top of page

Search Results

298 results found with an empty search

  • Chicago Movie Tours | Guided Expert-Led Walking Tours on Chicago and Film

    Chicago Movie Tours offers guided walking tours and virtual tours that inspire locals and visitors to discover Chicago through film (and sometimes TV). Led by a Ph.D. with 20 years of experience, our public and private tours will always teach you something new about Chicago and movies, guaranteed. (Yep, guaranteed!) From Fairground to Film Set: Midway, Movies, and 1893 World's Fair Take This Tour Chicago Film. Expert Insight. Hi, I'm KELLI , a Ph.D. and the founder of Chicago Movie Tours. After years of teaching film, I launched Chicago Movie Tours to bring my expertise beyond the classroom and into the city streets. Drawing on my background as an educator and Ph.D., I lead tours and talks that reveal how Chicago’s onscreen locations connect to its rich culture and history. Whether you're a local or a visitor, with me, you'll always discover something new about the city—and its ties to film! Guest Reviews Tommy From Fairground to Film Set average rating is 5 out of 5 As knowledgeable as I thought I was about movies (especially those with Chicago connections), I learned so much more from my recent Chicago Movie Tours event with host Kelli. Even with things I kind of knew before, I was able to look at them in a new light. Engaging, detailed presentations and an eagerness to answer questions made this a top-notch experience. Highly recommended. Robert Bender Wizard of Oz in Chicago average rating is 5 out of 5 The tour is a fantastic dive into the production of The Wizard Of Oz and the toll the cocaine movement took on famous early twentieth-century Hollywood film stars. For those who like the dark details, the tour dispels many myths and discloses secrets hidden behind the studio's production of The Wizard Of Oz, and it exposes the dark backdrop that makes the movie such a vivid Technicolor success to audiences. Cristen Art of Ferris Bueller average rating is 5 out of 5 I did one of the Ferris Bueller's Day Off tours and found it an absolute delight. Clearly a lot of research has been put into crafting this tour; despite claiming not to be an art expert, she did a very credible job of relating the history of the paintings and how their use in the film helps to further character development. Though the tour touches on everything from Chicago history to fine art to film, the delivery is fun and enjoyable, with something for everyone. It's the best type of tour where you learn a lot, but you don't FEEL like you're learning. Note that there IS a lot of standing/walking and you move through the museum fast. However, she was extremely conscientious about the needs of her guests and was constantly checking not just on our comfort, but also to make sure that she moved her group through the museum without blocking/annoying any other patrons. I had a great time and will be back to check out her other tours! In the News

  • Miracle on 34th Street | Movies Filmed in Chicago | One-Shot Wednesdays

    Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Miracle on 34th Street Miracle on 34th Street (1994) is a Christmas movie co-written by John Hughes. It is about a young girl who, with the help of a man claiming to be Santa Claus, restores belief in the magic of Christmas for a skeptical lawyer and others in New York City. Today's #OneShotWed shows the exterior of Chicago's James R. Thompson Center, purchased by Google in 2023. In the movie, the building functions as Shoppers' Express, a toy store. While John Hughes did not direct Miracle on 34th Street , he was influential on the look and lighting, American Cinematographer reports: "Hughes wanted to be able to turn the color off of his TV and have the film look like the original — have it look like a 1940s black-and-white movie.” Have you watched this version in black and white? Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

  • The Beast | Movies Filmed in Chicago | One-Shot Wednesdays

    Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. The Beast The Beast is an A&E crime drama series starring Patrick Swayze and Travis Fimmel. The series, which ran for only one season, featured Swayze's final acting performance before his death in 2009. Much of the pilot takes place in and around Chicago, including this shot on Lake Michigan with the skyline in the distance. Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

  • Film Noir: Hollywood's Darkest Timeline | Talks and Programs | Chicago Movie Tours

    Get an overview of Hollywood’s darkest timeline: film noir Film Noir: Hollywood's Darkest Timeline Get an overview of Hollywood’s darkest timeline: film noir All Talks About Uncover the gritty plots, seedy characters, and dangerous cities—counting Chicago!—that make up American film noir. Featuring major studio releases like The Maltese Falcon and Double Indemnity as well as B-movie fare like Detour , this program gives participants a solid overview of film noir: its French origins, cultural influences, genre problems, character types, and aesthetics. Request Talk

  • Inside Gene Kelly's House | Chicago Movie Tours

    Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT From Ferris to the Frontlines: Chicago's Art Institute and Grant Park in the Movies / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA From Ferris Bueller to political drama, see the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park through the lens of film Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Chicago and The Wizard of Oz / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Discover Chicago's connections to 'The Wizard of Oz' Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Behind the Scenes: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation / Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Register Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Yule love it! Unwrap the holiday magic and dive into the world of the Griswold family Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Women and Early Cinema in Chicago: Untold Stories Behind the Silent Screen / Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Register Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! Inside Gene Kelly's House Visit one of Hollywood's best song-and-dance man with a tour to his homes Learn More View All Talks

  • Chicago and The Wizard of Oz | Talks and Programs | Chicago Movie Tours

    Discover Chicago's connections to the classic children's story Chicago and The Wizard of Oz Discover Chicago's connections to the classic children's story All Talks About Although set in Kansas, The Wizard of Oz has Chicago connections. In this hour-long, interactive movie talk with Kelli , you'll experience those links through expert commentary, vintage media, and HD video of locations tied to this classic tale. First, you'll wander through a Chicago-area park that pays tribute to the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Dorothy, and Toto. Then, you’ll follow Chicago's yellow brick road to the spot where author L. Frank Baum penned his children's book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz . Finally, you'll meander through a lovely cemetery in Bloomington, Illinois, for more Oz stories. Join Chicago Movie Tours for this talk, and discover the city's many connections to The Wizard of Oz ! Request Talk

  • Beyond the Blues Brothers | Chicago Movie Tours

    Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT From Ferris to the Frontlines: Chicago's Art Institute and Grant Park in the Movies / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA From Ferris Bueller to political drama, see the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park through the lens of film Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Chicago and The Wizard of Oz / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Discover Chicago's connections to 'The Wizard of Oz' Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Behind the Scenes: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation / Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Register Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Yule love it! Unwrap the holiday magic and dive into the world of the Griswold family Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Women and Early Cinema in Chicago: Untold Stories Behind the Silent Screen / Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Register Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! Beyond the Blues Brothers Celebrate the 1980 Chicago-based movie in all its iterations Learn More View All Talks

  • From Fairground to Film Set: Chicago's Midway, Movies, and the 1893 World's Fair | Walking Tours

    On this leisurely walking tour led by a Ph.D. in film, explore the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the Midway's 130-year history with movies From Fairground to Film Set: Chicago's Midway, Movies, and the 1893 World's Fair On this leisurely walking tour led by a Ph.D. in film, explore the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the Midway's 130-year history with movies Read Reviews Book Public Tour Book Private Tour About 90 min 0.5 mi. 8 guests $39.99 On this leisurely walking tour led by a Ph.D. in film, explore the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the Midway's 130-year history with movies Journey back in time From Fairground to Film Set as you discover Chicago's movie history in an entirely new way! Step into the heart of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair as you explore the Midway Plaisance and its fascinating history. As you walk the Midway, you'll retrace the footsteps of millions who experienced a groundbreaking fusion of entertainment, culture, and technological advancement over a century ago! Your itinerary on this 90-minute guided walking tour includes 5 must-see stops on the Midway and the University of Chicago's campus, each brimming with historic—and cinematic—significance. Along the tree-lined route (0.5 mi.), your tour guide , a knowledgeable Ph.D., will relay little-known stories about the first cinema screenings, the first female action star, and a murderous cinematographer—yes, you read that right! As with all of our guided movie tours, your experience on From Fairground to Film Set: Chicago's Midway, Movies, and the 1893 World's Fair will be enhanced with a variety of media: film clips, photos, screenshots, and vintage movie fan magazines. Also, exclusive to this tour, you'll experience firsthand how a 19th-century moving picture device enthralled early audiences. So, whether you're a seasoned cinephile or simply seeking an unforgettable stroll through Chicago's cinematic past, don't miss your chance to join us for From Fairground to Film Set: Chicago's Midway, Movies, and the 1893 World's Fair ! Note : This limited Chicago movie tour is available on Sunday mornings to give you the most accurate and unobstructed view of the Midway's monumental sculpture Fountain of Time . Movies/TV Highlighted Loki (2021– ) Nope (2022) South Side (2019-2022) Flatliners (1990) The Package (1989) Sunset Boulevard (1950) Chicago the Beautiful (1948) Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) Sue (1915) The Hazards of Helen (1914-1917) The Horse in Motion (1880) Public Tour Dates Sunday Aug 24, 2025 3:30 PM Buy Tickets Sunday Sep 21, 2025 3:30 PM Buy Tickets Show More Dates Private Tours Book this tour as a private or group tour! The private tour price listed below is a flat fee for up to 8 guests. If you have more than 8 in your party, please contact us so we can accommodate you. NOTE: This movie tour works best on weekend mornings to give you the most accurate and unobstructed view of the Midway's monumental sculpture Fountain of Time . Book Private $399 Tour Specifics Start/End Points The tour starts at 6016 S. Ingleside Ave, Chicago, IL. Please arrive about 10 min. before the tour begins. The tour ends at 6000 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Waivers Guests must initial a digital general waiver of liability with Chicago Movie Tours when they book. Guardians must sign waivers for children under the age of 18. Low Attendance To ensure we can provide a fun, engaging, and economically feasible public tour, we typically need a minimum of 4 guests. Head over to Tour Terms and Conditions for more on this policy, including reasons behind it and your refund options if, in the rare instance, a tour is cancelled due to low attendance. Parking/Transportation If available, free parking spots run along the Midway, Best Drive, and Payne Drive. For public transit: the Green Line runs from Chicago's Loop to S. Cottage Grove. Our starting point is about a 10-minute walk from the Cottage Grove 'L' station. Accessibility All 5 locations we visit have sidewalks, crosswalks, and ramps. The road we cross to visit Fountain of Time does not have a crosswalk designated for pedestrians. What to Bring Please wear weather-appropriate clothing. This tour runs in mild rain or shine. NOTE: Sheltering options are limited on this all-outdoor tour, so if the weather is too bad, we will reschedule. Restrooms A Jewel-Osco grocery store with a public restroom is near the end of our tour route. A restroom may also be available in Logan Center for the Arts, next to Midway Studios. Children Guests ages 10 and up can attend. Photography/Video No video or audio recording of the tour, but take as many pictures as you'd like! Cancellations and Refunds You may cancel or amend your reservation 48 hours or more before the tour departs. Read more Tour Terms and Conditions . What's Included 5 must-see stops on the Midway and the University of Chicago campus Expert commentary from a Ph.D. in film Small groups to enhance engagement and foster a more personalized experience Clips and vintage photos that enhance the Midway's film history Demonstration of 19th-century moving picture device Plenty of Instagram opportunities Free parking Mini (movie-themed) goodie bag! 💙 Reviews Lara Parker From Fairground to Film Set average rating is 5 out of 5 Kelli was so knowledgeable of the area and so friendly to be with and to ask her questions. This is a good tour of an area that's not well known. Will definitely take more in the future! June 3, 2025 Irene From Fairground to Film Set average rating is 5 out of 5 Kelli managed to tie 3 unique Chicago themes together in a very well researched and presented 75-minute tour. You may have never been on this select part of the U of C campus, but now you'll find yourself drawn to the outsized and outstanding Lorado Taft offerings. Kelli managed to include as many visual aids as one could handle while walking. I also appreciated the size and energy of our group. September 30, 2024 Halle From Fairground to Film Set average rating is 5 out of 5 A very smart tour! Tour guide was very informative and great communicating with people! We were a few minutes late and she communicated well with us to make sure we caught up with the group! May 6, 2024 Load More Reviews

  • Chicago Movie Houses: Hidden Histories and Lost Glamour | Chicago Movie Tours

    Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT From Ferris to the Frontlines: Chicago's Art Institute and Grant Park in the Movies / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA From Ferris Bueller to political drama, see the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park through the lens of film Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Chicago and The Wizard of Oz / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Discover Chicago's connections to 'The Wizard of Oz' Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Behind the Scenes: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation / Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Register Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Yule love it! Unwrap the holiday magic and dive into the world of the Griswold family Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Women and Early Cinema in Chicago: Untold Stories Behind the Silent Screen / Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Register Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! Chicago Movie Houses: Hidden Histories and Lost Glamour Uncover the histories of three movie theaters in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood Learn More View All Talks

  • Beneath the Big Screen: Chicago and Movies Underground | Walking Tours

    Visit 10 locations above and below street level as you discover their ties to movies Beneath the Big Screen: Chicago and Movies Underground Visit 10 locations above and below street level as you discover their ties to movies Read Reviews Book Public Tour Book Private Tour About 2 hrs 1.25 mi. 8 guests $49.99 Visit 10 locations above and below street level as you discover their ties to movies Step into the highlights of Chicago's cinema history with our guided walking tour Beneath the Big Screen: Chicago and Movies Underground . Led by a knowledgeable guide with a Ph.D. in film , this 2-hour journey takes you through—and beneath—the heart of downtown Chicago. Yes, prepare to venture underground while traversing the city's film locations! As you navigate the secret nooks of the Pedway and bustling streets of the city, expect to encounter familiar themes like gangster films and the caped crusader himself. But the true magic of Beneath the Big Screen lies in its exploration of lesser-known film subjects—like the first virtual reality movie and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of department store Santas. On the 1.25-mile route, you'll encounter landmarks like historic City Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, and Millennium Station, where the Dark Knight once roamed with his Batpod. You'll also make stops below Daley Plaza and other notable sites, each with its own fascinating ties to Chicago's longstanding film scene. Finally, as with all of our guided movie tours, your experience will be enhanced with a variety of media: videos, photographs, screenshots, soundbites, maps, and/or vintage movie fan magazines. Whether you're a seasoned film buff or just looking for a new way to explore the city, Beneath the Big Screen: Chicago and Movies Underground promises to inform, entertain, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for Chicago's cinematic legacy. Don't miss your chance to go underground and behind the scenes of Chicago's film world. Book your tickets now! NOTE: There is a passing reference to suicide as we discuss Bill Murray's early career here in Chicago. Movies/TV Highlighted Southside with You (2016) The Dark Knight (2008) The Lake House (2006) Barbershop 2 (2004) What Women Want (2000) The Fugitive (1992) Child's Play (1988) The Untouchables (1987) The Blues Brothers (1980) Medium Cool (1968) Tarzan and His Mate (1934) Stars: Bill Murray, Oprah Winfrey, Dorothy Lamour, Rock Hudson Public Tour Dates Show More Dates Private Tours Book this tour as a private or group tour! The private tour price listed below is a flat fee for up to 8 guests. If you have more than 8 in your party, please contact us to see if we can accommodate you. NOTE: Chicago's City Hall is closed on weekends, so if you book this tour on a weekend, we will amend the route slightly. Book Private $499 Tour Specifics Start/End Points Depending on the season, this tour starts either at the Palmer House Hilton or outside Walgreens on State St. The tour ends at Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St. Check your confirmation email for your exact meeting location . Waivers Guests must initial a digital general waiver of liability with Chicago Movie Tours when they book. Guardians must sign waivers for children under the age of 18. Low Attendance To ensure we can provide a fun, engaging, and economically feasible public tour, we typically need a minimum of 4 guests. Head over to Tour Terms and Conditions for more on this policy, including reasons behind it and your refund options if, in the rare instance, a tour is cancelled due to low attendance. Parking/Transportation By Car : Nearby Millennium Garages are located at Grant Park North Garage (25 N. Michigan Ave), Grant Park South Garage (325 S. Michigan Ave) and Millennium Park Garage & Millennium Lakeside Garage (5 S. Columbus Dr). Public Transit 'L': Red Line train to Monroe or Purple/Brown Line to Washington/Wabash. Accessibility Guests will need to climb up/down 2-5 sets of stairs. Escalators and elevators are available in some locations. What to Bring Please wear weather-appropriate clothing. Tours run rain, snow, or shine. Restrooms Public restrooms are available at several stops on this tour route. Children Guests ages 10 and up can attend. Photography/Video No video or audio recording of the tour, but take as many pictures as you'd like! Cancellations and Refunds You may cancel or amend your reservation 48 hours or more before the tour departs. Read more Tour Terms and Conditions . What's Included 2-hour journey through Chicago's Loop, including underground and historic locations Expert tour guide commentary, including little-known stories from Hollywood's and Chicago's pasts Guided access inside locations where movies and TV series have filmed Small group to generate engagement and foster a personalized tour Visual and audio media to enhance your experience Plenty of Instagram opportunities Mini goodie bags! 💙 Reviews Yoel Chicago and Movies Underground average rating is 5 out of 5 Kelli is amazing!! By far the best tour guide in Chicago. She is super friendly, incredibly smart, and shows you Chicago on another epic level. Her tour is so educational and fun. Book her now!!! August 7, 2025 Marie Chicago and Movies Underground average rating is 5 out of 5 Wow, Kelli is the best! Look no further if you’re searching for the best tour guide in Chicago! We learned a ton and had an amazing time. Thank you so much, Kelli! December 28, 2024 Charles and Judy Chicago and Movies Underground average rating is 5 out of 5 What a fantastic tour of Beneath the Big Screen that my husband and I enjoyed on July 26. We knew some movies were made in Chicago, but not as many that Kelli introduced to our group. Kelli was very detailed as she explained how movies were made — from lighting to how and why various scenes and characters were photographed. Kelli was not only extremely knowledgeable, but also very engaging with our group. We highly recommend this tour. You will not be disappointed! August 2, 2024 Load More Reviews

  • Reviews | Chicago Movie Tours

    Explore guest reviews for Chicago Movie Tours! Read firsthand accounts from visitors who have discovered Chicago through Kelli's walking tours and movie talks. Reviews Curious about our guided tours and talks? See what others have to say! Filter by Event Leave Your Review Fanni Art of Ferris Bueller average rating is 5 out of 5 Kelli is a very knowledgeable, engaging, and fun guide. This tour is really well organized, paced, and generally enjoyable, it is such a great way to explore the film more through its art, all the while discovering the Chicago Art Institute!! 100% recommend. Aug 10, 2025 Caroline Art of Ferris Bueller average rating is 5 out of 5 Fantastic tour! An absolutely incredible tour surprisingly very much related to Chicago and takes art viewing to a new level. Highly recommended! Jul 26, 2025 Virtual Attendee Talk (In Person and Virtual) average rating is 5 out of 5 Kelli is always a joy to listen to. Her presentations are informative and well organized. It's always nice to see her on the schedule. (Cinematic Canines and Circus Stars) Jul 10, 2025 Nicole Hollywood on the Rails average rating is 5 out of 5 I would recommend this tour because Kelli is incredibly knowledgeable, prepared & personable. Learned a lot & look forward to joining another tour! Aug 8, 2025 Virtual Attendee Talk (In Person and Virtual) average rating is 5 out of 5 Such a good presentation on a fascinating and entertaining subject! (Cinematic Canines and Circus Stars) Jul 10, 2025 Peter Talk (In Person and Virtual) average rating is 5 out of 5 Excellent tour! Kelli is an energetic and engaging tour guide. I greatly enjoyed the tour [Chicago and Movies on the Mississippi River]! Jul 4, 2025 Yoel Chicago and Movies Underground average rating is 5 out of 5 Kelli is amazing!! By far the best tour guide in Chicago. She is super friendly, incredibly smart, and shows you Chicago on another epic level. Her tour is so educational and fun. Book her now!!! Aug 7, 2025 Virtual Attendee Talk (In Person and Virtual) average rating is 5 out of 5 Thank you for providing this excellent virtual tour. Any time you can feature the expertise of Kelli Marshall, I'm IN, ALL IN! (Cinematic Canines and Circus Stars) Jul 10, 2025 James Art of Ferris Bueller average rating is 5 out of 5 To all Ferris Bueller fans, this is a MUST-SEE tour in Chicago. Kelli, extremely knowledgeable, IPAD held in hand, explaining why John Hughes chose the paintings, location, etc. I'm returning to Chicago this year - taking the tour again! Jun 10, 2025 Show More Reviews

  • Tour Terms and Conditions | Chicago Movie Tours

    Read Chicago Movie Tours' Tour Terms and Conditions, to which all guests and guest purchases are subject. Tour Terms and Conditions All guests and guest purchases are subject to the following Terms & Conditions. Please read these terms carefully before purchasing a tour ticket. They outline, among other things, our cancellation policy and certain limitations of liability. Cancel or Change Reservations Low Attendance Policy Weather Payment Discounts Pricing Group Bookings Video and Photography Notes and Other Materials Medical Accidents, Loss, or Damage to Property Guest Responsibility and Conduct Children Refunds Privacy Policy These Terms and Conditions govern the relationship between you ("the guest" and "you") and us, CHICAGO MOVIE TOURS & TALKS LLC ("we," "us," and our"). By purchasing your ticket or obtaining it via complimentary means, you are entering into this agreement with us. Last updated: JUNE 2025 1. Cancel or Change Reservations 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. For reschedule requests outside of the 48-hour period prior to a booked tour date, guests should email us with a preferred alternative date. Please note: we cannot guarantee an appropriate replacement tour date will always be available, but we will do our best to accommodate guests! Tickets are valid for the date and time for which the guest purchased them. Guests should carefully review all of their booking details, including contact email and/or phone number, to ensure no errors exist. 2. Low Attendance Policy To ensure we can provide a fun, engaging, and economically feasible tour, we require a minimum number of guests. We need at least 4 guests to run the majority of our public walking tours . Our movie tour at Old Joliet Prison , given its larger venue and the special arrangements needed to access the property, requires at least 20 guests. A low attendance policy helps us cover essential aspects such as travel time for our tour guide , parking costs downtown, property rental fees, and all the behind-the-scenes magic that goes into making your tour unforgettable. Plus, group participation makes a tour more fun! If we need to cancel a public walking tour due to low ticket sales, we'll notify you 24 hours in advance. You'll have the option to transfer your tickets to another tour date or receive a full refund—whichever works best for you. 3. Weather Policy Our walking tours, which promptly begin at the scheduled departure time and date, operate in rain, shine, or snow. If we must cancel a scheduled tour due to extreme or unsafe weather (e.g., heavy rain, ice, hail, tornadoes, winds, lightning), we will notify guests by email and/or text that the tour has been cancelled. Guests will receive a full refund, or they may transfer their tickets to another tour date. 4. Payment Credit card payment for online bookings through chicagomovietours.com is processed at the time of booking through Stripe , a safe and secure booking and payment processing system. PayPal is also available at checkout. All bookings are processed in U.S. Dollars (USD). Walk-up guests who wish to pay with cash or credit card may do so only if spots are available on the tour. NOTE: We will not have change for cash payments. For custom/private tours, a quote will be provided to customers based on their requests. A deposit may be required for larger tour groups. Prices do not include gratuities to the guide and are at your discretion. 5. Discounts and Coupons If guests have a coupon code or discount, they must apply it to their tour BEFORE purchasing a ticket. Unfortunately, we cannot apply retroactive discounts. No discount offered by Chicago Movie Tours can be combined with any other discount or special offer when booking, unless otherwise noted. All discounts and special offers are subject to availability and may be removed at any time at our discretion. 6. Pricing All rates for public group tours lie at the discretion of Chicago Movie Tours and are subject to change without notice. Once a guest has booked a tour with us, the guest will not be required to pay any difference in the event of a price increase, and we will not refund the balance of any price reduction. For group and private tours, we will provide a quote to the guest prior to booking. After the guest accepts a quote, a credit card may be required to hold the private tour. 7. Group Bookings For group bookings, the purchasing guest acts on behalf of all guests, including children, joining the tour. If the purchasing guest does not intend to participate, a representative who will be participating must be named and must inform us prior to starting the tour. If the purchasing guest is a company, group or partnership, an individual must be named as a responsible person. 8. Video and Photography Video and audio recording any of our tours and talks is prohibited. In some instances, we have spent years researching and compiling the material for our tours, and we have done so in order to offer guests a one-of-a-kind experience that features histories and anecdotes they will not hear anywhere else. Any form of copying or reproduction of our likeness or our tours will result in legal action. We may take photographic, video, or film records of any of our tours or talks, including guests, to use for promotional and/or commercial purposes. Guests should notify us if they do not want to be photographed. 9. Notes and Other Materials Any notes or other materials we supply to participants before, during, or after a tour or talk—whether in hard-copy, electronic format, or any other form—are the copyright of Chicago Movie Tours, without limitation, and are not to be reproduced in whole or in part, or distributed to any Third Party in any form whatsoever, without the express written permission of the copyright holder. 10. Medical Guests must be fit and well enough to take our walking tours. Guests with medical or health concerns should inform us of their condition in writing (i.e. via email) prior to the tour.The tour operator reserves the right to disqualify guests if they appear incapable and/or if their continued participation will in any way jeopardize either themselves or the rest of the tour group. Refunds are not given under such circumstances. Chicago Movie Tours is not responsible for the costs of any medical treatment guests may require during or after a tour. And we are not responsible for the quality of medical care, or lack thereof, guests may receive during or after a tour.If you have any reservations regarding your fitness for a tour, please contact us . 11. Accidents, Loss, or Damage to Property Customers are responsible for their personal property. We are not liable for any theft, loss, damage, delay, inconvenience, direct or consequential loss. We are also not responsible for any damage inflicted, accidentally or otherwise, on properties, artworks, or other items by the guest or the guest's children. 12. Guest Responsibility and Conduct Walking tours begin promptly at the scheduled departure time and date. Please be on time or early. We recommend arriving at least 10-20 minutes early in order to find the location, parking, and your tour guide. Guests should alert us immediately via phone or text at 312-685-1190 if they are lost. Guides are unable to make and receive calls once a tour has started. Guests should behave respectfully to others, including but not limited to tour operators, other guests, and members of the public, and to the property of others, including but not limited to shared facilities and public environment. We are happy to answer guests' questions but ask that they do not talk over the tour guide, consistently interrupt, heckle, or engage in other distracting behavior. We reserve the right to stop a tour if guests violate this agreement. No refund will be given, and the participants must pay the full compensation for any damages that might have been caused. 13. Children In general, our tours are not suited for children under 10 years old. Any attendees with disruptive children will be asked to leave. 14. Refunds Walking tour refunds are permitted for the following reasons: Low capacity Bad weather that does not permit the tour to run Guests inform us no later than 48 hours that they wish to cancel The tour is partially completed (guests will receive a 50% refund) 15. Privacy Policy Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website. Please read this privacy policy carefully . If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access our site.

bottom of page