After months of hype, contests, press conferences and even its own trailer, the inaugural Chicago Architecture Biennial will officially kick off on October 3 (though some programming has already begun). While the city's own legacy of architectural innovation, as well as the organizer's inclusion of practitioners and designers from around the globe, means the event will live up to its high-minded theme, State of the Art of Architecture, there are also literally hundreds of events happening throughout the city that are open to the public, accessible and often free. We've compiled some of the events and exhibitions we're most excited about, including off-site events and tours, to give guests and Chicagoans alike a means to sort through the array of events happening over the next few months (we've even added a map to help guests navigate between the main venues).
While we're only slightly biased, we'd also suggest any visitors make time for Chicago's incredible food scene: Eater Chicago has suggestions on the best new restaurants, bars and brunch spots for out-of-towners to explore.