4 New Chicago Attractions & Events to Watch For in 2012

Elissa Garay | Updated: April 12, 2019

Chicago’s set to enjoy some time basking in the international spotlight this spring, when it will host several major events like the G-8 and NATO summits and the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates. But international VIPs and political bigwigs aren’t the only ones who should be looking to Chicago in 2012 – the city has an exciting roster of new attractions and events for new and repeat visitors alike. We’ve rounded up four of the best of them below:

Second City Opens New UP Comedy Club (opened December 2011)
The comic geniuses behind Chicago’s famous Second City venue launched the new UP Comedy Blub in December, featuring classic Chicago comedians and big-name favorites performing nightly stand-up, improv, theater, and more. upcomedyclub.com

National Hellenic Museum Showcases Greek Art, History & Culture (opened December 2011)
Set in the center of Chi-Town’s historic Greektown quarter, the new National Hellenic Museum, set in a $15 million, state-of-the-art building, is marketing itself as “the newest thing in ancient history.” Exhibits are dedicated to Greek art, culture, and history, from ancient times through modern ones. www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org

**Windy City Circus to Debut at Navy Pier **(February 17–26, 2012)
The Big-Top will make its way to Navy Pier via the Windy City Circus this winter, with a show centered on a Chicago theme (vignettes will spotlight Chicago history and characters), alongside the regular trapeze artists, clowns, jugglers, and more. www.windycitycircus.org/bigtop

**New International Art Fair EXPO CHICAGO at Navy Pier **(September 20–23, 2012)
The inaugural EXPO CHICAGO, the International Exposition of Contemporary/Modern Art and Design, will span four days and feature 100 international galleries. Set in Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, expect a well-curated expo of art and design. www.expositionchicago.com

For general trip-planning information see our Chicago Travel Guide, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on hotels, flights, vacation packages, and more travel deals.