Chicago

AAO 2018, in conjunction with the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO), will take place in McCormick Place, Chicago.

Find more information about registering and making hotel reservations.

Like ophthalmology, Chicago perfectly combines Art + Science: from world-renowned art and science museums, to cutting-edge theater, to soulful blues clubs, to inventive chefs, to breathtaking architecture and engineering. No other city offers more to see, hear, taste and experience.

Discover more about Chicago, then use Chicago Concierge, to secure your reservations and tickets. In McCormick Place, visit the Restaurant Reservations/Concierge kiosk in the Grand Concourse, Level 2.5. All services are FREE.

Events

There are a number of events that take place in Chicago each month, including these that are planned for October 2018:

• 53rd Chicago International Film Festival, Oct. 12-26
• Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema, Oct. 18-28
• Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, Oct. 24-28
• Randolph Street Market Festival, Oct. 27 & 28
• Northalsted Halloween Parade, Oct. 31

Sporting Events

• Chicago Blackhawks host the Edmonton Oilers, Oct. 28,  5 p.m. Receive a discount when you purchase hockey tickets using the promo code "AAO".
• Chicago Bears host the New York Jets, Oct. 28, 12 p.m. Purchase tickets online.

Theater/Shows

Theater

In Chicago you will see shows direct from Broadway, and discover theater productions that are destined for Broadway:

• Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier is presenting Circolumbia’s "Acelere" where aerialists, acrobats and contortionists are interwoven with live music and dance. Performances on Oct. 26, 27 and 28.
• Catch "Hamilton" at the CIBC Theatre.
• Steppenwolf Theatre Company, one of the nation's most lauded ensemble theater companies, is presenting "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime".
• Say "Hello, Dolly!", playing at the Oriental Theatre.
• See the Joffrey Ballet perform "Swan Lake" at the Auditorium Theatre.

Find more shows scheduled for October.

Comedy

Chicago is also home to some of the best comedy in the country:

• The Second City is legendary for it's comedic talent. Take in a show on their manistage or see who is up-and-coming through The Second City Training Center.
• Laugh Out Loud Theater Chicago has an improv show every evening, except Sundays.

Music

Chicago is the home of the blues. Read TimeOut Chicago's article or follow the advice of TripAdvisor to find the best blues clubs and bars in Chicago.

Ready to rock? Chicago is also a great concert venue. Upcoming shows include:

• Elton John, Oct. 26 & 27 at the United Center.
• Phish, Oct. 26 - 28 at the Allstate Arena.
• The Goo Goo Dolls, Oct. 26 at the Chicago Theater.

Museums

Find the convergence of art, science and history in Chicago's many museums, including:

• The International Museum of Surgical Science, which is located in a historic four-story mansion on Lake Shore Dr. One entire gallery is devoted to ophthalmology. Show your meeting badge for $4 off admission.
• The Art Institute of Chicago where you can study how the painter Georges Seurat played with theories of visual perception or experience how Edgar Degas and Claude Monet, both diagnosed with eye diseases, depicted the world.
• The Adler Planetarium where you can see the universe, hear presentations by astronomers or roll up your sleeves in the Community Design Lab.
• The American Writers Museum, the first museum of its kind in the nation, celebrating the influence of writers in the United States and their works. In 2017, the museum was ranked #1 in USA Today's 10 Best Reader's Choice list of attractions in Illinois, and also named #1 by Fodor's Travel in their article "Inside the World's 10 Best New Museums".

Shopping

Chicago was named the third best shopping destination in the USA by U.S. News & World Report. The 13-blocks known as the Magnificent Mile boasts more than 460 stores - including three shopping centers. The shops cater to all styles and budgets. Find a list of the best shopping in Chicago by TripAdvisor.

Hot Restaurants

View a list and map of Chicago's 2018 Michelin Stars or search for top restaurants with Zagat.

When you are ready, make a reservation with Open Table or

Tours

Take a daytime or evening tour of Chicago's famous architecture, historic bars, jazz and blues clubs as well as unique neighborhoods. Explore the possibilities with Viator, an online tour marketplace. Review a list of the Best Things to Do in Chicago by U.S. News & World Report. Looking for something off the beaten path? View the Atlas Obscura Guide to Hidden Chicago.

Weather

October in Chicago is mild with an average high temperature of 64°F (18°C) and an average low of 46°F (8°C).

Time

Chicago is in the Central Time Zone. In October, the Central Time Zone is -5h UTC/GMT.