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The Second City

1616 N Wells St · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

Since 1959, this Old Town institution has been the proving ground of American comedy, alumni include Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Stephen Colbert. Two resident stages, the 290-seat Mainstage and the more intimate e.t.c., serve up original sketch revues sharpened by nightly improvisation, with drinks delivered to your table. Catch a numbered Mainstage revue for the classic experience, or the greatest-hits Best of The Second City show.

  • #comedy
  • #improv
  • #sketch
  • #old town
  • #nightlife

Good to know

General theatre & events guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Curtain time is firm

    Latecomers are commonly held at the back until a scene break, so build in a buffer.

  • Study the seating chart

    Price and sightline vary a lot within the same house. A few rows back can be the better seat.

  • Rush and lottery seats exist

    Many venues release same-day tickets at a discount if you are flexible about where you sit.

  • Arrive with time to spare

    Parking, bag check, and finding your row all take longer than you think on a full house.

What's around here?

The closest stops to The Second City, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    International Museum of Surgical Science

    $25–$50

    The only North American museum devoted to the history of surgery, set in a Gold Coast mansion on Lake Shore Drive.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sport & Outdoor
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    Lincoln Park Zoo

    Free

    One of America's last free zoos, lions, gorillas, and gardens minutes from downtown.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sightseeing
    Date Night

    360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

    $25–$50

    Lake-and-skyline views from 1,000 feet up, plus TILT, the glass ledge that leans you over Michigan Avenue.

    1.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Chicago

    Free

    Illinois' lakefront metropolis, home to world-class museums, architecture, and neighborhoods along Lake Michigan.

    1.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Theatre & Events
    Iconic

    The Chicago Theatre

    $25–$50

    The marquee that means Chicago, catch a show or tour the gilded 1921 movie palace.

    1.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Theatre & Events
    Iconic

    Broadway In Chicago

    $50+

    Presenter of national Broadway touring productions across five historic theatres in Chicago's Loop.

    1.9 mi awayMore like this