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What to Do in Chicago in January 2024

Posted on January 3, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
City Cast Chicago staff

City Cast Chicago staff

Martin Luther King Jr. during a speech at a Chicago Freedom Movement rally in Soldier Field in 1966

Martin Luther King Jr. during a speech at a Chicago Freedom Movement rally in Soldier Field in 1966. (Afro American Newspapers / Gado / Getty)

City Cast

Your Guide to January in Chicago

00:00:00

New year, new you, same Chicago winter. Luckily, the City Cast Chicago team has tips for how to kick off 2024 in the city.

How to Brave January

Where to Celebrate MLK Day

Soul & Smoke in Avondale will participate in Chicago’s Restaurant Week

Soul & Smoke in Avondale will participate in Chicago Restaurant Week. (Courtesy of Choose Chicago)

Dive into the Food Scene

  • 🍽️ Chicago Restaurant Week is a 17-day celebration of deals and specials from across more than 350 local restaurants starting Jan. 19. I cannot lie: I have RPM Steak on the brain.
  • 🏆 The Jean Banchet Awards recognizes talent in the city’s food industry. Winners will be announced at this year’s ceremony Jan. 28.

Enjoy Live Music

  • 🎸 For almost 20 years, Chicagoans have supported indie venues in the dead of winter at the Tomorrow Never Knows Fest. This year’s five-day event starts Jan. 17.
🎧 Plus, bring more art into your life

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