What to Do in Chicago in January 2024

New year, new you, same Chicago winter. Luckily, the City Cast Chicago team has tips for how to kick off 2024 in the city.

How to Brave January

• 💨 Go outside. Get fresh air at a Polar Plunge, Big Marsh Park adventure day, or on walks with the girls.
• ❄️ Snow is coming sooner or later, so brush up on the best snow shoveling tips and rules of dibs.

Where to Celebrate MLK Day

• 📖 Learn from biographer Jonathan Eig downtown next week.
• 🎶 Pop into a free tribute concert at Nichols Hall in Evanston.
• 🖼️ Celebrate at institutions like the Chicago History Museum, Museum of Industry & Science, and Hyde Park Art Center Jan. 15.
• 👋 Spend the holiday participating in days of service in Bronzeville, North Lawndale, and at the Dan Ryan Woods.

Dive into the Food Scene

• 🍽️ Chicago Restaurant Week is a 17-day celebration of deals and specials from across more than 350 local restaurants starting Jan. 19. I cannot lie: I have RPM Steak on the brain.
• 🏆 The Jean Banchet Awards recognizes talent in the city’s food industry. Winners will be announced at this year’s ceremony Jan. 28.

Enjoy Live Music

• 🎸 For almost 20 years, Chicagoans have supported indie venues in the dead of winter at the Tomorrow Never Knows Fest. This year’s five-day event starts Jan. 17.