Welcome to “Things to Do in Chicago” for Thursday, July 17, 2025! It’s a vibrant summer day in the Windy City, and after last night’s storms swept through, expect clear skies, clean post-rain air, and a city buzzing with energy[5][8]. Whether you’re a local carving out fresh city adventures or a visitor looking to soak up that iconic Chicago magic, today’s lineup truly has something for everyone.

With cooler air rolling in after those strong overnight storms—which also knocked down some trees and briefly disrupted traffic—grab your shades, head outside, and dive right into what Chicago does best: unforgettable experiences[5].

Here are some of today’s top events you won’t want to miss:

- For music lovers, groove out at the Millennium Park Summer Music Series tonight with a set from the legendary Digable Planets and rising local act Mother Nature, all under the city lights and among the skyline’s architectural giants[7].
- Comedy fans can catch the Chicago Comedy Club at the House of Blues, promising big laughs from the city’s funniest talent, starting at 7:30 PM[6].
- Sports fans and families: “The Messi Experience” at 2367 W. Logan Blvd offers an immersive tribute to Lionel Messi’s storied soccer career, highlighted by a massive mural from Chicago graffiti artist Miguel Aguilar—there’s merch, food, and entertainment for all ages[4].
- History and architecture buffs should jump aboard a 90-minute Chicago River Architecture Boat Tour to get a fresh perspective on why this city is truly one of the world’s most beautiful[6].
- Want something more hands-on? Try general public skating or bowling at the MLK Skating and Bowling Center, or check out live theater and improv at venues like Thalia Hall and Annoyance Theatre[1].

On the news front: City Council failed to override Mayor Johnson’s veto on expanding police snap curfews, and debates continue over rising unemployment trends among Black women—a topic getting citywide attention[2]. In lighter updates, new restaurant and bar openings are popping up throughout Logan Square and Pilsen as the city’s food scene continues to boom. After last night’s storms, there are some downed trees and minor delays on certain CTA bus and train lines, so it’s wise to check transit alerts before heading out[5][8].

For the classic Chicago experience: Don’t forget to stroll the Chicago Riverwalk, hit Millennium Park to spot the monumental “Stonehenge” and “Dorit” public art installations, and grab a deep-dish pizza in River North. For a quieter escape, locals have been raving about a lush, hidden garden near the Driehaus Museum—a real city secret perfect for unwinding after a busy day[9].

Local tip: Save a few bucks on your city explorations by purchasing a hop-on, hop-off bus tour ticket—these let you see attractions like Skydeck Chicago, Grant Park, and Navy Pier at your own pace, with live commentary included[3]. And remember, locals never call it the “Willis Tower”—it’s still the Sears Tower to us.

Looking ahead, tomorrow brings even more options, from open-air movies to food truck festivals by the lake and fireworks at Navy Pier. Tune in again to catch all the details on Chicago’s can’t-miss moments!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI