Plus, the winners of the Time In Awards!
Time Out No. #1 | Tue 25 August, 2020 
As Chicagoans cautiously emerge from lockdown, Time Out is back.
For the past three months, Time In has helped you make the most of lockdown with delivery guides, virtual events and baking tutorials. As we switch back to Time Out, we realize that Chicago still has a long way to go before things feel normal again—and our content will reflect that. We’re here to showcase the stuff you can do right now as the city cautiously reopens, from drive-in theaters and scenic picnic spots to the top ice cream shops (hey, some things haven’t changed). Let's rediscover Chicago together!
Morgan Olsen
Editor, Time Out Chicago
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How to *still* have the best summer ever in Chicago
Affectionately known as Summertime Chi, the warmest months in Chicago are incomparable. But there’s no denying that summer 2020 offers a very different landscape. Instead of dwelling on all the stuff we can’t do, let's take a look at what we can do to make the most of the season. Want more? Check out the full list and start planning!
Pack a picnic and
dine alfresco
The city boasts plenty of great restaurants with outdoor seating, but there's something wonderfully old school about going on a picnic. The best part? You don't need a reservation.
Rediscover the Chicago Riverwalk
The waterfront path has reopened for the season with adjusted hours and safety guidelines (masks are required), but there’s still plenty to do. You can run, walk or bike the trail or hunker down for a bite.
Sip suds in a beer garden
If you prefer brews to cocktails, the city's best beer gardens are your playground this summer. Find ‘em tucked behind dive bars and set up in taproom parking lots. Snag a table and start sipping.
Hit these hiking trails near Chicago
What the Midwest lacks in elevation it makes up for in natural beauty. Head north to go for a walk on the nearby North Branch Trail or cross state lines to visit the gorgeous Indiana Dunes.
Give it up for the winners of Chicago’s Time In Awards
As Chicago emerges from lockdown and Time In flips back to Time Out, we're taking a moment to look back and thank the people who made our homebound lives bearable over the past few months. Hundreds of Chicagoans voted in the Time In Awards and celebrated local heroes in categories like Most Wanted Takeout Deal, Most Lovable Quarantine Critter and Best Netflix Alternative. After tallying the votes, we can finally raise a glass to the winners of the Time In Awards!
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GTFO
You can’t travel the world this summer, but there are plenty of socially-distanced vacation destinations accessible via car from Chicago—you don’t even have to see other humans if you don’t want to. First up, we’re heading to The Oriole in Saugatuck, Michigan (No. 2 on this list of lakefront getaways ). This cute-as-a-button waterfront cottage is perfect for couples who want to hole up for the weekend—there’s even a built-in kitchenette plus a hot tub out back!
This week’s top stories
Two of Chicago’s biggest museums will reopen to the public on July 24.
Read more

Movies in the Parks returns with a shortened summer lineup.
Read more

The Cubs and White Sox will kick off MLB season with home games on July 24.
Read more

Here’s what you can and can’t do outside in Chicago right now.
Read more

Chicago asks travelers to quarantine for 14 days if coming from states with high case numbers.
Read more
Showcasing the best shots of Chicago—straight from you!
Mural madness, courtesy of
@secondcitymom
Powered by pizza, courtesy of
@fabsoopark
Hashtag your photos #timeoutchicago to be featured here next week.
Smell ya later!
If we were to bottle up the scent of Chicago, it’d be an aromatic blend of river water, caramel popcorn and Italian beef jus. Mmm!
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