Festivals & special events

Discover the best of the city’s fests.

Festivals & special events, Free & cheap

Chicago’s free summer music festivals

In the summer, the city’s downtown and lakefront are filled with the sound of music, as revelers dance, mingle, and celebrate the city’s astounding musical…

Festivals & special events, Free & cheap, Music

Grant Park Music Festival

June 14 – Aug. 19, 2023 Free admission • Millennium Park Experience a summer of extraordinary music with dozens of free classical concerts. The Grant…

Festivals & special events, LGBTQ+

Celebrate Pride month in Chicago

Chicago knows how to party for Pride. The annual LGBTQ+ celebration takes over the city each June, with street fests, concerts, parties, and a massive…

Festivals & special events, Food & drink

Chicago Gourmet

Sept. 21 – 24, 2023 Harris Theater Rooftop • Millennium Park Welcome to Chicago Gourmet, one of the country’s most distinguished food festivals. Each year,…

Festivals & special events, Music, Parks & outdoors

Millennium Park Summer Music Series

June 22 – Aug. 21, 2023 Free admission • Millennium Park The Millennium Park Summer Music Series features free outdoor concerts, showcasing a broad spectrum…

Entertainment, Festivals & special events, Parks & outdoors

Millennium Park Summer Film Series

July 11 – Aug. 29, 2023 Free admission • Millennium Park Every summer in Chicago, visitors and locals flock to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at…

Festivals & special events, Music

Lollapalooza

Aug. 3 – 6, 2023 Grant Park Each year, thousands of fans travel from around the world to experience Lollapalooza in Chicago. Those lucky enough…

Festivals & special events, Free & cheap, Music

Chicago Jazz Festival

Aug. 31 – Sept. 3, 2023 Free admission • Millennium Park The oldest of Chicago’s free lakefront music festivals boasts an incredibly diverse lineup, which…