Go to homepage
Pathway in Ping Tom Park with the Chicago skyline in the background (52037133473)

"Pathway in Ping Tom Park with the Chicago skyline in the background (52037133473)" by Chris Rycroft from Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. (by)

Chicago Live Shows, Comedy, Concerts & Games

Chicago, IL

How Chicago entertains: improv, stand-up, concerts and big games

Chicago’s live scene stretches from legendary comedy rooms to major league ballparks. Improv fans head to the Mainstage at Second City - Chicago, while stand-up crowds pack Zanies Comedy Club - Chicago and The Comedy Bar - Chicago. Orchestra Hall at Chicago Symphony Center anchors the city’s classical and orchestral concerts, and CIBC Theatre brings in large-scale touring productions.

For live music in more intimate spaces, City Winery - Chicago and Thalia Hall are busy rooms with a steady flow of shows. When it’s game time, Wrigley Field and Rate Field host some of the city’s biggest ticketed events.

Where to find Chicago’s comedy, theater and concerts

If you want comedy in Chicago, the Mainstage at Second City - Chicago is a core stop for improv and sketch, while Zanies Comedy Club - Chicago and The Comedy Bar - Chicago focus on stand-up lineups. Theatergoers look to CIBC Theatre for large touring productions and to The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre or the Courtyard Theater at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre for Shakespeare-focused and related programming.

For concerts, Orchestra Hall at Chicago Symphony Center is the home base for orchestral performances, City Winery - Chicago mixes live music with a more intimate setting, and Thalia Hall regularly hosts touring bands and special events. Baseball fans track major matchups and special dates at Wrigley Field and Rate Field.

Garcias Chicago appears on the radar as a smaller spot that can host live events alongside these larger names.

Upcoming Events in Chicago

Chicago venues to know: from Second City to Wrigley Field

Mainstage at Second City - Chicago is one of the city’s busiest stages for improv and sketch comedy. Zanies Comedy Club - Chicago and The Comedy Bar - Chicago are active stand-up rooms where you’ll regularly find club-style comedy nights. Orchestra Hall at Chicago Symphony Center is a key address for symphony and classical concerts.

CIBC Theatre is among Chicago’s most active houses for large touring productions and special engagements. City Winery - Chicago and Thalia Hall are popular choices if you want concerts and live performances in mid-sized rooms. For major league baseball and large-scale events, Wrigley Field and Rate Field are two of the city’s most active stadiums.

The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and the Courtyard Theater at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre give theater fans additional options within the Chicago Shakespeare complex, and Garcias Chicago shows up as a smaller venue that can host live performances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Chicago, IL venues are the most popular for live events?
Some of Chicago’s busiest rooms include the Mainstage at Second City - Chicago for improv and sketch comedy, Orchestra Hall at Chicago Symphony Center for orchestral concerts, and CIBC Theatre for large touring productions. Zanies Comedy Club - Chicago and The Comedy Bar - Chicago are well-known for stand-up, while City Winery - Chicago and Thalia Hall are active concert spaces. For major league games and large events, Wrigley Field and Rate Field are two of the city’s key stadiums.
Where can I see comedy in Chicago right now?
For comedy in Chicago, start with the Mainstage at Second City - Chicago if you want improv and sketch. Zanies Comedy Club - Chicago and The Comedy Bar - Chicago focus on stand-up shows with rotating lineups. These three venues are among the city’s most active comedy rooms, so they are strong options when you’re deciding where to go out for laughs.
Where can I find concerts and live music in Chicago, IL?
Orchestra Hall at Chicago Symphony Center is a primary venue for orchestral and classical concerts. If you prefer more intimate or mid-sized shows, City Winery - Chicago and Thalia Hall regularly host live music and special events. Larger-scale events and special dates can also show up at Wrigley Field and Rate Field when those stadiums are configured for non-game programming.
What are the main theater venues to check in Chicago, IL?
CIBC Theatre is one of Chicago’s main venues for large touring productions. The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and the Courtyard Theater at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre are key spaces for Shakespeare-focused and related stage work. These theaters give you options ranging from big touring titles to more specialized productions.

Browse all cities