2020-03-10 16:35
Coronavirus COVID-19 has been on the minds of people around the world for the past few months, and for good reason. While COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, it has quickl… Read More
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Beginning as Chicago Genie, UrbanMatter is now the Number One resource for discovering new outlets in Chicago. Why? Because we live and breathe Chicago every day.
We’re front row at that festival in Grant Park. We’re ordering takeout from that restaurant on the corner you thought no one knew about. We know which museums have the free days. We’re drinking that new craft brew from Half Acre. And yes, we eat our hot dogs the right way – sweet relish, onions, pickles, and all.
That’s what makes us stand out from the million other event websites that exist. We cover the things that matter most to real Chicagoans. When it comes to music, restaurants, nightlife, culture, and local lifestyle, you can trust us.
So what are you waiting for? Step outside and start doing what really matters to you.
2020-03-09 20:25
A new seafood restaurant and raw bar will be opening this spring in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Lure Fishbar, which will be located at 616 North Rush Street, is founded by Merc… Read More
2020-03-09 19:36
So you walk into a sports bar, ready to watch your team, co-mingle or commiserate with fellow fans, and drink a brew. To your dismay, your acclaimed neighborhood establishment is full of sna… Read More
2020-03-09 16:15
Bump n’ grind or shimmy on over with your tassels and pasties – you have a burlesque extravaganza waiting for you. Full-reveal or not, this evening is for you to explore the art… Read More
2020-03-06 18:53
Want to get a drink with SUE the T-Rex? How ’bout the world’s largest dinosaur, Máximo the Titanosaur? Experience the Field Museum like you never have before at the Chicag… Read More
2020-03-06 18:20
The installation of America’s tallest zipline tower helps transform Lemont, IL, into the largest aerial adventure course in the United States, debuting this summer. Daredevils can take… Read More
2020-03-06 16:02
If you’re looking for variety or can never make up your mind about what to eat, food halls are a great option. Luckily, Chicago has some of the best food halls around that bring togeth… Read More
2020-03-05 22:51
The MLS season officially started this past weekend and fans of Chicago Fire FC have a whole new team to root for this year. Under new ownership, the team went through a complete rebrand thi… Read More
2020-03-05 22:27
Dinner With A View is a brand-new pop-up dome dining experience on the Magnificent Mile. Formerly touching down in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, Dinner With A View is now making its way… Read More
2020-03-05 18:35
Kate Buddeke and Donny Most as Dotty and DonImagine four actors standing on stage, their scripts in front of them without sets or props. They let the words and their own talents tell the sto… Read More
2020-03-05 14:10
It’s everyone’s favorite Chicago festival—no, literally, everyone. People from all over the world head to the Windy City for Lollapalooza’s four-day music extrav… Read More
2020-03-04 19:51
The James Beard Awards are the most coveted among chefs and restaurants in the food and beverage industry. Every year, restaurants and chefs hope to earn a spot on one of the lists which inc… Read More
2020-03-04 19:24
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day all month long at the themed pop-up bar, Charm’d. Hosted at Deuce’s Major League Bar—formerly Duece’s and The Diamond Club—the… Read More
2020-03-04 16:47
Andersonville: the land of coffee shops, quirky bookstores, and feminist sex-toy shops. Perhaps you’ve been to Drag Brunch at Hamburger Marys or maybe you’ve delighted in the won… Read More
2020-03-03 16:48
The world’s largest Marvel comics exhibit is coming to The Museum of Science + Industry in Chicago this fall and it’s everything we never knew we wanted.
Photo Credit: Marvel: Un… Read More
2020-03-03 14:52
Photo Credit: St. Patrick’s DayIt’s really no surprise, Chicago goes hard for St. Paddy’s day. Like really hard. And that is why as of 2020, for the second year in a row, C… Read More
2020-03-03 14:30
We’ve got a pretty serious case of spring fever now that May has arrived. Luckily, this is the time of year when the city of Chicago really starts ramping up for the best outdoor event… Read More
2020-02-28 20:22
There was a time in the distant past when flying was a genteel activity. Passengers could sit around a table, talk to each other and play cards, or read in comfort.
As we said, that was the… Read More
2020-02-28 20:00
Get excited, monster truck fans, because Monster Jam has made its way back to the city! Considered as one of the biggest events on four-wheels, Monster Jam pits some of the world’s mos… Read More
2020-02-28 18:05
Paint the town green! With the arrival of St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday, March 17 comes the inevitable parties, bar crawls, and whimsy fun in Chicago the weekend before. Enjoy the luck… Read More
2020-02-28 17:28
Mark your calendars, Women’s International Day is on Sunday, March 8! This annual event was first held in 1909 to honor a New York garment worker’s strike. More than 100 years la… Read More
2020-02-27 20:52
Recipient of a spot on Wine Enthusiasts’ Top 100 Spirits of 2019 list, among over a dozen other awards, Skeptic Distillery leaves a very distinct footprint in Chicago’s distillin… Read More
2020-02-27 19:07
Just because a restaurant is on wheels doesn’t take away from the quality of food that is made. Some of the greatest food you can get in Chicago comes from a food truck and below are s… Read More
2020-02-26 22:23
Whether you are celebrating a special event or just want to treat yourself, sometimes you’re just in the mood to dress up and go to an elegant, upscale restaurant. Below are some of th… Read More
2020-02-26 22:19
Are you planning on getting married in the Windy City? With the beautiful architecture, skyline, and landscape, there are plenty of places across Chicago you can take gorgeous engagement pho… Read More
2020-02-26 21:59
Plurnt up, Chicago! From glovin’ to shufflin’ and everything in between, rave in some of the greatest EDM clubs in Chicago. Kandi Kids and Rave Bunnies unite for the nights that… Read More
2020-02-26 21:18
This list of one-of-a-kind Chicago bars highlights sometimes classy, sometimes divey, but most of the time, quirky experiences. And quirky isn’t bad; if anything, Chicago will show you… Read More
2020-02-26 15:36
For a city with so much history, Chicago is no stranger to ghost stories or creepy adventures. We’ve picked out 10 of Chicago’s spookiest spots for your paranormal pleasure. Thes… Read More
2020-02-25 20:35
No matter what music you’re into, your favorite artists are sure to include a stop on their tour in Chicago. We have tons of incredible venues, but here are 10 of the best venues in Ch… Read More
2020-02-25 19:38
Chicago is home to some big celebrity names. While some stars are true natives who were born and bred here, others found their fame after calling the Windy City their home. Here are some of… Read More
2020-02-25 16:15
The Bacontopia You’ve Always Dreamed Of
Bacon & Chicken Lollipops by Kitty O’Shea | Photo Cred: Anne Petersen 2019From humble beginnings to nationally renowned, the annual Ba… Read More
2020-02-24 18:28
Arguably the fastest-growing wrestling company today, Major League Wrestling — MLW, for short — is seen around the world weekly via its TV series Major League Wrestling: FUSION… Read More
2020-02-24 17:25
Green River Soda was first introduced to Midwesterners back in 1919. Technically created in Davenport, Iowa, Green River Soda was sold to Schoenhofen Edelweiss Brewing Company of Chicago at… Read More
2020-02-21 22:22
Every year, Chicagoans go all out for St. Patrick’s Day. We dye our river green. We drink our beer green. We all dress up in green. Especially if we’re not Irish.
Green Curtain E… Read More
2020-02-21 20:48
Growing up as a New Yorker that never skied, my knowledge of the state of Utah was limited at best. Sure, I watched the 2002 Olympics, knew that Robert Redford’s Sundance Film Festival… Read More
2020-02-21 19:50
The end of February is here, and that can only mean one thing: the MLB is back! Every ball club officially reported for spring training earlier this past week. But there’s one team we… Read More
2020-02-21 17:52
With more and more upscale restaurants sprouting up around Chicago it doesn’t seem like cheap eats get much attention anymore even though if you go to the right spot, you can get some… Read More
2020-02-21 17:25
Sure, concerts are cool, but have you ever walked into a bar where live musicians casually cover your favorite song and you didn’t even have to pay for it? That’s the shit in Chi… Read More
2020-02-21 07:38
Pitchfork Music Festival is one of the most anticipated events in Chicago, and it brings in crowds from all over. This year, Pitchfork 2020 is ahead of the game, with eclectic lineups that f… Read More
2020-02-20 22:31
Cash was king for a while until plastic showed up. But in some bars, cash is still alive and well — so much so that plastic is nonexistent. Enjoy cash’s reign throughout Chicago… Read More
2020-02-20 17:53
Is your wardrobe desperately in need of a few statement pieces? Just head to 160 N Morgan. It’s all Gucci.
Photo Credit: GucciLuxury designer brand Gucci set up a glamorous, ’70s… Read More
2020-02-19 20:30
The best breweries in Chicago is a hard list to craft, since the Chicagoland area boasts over 160 breweries and counting. There are several that get lost in the mix, slipped under the rug, o… Read More
2020-02-19 16:29
Chicago has fantastic museums. From the Museum of Science and Industry to the Art Institute of Chicago, there are a variety of different museums available. Luckily, you can continue to explo… Read More
2020-02-19 15:20
We, like you, are not made of money. And while we personally love going out to get a fancy cocktail – or, like, 4 fancy cocktails – from time to time, our wallets are not always… Read More
2020-02-18 22:39
Winter may have been fashionably late this year but that doesn’t mean you have to be to these cocktail bars across Chicago! Check out these cocktail lounges from every nook and cranny… Read More
2020-02-18 15:29
Nightmare or Nightclub? Rumor has it that TAO Chicago is haunted by ghosts.
If you frequent the club scene in Chicago, you’re bound to have heard of TAO or at least seen the red-carpet… Read More
2020-02-17 16:26
When it comes to Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductees, few artists seem to be as beloved by fellow inductees as Cheap Trick. A true rock band’s rock band, the music of Cheap Trick ha… Read More
2020-02-17 15:33
Chicago is home to some of the most outrageous, delicious food in America, not all of it being healthy. It can be hard to find food that’s tasty and good for you but more options conti… Read More
2020-02-16 17:23
See over 80 life-sized dinosaur models, including a T-Rex and a Megladon, on display at Navy Pier from March 6 – 8, 2020, when Jurassic Quest takes over Chicago.
Photo Credit: Jurassic… Read More
2020-02-14 19:54
Located just 1.5 miles west of this year’s NBA All-Star celebration is the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boys and Girls Club of Chicago. Founded in 1953, the club has played an important… Read More
2020-02-14 16:30
Every time I am engaged in an adventure-filled outdoor recreation opportunity in the Midwest, I tell myself, “I cannot believe I am doing this and it is so and so hours from Chicago,&r&hell…Read More
2020-02-14 15:29
Second City has been a staple of Chicago’s comedy scene since the 1950s. Since that time, it has produced some of the most memorable comedians and actors across multiple generations. H… Read More
2020-02-14 15:00
The Chicago Theatre schedule for this Winter season is filled with Broadway, talk shows, stand-up, concerts, and even more artistic events.
If you’re interested in Chicago The… Read More
2020-02-14 01:37
Everyone knows dessert is the most important meal of the day and Chicago has some of the best dessert spots around. Below are some of our favorite places to get dessert, from ice cream to pa… Read More
2020-02-13 06:10
Brunch is, without question, the best meal of the day. Nothing quite compares to rolling out of bed at 11:30 on a Sunday morning only to tuck into a giant serving of eggs benedict with potat… Read More
2020-02-12 21:09
Chicago is home to some of the biggest and best events in the entire country. From musical festivals to holiday events, there is always something going on in the Windy City. Here are the big… Read More
2020-02-12 20:21
Chicago Black Restaurant Week is Here!
Photo Credit: Chicago Black Restaurant Week FacebookCurating a platform for black-owned eateries and establishments, PR Guru Lauran Smith wanted to uph… Read More
2020-02-11 17:50
Valentine’s Day is coming up and many are looking for a place to take their significant other. But others are just looking for the best singles bars to visit with their wingman. If you… Read More
2020-02-11 15:48
Need a getaway? Or just want to rejuvenate with a relaxing stay action? Whether you want a peaceful spa experience, beautiful design, or a historical building, we have the right hotel for yo… Read More
2020-02-11 15:33
There’s much more to Chicago than just Michigan Avenue or Willis Tower. Want to experience Chicago like a local? We’ve put together a guide to some of the coolest places.
Photo C… Read More
2020-02-10 21:51
Chicago has everything you could want from a city. An urban landscape nestled along the lake, unique food options, tons of entertainment, and of course tons of Midwestern hospitality. Still… Read More
2020-02-10 21:25
When exploring the great city of Chicago, you don’t always have to break the bank. There are so many free things to do in the city, so we’ve put together a list of 10 year-round… Read More
2020-02-10 17:47
The West Loop continues to be an up and coming neighborhood in Chicago, and that is no more evident than in the long list of amazing restaurants that continue to pop up there. With restauran… Read More
2020-02-10 17:00
Even though Restaurant Week is over in Chicago there are still plenty of new restaurants to try here. From Greek to Indian-fusion, to Chicago’s first okonomiyaki restaurant, there is s… Read More
2020-02-10 16:42
Everyone in Chicago knows about Restaurant Week but not many know about Chicago Black Restaurant Week. Created to recognize and provide more positive exposure to African American owned eater… Read More
2020-02-08 16:45
Between their iconic chocolate cake shakes and their staple Italian beef sandwiches, Portillo’s is Chicago’s most beloved fast-food chain, and they’re finally taking things… Read More
2020-02-07 18:20
Call us biased, but we think that Chicago is one of the best cities to live or visit. With the distinctive personality, fierce pride, and unique culture of each neighborhood, there is the pe… Read More
2020-02-07 08:00
Fun Chicago Events, Festivals, & More This Weekend
It’s no secret that every month, Chicago puts on amazing events that will seriously upgrade your weekends. But it’s no… Read More
2020-02-06 18:51
Whether you love the winter weather or cross your fingers each February hoping the groundhog predicts an early spring, cold and snowy days are part and parcel of life in Chicago. And if you… Read More
2020-02-06 17:16
Get your Valentine’s Day fix at these Chicago chocolate shops!
Looking for something tasty to give your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day? Or maybe you need something to snack o… Read More
2020-02-06 15:51
Portillo’s is really playing into the 100th anniversary of Prohibition. This year, the Italian beef and Chicago dog experts are planning to open a roaring ’20s-themed establishme… Read More
2020-02-06 09:00
Everyone knows that Chicago does St. Patrick’s Day BIG, each and every year. So why waste any time?
Here’s everything that’s going on so you can start planning your green-c… Read More
2020-02-05 23:45
Photo by Jack HartinThe first time I saw Riverdance was on the news in 1995. I was totally mesmerized and said, “Whatever this is, I’m going to see it when it comes to Chicago.&r&hell…Read More
2020-02-05 21:50
Whether you’re single or looking for an excuse for a night out with the girls, Galentine’s Day is about ladies celebrating ladies!
Galentine’s Day is held every year on Fe… Read More
2020-02-05 21:13
C2E2 is the ultimate blend of comic, cosplay, and pop culture all into one convention in downtown Chicago. If you are into pop culture, then you don’t want to miss C2E2! As the largest… Read More
2020-02-05 15:34
Now that the pressure of keeping your NYE Resolutions is behind you, it’s time to really start having fun. And February definitely won’t disappoint. These are the best things to… Read More
2020-02-05 10:00
This month will inevitably bring “April showers,” but don’t let the rain sway you from enjoying everything that the city has to offer.
Trust us – April has some aweso… Read More
2020-02-05 09:00
We, Chicagoans, sure do love our alcohol. We also love our sweets. But what we love the most is when those desserts are spiked harder than the punch at a high school dance.
There are plenty… Read More
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