Every season is festival season in Chicago. Chicago’s world-renowned fests and events celebrate food, music, culture, art, and history throughout the city. Check out the guide below to explore festivals and events schedule in Chicago for 2023.
Make sure to check with event organizers for the latest information and see our events calendar for more things to do in Chicago.
Search festivals by month:
January • February • March • April
May • June • July • August • September
October • November • December
January
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden: Be awed by this magical outdoor light show that takes over these sprawling Glencoe gardens.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum: Each winter, the trees at this Lisle nature attraction come to life with festive lights and music.
Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory: Discover a winter oasis at this colorful flower show, set inside the stunning Garfield Park Conservatory.
Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo: This over-the-top light display, which includes more than one million twinkling bulbs, is a beloved local tradition.
Fillet of Solo Festival: This multi-venue theatre celebrates Chicago’s enduring storytelling tradition with a powerful showcase of solo performers.
Chicago Restaurant Week: The biggest culinary celebration of the year, this annual event showcases the very best of Chicago’s acclaimed restaurant scene with two weeks of dining deals.
Tomorrow Never Knows: This multi-venue festival showcases the best of the city’s local indie scene with music and comedians.
Ice skating in Millennium Park: Grab your skates and check out the two scenic ice rinks that pop up in the iconic Millennium Park campus each winter.
Polar Adventure Days: This free annual event at Northerly Island returns to the lakefront, with husky sled teams, snowshoeing, winter crafts, and more.
February
Chicago Restaurant Week: The biggest culinary celebration of the year, this annual event showcases the very best of Chicago’s acclaimed restaurant scene with two weeks of dining deals.
Chicago Theatre Week: Experience Chicago’s theatre scene, from under-the-radar gems to Broadway in Chicago, with discounted tickets.
Chicago Lunar New Year celebrations: Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Chicago with traditional performances, colorful parades, culinary events, and more.
Chicago Auto Show: For more than 100 years, this auto show has presented domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks, sport utility vehicles, and experimental/concept cars.
UChicago Folk Festival: A local favorite since 1961, this annual event brings the best traditional and folk music from around the world to Chicago.
Cider Summit Chicago: Come sample hard ciders from local, regional, and global producers at this Navy Pier event.
Music Frozen Dancing: Bundle up and rock out at this free (outdoor!) music fest presented by legendary music venue Empty Bottle.
Ice skating in Millennium Park: Grab your skates and check out the two scenic ice rinks that pop up in iconic Millennium Park each winter.
The Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden: Come admire thousands of stunning orchids in this breathtaking display of color and nature.
Polar Adventure Days: This free annual event at Northerly Island returns to the lakefront, with husky sled teams, snowshoeing, winter crafts, and more.
March
St. Patrick’s Day Downtown Parade and River Dyeing: One of the most famous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world, the annual parade in downtown Chicago is accompanied by an emerald green river.
Southside Irish Parade: A tradition enjoyed by generations of Chicagoans, this family-friendly parade draws thousands of revelers each year.
Northwest Side Irish Parade: Traditionally held the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day, this parade is a celebration of faith, family, and heritage.
Global Connections at Navy Pier: Head to the lakefront for colorful international celebrations for Holi and Carnivale.
Ice skating in Millennium Park: Grab your skates and check out the two scenic (and free!) ice rinks that pop up in iconic Millennium Park each winter.
April
EXPO Chicago: A leading international art fair that brings more than 100 exhibitors from around the world to Navy Pier.
Chicago White Sox home opener: Head to Guaranteed Rate Field to catch the White Sox play their first home game of the season, complete with their classic fireworks.
Chicago Cubs home opener: The area around historic Wrigley Field, known as Wrigleyville, comes to life each spring, starting with the Chicago Cubs’ first home game.
C2E2: Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo: The largest pop culture convention in the Midwest showcases comic books, cosplay, video games, anime, TV shows, movies, books, and more.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Chicago Latino Film Festival: Catch movies screenings with a focus on breaking stereotypes and celebrating Latino heritage and culture.
Chicago Humanities Festival: This celebration of ideas features the most interesting thinkers, artists, and creators from all over the world.
One of a Kind Show and Sale Spring Show: Find unique items, housewares, jewelry, and more handmade by local creators.
May
Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: These spectacular fireworks will light up Chicago’s lakefront twice a week all summer long.
Sueños Music Festival: Chicago’s first-ever reggaeton fest is taking over Grant Park with a lineup of Latin hitmakers.
Chicago City Markets: Shop locally grown produce, artisanal goods, ready-to-eat foods, and more at these neighborhood farmers’ markets.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Randolph Street Market: This European-style outdoor market showcases the best antique and vintage finds, including fashion, art, decor, and beyond.
Mole De Mayo: In the historic Pilsen neighborhood, this outdoor food fest is dedicated to finding the best of the Mexican staple, plus live entertainment and craft vendors.
Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk: For one day only, tour the interiors of private residences and landmark buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries.
Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest: The charming Lakeview neighborhood plays host to this Memorial Day festival, with tribute bands, artisans, and beer and wine vendors.
Mayfest: Kick off summer at the Lincoln Park festival, with live music, drinks, and vendors.
Jazzin’ On the Steps: The South Side Jazz Coalition kicks off its summer series with a return to free jazz on the steps of St. Columbanus Catholic Church.
Chicago Memorial Day Parade: The long weekend in Chicago is always marked by a downtown parade and wreath-laying ceremony.
Manifest Urban Arts Festival: This student-led fest highlights the city’s creative spirit through live events and showcases.
June
Chicago Pride Parade: One of the largest Pride celebrations in the world, the Chicago Pride Parade marches through the historic Northalsted neighborhood on the last Sunday of June.
Chicago Pride Fest: Celebrate Pride in the country’s oldest official gay neighborhood at this lively fest, featuring live music, dance queens, local food, and more.
Craft Brews At Lincoln Park Zoo: Explore one of the oldest zoos in the country with a cold beer in hand during this outdoor tasting event.
Heatwave Music Festival: Dance music artists from Chicago and around the world, including Tiësto and deadmau5, will be taking over Northerly Island for this two-day fest.
Maifest in Lincoln Square: Get a taste of German heritage at this annual gathering known for giant beers, traditional foods, and lively bands.
Jazzin’ at the Shedd: This weeknight series features a festival-worthy line-up of Chicago’s top jazz ensembles, along with access to the aquarium, cocktails, and unbeatable city views.
Chicago House Music Festival: Hear house music in the city where it was born at this day-long dance music event, held in historic Humboldt Park.
Chicago Blues Festival: One of the city’s most legendary music festivals draws hundreds of thousands of fans and blues icons from all over the country.
Puerto Rican Festival and People’s Parade: Immerse yourself in Puerto Rican culture, including food, music, arts, and more, during this two-day fest and parade in Humboldt Park.
Chicago Gospel Music Festival: This free outdoor concert, celebrating the Chicago-born genre, brings together traditional choirs, contemporary urban gospel artists, and more.
Pride in the Park: This Grant Park music festival celebrates Pride month with live music, drag performances, local food, and more.
Millennium Park Music Series: Grab a spot on the grass and enjoy free weekly concerts by local and national artists.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Grant Park Music Festival: This 80-year tradition brings free classical music to Millennium Park all summer long.
James Beard Foundation Awards: These prestigious awards, traditionally hosted at the Lyric Opera, honor the best and brightest of the culinary world.
Jazzin’ On the Steps: The South Side Jazz Coalition kicks off its summer series with a return to free jazz on the steps of St. Columbanus Catholic Church.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: The Museum of Contemporary Art offers free live music each week in highlighting artists from Chicago’s internationally renowned jazz community.
Summer Smash Festival: This outdoor multi-stage music festival features some of the biggest names in hip hop and calls itself the biggest party of the summer.
Ravenswood On Tap: Sip your way through Ravenswood, one of Chicago’s top craft beer neighborhoods and home to many small craft producers.
Chicago Dance Month: This month-long celebration of dance brings performances across genres to venues throughout the city.
Miche Fest: Held in the Pilsen neighborhood, this Latino music festival features two days of top artists and micheladas.
Old Town Art Fair: A long-standing Old Town staple, this open-air market has been showcasing artists from all mediums for more than 70 years.
Wells Street Art Festival: This juried art fest and sale draws artists from all over the world to the charming Old Town neighborhood.
Flavors of Albany Park: This melting-pot community shows off its culinary diversity, with more than 50 local restaurants participating.
Andersonville Midsommarfest: For more than 50 years, this summer festival has celebrated Andersonville’s Swedish heritage, LGBTQ+ pride, and vibrant local business community.
Do Division Street Fest: This popular neighborhood fest features two live music stages, a variety of local retail and food vendors, and a dedicated family fun area.
Lincoln Park Greek Fest: Greek heritage is on full display at this neighborhood street fest, with authentic food, music, and dancing.
Hyde Park Summer Fest: Enjoy local beers, food, music, and more at this popular neighborhood festival featuring major headlining acts.
Uptown Art Week: This week-long showcase will feature more than 150 pieces of public art, along with live paintings, interactive art activities, and more.
57th Street Art Fair: The city’s oldest juried art fair, this free event showcases the works of more than 200 artists each year.
Taste of Randolph: The West Loop is a foodie’s dream, and this food fest lets you taste the neighborhood’s best spots.
Logan Square Arts Fest: Held in the heart of Logan Square, this art-focused fest also includes live music and food and drinks.
July
Chicago Summerdance: Learn to salsa, waltz, swing, and more during these free open-air dance lessons.
Windy City Smokeout: It’s like a weekend-long tailgate at this popular country music festival, known for drawing in the industry’s top names.
Chosen Few Picnic: The longest-running event dedicated to house music, Chosen Few Picnic brings thousands of fans to Jackson Park each summer.
Millennium Park Summer Film Series: Watch free movies under the stars at this beloved summer event, screening family favorites, cult classics, and beyond.
Millennium Park Music Series: Grab a spot on the grass and enjoy free weekly concerts by local and national artists.
Pitchfork Music Festival: This multi-genre music festival is known for its cutting-edge line-up and laidback vibe.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Grant Park Music Festival: This 80-year tradition brings free classical music to Millennium Park all summer long.
Randolph Street Market: This European-style outdoor market showcases the best antique and vintage finds, including fashion, art, decor, and beyond.
Chinatown Summer Fair: Celebrate the start of summer at this annual fest with cultural demonstrations, traditional dances, and food from Chinatown restaurants.
Tacos y Tamales: Based on a traditional Mexican market, this Pilsen fest features local vendors selling their food, artwork, wares and a vast array of live music & dance throughout the weekend.
Wicker Park Fest: This weekend fest celebrates the eclectic neighborhood it calls home with over 50 bands on four stages, local food, a kids’ area, and more.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest: Find the best burger in the city at this local favorite, all while enjoying live music and cold drinks.
African/Caribbean International Festival Of Life: Reggae music is at the heart of this Washington Park festival, along with the lifestyle and culture of various African and Caribbean nations.
Millennium Art Festival: This juried art showcase also brings live music and food to Michigan Avenue in Chicago’s Loop.
Jazzin’ at the Shedd: This weeknight series features a festival-worthy line-up of Chicago’s top jazz ensembles, along with access to the aquarium, cocktails, and unbeatable city views.
Jazzin’ On the Steps: The South Side Jazz Coalition kicks off its summer series with a return to free jazz on the steps of St. Columbanus Catholic Church.
Sundays on State: Join this free, interactive block party featuring art, culture, shopping, dining, and more.
Southport Art & Music Fest: Southport Corridor comes to life with a fine art show, featuring jewelry, sculpture, photography, and more.
Bucktown Neighborhood & Garden Walk: Stroll through urban gardens while enjoying live music during this unique event showcasing the Bucktown neighborhood.
Fiesta Del Sol: A multi-day Mexican festival in the Pilsen neighborhood, this annual event is a family favorite.
August
Lollapalooza: One of the largest and most iconic music festivals in the world, Lollapalooza brings top artists and local bands to lakefront Grant Park.
Chicago Air and Water Show: The largest free show of its kind in the country, this waterfront show features stunning aerial displays above Lake Michigan.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Northalsted Market Days: An iconic Pride event, Market Days boasts all-day lineups of live music on multiple stages, unique vendors, and DJs and dancing in a historic neighborhood.
Millennium Park Music Series: Grab a spot on the grass and enjoy free weekly concerts by local and national artists.
Millennium Park Summer Film Series: Watch free movies under the stars at this beloved summer event, screening family favorites, cult classics, and beyond.
The Great American Lobster Fest: Live lobsters are flown in from the East Coast for the Midwest’s largest seafood festival, held at Navy Pier.
Taste of Greektown: Get a taste of Chicago’s vibrant Greektown with lively bands, dance troupes, and tons of traditional food.
Jeff Fest: Also known as the Jefferson Park Arts & Music Festival, this neighborhood park takes over idyllic Jefferson Memorial Park.
Jazzin’ at the Shedd: This weeknight series features a festival-worthy line-up of Chicago’s top jazz ensembles, along with access to the aquarium, cocktails, and unbeatable city views.
Wine and Art Walk at Morton Arboretum: Just outside Chicago, this sprawling natural area hosts an art fair and wine tasting event on their lovely grounds.
Ribfest Chicago: It’s all about ribs and rock music at this family-friendly North Center street fest.
Sam Adams’ Lakeview Taco Fest: Enjoy the last few days of summer with tacos, margaritas, entertainment, and more at Southport Corridor.
Pizza City Fest: Sample the city’s best pies, from deep dish to tavern style, at this two-day pizza extravaganza.
Chicago Summerdance: Learn to salsa, waltz, swing, and more during these free open-air dance lessons.
Villapalooza: The Little Village music festival, located on 26th Street, is a platform for local talent and young creatives.
Grant Park Music Festival: This 80-year tradition brings free classical music to Millennium Park all summer long.
Sundays on State: Join this free, interactive block party featuring art, culture, shopping, dining, and more.
Jazzin’ On the Steps: The South Side Jazz Coalition kicks off its summer series with a return to free jazz on the steps of St. Columbanus Catholic Church.
Bulls Fest at the United Center: Bulls fans will gather at the United Center for a weekend filled with hoops, live music, food and drink.
Sangria Festival: Sip sangria while enjoying Latin American food and music at this Humboldt Park festival.
Edison Park Fest: This neighborhood tradition supports local businesses and raises funds for the community.
Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest: This arts-centric fest has taken over the streets of Rogers Park for the past 20 years, with artists, craft workers, live music, and more.
Chicago Triathlon: Athletes from around the world come to compete in this sporting event, which includes a triathlon, super sprint, and kids’ event.
September
Chicago Jazz Festival: The Chicago Jazz Festival brings free jazz to Millennium Park and neighborhood venues. The range of artists includes jazz legends to influential modern masters.
Taste of Chicago: Sample Chicago’s award-winning cuisine and catch shows from top musical artists at this long-running free festival, held in lakefront Grant Park.
Riot Fest & Carnival: One of Chicago’s biggest music fests, Riot Fest brings rock, punk, and a full carnival to Douglass Park.
Chicago Gourmet: This high-end food festival features tastings, demos, and intimate dinners with the country’s best chefs.
WingOut Chicago: This outdoor block party showcases more than 20 varieties of chicken wings, plus live music, in Old Town.
Hyde Park Jazz Festival: This free festival celebrates the rich tradition of jazz on Chicago’s south side, featuring a diverse group of musicians each year.
Printers Row Lit Fest: The largest free outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest features speakers and exhibitors across genres.
Randolph Street Market: This European-style outdoor market showcases the best antique and vintage finds, including fashion, art, decor, and beyond.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Bike The Drive: Enjoy a scenic ride down Chicago’s scenic Lakeshore Drive, which is shut down to cars just one day each year.
Edgewater Arts Festival: Browse art from local creators at the Edgewater Arts Festival, which will also include a specialty kids area including an interactive drum/percussion session.
ChicagoSummerdance: Learn to salsa, waltz, swing, and more during these free open-air dance lessons.
ARC Music Festival: This music fest in Union Park celebrates house music, a Chicago-born genre, over Labor Day weekend.
Reeling Film Festival: This year is the 40th edition of the Reeling Film Festival, the second oldest LGBTQ+ film festival in the country.
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts: In its 17th year, this Lakeview arts festival showcases more than 150 artists and their work, including photography, furniture, jewelry, paintings, and much more.
North Coast Music Festival: This annual Labor Day weekend music festival includes electronic music, hip hop, and rock acts, plus art installations and food vendors.
Taste of Polonia Festival: Celebrate Chicago’s Polish heritage at the Taste of Polonia Festival, bringing together live music, a casino, beer garden, kids area, and of course, endless Polish food and beer.
West Loop Art Festival: Live music, entertainment, and four blocks filled with local art vendors will be showcased at the fourth annual West Loop Art Festival.
German American Oktoberfest: Oktoberfest is in full swing in the heart of Lincoln Square, with a free festival featuring food, drinks, dancing, entertainment, and more.
Ravenswood Art Walk: This year is the 20th anniversary of the celebrated festival which features 50+ local artists sharing their work across open studios, pop-ups, and an outdoor market.
Lincoln Park Gyro Festival: Take a trip to Greece in Lincoln Park at the Gyro Festival, which will include live music, and all the sounds, taste and experiences of traditional Greek food and culture.
Chicago International Latino Theater Festival: The city’s Latino theater community is on display during this month-long festival.
World Music Festival: This one-of-a-kind festival brings hundreds of musicians from all over the world to Chicago for a multi-venue celebration of international music.
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up: Jack’s is an over-the-top pop-up that includes a giant corn maze, carnival games, photo opportunities, axe throwing, bars, food trucks, and tons of pumpkins.
October
Chicago Marathon: Runners from all over the world come to Chicago to run a scenic 26.2 miles through the city’s neighborhoods.
Open House Chicago: This one-of-a-kind (free!) architecture festival takes you inside many of Chicago’s coolest buildings, skyscrapers, and more.
Chicago International Film Festival: After more than five decades, North America’s longest-running competitive film festival gets bigger and better each year.
Chicago Beer Festival: Sip seasonal brews from more than 60 local breweries while wandering through the iconic Field Museum.
Chicago International Latino Theater Festival: Discover emerging voices in the local Latino theater community during this multi-faceted fest.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up: Jack’s is an over-the-top pop-up that includes a giant corn maze, carnival games, photo opportunities, axe throwing, bars, food trucks, and tons of pumpkins.
Reeling Film Festival: This year is the 40th edition of the Reeling Film Festival, the second oldest LGBTQ+ film festival in the country.
Historic Pullman House Tour: Tour the interiors of private homes, from workers’ cottages to landmark mansions, during this 50th annual event in historic Pullman.
Lincoln Square Apple Fest: Celebrate the fall harvest with apple pie, apple cider, artisan goods, and more.
Lincoln Park Wine Festival: Sip wines while strolling through an open-air market of sommeliers, food tastings, and live music.
Columbus Day Parade: A celebration of Chicago’s Italian community, the festivities include a mass and wreath-laying ceremony.
Arts in the Dark: Celebrate the artistic side of Halloween at this twilight parade, featuring puppets, performers, whimsical floats, and more.
Northalsted Halloween Parade: In the Northalsted neighborhood, this spooky spectacle includes a costume contest, trick or treat for dogs, dance performances, and more.
November
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: A beloved tradition, this spectacular holiday event includes a parade and the official lighting of the trees along iconic Michigan Avenue.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier: Outdoor light displays, a skating rink, winter fireworks, live music, artisan markets, kid-friendly workshops, and more take over Navy Pier for the holidays.
Christkindlmarket Chicago: Grab a mug of hot wine and stroll through this magical holiday bazaar, styled after traditional German Christmas markets.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: A holiday favorite, the annual lighting of the towering tree in Millennium Park is always spectacular.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo: This over-the-top light display, which includes more than one million twinkling bulbs, is a beloved local tradition.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden: Be awed by this magical outdoor light show that takes over these sprawling Glencoe gardens.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum: Each winter, the trees at this Lisle nature attraction come to life with festive lights and music.
Winterland at Gallagher Way: Find ice skating, ice bumper cars, family-friendly events, and a charming holiday market at this winter wonderland.
Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory: Discover a winter oasis at this colorful flower show, set inside the stunning Garfield Park Conservatory.
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade: Head to historic State Street to catch giant floats, dancers, horses, special guests, and more.
Ice skating in Millennium Park: Grab your skates and check out the two scenic (and free!) ice rinks that pop up in iconic Millennium Park each winter.
Chicago International Latino Theater Festival: The city’s Latino theatre community is on display during this month-long festival.
Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer: Taste the rarest, most exclusive wood and barrel-aged beers from more than 100 brewers at this cult-favorite competition.
December
Christkindlmarket Chicago: Grab a mug of hot wine and stroll through this magical holiday bazaar, styled after traditional German Christmas markets.
One of a Kind Show and Sale: Find unique items, housewares, jewelry, gifts, and more handmade by local creators.
Winterland at Gallagher Way: Find ice skating, ice bumper cars, family-friendly events, and a charming holiday market at this winter wonderland.
Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory: Discover a winter oasis at this colorful flower show, set inside the stunning Garfield Park Conservatory.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier: Outdoor light displays, a skating rink, winter fireworks, live music, artisan markets, kid-friendly workshops, and more take over Navy Pier for the holidays.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden: Be awed by this magical outdoor light show that takes over these sprawling Glencoe gardens.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo: This over-the-top light display, which includes more than one million twinkling bulbs, is a beloved local tradition.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum: Each winter, the trees at this Lisle nature attraction come to life with festive lights and music.
Ice skating in Millennium Park: Grab your skates and check out the two scenic (and free!) ice rinks that pop up in iconic Millennium Park each winter.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Navy Pier: Ring in the New Year with a breathtaking fireworks display over Lake Michigan.
Explore more Chicago festivals:
Chicago’s free summer music festivals
Please note that festival dates and information are subject to change. Visit event websites for details and the latest updates.
