Experience the heart of spring in Chicago at the vibrant and exciting Mayfest! It’s a festival of colors, music, food, sips and gulps, and all shades of fun. This annual event attracts… 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.
The Chicago Jazz Festival started in 1974, shortly after the death of Duke Ellington, a talented composer and bandleader. It was organized by some Chicago musicians who wanted to honor and c… Read More
Chicago is known as the Windy City. It is a very busy city known for its beautiful skyline & diversified culture. If you attend a festival you will have an idea of the culture of Chicago… Read More
This June, all roads lead to the City in a Garden, as there are lots of free activities in Chicago lined up for fun lovers from all over the world. Whatever your definition of fun is, Chicag… Read More
Traveling in groups often introduces a set of logistical challenges that can dampen the spirit of any trip. From the difficulty of coordinating multiple vehicles to the stress of navigating… Read More
Imagine a group of commuters in Chicago, facing yet another day of unexpected delays on the L-train, or a large family trying to budget for a day out, only to be dismayed by the rising fares… Read More
The Chicago Bears are having a moment right now. There’s no denying that. And unless you’ve been living under a rock since mid-January you’ve felt the hype of this moment… Read More
Image source: freepik.com
Did you know that Chicago is home to over 160 breweries? That’s a lot of places to grab a cold one!
But what’s even more exciting is how these bre… Read More
With electricity rates on the rise in Chicago, more homeowners are looking into solar power as a way to save money on their energy bills. Solar panel installations are being embraced today a… Read More
In a world that is always evolving, the demand for essential and life-saving professions remains constant. And those professions are looking for energetic and eager professionals to grow int… Read More
There’s a lot of money to be made (and spent) in the world of sports. It’s a statement that remains true no matter where you look – whether that be professional leagues in… Read More
Let’s face it, Valentine’s Day has lost its’ fastball. The olden days of having a single date on the calendar that couples of all types circle for romance has largely been… Read More
SCOOP CITY! In a report from the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Blackhawks have been tabbed to participate in the 2025 Winter Classic. Their opponent? Rival St. Louis Blues. The annual New Y… Read More
In the dynamic world of vehicle wrapping, there are a few Chicagoland specialists who stand out amongst the rest. Whether it be the result of exceptional service, precision detailing, or cer… Read More
Are you still trying to figure out what to do for spring break? While time is ticking, there is still time to find your perfect SB24 destination. And what better way to do that than to take… Read More
Few events on the Chicago calendar have the impact of Chicago Restaurant Week. This 17-day celebration of the best this city’s iconic culinary scene has to offer enters its 17th year i… Read More
Limo services have long been used for luxury and sophistication when traveling or going to an event. Beyond their luxury appeal, they offer comfort, style, and convenience. If you are… Read More
Hey globetrotters and sky conquerors! Have you ever felt the struggle of deciding between looking fabulous and staying warm during your in-flight escapades? Fear not! We have got some travel… Read More
Get ready to jingle all the way on Saturday, December 16th, as the Anita Dee II transforms into a festive paradise for the Santa’s Fireworks Cocktail Cruise! ChicagoCruiseEvents.com is… Read More
Taste has a new address here in Chicago that comes straight from the world’s popular hamburger chain—McDonald’s. Brace yourselves, food enthusiasts, because the golden arch… Read More
“Hey party peeps! Guess what? Trash People of Logan Square is throwing an epic holiday bash on December 7th, and you’re totally invited! It’s all going down at The Joinery… Read More
Step into the unknown, my adventurous friends, and let me paint a picture of an experience that will redefine your idea of dining. Imagine, if you will, a night out where blindfolds become t… Read More
As the Morton Arboretum commemorates its centennial year, the renowned public garden and outdoor museum is gearing up for yet another exciting addition to its array of attraction… Read More
Ah, the ugly sweater – that quirky, often colorful piece of clothing buried deep in the back of our closets, loaded with memories and the promise of someday making a public appearance… Read More
The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to kick off the festive season than with a jolly Cocktail Crawl along Southport Ave? On Friday, December 1, from 5 pm to 9 pm CST… Read More
The Chicago Bulls Basketball Team was founded on January 16, 1966, and it played its first NBA season in 1966–67. Currently, the Bulls share the United Center, an arena on Chicago&rsqu… Read More
Winter is just around the corner, and what better way to embrace the season’s charm than by immersing yourself in the enchanting world of the Lincoln Park Conservatory’s 2023 Win… Read More
Hey there, fellow festive spirit! Chicago is lighting up with some amazing Christmas trees, and I’ve got the lowdown on the coolest ones. Let’s jump into the holiday cheer!
Macy… Read More
This festive season in Chicago is bringing back a beloved interactive experience for Santa fans. Hop on a jolly ride to Santa’s home with the Polar Express returning soon. Starting Dec… Read More
specializes in beveragesIn a world dominated by coffee shops owned by restaurant chains like Starbucks, an independent coffee house from Chicago is gaining traction. So, if you are a coffee… Read More
As winter wraps its chilly embrace around Chicago, there’s one magical experience that stands out above the rest—the ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park. Unveiling its frosty… Read More
Chicago’s iconic Merchandise Mart has once again transformed its expansive river façade into a canvas of vibrant digital art for the winter season. Known as the largest permanen… Read More
Seafood enthusiasts have long been drawn to the irresistible allure of Lure Fishbar, a renowned restaurant known for its fresh fish selections, raw bar offerings, and world-class sushi progr… Read More
Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States. It is recognized worldwide for its modern and daring buildings and some of the most famous skyscrapers and museums, among other att… Read More
Excited to make the most of your winter holidays with friends at your favorite ice rinks in Chicago? Get ready to lace up your skates and embrace the winter festivity in Chicago’s icy… Read More
In the heart of the Midwest, where the Windy City stands tall, Chicago beckons with its legendary skyline, woven tapestry of history, and an electrifying culture that pulses through its stre… Read More
Are you looking for quick spooky adventure spots in and around Chicago? Well, given that we have just entered the Halloween month, it is only right that you treat yourself to something frigh… Read More
In Chicago, there are exciting online casinos where people can enjoy classic games, fun slot machines, and live dealer games. These online casino sites and websites make you feel like you&rs… Read More
Are you a melomaniac looking for a magical concert to attend during the Halloween month? Well, you are in luck! If you are in Chicago, attend this musical treated hosted by the Music Box The… Read More
Chicago, or the Windy Cindy, is home to nearly three million residents. Thanks to its large population and close proximity to other populous areas, it is often used as a base for trade shows… Read More
With the NFL season officially kicking off this past week, football is all the way back in the United States, and so is sports betting. Football season is one of the most important influence… Read More
The NFL season is finally back and through Week 1, the Chicago Bears are exactly who we thought they were — MID. No matter your thoughts on the Bears heading into the season there was… Read More
Looking for a cool place to hang out on the water? Check out Corpus Christi, the Gulf Coast Capital of Texas. This is the place to bring your buds.
With 100 miles of sandy shoreline, Corpus… Read More
Franchises across the NBA sent fans into a league-wide frenzy last week when they all dropped their full regular season schedules for the upcoming 2023-2024 NBA season. As is tradition these… Read More
If you ask any fan – odds are high that they would tell you they enjoy seeing their favorite team play at home. It’s an atmosphere unlike anything else where a group of people ca… Read More
With National Thrift Shop Day coming on August 17th, Lawn Love ranked the best cities for thrifting in 2023 and our very own Chicago ranked fifth on the list. Coming in behind New York City… Read More
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!! And no, we’re not singing about the holidays this time. Right now, all our attention is with one thing: football. As fans of this incre… Read More
The Taste of Chicago is a month away and we now have a full entertainment and food lineup. The Taste, which usually takes place in July, was moved back to September this year in order to acc… Read More
Not one month after franchises and fans celebrate some of the game’s best players at MLB All-Star Weekend do we find front offices looking to trade those same players away. You hear th… Read More
Lollapalooza 2023 is right around the corner. Whether you’ve got tickets to all four days, or only plan on popping in for the weekend, you must admit: Lolla for Chicagoans is more than… Read More
Wicker Park Fest is one of Chicago’s most anticipated street festivals of the summer. The annual festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors from around Chicagoland because of its… Read More
When you think of the North Shore, you probably think of Northwestern, great beaches, and gorgeous houses. That being said, have you taken the time lately to venture out of the city and get… Read More
If bourbon heads brown liquors, tequila would be the prince of clear spirits. Its smooth, fruity, sweet accent makes tequila a perfect sipper or beverage base, and the liquor comes in a wide… Read More
Pho is a delight. There’s no question about it. In the past four years pho has gone from largely unknown Vietnamese soup to culinary staple. It broke into the big leagues more successf… Read More
We will all agree Chicago is an extremely friendly sports town. In Windy City, sports are more than mere competition but a great way to build strong communities. After celebrating college fo… Read More
In the Windy City, food goes beyond flavors and nutrition and takes diners on unique journeys through time and space. The last time we wrote a full review for a dining experience was back in… Read More
Let’s go, Barbie! With the Barbie movie hitting major theaters, Chicago is all for pink flares, glitters, and parties this summer. Sip on a Barbie-inspired cocktail, or visit the… Read More
You may recognize Schneider Provisions from the spattering of pop-ups owner John Schneider has done. But with a [slight] change in name and a new home, Schneider Deli will open up at the ico… Read More
The 2023 Women’s World Cup is here! That’s right, from today until August 20, a total of 32 nations will participate in the month-long tournament to find out who’s the best… Read More
Italian ice is a crowd favorite during the hottest days. Similar to Japanese Kakigori, Italian Ice is made with finely granulated ice and fruit. Some people choose to add custard at the bott… Read More
Chicago is a pet city, hands down. The pet parents in the city will literally do whatever it takes to provide their fur babies with an exciting, healthy, fulfilling, and social life. This we… Read More
Community is about sharing life’s joy and lifting each other up. On Wednesday, July 19, Santa for a Day, a 501c(3) organization serving Evanston’s most under-represented and disa… Read More
There’s something iconic about soft serve ice cream. It’s the sweet treat of summer that makes cold Chicago winters worth it. It’s the cap to a long day at the beach and th… Read More
Summer is turning us all into night owls. With the high temperature during the day, the cooling breeze after the sun sets sure turn our nightlife dial up a few notches. For those who have tu… Read More
Love coffee? Love a good martini? You know where this conversation is headed. A list of the best espresso martini in Chicago has been long overdue. After some research and tasting, we’… Read More
If there’s one thing more professional leagues should consider – it’s a summer league. Well, maybe not necessarily a “summer league” for organizations like the… Read More
Caviar is not something you can find everywhere, especially the quality ones. But that’s why you have us — your personal food guide. Stand by whenever you need us! View our list… Read More
One of the underrated annual Summertime Chi events returns tomorrow July 11th with the Millennium Park Summer Film Series. The free movie event will run through the end of August with a new… Read More
Summer is in full bloom, and the month calls for fun fares. We hope you didn’t wear yourself out over 4th of July, because this month has so much more to offer in food, music, art, and… Read More
In less than three months, the 2023-2024 NFL season begins with a TNF game between the reigning Super Bowl championship winning Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions. The return of the league… Read More
It’s that time of year again. The 2023 Bulls offseason has arrived! Between last month’s draft, free agency, and the NBA’s Summer League, enough is happening to make you th… Read More
We are only about two weeks away from one of the local favorites of the summer. Tacos y Tamales fest is set to kick off July 21-23 in Pilsen and we have everything you need to know to get re… Read More
If you consider yourself somewhat of a breakfast or brunch connoisseur, you know how important pancakes are to the menu. Whether you’re ordering a plate for the whole table to try, or… Read More
Fine dining is great, but sometimes you might just need a quick bite before you hit the road or prefer to enjoy the good food in your home. Thankfully, Chicago is never short of delicious to… Read More
Chicago’s summer is always full of art and creativity. It is also a season of activism and advocacy. Why? Probably because it’s way easier to go out and about, so we all feel the… Read More
Kieran McCabe, Shaun Whitley, Michael Kurowski in “Buddy -The Buddy Holly Story”The setting is the late 1950s. The world is changing. Elvis is king. And a new sound is emerging… Read More
What are your plans this Independence Day? It’s always tricky when a holiday falls on a weekday, especially if you have need to resume your 9-to-5 schedule the next day. Nevertheless… Read More
Our favorite summer holiday is upon us – the Fourth of July! This year, grab your beers, BBQ food, and most patriotic outfit and head out to the city and burbs to catch some spectacula… Read More
Driving up the entrance to the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, you feel the stress melting away. The gorgeous grounds across 1,300 acres, stables, and golf courses s… Read More
If you or someone you know are traveling to Chicago to spend the 4th of July weekend, you need somewhere that represents the city’s identity to stay. And, of course, you also want to h… Read More
This year’s Independence Day falls on a Monday. For those who would rather chill and relax before heading back to work, the 4th of July weekend becomes the new focus of their celebrati… Read More
Well, folks, it’s finally here: NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race weekend. Whether you’re incredibly excited or not so much looking forward to the road closures, it’s a gu… Read More
So many culinary delights await you along the picturesque shores of Chicago’s Lakefront. From exquisite waterfront views to delicious food, the city offers many delicious and fun resta… Read More
Life should feel ceremonial, and a tasting experience sounds about right. This month’s first UM Dining Review takes you to Dusek’s Tavern & Dining Room. Situated in the belov… Read More
Sometimes, it’s nice to get out of the city. Fortunately, Chicagoland’s suburb towns boast endless activities ranging from food and nature to music and art. Among our favorite ar… Read More
Living in Chicago, we’re never short of cocktail options. However, sometimes you just want something simple, classic, and fail-proof. On those nostalgic days, nothing beats a rich Old… Read More
Living in Chicago, we’re never short of cocktail options. However, sometimes you just want something simple, classic, and fail-proof. On those nostalgic days, nothing beats a rich Old… Read More
If there’s one thing Chicagoans love about summer, it’s the return of street fests. This year, join us in celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of Chicago’s favorites &nd… Read More
Sure, Chicago’s summer is full of music festivals. But some of us just aren’t into street fests that much. Or, we may want to try something different. Either way, if you feel tha… Read More
Construction workers, start your building!
Hell hath arrived downtown as the construction for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race has begun along Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Ma… Read More
On June 6, 2023, Chicago Architecture Biennial announced its 5th edition theme: This is a Rehearsal, and the list of participants. The much-anticipated exhibition showcases Chicago’s a… Read More
While we may instantly think of the many parades when discussing Pride Month celebrations, remember that many are not the biggest fan of crowds. If you’d rather sip a few drinks with s… Read More
June is in full swing and there is not shortage of weekend activities to explore in Chicago. From street festivals to music festivals, concerts to athletic events, here are 13 things going o… Read More
There’s no sugar coating it: cancer is a scary and horrible disease. And earlier this year, one member of the White Sox family received the life-changing diagnosis.
Many of you likely… Read More
In the diverse literary landscape of the Windy City, the amount of writers from diverse backgrounds seem never-ending. If you find yourself sticking to a certain genre or group of authors on… Read More
If you’ve been wondering what all the buzzes and excitement over the past weekend was about: it was for the James Beard Awards, one of the most prestigious awards in the culinary world… Read More
So far, the 2023 MLB season for Chicago baseball fans has been full of the unexpected. After an abysmal April where the team went 7-20, the White Sox bounced back in May with a winning month… Read More
June is a good month for those ready to celebrate who they are, especially this year. On top of pride celebrations, the city is also under Taylor Swift’s bold influence! Additionally… Read More
This is the town of barbecue, baseball, and beer! For a quick weekend escape or a longer stay, St. Louis should be your go-to place. So grab your friends and make your plans for STL!
Where t… Read More
We already know this Summer will be filled with fun, music, and unforgettable memories. Seriously, our calendars are already filled with festival notes leading all the way up to mid-August… Read More
