What’s open in Chicago Updated

What’s open in Chicago Updated

The City of Chicago relaxed restrictions further March 25, 2021.  These restrictions are in place until further notice.   

The status of what is open is changing constantly.  Many businesses have modified hours, have or will close either temporarily or permanently so always call first before heading out.

State v. City Guidelines

State of Illinois Guidelines,  City of Chicago Guidelines. 

What’s open in Chicago?

• Restaurants & bars: Indoor capacity remains restricted to the lesser of 50% or 100 people per room or space.  Outdoor service, take-out, curbside pick-up, and delivery can continue. Reservations required for outdoor service. More info here.
• Parks & gardens: Outdoor activities limited to non-contact sports in small groups only (e.g. tennis). Playgrounds are temporarily closed.
• Shopping:  Retail stores: 40% capacity.  Grocery Stores and Pharmacies: 50% capacity.  Big box store that sell a combination of general retail, groceries and/or pharmacies among other goods must operate at 50% capacity.
• Museums: Indoors at 25% capacity, Guided tours limited to 50 people, Groups limited to 10 people. .  Chicago Museums reopening Update

• Larger indoor venues for seated spectator events including the United Center, theaters and concert venues can now operate at 25 percent capacity. Smaller indoor venues can operate at the lesser of 50 percent capacity or 50 people.
• Meetings, conferences and conventions can operate at the lesser of 25 percent or 250 people.
• Festivals and general admission outdoor spectator events can operate with 15 people per 1,000 square feet.
• Flea and farmers markets can operate at 25 percent capacity or 15 people per 1,000 square feet.
• People who were fully vaccinated and 14 days has passed do not count toward capacity limits at private events like weddings.

• Street festivals will be allowed with limited capacity.  All vendors, performers and staff will be required to be fully vaccinated. Attendees will have to prove they’re vaccinated. Non-vaccinated attendees will be allowed, but they’ll have to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of trying to enter the event.

What’s open in Chicago Updated

• Millennium Park:  Restricted access with limited amenities open.
• Chicago Riverwalk:  Venues opening
• Chicago Public Library:  Main library and most branches open.  Open at 25% indoor capacity.
• Movie Theaters and Performance Venues:  Can reopen indoors at 50% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space.
• Online entertainment

• Hotels/lodging:  Some hotels are closed. 
• Chicago Transit Authority: Restrictions on bus and train car capacity.  I’ve been on buses where it’s not enforced.
• Metra:  Train lines are running on reduced or alternate schedules.

What’s open in Chicago  – Other industries or activities (Face coverings must be worn at all times):

• Places of Worship:  50% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space.  Special events additional restrictions.
• Health and Fitness Centers: No limits on operating hours (non-essential business curfew repealed). 50% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space. 
• Personal Services: No limits on operating hours (non-essential business curfew repealed).  50% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space. Face coverings can be removed only for services that require their removal.
• Indoor Recreation:  No limits on operating hours (non-essential business curfew repealed).  50% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space.

State of Illinois Travel Restrictions