Wintrust's rehabbed Grand Banking Hall was added to Open House Chicago in 2018. Credit: Open House Chicago

CHICAGO — The main event of Open House Chicago, the popular festival that encourages people to explore the city, is this weekend. 

The festival is organized by the Chicago Architecture Center and is held throughout October — but this weekend will feature a large selection of in-person, indoor tours and events. They give people a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at “architecturally, historically and culturally significant sites across the city,” according to the festival’s Facebook page.

People can visit more than 100 sites, many of which are normally closed to the public, across more than 30 neighborhoods and in nearby suburbs. Entry is generally free, though there are some member-only events.

Sites include the Givins Castle in Beverly, Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool in Lincoln Park and the red Minnekirk church in Logan Square. For the complete list of sites open to visit, you can check the festival’s website

Attendees must follow the state’s COVID-19 guidelines, which include wearing a mask indoors in public, but some sites might ask for additional requirements upon entry. 

Open House runs through Oct. 31. People can find itineraries for self-guided tours, suggestions on where to shop and eat, and audio and video materials with additional information on the sites. 

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