Open House Chicago

Open House Chicago turns the entire city inside out for a weekend, granting free access to buildings that are normally locked to the public — think private clubs, corporate lobbies, historic theaters, and hidden courtyards across 20-plus neighborhoods. The festival runs Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, from 3 PM to 10 PM, giving you plenty of time to plot a self-guided tour of architectural and cultural landmarks you wouldn't otherwise see. No tickets, no reservations for most sites — just show up and look around.