Things to Do in Chicago

Over the span of more than a decade teaching yoga, founder and instructor Carmen Aguilar crafted her own signature style called cYoga, which caters to practitioners of all experience levels. While still drawing from more traditional forms of yoga, Aguilar spices things up by constantly rotating the sequence of poses to match the capabilities or moods of her students and to ensure that no two classes are ever alike. To give participants a boost of confidence as they pursue their goal of getting in shape or successfully imitating a rotini noodle during charades, she and her team of instructors strive to help every student to accomplish at least one difficult pose per class.

The airy studio cultivates a modern and industrial vibe with its exposed piping and gauzy white sheers that soften the row of windows. The studio's schedule also features a tango-dancing class, which is taught by an internationally acclaimed dancer, and capoeira classes, which teach a Brazilian art form fusing dance, gymnastics, and self-defense.

Bike and Roll Chicago's staff dispatches clients on wheel-based expeditions throughout Chicago. Guides—several of whom are Chicagoland natives—can lead informative and entertaining tours in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and semaphores.

The consortium of professional instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, which was cofounded by legendary toe tapper Fred Astaire himself, shepherd students of all ages and skill levels through lessons that span the style spectrum. Patrons can learn how to cavort through classic waltz and fox-trot romps or swivel through the modern steps of salsa, swing, or mambo. For dancers hoping to hoof it up in a social setting, the Summer Dance Open House provides a one-night extravaganza of instruction, demonstrations, and amateur firewalking. During the event, guests sip complimentary glasses of white wine and nibble on snacks as they take mental notes during rumba and swing classes. Professional performances will set a fleet-footed example as guests practice steps with new and familiar partners and shimmy the night away. Apprentice foot flashers can develop their skills and confidence in three group classes, during which they'll trip the light fantastic with fellow students without tripping on the light itself.

Skydeck Chicago whisks visitors up to the 103rd floor of Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, for incredible views from 1,353 feet above the city. On the way up, interactive touchscreens and a nine-minute movie about Chicago architecture fill noggins with cloud-scratching trivia and inside info about the historic tower. From the deck, ocular orbs can spy city landmarks such as Soldier Field, the Shedd Aquarium, and the John Hancock Center. Far-sighted pupils can glimpse up to four states or spot sailboats playing badminton near the marina on Lake Michigan. The Ledge—a transparent glass box that extends more than four feet from the tower—offers brave visitors unobstructed views of the city streets directly below, as well as the spine-shivering sensation of walking on air. Visitors descend back to earth armed with unique snapshots of magnificent views, renewed appreciation for the building's 80 miles of elevator cable, and any loose pieces of masonry they pry off the building’s exterior.

On Wednesday, October 3, independent distillers set up shop at the Warehouse at Carmichael's Chicago Steak House to display and sample their small-batch, artisanal wares for the second annual Independent Spirits Expo. The exhibitors come from all over the country, from Breckenridge Distillery in the Rockies to Ravenswood’s own Koval. Koval will showcase their smooth and organic spirits, including single-barrel oat and millet whiskeys, New Holland—taking a break from beer brewing— will also show off their small-batch whiskeys, and Templeton Rye struts its stuff with its eponymous spirit.