Experience Chicago

Each year, the Office of Student Life organizes a week of local activities during the week of KWEST. Designed to help our students and JVs get to know their peers while experiencing the Chicagoland area, Experience Chicago is a fantastic way to start your Kellogg experience before you begin CIM. From August 18-25, Join us for a one-week immersive experience of Evanston and Chicago that highlights the best the city and surrounding area have to offer. All events are optional, and are open to JVs and children.

Register below and join #experiencechicago2023 on Slack for updates!

*Please be advised that event times are subject to change due to weather and cancellation is possible. The Office of Student Life will keep registered attendees updated if any changes are made to the event schedule.

Friday, August 18

August 18| 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Northwestern Lakefill

Kick-Off Bonfire Night

Join us for the Experience Chicago 2023 Kick-Off Bonfire Event! This will be a great way to get to know some fellow students and families who will also be partaking in Experience Chicago. Come join us after the BBQ on Friday for some S'mores out on the Lakefront Fire Pit!

Cost - Free

Register here!

Sunday, August 20

August 20| 12:30pm; game start:1:20pm

Cubs Game at Wrigley Field

Come experience one of Chicago's most iconic landmarks and see the Chicago Cubs take on the Kansas City Royals on Sunday August 20 at 1:20pm! We will be purchasing tickets in the Budweiser Bleacher Section located along the outfield and there are no assigned seats. Feel free to come by yourself, or with friends or family. All ages are welcome!

Cost: $47-64 per ticket + transportation- please note that tickets are not refundable and must be purchased by August 14 to ensure availability.

Registration is closed

Monday, August 21

August 21 | 1:00pm

Chicago River and Architecture Boat Tour

Cruise down the Chicago River on this guided boat tour to see the city's famous architecture. A staple amongst visitors downtown, you will get a unique view point of some of the most famous building in the area as well as detailed information about them. See more than 40 buildings and discover the major events that helped shape the architectural history of Chicago!

Cost: $47 adults; $27 children + transportation

Registration is closed

Tuesday, August 22

August 22| 10:00am

Lincoln Park Zoo

We will meet at the Global Hub front desk at 8:50am. We plan to take Lyft to Lincoln Park Zoo. Cost is expected to be around $20-$40 per car each way. Entrance to the zoo is free. Anyone wishing to drive their own car should expect to pay $25-$30 to park at the zoo and can meet up with the group outside the East Gate.

Cost - Free Entrance to the Zoo + transportation

Register here!

Wednesday, August 23

August 23| 10:00am

CANCELLED: COLOR Museum Interactive Experience

This event has been cancelled due to low registration. Spend the day exploring some of the activities that Chicago has to offer! We will be spending our morning at the COLOR museum which is an interactive space  and immersive digital installations that are very instagram worthy! Then stay in the area to explore further!

Plan on meeting at the Global Hub front Desk at 10:00am and we will be taking Uber/Lyft (expected to be $35-$55 per car each way). Meeting point will be in the front of the museum at 9:30am. Parking is limited in the area, so the museum strongly encourages the use of public transportation and ride shares.

Cost: $15 adults; $13 children 3-12; Children under 3: free + transportation

Registration is cancelled

Thursday, August 24

August 24 | 11:00am

Art Institute of Chicago and Chicago Cultural Center

Spend the day exploring some of the activities that The Loop has to offer! We will be starting our day at The Art Institute of Chicago, stoping by the Chicago Cultural Center and ending the day at Millenum Park. Enjoy your time exploring the art on display at ARTIC, take a tour of the Cultural Center, and stroll through Millennium Park, Grant Park, and Maggie Daley Park!

Cost: $14 students+ transportation. Non-students: $20 adults; free for children 13 and under

Register here!

Friday, August 25

August 25| 1:00pm

Beach Day at NU Beach

Chill by the beach near NU Athletics. We'll meet at Lincoln beach and share snacks and some beach games. Feel free to bring kids and swimsuits!

Register here!

Optional Weekend Events: August 19-20

Chicago Air and Water Show - Saturday and Sunday, August 19 and 20, 10:30am-3pm

Put on by the City of Chicago, this show is a must see that can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street with North Avenue Beach as the focal point for the show. Headliners for the event are the U.S Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights. Admissions is free and this event is suitable for all ages. Parking can be very difficult so consider public transportation or arriving at the event early to secure a good spot. If taking public transport from Kellogg: Purple Line to Red Line to bus 72 will take you to North Avenue Beach. Similar routes can be taken to access Fullerton Beach and Oak Street Beach.

More info

Sundays on State - Sunday, August 13 11am-6pm

Sundays on State is a free street market along State Street in downtown Chicago. It is filled with local food and drink vendors as well as live music/entertainment throughout the day, and is the perfect day out for all ages! If taking public transport from Kellogg: Purple Line to Red Line (getting off on Lake) will place you right in the center of all the action and close to where tickets are scanned to enter. If lost trying to find the event, try locating the Chicago Theater!

More info