Things to Do in Chicago Today (2025 Real-Time Guide)

If you’re searching things to do in Chicago today — this is your real-time, no-fluff guide. No tourist traps. No fake “city roundups” from six months ago. Just real events, curated by the people actually throwing them.

Whether you’re a vendor, local, creative, or just tired of Googling last-minute options — this 2025 list has you covered.

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🎨 Events Happening in Chicago Today

• CLVR LABs™ Pop-Up Market (Lincoln Park)
  
  📍 3PM–8PM | Vendor-first lineup | Free entry
  
  Clothing, candles, creators, food — and no tourist pricing. See the pop-up guide.
• Live DJ & Art Night (Humboldt Park)
  
  📍 7PM–Midnight | BYOB | 21+
  
  Curated setlist, pop-up tattoo station, good crowd. Found through DMs, but CLVR confirmed. See more unique events here.
• Free Open Mic Night (South Loop)
  
  📍 8PM–10:30PM | No cover | Sign up at the door
  
  Comedians, poets, musicians. Great for creatives. Energy’s usually strong after 8:30PM.

🌿 420-Friendly Options Happening Today

All listings below are 21+ and legally structured. We don’t post illegal smoke-outs or sketchy “DM for address” links. We respect the city. And your time.

• Infused Mini Market (West Loop)
  
  📍 RSVP Required | Small batch vendors
  
  Edibles, mocktails, topicals, all tested and branded. Low-key, compliant, and built for connection. See the cannabis event cluster.
• CLVR Yacht Social (Sunset Edition)
  
  📍 Boarding 6:30PM – River City Marina
  
  No smoking on board, but very cannabis-aligned crowd. Live music, conversation-forward energy. Grab a seat.

🆓 Free Things to Do in Chicago Today

• 🖼️ Pop-Up Art Gallery – Logan Square, all-day walk-in
• 🎧 Lakefront DJ Sessions – Skatepark loop 3PM–7PM
• 📖 Open Zine Exchange – Wicker Park, 5PM–8PM
• 🧘🏾‍♀️ Free Sunset Yoga – Humboldt Boulevard, 6:30PM

Want even more no-cost options? Check the full Free Events in Chicago guide — updated weekly.

📍 Real Events. Real People. No B.S.

This guide updates weekly and stacks with our full 2025 calendar. If you’re tired of going out and getting nothing back — tap in with CLVR. We’re not here for hype. We’re here to build.

👉 View Our Events | Apply to Vend | Sponsor CLVR