Entertainment, Festivals & special events
Chicago film festivals and events
Chicago has a long and illustrious cinematic history. In the early 1900s, Chicago was home to the famous Essanay Studios in the early 1900s, which…
North Coast Music Festival
Festivals & special events
Discover the best of the city’s fests.
Festivals & special events, Music
Lollapalooza Chicago guide: lineup, schedule, tickets, and more
July 30 to Aug. 2, 2026 Grant Park Each year, thousands of fans travel from around the world to experience Lollapalooza in Chicago. Those lucky…
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…
Festivals & special events, Free & cheap, Music
World Music Festival Chicago
Sept. 25 – Oct. 4, 2026 Free admission • Multiple locations The 26th annual World Music Festival is your passport to musical acts from across…
Festivals & special events, Free & cheap, Music
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
July 24 – 25, 2026 Free admission • Millennium Park Gospel music has deep roots in Chicago. The Chicago Gospel Music Festival, one of the…
Entertainment, Festivals & special events, Parks & outdoors
Millennium Park Summer Film Series
Tuesdays, June 30 to Aug. 18, 2026 Movies start at 6:30 p.m. Free admission • Millennium Park Every summer in Chicago, visitors and locals flock…
Festivals & special events, LGBTQ+
Chicago Pride: Your guide to Chicago Pride Parade, Pride Fest, and more
Chicago knows how to party for Pride. Each June, the city is brimming with LGBTQ+ celebrations and events, including over-the-top street fests, exhilarating concerts, raucous…
Festivals & special events, Free & cheap, Music
Grant Park Music Festival
June 10 – Aug. 15, 2026 Free admission • Millennium Park Experience a Chicago summer tradition like no other. A local staple for more than…
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. 26, 2026 8 – 11 a.m. State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive north to Randolph Street The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, a local…
Articles, Festivals & special events, Shopping and fashion
Maxwell Street Market
May 17, June 7, July 19, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, and Oct. 4, 2026 Free admission • Maxwell Street between Halsted Street and Union Avenue …
Architecture & history, Festivals & special events
Open House Chicago
Oct 17 – 18, 2026 Free admission • Citywide One weekend. 25+ Chicago neighborhoods. 200+ places to explore. Open the door to architectural gems all…
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