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The Second City, Chicago, IL
Theatre & EventsIconicDate Night

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

    Chicago History Museum

    Under $25

    You trace Chicago's story through restored dioramas, a vintage L car and hands-on galleries at Clark Street and North Avenue in Lincoln Park.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • 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
    Family Favorite

    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

  • 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

  • Theatre & Events
    History Buff

    The Auditorium

    $25–$50

    See concerts, dance and touring shows in Adler and Sullivan's 1889 theatre, a National Historic Landmark in the Loop.

    2.5 mi awayMore like this