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Chicago stands as a world-class city in the new millennium, a dynamic metropolis where history, innovation, and cultural vibrancy converge. With its breathtaking skyline rising along the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a global hub of architecture, business, arts, and technology, continually reinventing itself while staying true to the bold spirit that has defined it for generations.
Join me this fall for a memorable experience in Chicago. The SFAN art-filled walking tours are your passport to explore one of the world’s most vibrant cultural centers. Connect with fellow art enthusiasts to discover renowned galleries and art museums. Enjoy stops between art venues for an array of delicious foods including Chicago-style deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, treats, and drinks.
Tour Registration is now open, so make your reservation and get ready to immerse yourself in the art, cuisine, and soul of The Windy City!
Join me this fall for a memorable experience in Chicago. The SFAN art-filled walking tours are your passport to explore one of the world’s most vibrant cultural centers. Connect with fellow art enthusiasts to discover renowned galleries and art museums. Enjoy stops between art venues for an array of delicious foods including Chicago-style deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, treats, and drinks.
Tour Registration is now open, so make your reservation and get ready to immerse yourself in the art, cuisine, and soul of The Windy City!
RESERVE YOUR TOURS HERE
Cancellations may be made on or before July 31st to receive a full refund.
Cancellations made on August 1st or later are non-refundable.
Cancellations may be made on or before July 31st to receive a full refund.
Cancellations made on August 1st or later are non-refundable.
Join me in Chicago for the SFAN "ART & FOOD TOURS"
in September 2025
Chicago has been voted the "Best Big City in the U.S."
by readers of Condé Nast Traveler for the eighth consecutive year,
Chicago is a city of world-class museums, amazing art galleries, historical monuments,
diverse architecture, inviting parks, great music, fabulous food, and friendly people.
in September 2025
Chicago has been voted the "Best Big City in the U.S."
by readers of Condé Nast Traveler for the eighth consecutive year,
Chicago is a city of world-class museums, amazing art galleries, historical monuments,
diverse architecture, inviting parks, great music, fabulous food, and friendly people.
"Stephen is so knowledgeable and led us to so many great galleries that we would not have otherwise had access to.
Our group was just the right size. Highly recommended!"
- Lori Franz, Sacramento, CA
Our group was just the right size. Highly recommended!"
- Lori Franz, Sacramento, CA
SFAN is offering VIP art and food walking tours through unique neighborhoods in the vibrant heart of Chicago, where every street buzzes with artistic energy. Experience cutting-edge contemporary art and partake of delicious local food & drinks! Each tour includes a sit-down lunch with a dish of your choice and a beverage of your choice.
Tours feature a private showing at the Art Institute of Chicago Print & Drawing study room, visits to the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art, the Chicago Cultural Center, the Chicago Architecture Center, and major Chicago public art pieces, along with a Chicago River Architecture Cruise.
★ Monday, September 8th, 2025
Chicago Art & Architecture: Chicago is the History of Architecture
click here for details
★ Tuesday, September 9th, 2025
River North Contemporary Art: The Pulse of the Chicago Art Scene
click here for details
★ Wednesday, September 10th, 2025
The Loop Design & Public Art: The Icons of the Windy City
click here for details
★ Thursday, September 11th, 2025
West Town Art Galleries: The Up & Coming Chicago Arts District
click here for details
BONUS TOUR
★ Friday, September 18th, 2025
3rd Friday Art Walk: Visit Artists in the Workspaces
click here for details
You may stay in the areas and visit local shops, restaurants, or bars after each tour.
Chicago Art & Architecture: Chicago is the History of Architecture
click here for details
★ Tuesday, September 9th, 2025
River North Contemporary Art: The Pulse of the Chicago Art Scene
click here for details
★ Wednesday, September 10th, 2025
The Loop Design & Public Art: The Icons of the Windy City
click here for details
★ Thursday, September 11th, 2025
West Town Art Galleries: The Up & Coming Chicago Arts District
click here for details
BONUS TOUR
★ Friday, September 18th, 2025
3rd Friday Art Walk: Visit Artists in the Workspaces
click here for details
You may stay in the areas and visit local shops, restaurants, or bars after each tour.
Cancellations may be made on or before July 31st to receive a full refund.
Cancellations made on August 1st or later are non-refundable.
Cancellations made on August 1st or later are non-refundable.
Chicago’s art scene is not just a collection of institutions and exhibits, it’s a living, breathing force that reflects the city’s history, resilience, and boundless creativity. Whether you’re exploring a world-class museum, stepping into a small experimental gallery, or simply walking through its vibrant streets, Chicago offers an art experience that is both intellectually enriching and emotionally stirring.
The Chicago art scene is a dynamic fusion of history, innovation, and diverse cultural expression, making it one of the most compelling artistic hubs in the world. From grand, world-renowned museums to cutting-edge contemporary galleries, the city pulses with creative energy, offering an experience that is both deeply rooted in tradition and fearlessly forward-thinking.
"Overall, Stephen provided a very efficient and informative art tour,
with multiple tasty lunch experiences for me accompanying my wife on this tour.
I would rate him and the tour as a 10 out of 10, well worth the money my wife and I paid to participate."
- Charles Franz, Sacramento, CA
with multiple tasty lunch experiences for me accompanying my wife on this tour.
I would rate him and the tour as a 10 out of 10, well worth the money my wife and I paid to participate."
- Charles Franz, Sacramento, CA
Chicago’s food scene is a rich tapestry of tradition, innovation, and bold flavors, a true reflection of the city’s diverse cultural heritage and relentless culinary creativity. From world-renowned fine dining establishments to beloved neighborhood joints, Chicago is a city that takes its food seriously, with every meal telling a story of history, passion, and craftsmanship.
Whether indulging in a decadent slice of Chicago-style deep-dish, savoring a perfectly assembled Chicago-style hot dog, or exploring the city’s ever-evolving gastronomic landscape, eating in Chicago is more than just a meal, it’s a celebration of flavor, culture, and community!
"it was a wonderful experience, something I would never be able to appreciate or do with only my wife
or for sure by myself at any art gallery. Stephen, had preplanned and knew where every gallery was located,
meaning that we never wasted our time looking for the galleries."
- Charles Franz, Sacramento, CA
or for sure by myself at any art gallery. Stephen, had preplanned and knew where every gallery was located,
meaning that we never wasted our time looking for the galleries."
- Charles Franz, Sacramento, CA
Stephen C. Wagner is a passionate and insightful art educator and gallery tour guide whose deep knowledge, engaging storytelling, and infectious enthusiasm bring the world of art to life. With years of experience navigating the intricate landscapes of contemporary and modern art, Wagner possesses a rare ability to bridge the gap between artistic expression and audience understanding, making art accessible, thought-provoking, and deeply resonant.
With a gift for storytelling, a vast reservoir of knowledge, and an ability to inspire even the most casual observer, Stephen C. Wagner is more than an art educator, he is a guide to the boundless world of creativity, ensuring that every encounter with art is meaningful and unforgettable. Whether navigating the sophisticated galleries of River North, the cutting-edge exhibitions of West Town, or the community-driven spaces of Bridgeport, he tailors each experience to the unique interests and perspectives of his audience. His tours are infused with fascinating anecdotes, insider insights, and an unwavering passion for art in all its forms.
The Chicago art scene is known for it's vibrant community, diverse talent, and a strong sense of collaboration, often described as a city that supports it's own artists and doesn't wait for New York's approval.
“Chicago is home to a rich, diverse arts ecosystem supported by local artists themselves, collectors,
arts organizations, and, through... the City of Chicago itself. Just as we are a city of neighborhoods,
we are also a city of multiple arts districts where your niche can feel at home."
- Dana Todd Pope, co-founder of Chicago Women’s Live Artist Studio
“Chicago is home to a rich, diverse arts ecosystem supported by local artists themselves, collectors,
arts organizations, and, through... the City of Chicago itself. Just as we are a city of neighborhoods,
we are also a city of multiple arts districts where your niche can feel at home."
- Dana Todd Pope, co-founder of Chicago Women’s Live Artist Studio
Included in this tour is a walk past architectural icons, a visit to Art Institute of Chicago,
the Chicago Architecture Center, and the Chicago River bridgehouse, the Riverwalk, and
the River Architecture Cruise (voted #1 boat tour in the U.S. by USA Today) & outdoor lunch on the Riverwalk.
click here for more details
the Chicago Architecture Center, and the Chicago River bridgehouse, the Riverwalk, and
the River Architecture Cruise (voted #1 boat tour in the U.S. by USA Today) & outdoor lunch on the Riverwalk.
click here for more details
Included in this tour is a visit to the many quality art galleries in the River North Gallery District,
a stop at the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art, and a delcious lunch of Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza.
click here for more details
a stop at the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art, and a delcious lunch of Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza.
click here for more details
This tour includes a private showing at the Art Institute of Chicago Print & Drawing study room,
art & design museums, major outdoor public art, urban street art, & a Chicago-style hot dog lunch.
click here for more details
art & design museums, major outdoor public art, urban street art, & a Chicago-style hot dog lunch.
click here for more details
Included in this tour is a visit to the a large variety of art galleries from low-brow to high-end
in the West Town Gallery District and a stop at a Puerto Rica restaurant for a tasty lunch.
click here for more details
in the West Town Gallery District and a stop at a Puerto Rica restaurant for a tasty lunch.
click here for more details
This evening tour includes visiting artists during open studios and art events
along 35th Street & a delicious Mexican dinner.
click here for more details
along 35th Street & a delicious Mexican dinner.
click here for more details
RESERVE YOUR TOURS HERE
Cancellations may be made on or before June 30th to receive a full refund.
Cancellations made on July 1st or later are non-refundable.
Cancellations may be made on or before June 30th to receive a full refund.
Cancellations made on July 1st or later are non-refundable.
"We had the opportunity to see a great number of galleries representing a wide variety of artists.
We loved seeing some works of art that immediately spoke to us, but also those for which
we needed a little more time, nudging, and explanation to find a connection.
We greatly appreciated Stephen’s insights into the art we saw, and his enthusiasm and love for the city.
We look forward to taking other tours with him in the future!”
- Michael Browne, San Diego, CA
We loved seeing some works of art that immediately spoke to us, but also those for which
we needed a little more time, nudging, and explanation to find a connection.
We greatly appreciated Stephen’s insights into the art we saw, and his enthusiasm and love for the city.
We look forward to taking other tours with him in the future!”
- Michael Browne, San Diego, CA
Chicago offers a variety of affordable hotel options
in the Loop, River North, and West Loop neighborhoods:
Central Loop Hotel
Located in the heart of the Loop, this hotel provides comfortable accommodations with amenities like free Wi-Fi and a fitness center. Its central location offers easy access to Chicago's major attractions.
Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop
This 4-star hotel in the Loop provides free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a 24-hour fitness center. Its central location offers easy access to attractions like Willis Tower and Millennium Park.
The Chicago Hotel Collection River North
This retro-style hotel in River North features comfortable rooms with mid-century furnishings. Designed for socializing, it offers a welcoming coffee shop and a speakeasy-style bar in the basement.
Freehand Chicago
Located in River North, this boutique hotel offers a mix of private and shared rooms with a vintage and tropical aesthetic. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar, the Broken Shaker, and are within walking distance of numerous dining options.
Holiday Inn Express
Located in River North, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a business center. It's close to Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Riverwalk, making it convenient for shopping and sightseeing.
Best Western River North Hotel
This hotel in River North offers comfortable rooms and amenities like free Wi-Fi and a fitness center. Its location provides easy access to popular attractions and dining options.
Holiday Inn Express
Located in River North, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a business center. It's close to Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Riverwalk, making it convenient for shopping and sightseeing.
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop
Situated in the West Loop, this hotel features comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and on-site dining options. Its location is ideal for exploring the vibrant dining scene of the West Loop neighborhood.
Located in the heart of the Loop, this hotel provides comfortable accommodations with amenities like free Wi-Fi and a fitness center. Its central location offers easy access to Chicago's major attractions.
Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop
This 4-star hotel in the Loop provides free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a 24-hour fitness center. Its central location offers easy access to attractions like Willis Tower and Millennium Park.
The Chicago Hotel Collection River North
This retro-style hotel in River North features comfortable rooms with mid-century furnishings. Designed for socializing, it offers a welcoming coffee shop and a speakeasy-style bar in the basement.
Freehand Chicago
Located in River North, this boutique hotel offers a mix of private and shared rooms with a vintage and tropical aesthetic. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar, the Broken Shaker, and are within walking distance of numerous dining options.
Holiday Inn Express
Located in River North, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a business center. It's close to Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Riverwalk, making it convenient for shopping and sightseeing.
Best Western River North Hotel
This hotel in River North offers comfortable rooms and amenities like free Wi-Fi and a fitness center. Its location provides easy access to popular attractions and dining options.
Holiday Inn Express
Located in River North, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a business center. It's close to Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Riverwalk, making it convenient for shopping and sightseeing.
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop
Situated in the West Loop, this hotel features comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and on-site dining options. Its location is ideal for exploring the vibrant dining scene of the West Loop neighborhood.
The Chicago theatre scene is a dynamic and diverse cultural hub known for its bold creativity and rich history. Home to legendary institutions like The Second City, the Goodman Theatre, and the Steppenwolf Theatre, it offers everything from groundbreaking new works to classic revivals. With hundreds of storefront theatres, experimental companies, and comedy clubs spread across the city, Chicago fosters a vibrant, grassroots spirit that continues to shape American theatre.
The League of Chicago Theatres website listing of over 200 Chicago theatres
https://chicagoplays.com/member-theatres/
HotTix discount theatre tickets
https://hottix.org
Second City world-famous comedy club
https://www.secondcity.com/chicago
The Goodman Theatre award-winning theatre company
https://www.goodmantheatre.org
Steppenwolf Theatre award-winning theatre company
https://www.steppenwolf.org
https://chicagoplays.com/member-theatres/
HotTix discount theatre tickets
https://hottix.org
Second City world-famous comedy club
https://www.secondcity.com/chicago
The Goodman Theatre award-winning theatre company
https://www.goodmantheatre.org
Steppenwolf Theatre award-winning theatre company
https://www.steppenwolf.org
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Private tours can also be arranged for groups of 4 to 10 persons tailored to your desires. - click here to email us with your inquiry - |
The Windy City / The City of Big Shoulders / The City that Works