Thanksgiving in Chicago With a Honky-Tonk and Soul Stages

4.7 (191)

6525 N Sheridan Rd

For a holiday-week detour, Joseph J. Gentile Arena puts Loyola Ramblers basketball and volleyball, plus university graduation ceremonies, inside an intimate campus setting. Close-to-the-floor seating places spectators near the court, and food and drink are available on site. Some sections use continuous bench rows, while visitor reviews mention sound issues in upper areas, so check event and seating details before going.

4.4 (4,262)

Tue, Fri, 11:00 – 18:00

200 E Cermak Road

Wintrust Arena brings Chicago Sky and DePaul Blue Demons basketball to the Near South Side alongside major concerts and family shows. The modern 10,387-seat venue offers direct skybridge access to McCormick Place and nearby hotels, while reviews praise its views, audio, and cleanliness. Check the event listing and bag policy. Prepaid parking is listed at 40 USD per day by advance order.

4.8 (135)

Mon – Sat, 10:00 – 17:00

220 S. Michigan Ave.

On South Michigan Avenue, Symphony Center is the historic home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, with orchestral performances, chamber music, recitals, film-accompaniment concerts, and an annual jazz series. Its exceptional acoustics give a holiday-week circuit a focused concert stop. Check the performance listing before going: Sunday Patron Services and box-office hours apply only on concert days.

4.2 (30)

Thu, Sat – Sun, 05:30 – 02:00 (+1)

1357 N Elston Ave

Above The Salt Shed on North Elston Avenue, Three Top Lounge gives a holiday-week circuit an indoor-outdoor rooftop stop with skyline views, group seating, pre-batched craft cocktails, and shareable chicken katsu sandos, sliders, and taquitos. The roof opens on warm days. Hours and event access vary with the Salt Shed calendar, so check it before going. Drinks are listed at 16 to 20 USD.

4.6 (45)

Mon – Fri, 04:00 – 19:00; Sat – Sun, 10:00 – 19:00

820 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

For a holiday-week detour, the Chicago Red Stars bring professional women's soccer and a gritty, persistent style to the circuit. Dedicated fans and a family-friendly setting shape the matchday atmosphere. The club holds a 4.6 average across 45 platform reviews, and entry requires paid admission. Check the current NWSL schedule and ticket availability before planning a game.

4.8 (28)

Mon – Fri, 07:00 – 19:00

4120 W Diversey Ave

The Fields Studios turns a former Marshall Field's warehouse on West Diversey Avenue into a 23-acre film and television production campus. Nine sound stages feature high-grid ceilings and silent HVAC systems. Production offices share the grounds with residential lofts, retail, and dining. For a hosted event or exhibition, confirm ticket details with the production handling it.

4.7 (949)

Tue – Sat, 12:00 – 16:00

1331 N Milwaukee Ave

For a holiday-week detour, The Den Theatre fills Wicker Park with stand-up comedy, podcasts, theater performances, and live music across multiple stages. Its labyrinthine layout and intimate rooms keep the night focused, while in-seat QR ordering brings drinks to your table during shows. The venue holds a 4.7 average from 939 platform reviews. Check the performance listing and box-office hours before going.

4.6 (774)

Tue – Thu, 16:00 – 00:00 (+1); Fri, 14:00 – 02:00 (+1); Sat, 12:00 – 03:00 (+1); Sun, 12:00 – 00:00 (+1)

4659 N Clark St

Carol's Pub brings live country bands, late-night karaoke, and hearty pub fare to North Clark Street. The spacious dive-bar setting also hosts ticketed concerts and shows sports on game days. Operating since 1972, it suits a music-led holiday-week detour. Check the schedule before going, and plan around the 21+ entry rule and Monday closure.

4.9 (1,299)

Mon – Fri, 10:00 – 18:00; Sat, 11:00 – 17:00; Sun, 11:00 – 15:30

4450 N Clark St

Black Ensemble Theater gives an Uptown holiday-week circuit a focused musical-theater stop, with a 170-seat mainstage devoted to productions rooted in African American history and experience. Men of Soul pairs legendary songs with the artists’ personal stories. Founded by Jackie Taylor, the theater also offers educational and community programs. Entry is ticketed, so check the performance listing and box office before going.

4.1 (1,425)

Wed – Fri, 16:00 – 00:00 (+1); Sat – Sun, 11:00 – 00:00 (+1)

1059 W Addison St

Across from Wrigley Field on West Addison Street, Cubby Bear combines a big open sports bar with live music or a DJ, depending on the day. Billiards and bar food give a holiday-week circuit an easy post-game stop. The venue averages 4.1 from 1,424 platform reviews and opens Wednesday through Sunday. Check the current entertainment schedule before going.