Private Tours

Walking tours cover half a mile to 1.5 miles at a leisurely pace, with plenty of stops for photos and storytelling. Look for specific mileage under each tour description.

Yes! We offer gift cards for our walking tours, which make a great present for movie lovers or anyone looking to explore Chicago.

We cover a range of films and TV series shot in Chicago, including The Dark Knight, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Untouchables, and many more. We also explore lesser-known movies and cinematic connections to the city. For specifics, look for the "Movies/TV Highlighted" section under individual tour descriptions.

Book quickly with the buttons on our navigation bar. Or browse all walking tours here.

Our tours are designed to be enjoyable for all ages. However, some content may be more suitable for older children and adults. For example, our Wizard of Oz walking tour explores the children's story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but some content may not be appropriate for guests under age 13.

Absolutely! We offer private versions of all our walking tours, provided properties and dates are available. We also offer bespoke tours that allow you to customize the schedule and even focus on specific movies or locations. Please contact us at least 2 weeks prior to your preferred tour date for a bespoke tour. Read more about our Private Tours.

Yes, we offer virtual tours, many free. Learn more about them here.

Our tours run rain, shine—or snow (it is Chicago after all)! In the case of extreme weather, we’ll contact you to discuss rescheduling or other options.

We strive to make our tours as accessible as possible. However, some locations we visit are in or around historic buildings that may not have fully accessible pathways. Please contact us in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs, or look under Tour Specifics > Accessibility under individual tour descriptions for the latest information about accessibility.

While tipping is never expected, it’s always appreciated! If you enjoyed the tour and feel your guide provided a memorable experience, feel free to tip as a gesture of thanks. Our guide invests significant time in researching and delivering high-quality tours to ensure you have a unique and insightful experience. Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation!

Most of our public and private walking tours are capped at approximately 8 guests. We keep our groups small to ensure everyone can easily see the multimedia content we share on a large iPad. Smaller groups also encourage participation and create a sense of community during the tour! If you have a larger group, we're happy to split it into smaller ones to accommodate your needs. Exception: Provided the property and staffing are available, our tour Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison may accommodate up to 25 people or more.

Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is not included in The Art of Ferris Bueller ticket price for three reasons: Direct Admission Pricing: The Art Institute of Chicago sets its own admission prices that can vary depending on factors such as special exhibitions and events. By keeping admission separate, we ensure you pay the most current rate directly to the museum, allowing for flexibility based on your visit. Membership Discounts: Many of our tour guests may have museum memberships or reciprocal admission privileges that provide discounts or free entry. By separating our tour fee from museum admission, we respect those benefits and allow our guests to take advantage of their memberships. Planning Flexibility: This approach allows you to plan your visit according to your preferences. You can arrive early, explore the museum at your own pace before the tour starts, or extend your visit afterward to enjoy additional exhibits.

Yes! We encourage you to take photos and capture your favorite movie locations along the way. However, video and audio recording any of our tours is prohibited. ​

Our walking tours last between 75 minutes and 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore iconic Chicago film locations and hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories.

Yes, most of our public walking tours require a minimum of 4 participants. If the minimum isn’t met, we’ll notify you in advance to reschedule or offer a refund. Get more specifics on our low attendance policy in Tour Terms and Conditions.

You may cancel or amend your reservation 48 hours or more before the tour departs. Cancellations received within 48 hours of tour departure—along with late arrivals and no-shows after a tour departs—are not eligible for refunds. Read more about cancelling or changing reservations on Tour Terms and Conditions.

Private tours are intended for parties of 8 people or fewer. These options work nicely for families and small social groups. Exception: Provided the property and staffing are available, our tour Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison may accommodate up to 25 people or more.

Absolutely! All private (and customized or bespoke) Chicago movie tours include a knowledgeable guide who accompanies your group throughout the experience. In the case of our movie-themed walking tours in Chicago, your guide is Kelli, a seasoned expert with a teaching background and a Ph.D. focused on film studies. Kelli's extensive academic background and passion for cinema ensure that you'll receive in-depth insights into the movies filmed in Chicago, their historical context, and the behind-the-scenes stories that bring them to life.

The main difference between a private tour (of our existing walking tours) and a private bespoke tour is the level of customization. Private tours of our existing walking tours follow a set route and itinerary. These tours are ideal for travelers who prefer the convenience of a curated experience without the need for extensive customization. Private tours offer the exclusivity of a private group while still exploring popular attractions or themes. Customized or bespoke tours allow travelers to design a unique itinerary from scratch. A private bespoke tour is a fully customized and tailor-made experience crafted according to your specific interests, preferences, and requirements. Private bespoke tours are ideal for travelers seeking a truly one-of-a-kind and immersive experience tailored precisely to their interests and preferences! Please contact us at least 2 weeks prior to your preferred tour date for a bespoke tour.

While tipping is never expected, it’s always appreciated! If you enjoyed the tour and feel your guide provided a memorable experience, feel free to tip as a gesture of thanks. Our guide invests significant time in researching and delivering high-quality tours to ensure you have a unique and insightful experience. Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation!

Book your private or custom walking tour by browsing scheduled private tours via the "Book Online Now" button. Or you may contact Kelli or complete this form.

We strive to make our private tours as accessible as possible. However, some locations we visit are in or around historic buildings that may not have fully accessible pathways. Please contact us in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs, or look under Tour Specifics > Accessibility under individual tour descriptions for the latest information about accessibility.

No, we only offer walking tours at this time.

Private tour pricing starts at $399.

Yes! All of Chicago Movie Tours' walking tours are available for private tours, provided properties and dates are available. Looking for a customized tour? Read about those below.

Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is not included in The Art of Ferris Bueller ticket price for three reasons: Direct Admission Pricing: The Art Institute of Chicago sets its own admission prices that can vary depending on factors such as special exhibitions and events. By keeping admission separate, we ensure you pay the most current rate directly to the museum, allowing for flexibility based on your visit. Membership Discounts: Many of our tour guests may have museum memberships or reciprocal admission privileges that provide discounts or free entry. By separating our tour fee from museum admission, we respect those benefits and allow our guests to take advantage of their memberships. Planning Flexibility: This approach allows you to plan your visit according to your preferences. You can arrive early, explore the museum at your own pace before the tour starts, or extend your visit afterward to enjoy additional exhibits.

We offer a range of in-person and online programs, with most talks centered on Chicago’s rich film history. We also provide general programs on topics like the representation of gender in Hollywood, film noir, and classic Christmas movies. Each program is designed to be engaging, educational, and visually immersive.

Yes! You may watch video teasers on YouTube to get a feel for how the programs run and look.

For in-person programs, I create and project all content using my MacBook Pro, with video footage and other media embedded in Apple programs. A projector, large screen, and audio equipment are required at the venue. I will bring my laptop and adapters to ensure compatibility with your setup. If your venue doesn’t have the necessary equipment, we can work together to find a solution.

All programs start at $300, but we offer generous discounts for multiple bookings and partnerships. Multiple Talks Discount Save when you book multiple programs! Enjoy tiered discounts that reward your commitment to learning about film and history: Book 2 programs: $255/each Book 3 programs: $240/each Book 4+ programs: $225/each Partner Discount Collaborate with another organization and see how much you save when partnering for the presentation of a single program: 2 partners: $175/organization 3 partners: $125/organization 4+ partners: $100/organization NOTE: For in-person programs, price is based on mileage and travel time.

Yes! We’re happy to tailor programs to meet the specific interests of your group. Whether you’re interested in Chicago’s film legacy, classic Hollywood themes, or a specific movie genre, we can customize the content. Contact us to discuss customization options.

You can book by reaching out to us through our Request a Talk form. We’ll work with you to schedule the program and discuss any specific requests you might have.

Most of our programs last 1 hour, depending on the content and audience engagement. Longer programs, film series, and deep dives into specific topics are also available upon request.

Our programs are perfect for a wide range of audiences, including libraries, schools, nonprofits, corporate groups, and film enthusiasts. Whether you’re hosting an educational event, a community program, or an employee gathering, we can tailor the content to fit your needs.

Yes, our programs are designed to be engaging and interactive. Participants often ask questions and discuss the movies and locations with the presenter. Additionally, some programs include polls and trivia.

Many of our programs include high-definition video footage of Chicago movie locations, placing viewers right where the filming happened. Whether in-person or online, this footage enhances the experience by visually transporting participants to the iconic sites from their favorite films.

Yes, to secure your spot and receive important tour information via email, members need to register for all walking tours.

Members in the Sweet Home Chicago plan receive 2 free walking tour coupons at the end of their monthly plan cycle: one for the member, one for a friend.

Yes, absolutely! Head over to Private Tours and tell us more about which in-person walking tour you're interested in booking for yourself or your group. At this time, members do not receive discounts on private walking tours.

Most of our walking tours take place on weekends, but a few may be offered during the week. Check out the Chicago Movie Club calendar to see which walking tour dates best fit your schedule.

Yes! Live virtual events will be recorded and available to all members.

Mini courses last 10-45 minutes. They may be live or prerecorded. Online courses, when offered, may run from 1+ hour to several weeks. They may be live, prerecorded, or a mixture of both.

At present, our virtual events take place on Tuesdays, beginning at 7:00 PM (CT). Our series "9:40 on Fridays" takes place at, well, 9:40 AM (CT) on Fridays.

Yes, members need to register for virtual events if the event takes place on Zoom or YouTube. Most members-only events happen within the private Chicago Movie Club Facebook group.

Most members-only events happen within the private Chicago Movie Club Facebook group. Most public events happen on Chicago Movie Tours' Facebook page.

We offer 1-2 free virtual events per month. All members will have access to the replay.

Chicago Movie Club members may attend all virtual events free. They may also access on-demand replays of all virtual events. We offer 1-2 free virtual events to the public per month. All members will have access to the replay.

Watch replays in Chicago Movie Club Facebook group or the Virtual Replays section of our website. Reminder: you must be signed in to watch on Chicago Movie Tours' website.

Click Log In on our navigation bar to access the screen like the one below. Log in with your email, or use your social media info.

You may reset your password by clicking on the Forgot password? link at the bottom of the Members Area login screen.

If you have technical problems, please email info@chicagomovietours.com or text 312-685-1190.

You may access Chicago Movie Club on a free mobile app called Spaces: Download Spaces for iPhone Download Spaces for Android

Within the app, you may choose to receive notifications to be alerted of new activity: Click the 3 dots in the upper right-hand corner of the app. Click Manage Notifications, and adjust accordingly.

Follow these steps to set up your mobile app: Open Spaces. Tap the More Actions icon at the top right of your site list. Tap Join with invite code. Enter or paste GOH1FH under Got an Invite Code? Tap Join. Sign in to the mobile app via Google, Facebook, Apple, or your email address. Note: The mobile app is currently supported on Google Chrome and Safari.

Currently, it is not possible to upgrade from one plan to another. However, you may cancel your existing plan and then subscribe to a new plan.

Welcome aboard! Now that you're officially a member, Check out the Chicago Movie Club calendar. Register for the next virtual tour, program, or mini course. Try your hand at this week's One-Shot Wednesday. Sign up for a walking tour. Download the free mobile app: Spaces for iPhone or Spaces for Android.

To purchase plans and use their benefits, yes, you must create an account. At checkout, you'll be asked to create a secure account with Chicago Movie Tours. You may do this via an email address or your Google or Facebook account. Through your new account with Chicago Movie Tours, you will receive all discounts and goodies for which you signed up! Also, should you choose to use our mobile app for iPhone or for Android, your account will notify you of new posts, events, Bonus Features, etc.

After you sign up for a plan, you will receive an email with instructions to join the private Chicago Movie Club Facebook group.

It sure is! And it includes a free mobile app called Spaces that you can download here: Download Spaces: iPhone Download Spaces: Android

No, they are not.

Currently, it is not possible to pause and unpause (or resume) a membership plan. You may cancel your existing plan and then resubscribe when you are ready.

Send an email to info@chicagomovietours.com, and we'll respond within 24 hours!

Head over to our Chicago Movie Club membership page, and pick a plan (or a Chicago movie reference) that's right for you!

Once paid, membership fees cannot be refunded. But you may cancel a membership plan at any time.

Chicago Movie Tours is unlike any other Chicago-area tour company in its content, expertise, and mission to help you discover Chicago through film. With that in mind, here are a few reasons you should join our club: You will discover something new about Chicago and film, guaranteed. Yes, guaranteed. You can tour Chicago from anywhere with our virtual tours, all filmed in HD. You will learn from a tour guide with 20+ years of experience teaching and researching the movies. You will save money. The Chicago Way and Sweet Home Chicago members receive monthly coupons for free walking tours. You can engage with a community of like-minded movie fans through the Chicago Movie Club.

All membership subscriptions automatically renew monthly. Your plan's renewal date is defined by the date you purchased the plan.

Your account on Chicago Movie Tours is private. In the members section, you may manage your profile, update your personal details, and set notifications. Nobody else, including other site members, can see each other's private pages.

You may cancel your subscription through your personal My Memberships page: Log in to our site via the navigation bar above. Click your member profile. Click My Memberships in the drop-down menu. Click the More Actions arrow next to your plan. Click Cancel Subscription. Click Yes, Cancel to confirm.

Yes, since 95% of our members and followers have Facebook accounts, it makes the most sense to livestream there.

Become a Chicago Movie Club member! At only $10/month, our Home Alone plan gets you exclusive access to all things virtual: Weekly virtual tours and events On-demand replays Access to members-only Facebook Group* Voting rights on upcoming video topics Access to One-Shot Wednesday archive Free mobile app Already a member? Visit the Chicago Movie Club Facebook group Fridays at 9:40 AM (CT), and click play on the live video. Simple as that!

We are technically starting on the hour (10:00 AM) since, as Carl from The Breakfast Club points out, "that clock is 20 minutes fast." Plus, saying "9:40 on Friday" is more fun. 😀

After you sign up as a member, you will receive an email with instructions to join the private Chicago Movie Club Facebook group.

Yes, replays are available to all members.

On the event page, click Register. Above the registration section, you'll see a box like this: If you are not already logged in, click "Log In" next to the "Get a membership" button. When you are logged in, a checkmark will be present next to your plan in the box. In the registration section under Quantity, add +1, and checkout. The price should zero out if you are logged in. That's it! Your membership discount is applied! NOTE: Walking tour discounts currently apply to The Chicago Way members only.

Online courses with Chicago Movie Tours may vary in length and, thus, in price. For example, a 3-week course will cost less than a 5-week course. Check the Enroll Now section for the cost of this specific course.

Find the login bar at either in the header or footer of Chicago Movie Tours, and sign in. You may log in through email or your Google or Facebook account.

Yes, in order to access the course content, you will need an account. At checkout, you'll be asked to create an account with Chicago Movie Tours. You may do this through email or your Google or Facebook account.

It's okay! You will have access to the recorded live sessions to watch at your leisure.

Yes, live class sessions will be recorded.

Live online course sessions require a stable internet connection, access to Zoom, a PDF reader, and a web browser like Chrome or Safari.

Yes, live sessions for this course meet Sundays from roughly 4-4:45 PM (CT).

Yes. This course needs at least 10 students to make. In the event we must cancel because of low enrollment, we will notify you via email and then refund you in full.

If you have technical problems, please email info@chicagomovietours.com or text 312-685-1190. NOTE: if an online session has begun, we will likely not be able to respond to your issue. If possible, log in a bit early to avoid any technical problems. Thank you!

When new content is posted, members automatically receive an email or a notification (if you have notifications set up).

When cancelling a registration for a course 5 days or more before the course start date, a full refund will be issued in the same form of payment the registration was received. No refunds are granted less than 5 days before the course start date. Request for cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@chicagomovietours.com. Chicago Movie Tours reserves the right to cancel or postpone any course due to unforeseen circumstances. In the unlikely event that we must cancel or postpone this course, your registration fee will be fully refunded.

It sure is! And it includes a free mobile app called Spaces that you can download here: Download Spaces: iPhone Download Spaces: Android

Yes! Get to know our services and content with a 7-day free trial of our Home Alone plan. When your free trial is over, your first billing period begins. You may cancel the Home Alone plan at any time. If you cancel during the trial period, you can continue to enjoy plan benefits until the free trial ends.

To name a few: engaging slideshows, downloadable PDFs, polls, discussion boards, whiteboards, and interactive chat rooms.

Course materials will be accessible through the member account you create with Chicago Movie Tours. NOTE: After you enroll in the course, you will receive an email with instructions for accessing your account and other class information. Keep an eye on your inbox!

Easy! Scroll down the page to the Enroll Now section, and click Enroll. At checkout, you'll be asked to create an account with Chicago Movie Tours. You may do this through email or your Google or Facebook account.

Roughly 45 minutes/week.