Practical information : Going out Chicago
Timetable
Chicago is a vibrant city, and as such, there's always something going on! Even on a Monday night in the middle of February, you'll have no trouble finding a play or a concert at a jazz or blues club. On the other hand, some of the more famous venues can get crowded during the summer, which is obviously the peak tourist season. Go to the Green Mill (www.greenmilljazz.com/) or Kingston Mines (www.kingstonmines.com) on a Saturday night in July, and you'll be hard pressed to find a seat. But that's why the atmosphere is so great!
Budget & Tips
The entrance fee for even the most famous blues and jazz clubs is usually not very high. The price ranges from US$5 to US$20 depending on the night and the musicians playing. Fridays and Saturdays are at the higher end of the price range. Be aware that many bars also host musicians and that you can order a drink to see them play. If you hear music coming from a bar while walking around, don't hesitate to push the door..
Concerts and shows are a bit more expensive, ranging from 30 US$ for a play in a small experimental theater to several hundred dollars for shows that come from Broadway. Fortunately, there are a few ways to avoid paying full price!
Start by taking a look at the official ticket resale sites, such as StubHub (www.stubhub.com) and Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com). They are perfectly secure and allow, especially at the last minute, to get particularly interesting prices on concerts, shows and other performances.
There are also two stands called Hot Tix (www.hottix.org), located in the Loop district, at 72 E Randolph Street and 108 N State Street, where you can buy tickets for shows, operas and one-man shows at half price. If you can't come to the Loop, don't worry: all tickets are also available on the website!
For concerts, especially outdoor ones, you should expect to pay a substantial budget in addition to the initial ticket price. First of all, here, everything is merchandising: you will be able to find posters or clothes (rarely under 30 US$) with the effigy of the artists who perform. As for the food, for a small burger and some fries, nuggets or a mini pizza - not enough to finish really full - you'll have to count on 10-15 US$. For drinks - not necessarily cocktails, but simple beers - you should also count on 15 US$ in the festivals. So think about what you want to spend on during the event, in order not to be left with a feeling of deprivation... or a hole in your budget!
To be booked
It is generally not necessary to book shows or performances months in advance in Chicago, as there are many performances that run for several weeks. The exception, perhaps, would be for successful shows that originate on Broadway, such as Hamilton or Mean Girls, and play in Chicago for a limited time. The chances of running out of seats during your visit are slim, but to be on the safe side, don't hesitate to reserve your tickets as soon as you know your dates. You'll also have more choice in terms of placement.
More and more companies organizing shows - Livenation for example - are fighting fiercely against the resale of tickets. Thus, the credo "your ticket is your phone" will invite you to download the precious sesames 2 days before the event. This will be a problem for you, since as non-Americans, the US app is not available on our smartphones!
Don't panic though: the paperless policy may be subject to a few bends... Just show up at the venue's ticket booth with an ID. It's quite rare that there is a line, as most people book online. You will probably be asked for your address to confirm that it is you.
Another tip, if you see the mention "will call", for example "festival will call", it means that your tickets or bracelets are to be picked up on the site. And this, even if you had to mention in the form a delivery address...
Night transport
Some portions of the L Train run 24 hours a day. These include the Blue Line, which runs from O'Hare to Forest Park and the Loop, and the Red Line, which runs from Howard to 95th St/Dan Ryan and the Loop. If they don't cover the area you're staying in, you'll have to take a cab or use Uber after midnight, the time when the other lines stop running. Unless you have a night bus to take you back to your neighborhood...
Age restrictions
Most jazz clubs are also bars and are subject to the same laws as bars. Some clubs, like Kingston Mines (www.kingstonmines.com), allow minors as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult. Others, such as Buddy Guy's Legends, only allow under 21s until 8pm. In any case, you will be asked for your ID card at the entrance, even if you are in your late 30s! If you are underage, don't try to bribe the bouncer or joke about the situation with him, this kind of story rarely ends well in the United States..
What's very local
When it comes to dress code, what you wear depends on where you're going. Most of the time, your casual daytime attire will be fine for going out at night, whether you're going to a jazz concert in a club or to a play. Avoid shorts and flip-flops (because they don't look good and because the air conditioning is often very strong) and backpacks, which are not accepted everywhere. At the opera and at the Symphony Center, you will not be refused entry if you arrive in jeans and sneakers - but you will stand out from the other elegantly dressed spectators. An evening like this is a good time to bring out your best tuxedo or your most glamorous gala dress, as Chicagoans are very stylish!
Smokers
Tobacco laws are strict in Chicago, as they are in the rest of the country. It is forbidden to smoke in any enclosed public area (except cigar bars), so you will have to go outside if you wish to light a cigarette. Gradually, the legislation on steaming is also being tightened. From now on, the e-cigarette is subject to the same restrictions as tobacco.
Tourist traps
If you want to attend a show but you haven't organized in time, avoid buying tickets on Craiglist at all costs, even if you are tempted by the very competitive prices offered by some individuals. There is a vast network of fake tickets sold on this type of platform. Instead, check out official resale sites such as StubHub (www.stubhub.com) and Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), where you can find last-minute tickets at great prices.