ASTC 2024 Annual Conference
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Things to do in Chicago
Chicago is one of the most vibrant cities in North America, and we’ll hope you’ll have the chance to explore at least some of what the city has to offer.
ASTC does not endorse or recommend any of these events or activities, and participants take part at their own risk. All information subject to change.
Special Events
Chicago Gourmet
September 26–29, 2024
Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 East Randolph Street
Cost: Varies
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Amazing cuisine is the height of fashion. It’s creative, culturally expressive, and it’s tasteful — literally! Chicago Gourmet is putting on a delicious culinary fashion show this fall, and you’re invited to the front row!
Chicago Riverwalk Bar Crawl
September 28, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Leaving from AceBounce, 203 North Clark Street, at 6:45 p.m. or meet them at the Riverwalk
Cost: $19.99
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The Chicago Riverwalk is not just scenic, modern and brand spanking new… it is home to some of the coolest bars in Chicago and the atmosphere that they offer is unmatched! Crawling from bar to bar with other fun-loving people, you’ll experience the excitement of the Chicago Riverwalk firsthand!
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
September 28–29, 2024
Cost: Free
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The Hyde Park Jazz Festival is a collaborative platform dedicated to supporting the presentation and ongoing development of jazz, particularly on the South Side of Chicago. We do this by creating opportunities for a diverse community of listeners to engage with the music and its creators, and by working with artists, organizational partners, and networks to celebrate the rich tradition of jazz and to support the development of new work and ideas.
World Music Festival Chicago
September 20–29, 2024
Cost: Free and Varies
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The annual World Music Festival Chicago features dozens of free and ticketed concerts with international and local artists performing music from all over the globe at venues throughout the city, including the Chicago Cultural Center. Guests can experience the sounds of world music and its subgenres from diverse geographical regions including Brazil, South Korea, and Senegal.
Experiences and Tours
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise
Leaves from northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and East Wacker Drive
Cost: Tickets start at $54 for daytime cruises; $59 for evening cruises
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For more than 25 years, the Chicago Architecture Center’s (CAC’s) expertly trained docent volunteers have led the CAC River Cruise, sharing fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River. Hear how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world’s largest cities in less than 100 years. In just 90 minutes, you’ll get the best overview of Chicago’s architecture and its history.
Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour
600 North Clark Street
Cost: Tickets start at $99.60
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Learn about Chicago’s brewpub scene and taste different types of craft beer on this guided brewery tour. Visit unique breweries for craft beer samples plus an additional brewing production facility for an in-depth tour. Discover the science behind the brewing process, complete with step-by-step procedures, and enjoy plenty of beer samples throughout the tour. Round-trip transportation in a Prohibition-era-styled barrel bus is included.
Chicago Greeter Visits
Cost: Free
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Explore the streets of Chicago like a local with Chicago Greeter. Choose from in-depth neighborhood visits to short informative walks of top downtown spots. Register two weeks in advance for the immersive neighborhood visits.
Titanic: The Exhibition
4963 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie
Cost: Tickets start at $20.00
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Journey into the Titanic’s heart in this exhibition in Chicago and go back to 1912 through photographs, handwritten letters and other personal belongings.
Downtown Abbey: The Exhibition
4963 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie
Cost: Tickets start at $30.00
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Journey into the beloved television show, transports you to post-Edwardian England, where the characters and the iconic house come to life. You’ll be immersed in the fascinating social history, culture, and some of the most memorable moments from the show’s six-season run.
Cultural Events
1776
September 27, 8:00 p.m.
September 28, 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
September 29, 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
Cost: Tickets starting at $63
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The story chronicles the direct aftermath of the American Revolution, finding a nation on the edge of a glorious new era but mired down by chaos and confusion. Winner of the Tony® Award for best musical when it premiered in 1969.
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations
September 27, 7:00 p.m.
September 28, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
September 29, 1:00 p.m.
CIBC Theatre, 18 West Monroe Street
Cost: Tickets starting at $100
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Ain’t Too Proud is the smash Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Nominated for 12 Tony® Awards and winner of the 2019 Tony Award for Best Choreography.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
September 27, 1:30 p.m.
September 28, 7:30 p.m.
Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 South Michigan Avenue
Cost: Tickets start at $45
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Join the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conductor Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider, and violist Antonie Tamestit for a program of Vaughan Williams, Walton, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
September 27, 7:00 p.m.
September 28, 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 West Randolph Street
Cost: Tickets starting at $125
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When Harry Potter’s head-strong son Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all—with the power to change the past and future forever. This is the first North American tour following award-winning runs in London and Broadway.
Henry V
September 27, 7:00 p.m. (ASL Duo-Interpreted)
September 28, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
September 29, 2:00 p.m.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier, 800 East Grand Avenue
Cost: Tickets starting at $125
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After a long wait, Henry V finally succeeds his father to the throne, finding his country in disarray. Political tension and the fatigue of civil war have left the English dissatisfied and in need of a strong leader. But first he must win their respect and trust
Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse
September 28, 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 West Randolph Street
Cost: Tickets start at $66.50
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Our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man embarks on an interdimensional journey across the Multiverse. This 2023 film will be played on a colossal HD screen, complemented by a diverse ensemble of musicians and instrumentalists—including a full orchestra, scratch DJ, percussion and electronic instruments—performing the film’s iconic score and soundtrack live.
The Second City Mainstage 112th Revue
September 28, 7:00 p.m.
The Second City
Cost: Tickets start at $39
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The storied Second City improvisational theater troupe has helped launched the careers of comedians from Gilda Radner to Tina Fey, John Belushi to Stephen Colbert, Keegan-Michael Key to Tim Meadows, Alan Alda to Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Come see the Mainstage’s brand new 112th Revue with new material in every show every night.
Sporting Events
Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs
September 27, 1:20 p.m.
September 28, 1:20 p.m.
September 29, 2:20 p.m.
Wrigley Field, 1600 West Addison Street
Cost: Starting at $14
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The Chicago Cubs host the Cincinnati Reds at storied Wrigley Field in the final series of the 2024 regular series.
Toronto FC at Chicago Fire
September 28, 8:30 p.m.
Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Drive
Cost: Starting at $16
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In one of the last games of the Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season, the Chicago Fire host Toronto FC at historic Soldier Field.