Art Lover's Guide to Chicago SouthlandLooking for creative things to do in Chicagoland? There are a variety of ways to indulge in the arts in the Chicago Southland without having to head downtown. See a live musical or stage performance, explore a world-renowned outdoor sculpture park, or plan a fun girls' night with painting and wine!AuthorsSteller
DestinationsChicagoItinerary

Music & Theater 🎭 🎶

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra
Grab tickets to enjoy classical music masterpieces by the Chicago Southland's largest performing arts organization, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra! 🎶
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Beverly Theatre Guild
The Beverly Theatre Guild, known for their 150+ full-scale productions over the past 60 years, is Chicago's longest-running community theater. The 2025 schedule includes, "12 Angry Jurors," the play based on the Emmy Award-Winning TV movie, and one of the greatest American musicals of all time, "Gypsy." The Beverly Theatre Guild gives everyone the opportunity to get involved with theater, whether you want to watch a production or be a part of one!
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The Lyric Theater Blue Island
The Lyric, which opened in 1917, has been completely renovated inside and makes for a fun, unique movie night. 🍿 Sit back and relax in a comfy chair or bar stool, or spread out in one of the booths as you sip a cocktail and enjoy a slice of Beggars Pizza. The Lyric also hosts a number of entertaining live shows and musical performances.
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Center For Performing Arts
From jazz and opera to dance and theater, the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University is home to shows of all kinds and a fun place to catch a show.
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Creative Things to See & Do 🎨

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park
Immerse yourself in art at this sprawling park that includes over 100 acres featuring 30 master works of sculpture. Located on the campus of Governors State University, the park gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with landscaped-based sculptures from French, Mexican, and Chicago-based artists, as well as a number of pieces by major late-20th century American sculptors.
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Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios
Spend some time browsing the one-of-a-kind hand-blown glass creations at this family-owned studio and gallery founded by world-renowned glass artist Charles Lotton. Stop by Monday through Friday to see the artists in action making everything from vases to chandeliers!
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Bottle & Bottega by Painting with a Twist
Let your creative side out as you sip in style! Have fun painting everything from portraits to landscapes at Bottle & Bottega. 🎨 Tip: It’s also a great spot for a girls' or date night!
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Homewood Bat Co.
Go inside baseball at Homewood Bat Co.! The specialty bat shop offers tours, a peek at how pro-grade wood bats are made, and the opportunity to test out different models in the cage!
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Favorite Eats & Drinks 🍦🧁

SoHo Cafe
Indulge in sweet treats and creative coffee flavors in this charming historic South Holland home. Stop in for breakfast or lunch, and don't forget dessert! SoHo Sweets serves Sherman's ice cream, which is still made the old-fashioned way: one batch at a time.
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Gayety's Chocolates & Ice Cream
Calling all chocolate-lovers! Gayety's, which opened in Chicago in 1920, is THE place to go for hand-dipped chocolates (people rave about the chocolate-covered strawberries), and homemade candies and ice cream (we hear their banana ice cream is incredible). Enjoy some creative combinations, too, like chocolate-dipped dates!
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Franklins Pie Company
Stop in this cozy neighborhood café for a slice of their classic scratch-made pies, like Nana's Banana Cream or Apple of My Eye, or a seasonal flavor. 🥧 They also have sandwiches, quiche, baked goods, and more treats. Vegan options and gluten-free pies are available.
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Dunning's Gourmet Market & Deli
Famous for their chicken salad sandwich, Dunning's makes all of their soups, salads, and sandwiches in-house. (That also means they are able to handle any dietary restrictions, from dairy to gluten allergies!)
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Cultivate Community Table
Looking for a cozy brunch or lunch spot? Cultivate Community Table is an award-winning chef-owned restaurant that uses farm-to-table ingredients in its dishes. Gluten-free and vegan dishes are available here, as well.
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Aurelio's Pizza of Homewood
This classic pizza joint has been in Homewood since 1959 and, in 1974, it became the first Chicago pizzeria to franchise! Head in here for that classic pizza joint aesthetic and a slice of their stuffed-crust pizza. 🍕
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Where to Stay 🧸

La Banque Hotel
Looking for a special hotel for an overnight stay in the heart of the Chicago Southland? La Banque has an intimate, romantic vibe with only 18 rooms in a historic Homewood building. The elegant lobby and rooms give it a boutique feel. At night, sip a cocktail at the chic bar and, in the morning, enjoy a complimentary breakfast.
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