FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media sontacts:
Isaac Reichman, ireichman@choosechicago.com, (312) 805-9586
Stephen Crano, scrano@choosechicago.com, (312) 567-8505
Choose Chicago releases 2025 Visitors Guide featuring must-see theatre recommendations
The latest edition of the annual Visitors Guide is available in both print and digital editions with a
cover illustrated by local artist Fernando “Fedz” Caldera
Chicago, IL (February 6, 2025) – Choose Chicago has released the official 2025 Visitors Guide, the must-have guide to the Best Big City in the U.S. The 68-page Visitors Guide highlights festivals, concerts, attractions, amenities, restaurants, neighborhoods and activities happening throughout the year and can be requested in hard copy via mail or viewed digitally on the Choose Chicago website.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson shared: “Chicago is the greatest city in the world for many reasons, from the diversity and character of our 77 community areas to our unique assets including the public waterfronts along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, our iconic sports franchises, outstanding cultural institutions, and a globally renowned culinary scene. But the greatest asset of all is our people, and the warmth and hospitality they extend to all who visit. I hope travelers will use this Visitor Guide to engage with our residents in an authentic and meaningful way, and enjoy seeing the greatest city in the world.”
In collaboration with tourism marketing agency Miles Partnership, the Choose Chicago team has worked to compile information about major events and activities happening over the course of the year and share the top recommendations in the Visitors Guide. The 2025 edition also includes feature articles focusing on Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, LGBTQ+ culture, waterfronts, culinary scene, and winter holiday attractions.
“As readers of our Visitor Guide will see, there is an endless amount to do, see, and experience in Chicago in 2025,” said Rich Gamble, Interim President and CEO of Choose Chicago. “From St.
Patrick’s Day Parade to a summer packed with music and neighborhood festivals to all our beloved holiday traditions, there is never a dull month in this city. I look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far and encourage them to use this resource to help them explore and experience the Best Big City in the United States!”
This year’s Visitors Guide also features an in-depth interview with Marissa Lynn Jones, Executive Director of the League of Chicago Theatres. Jones shares her recommendations for must-see
productions in theatres across the city and throughout the year. Chicago’s world-class theatre scene includes over 200 organizations ranging from long-established institutions to small, independent, neighborhood theatre companies that foster the next generation of creative innovators.
“Chicago is lucky to have one of the most active, innovative theatre communities in the world,”
said Marissa Lynn Jones. “It’s a pleasure to be able to share my personal recommendations in this year’s official Visitors Guide. Whether folks live in the city or the suburbs or are traveling for business or pleasure, I hope they take the opportunity to see a performance—there’s really nothing that compares to the experience of live theatre in Chicago.”
The 2025 Visitors Guide features an illustrated cover designed by local artist Fernando “Fedz” Caldera, who has collaborated with multiple Chicago sports teams and whose work can be seen on murals in several Chicago neighborhoods. This is part of an ongoing effort from Choose Chicago to amplify the work of local artists. Last month, Choose Chicago released an original animation from Artist Blake Jones highlighting major conventions in the first quarter of 2025. Choose Chicago has also recently worked with local artists Katie Lukes, Sentrock, and Fedz to create unique
advertisements highlighting Chicago’s recognition as the Best Big City in the U.S. for eight straight years by readers of Condé Nast Traveler.
“One of my favorite things about Chicago is just how much there is to do here,” said Fernando “Fedz” Caldera. “You can go to a concert on pretty much any given day. It’s an incredibly diverse city, and it’s so welcoming to everybody. But overall, it’s the people that make Chicago so great. The food they share, the culture, the energy. They bring our neighborhoods to life and inspire me every day.”
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About Choose Chicago: Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city, its residents and our partner business community. Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X/Twitter. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.
