Lakeview is a large neighborhood on Chicago’s north side. Some of most popular things to do in Lakeview are centered around Wrigley Field which is the home of the Cubs and a concert venue.
Lakeview is a large residential neighborhood. Smaller neighborhoods including Boystown/Northalsted, Wrigleyville, and the Southport Corridor are all located within Lakeview. The Lakeview neighborhood has a mix of everything. There are areas known for their nightlife and lots of quiet streets with families. On Cubs game days, Wrigleyville comes to life.
Last updated: April 2022
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Where is Lakeview:
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Lakeview is directly north of Lincoln Park. It is bordered by Montrose Avenue/Graceland Cemetery/Irving Park Road to the north, Ravenswood Avenue to the west, Diversey Parkway to the south, and Lake Michigan to the east.
How to Get to Lakeview:
The Red, Purple, and Brown line trains all stop in Lakeview. The Red Line stops at Diversey, Belmont, Addison, and Sheridan. The Purple Line stops at Diversey, Wellington, and Belmont. The Brown like makes stops at Diversey, Wellington, Belmont, Southport, and Paulina. Several of the CTA buses also run in the neighborhood.
Parks and Outdoor Activities:
Lincoln Park
Note: Lincoln Park is the name of both a park and a neighborhood.
Spanning over 1,150 square acres, Lincoln Park is Chicago’s largest park. The park runs along the lakefront from Ohio Beach in Streeterville, through the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Uptown, and all the way to Ardmore Avenue in Edgewater.
The section of Lincoln Park that is within Lakeview contains Belmont Harbor, tennis courts, a bird sanctuary, an archery range, and a 9-hole golf course.
Hamlin Park
A 9-acre park in West Lakeview with a focus on sports and fitness. There is an outdoor swimming pool, baseball diamonds, a basketball court, and two tennis courts. The park also has a playground and a dog-friendly area. A wide variety of sports leagues and childrens groups utilize this park and its clubhouse.
The Lakefront Trail
The Lakefront Trail is a 18.5 mile long trail that runs along Lake Michigan. The trail is shared by joggers, walkers, bikers, and skaters and offers incredible views of the lake and city skyline. Chicago has a bike share system called Divvy with several stations near the trail – riding a Divvy bike along the trail is a lovely way to spend a sunny day.
Landmarks:
Wrigley Field
Build in 1914, Wrigley Field is the second oldest baseball stadium in America. The stadium was originally the home of the Chicago Whales and called Weeghman Park, but, when the Whales team folded the Cubs took over renamed it Wrigley Field.
Distinctive features of the stadium include ivy covered outfield wall and a scoreboard that is updated by hand.
Things to Do in Lakeview:
Tour Wrigley Field
Guided tours of Wrigley Field are available and take visitors to the press box, Cub’s clubhouse, visitor’s clubhouse, and dugout. Tour guests even get the chance to step onto the field. This is one of the most popular things to do in Lakeview.
Green City Market at Gallagher Way
Gallagher Way is the park beside Wrigley Field and in the summer a farmer’s market takes place there on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The Legacy Walk
An outdoor LGBTQ history exhibit located on stretch of North Halsted Street from Grace Avenue and continuing north to Belmont Avenue. The walk is marked with ten “rainbow pylons” featuring biographical memorials of important LGBTQ individuals who made major contributions to the world. Each year on National Coming Out Day (October 11) more memorials are added.
Diversey Range and Mini Golf
A driving range and mini golf course located in Lincoln Park that is scheduled to reopen soon after renovations.
The Blue Man Group
Blue Man Group shows are kid-friendly and interactive and combine music, comedy, and stunts.
Gallagher Way Events
Gallagher Way is a small park right beside Wrigley Field that is a venue for many events including an Easter egg hunt, concerts, movie nights, fitness events, and children’s events. You can find the Gallagher Way calendar of events here.
Music Venues:
Wrigley Field
Each summer Wrigley Field becomes the venue for some top-tier musicians and bands. In 2022, Dead & Company, Lady Gaga, Chris Stapleton, and The Lumineers are some of the performers on the schedule.
The Vic Theatre
One of many concert venues managed by Jam Productions in Chicago. The Vic is small and intimate but still gets great acts and it’s so easy to get to by taking the el.
Schubas Tavern
A bar/restaurant located in an old Schlitz brewery that hosts emerging bands and comedians.
Comedy Clubs:
Laugh Factory
A stand up comedy club that hosts big name comedians like Dave Chappelle, Kevin Nealon, and Whitney Cummings plus lots of group shows.
CIC Theater
You can see improv and sketch comedy in addition to theatrical shows here. They host improv Sundays and free open mic nights.
The Annoyance Theater
A theater hosting a mix of sketch comedy, burlesque, musical comedy, improv, and variety shows.
Theater:
Victory Gardens Theater
This regional theater produces new theater work at the 299-seat Victory Gardens Biograph Theater.
Stage 773
A theater with a diverse program of comedy, dance, musical, dramatic, and other performances.
Music Box Theatre
A historic movie theater that specializes in art-house and repertory cinema. The theater hosts events like drink-a-longs where guests drink along to a movie while following specific rules.
Annual Events in Lakeview:
Pride Parade and Festival
The Chicago Pride Parade takes place along Halsted Street in Boystown on the last Sunday in June and draws a massive crowd. The weekend before the parade, a pre-Parade street festivals with vendors and live music takes place in Boystown.
Northalsted Market Days
This massive weekend-long street festival takes place in August in Boystown and features art, craft, and food vendors plus 5 stages of live music. It is one of the largest LBGTQ+ events in Chicago.
Lakeview Taco Fest
Sponsored by Sam Adams, Lakeview Taco Fest takes place in September and involves local restaurants competing for the title of “Best Taco”.
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts
A juried art fair featuring works from over 150 artists in the mediums of painting, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry, and more. This event is an art sale, with live music, and family-friendly activities.
Gallagher Way
In addition to a summertime farmers market, the park at Gallagher Way hosts movie nights, yoga classes, concerts, and more.
Winterland at Gallagher Way
From about Thanksgiving until the end of the year, Winterland takes over Gallagher Way. This large event has a Christkindlmarket, an ice rink, and Santa’s Village.