11 Best Things to Do in Lakeview (By a Chicago Local)

by Mary Howard
- June 15, 2024

I’m a Windy City local and in this guide, I share the best things to do in Lakeview, one of my favorite Chicago neighborhoods.

Lakeview is a walkable area is full of fun Chicago attractions for all types of visitors, including sports fans, film buffs, musicians, and more. I cover popular sites like Wrigley Field and Briar Street Theatre, as well as a few lesser-known spots you won’t want to miss.

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11 Best Things to Do in Lakeview

Wrigley Field

Root for the home team at a Cubs game.

Located on Addison St., Wrigley Field is the iconic home of the Chicago Cubs. On game days, you’ll find crowds at the Clark St., Waveland Ave., and Sheffield Ave. entrances. Watch the Chicago Cubs play at this historic venue, and consider seats in the Budweiser Bleachers. They’re located right behind the outfield wall and are a great spot to catch a home run ball!

Even if you’re in Chicago, IL during the off-season, you can take a tour of Wrigley Field to learn all about its interesting history. You can also go to Wrigley Field for events, such as concerts. The CTA Red Line, one of the best ways to get around Chicago, stops right at this location!

Gallagher Way

Experience a wide assortment of special outdoor events.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (773) 388-8260 | Website | Hours: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm Sun-Thu, 7:00 am – 10:00 pm Fri-Sat | Entrance: variable prices, depending on the event

There’s always something going on at Gallagher Way. Located on N. Clark St. right next to Wrigley Field, all sorts of community events take place here. Sometimes you can catch outdoor live music, some days you can explore a farmer’s market, and on others, you can even watch a movie outdoors.

Gallagher Way hours vary based on the season and scheduled events. There are typically longer hours in the summer, especially when the Cubs have game days.

Music Box Theatre

Enjoy classic films at an old-style theater.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (773) 871-6604 | Website | Hours: 2:30 pm – 9:45 pm Monday-Thursday, 2:30 pm – 12 am Friday, 11 am – 12 am Saturday, 11 am – 9:45 pm Sunday | Entrance: $11+tax for general admission, variable prices for special events

Located on N. Southport Ave., the Music Box Theatre is the premiere venue in Chicago, IL. It’s a destination frequented by film buffs into classic, foreign, independent, and documentary films. This theater is largely a revival house, known for showing the classics rather than the newest hits as most theaters do.

In addition to regular showings, Music Box offers silent films and different festivals for fans of various genres. There are many rave reviews from fans that love this theater as well. Whether you’re obsessed with cult classics or indie gems, you can find something fun for you in this Chicago theater!

👉 Pro Tip: This is just one of many fantastic theaters in the Belmont Theater District. Explore others when visiting!

Briar Street Theatre

Be entertained by the iconic Blue Man Group.

Located on Halsted St., Briar Street Theatre is another venue where you can find unique entertainment in Lakeview. It’s most famously known for hosting performances by the Blue Man Group.

This particular theater troupe is known for unique stage productions. The performers, as the name suggests, have their skin painted blue. They don’t talk during shows, which incorporate various types of art and music. They are also able to cleverly incorporate themes, making many social statements with their performance art.

Laugh Factory

Laugh your heart out with jokes by current and future comedy stars.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (773) 327-3175 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 11 pm Monday-Thursday, 10 am – 12 am Friday, 10 am – 1 am Saturday, 11 am – 11 pm Sunday | Entrance: $20-30 for general admission, $30+ for VIP seating

If you enjoy comedy, the Laugh Factory on North Broadway St. will quickly become one of your favorite spots in the Lakeview neighborhood. The venue impressively ranks #6 among all of the city’s comedy clubs.

Here, you can see both experienced comedians and novices with a great deal of promise. This comedy club is also known for surprise celebrity guests, including Kanye West! Audience insights and participation often make the shows even better. Look forward to a fun, interactive experience.

Vic Theatre

Soak in performances and culture in the neighborhood of Lakeview.

Formally known as the Victoria Theater, this theater is home to many live performances, including touring stage shows. With tons of reviews left by satisfied patrons, this theater has become more popular than many theaters in the downtown part of Chicago. It’s definitely one of the attractions that make the neighborhood of Lakeview worth visiting.

With a variety of headline performers, you can dance to all sorts of live music here. Previous concerts have been put on by stars like Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, and Katy Perry. You can also watch entertaining dance troupes, live standup shows, and more!

Chicago Music Exchange

Learn about music and purchase memorabilia.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (773) 525-7773 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 7 pm Wednesday-Friday, 10 am – 7 pm Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm Sunday, Closed Mondays-Tuesdays | Entrance: free, although purchase prices vary

The Chicago Music Exchange is another major attraction in the neighborhood of Lakeview. Namely, it’s a very popular destination among musicians and music buffs in the city of Chicago. It’s famous for its showroom, which almost resembles a museum display, and its collection of vintage instruments.

Belmont Harbor

Gaze out at the lake and go sailing.

Located right in the heart of nearby Lincoln Park, this is one of the largest harbors in the city of Chicago, IL. It’s a great place to bring the kids, whether you’re going boating or just taking in the beautiful scenery.

This harbor is surrounded by acres of park space, and there are breathtaking views in every direction. Look out at Lake Michigan, south towards the skyscrapers of downtown Chicago, or towards the many miles of beaches surrounding you.

If you’re here with your dog, make a trip to Belmont Harbor Dog Beach, one of the very few dog-friendly beaches in the city of Chicago!

St. Alphonsus Church

Look at and into one of the most beautiful churches in Chicago.

Whether or not you are religious, you can appreciate amazing architecture. Chicago is full of impressive buildings, and the churches in Chicago are no exception.

This particular Catholic Church, located in Lakeview, was founded in 1882 and dedicated in 1897. Although part of the church was destroyed by a fire in 1950, it was reconstructed and reopened within two years. Today, it attracts a variety of Chicago visitors.

Sports Bars

Enjoy sports bars in a famed sports town.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (773) 388-1574 | Cheesie’s Pub & Grub Website | Hours and prices vary based on the bar

One great way to pass the time in Lakeview is to explore the many lively sports bars in the area. Set an evening itinerary or go on an impromptu trip! Many of these are full restaurants with great food and reviews to back it up.

These include The Sports Corner and ROCKS Lakeview, some of the best restaurants and places to eat in Chicago. The enjoyable atmosphere and friendly staff at these and other bars will complete your experience.

Southport Corridor

Go bar hopping, visit shops, and enjoy the cuisine of your choice .

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: variable, depending on the business

Southport Corridor isn’t a single attraction, but a collection of different businesses. Whether you’re looking for shops, bars, or restaurants, you can find many amazing places here.

If it’s brunch you’re craving, you can visit the Austrian Cafe for goulash and crepes. Craft beer fans will love visiting Corridor Brewery & Provisions. There is also an assortment of bars, including The Butcher’s Tap and Lange’s Lounge.

Southport Corridor is also home to more than 20 local boutiques. Whether you’re looking for handbags, jewelry, or clothing, this Chicago destination delivers.

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I hope you found my guide on the best things to do in Lakeview helpful! For more help planning your Windy City visit, check out our other Chicago guides!

about me

Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!

11 Best Things to Do in Lakeview (By a Chicago Local)