Festivals & special events
Chicago festival and event guide
Every season is festival season in Chicago. Each month brings a packed line-up of special events celebrating food, music, culture, art, history, and beyond. Choose…
Festivals & special events
Discover the best of the city’s fests.
Festivals & special events, Food & drink, Music
Windy City Smokeout
July 8 – 12, 2026 United Center parking lot Country music, barbecue, and craft beer — it’s hard to think of a better way to…
Blog, Family, Festivals & special events, Holidays, Special events
Your guide to The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
The holiday season in Chicago is always an exciting time. With countless events across multiple neighborhoods, there are so many ways to celebrate. One of…
Festivals, Festivals & special events, Special events
Your guide to the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 • State Street It’s turkey time! The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, a local tradition for almost 90 years, kicks off the holiday…
Festivals & special events, Free & cheap, Music
World Music Festival Chicago
Free admission • Multiple locations The 26th annual World Music Festival is your passport to musical acts from across the globe. This free, city-wide festival…
Festivals & special events
Chicago House Music Festival and Conference
Free admission • Millennium Park and beyond The Chicago House Music Festival is an annual celebration of Chicago house music that has revolutionized dance music…
Festivals & special events, Food & drink
Chicago’s James Beard Award winners
Chicago is proud to be home to over 50 James Beard Awards winners, honoring the very best of Chicago’s acclaimed dining scene. Throughout the years,…
Festivals & special events, Free & cheap, Music
Chicago SummerDance
Free admission • Grant Park and parks citywide Enjoy live music and dancing on an open-air dance floor during the annual Chicago SummerDance festival. This…
Festivals & special events, Music, Parks & outdoors
Millennium Park Summer Music Series
Free admission • Millennium Park The Millennium Park Summer Music Series offers free outdoor concerts in downtown Chicago, showcasing a diverse range of established and…
Entertainment, Festivals & special events, Parks & outdoors
Millennium Park Summer Film Series
Free admission • Millennium Park Every summer in Chicago, visitors and locals flock to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park to kick back, picnic,…
Articles, Festivals & special events, Shopping and fashion
Maxwell Street Market
Free admission • Maxwell Street between Halsted Street and Union Avenue Maxwell Street Market is Chicago’s oldest market, with roots dating back more than a…
Festivals & special events, Food & drink
Chicago Gourmet
Harris Theater Rooftop • Millennium Park Welcome to Chicago Gourmet, one of the country’s most distinguished food festivals. Each year, Chicago Gourmet celebrates the city’s…
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