to spend time during one of your days in Chicago. This is a registered Chicago landmark, and it was originally founded in 1905. The area was recently revitalized, making it a cool place to check out a park, walking paths and trails, a nature sanctuary, and even a butterfly garden.
You can also enjoy the Solarium and the Paul Robeson Theater when you visit. There is a small golf course inside the park and even a beach area. This is one of the most unique and special places in the city, and you should plan at least a few hours to visit this cool attraction.
3. Frank Lloyd Wright Trust-Frederick C. Robie House
This house is located on the University of Chicago grounds, and it is a tribute to one of the most visionary and talented artists that America has ever produced. The open spaces and unification with nature that were at the heart of Wright’s architectural vision are present here, and you can take a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site as part of your visit to the campus itself.
Make sure that you check out the tour times and grab tickets in advance if possible. You will want to learn about the history of this house as you check out the amazing and creative way that it was constructed in person.
4. DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Created for the benefit of future generations, this amazing museum dedicated to black history is always changing and growing in complexity. There are new exhibits on display all the time, and you will be amazed by the variety and uniqueness of the exhibitions within. This is the oldest African American museum in the nation, and the collection here is carefully curated by experts.
Check out exhibits dedicated to the course of freedom for African Americans, and check out the DuSable Black History Museum’s stories project and film, which explores Olaudah Equiano’s life and experiences as an enslaved child in America.
There is so much to do and see here that you will want to reserve enough time to maximize your experience.
5. Visit the Beach
If the weather allows and you want to get some time in the sun and sand, you should head to 63rd Street Beach. This is a cool little stretch of beach with lots of amenities for visitors to enjoy. You will be able to get snacks and beverages nearby, and there are restrooms and showers on site. There is even a beach house here that is for rent.
You can rent a bike and ride down to the beach, or walk if you are staying close by. Check on the weather online before heading down so that you have the right supplies to be comfortable and relaxed as you enjoy a unique beach experience.
6. Promontory Point
This famous manmade peninsula is located in Burnham Park, within the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago. You can head here to walk along the water, picnic in the shade, and so much more. Built in the 1930s, this area is very famous for its lakefront views. Lakefront trail will take you over to the park if you want to sit under a tree and eat a snack, or you can simply walk along the water, checking out the views.
This is a popular wedding venue and you will see why when you arrive and are immersed in the beauty of your surroundings.
Chicago is an Amazing Place to Visit
There is so much to love about Chicago and so much to do when you choose to visit this incredible city. If you love live music and good food, you will want to check out the musical venues that are offering affordable or even free events during your stay. You will also have a lot of different historical locations and museums to choose from in the southern area of the city if that is more your flavor.
Chicago offers something for everyone, no matter what your interests might be. This is a city that is steeped in history and culture, and there is a lot to love about spending time in the Chicago area whether you are on a work trip or traveling for fun.
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