Entertainment and leisure near speedday

A race weekend at Chicagoland Speedway is about more than just NASCAR. Joliet, the southwest suburbs, and the city of Chicago offer fans a full menu of entertainment, food, nightlife, and outdoor activities that keep the excitement going long after the checkered flag waves.

Near the speedway

Chicagoland Speedway sits on the edge of Joliet, where race week brings a lively atmosphere to the entire area. The track’s Fan Zone features live entertainment, interactive displays, driver appearances, and team merchandise throughout the weekend. RV camping and tailgating around the grounds create the classic NASCAR vibe – grills going, music playing, and fans gathering long into the evening.

Just minutes from the circuit, Hollywood Casino Joliet and Harrah’s Joliet Casino offer gaming, restaurants, and bars for fans who want to keep the adrenaline flowing after the on-track action. Downtown Joliet has several popular post-race stops, including MyGrain Brewing Company, Juliet’s Tavern, Hamburgerseria, and the always lively Heroes West Sports Grill – a favorite among sports fans.

For quick dining or shopping, Louis Joliet Mall and the surrounding retail area in Bolingbrook and Romeoville provide plenty of options close to the speedway.

Entertainment & nightlife

When the race day winds down, Chicago gives visitors endless ways to enjoy the night. The West Loop, River North, and Downtown are filled with cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, sports pubs, and late-night restaurants.

Catch a show at the historic Chicago Theatre, sip craft beer at Revolution Brewing, or explore the nightlife around Hubbard Street. Fans looking for something more relaxed can walk along Navy Pier, grab a drink in Wicker Park, or enjoy a casual evening in Lincoln Park.

Chicago culture & outdoor experiences

Chicago delivers a mix of big-city energy and deep cultural roots. Highlights include:

• The Art Institute of Chicago, one of the top museums in the United States.
• The vibrant murals, cafés, and galleries of the Pilsen neighborhood.
• The Museum Campus, home to the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and Field Museum.
• Millennium Park, where visitors flock to Cloud Gate (“The Bean”).
• Oak Park, featuring Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and guided tours.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Lakefront Trail offers miles of biking and walking paths along Lake Michigan. A bit farther from the city, Starved Rock State Park, the Morton Arboretum, and local forest preserves give fans peaceful nature escapes during race weekend.

Skydeck Chicago

Skydeck Chicago sits at the top of the Willis Tower and offers one of the most famous views in the United States. Visitors ride the high-speed elevator to the 103rd floor, where floor-to-ceiling windows reveal panoramic views across Chicago, Lake Michigan, and—on clear days—four different states.

Skydeck is open year-round and is most popular at sunset, when the city lights begin to glow. Pre-booking tickets is recommended, especially on weekends or during peak travel seasons.

Pro sports

Chicago is one of the most passionate sports cities in the country. Away from NASCAR, visitors can catch the:

• Chicago Bears (NFL) at Soldier Field
• Chicago Bulls (NBA) and Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) at the United Center
• Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field
• Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field