Chicago Nightlife: Places and Districts to Go Out in Chicago

  Chicago at Nightfall

In addition to its lively and thriving restaurant scene, Chicago has a reputation for boisterous drinking which goes back to the prohibition era of the 1920s. Nowadays, a wealth of sports bars and late licenses (5am on Saturdays) keep the tradition alive.

While the area north of the river is a haven of sleek cocktail lounges, the price of beer and happy hour specials in the more bohemian districts of Wicker Park and the Ukrainian Village keeps drinking affordable for travelers on a budget.

As you’d expect from a city with Chicago’s reputation for influencing blues and jazz, there’s a particular wealth of live music to be found. In the summer months, the popularity of outdoor beer gardens at bars scattered around the Loop add further atmosphere to the lively nighttime scene.

Travelers looking for a cosmopolitan crowd can head to Wicker Park where bands play live most nights. Nearby, the gay village of Lakeview also hosts rock music events and is dotted with cool, alternative bars.

The Near North and Lincoln Park districts pay homage to the city’s heritage, with a wealth of blues bars open till late at night. Chicago was also a pioneer in the techno/house genre and dance music fans can find plenty of clubs to suit their taste around the north and west edges of the Loop.

During the summer, the city extends its pedigree for live music even further and with the annual open-air Jazz and Viva! Latin Music Festivals in August, as well as the renowned Blues Festival which takes place in Grant Park in June.

Ultimately, the main draw of Chicago’s nightlife, aside from the variety and range of events, is the vibrancy and energy that the city throws into the scene. With so much going on, very few visitors leave Chicago disappointed!

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