Want to know what’s happening this weekend in Chicago? Look no further. There’s a whole calendar of exciting events, exhibits, and activities taking place all over the city this January in Chicago.
This weekend in Chicago is jam-packed with fun things to do: exhilarating live sports (like the Derrick Rose Jersey Retirement game), jaw-dropping art exhibits, family-friendly fun, exciting cultural events (including the highly anticipated Banchet Awards), and so much more.
Check out just a few of the top things to do this weekend in Chicago, Jan. 23 –25, 2026.
The Banchet Awards
The Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence return on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Venue SIX10, honoring the chefs, restaurants and visionaries who make Chicago one…
The Banchet Awards After Party
The Banchet Awards After Party is where Chicago’s culinary community comes together to celebrate the best of the best. Following the city’s most prestigious food…
Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose Jersey Retirement Night
The Chicago Bulls will retire Derrick Rose’s No. 1 jersey in a postgame ceremony on the court after the team hosts the Boston Celtics.
The night will feature a United Center atrium experience, special performances from artists, Rose-inspired food and beverage experiences and more. All attending fans will receive a Rose t-shirt giveaway.
Jennette McCurdy: Live in Conversation in Chicago
Jennette McCurdy, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, joins How To Academy to discuss her debut novel Half His Age and reflect on the creative journey that has…
Dance Chicago’s “Dances From The Heart”
CHICAGO – Emergence Dance Theatre presents the popular and romantic Dance Chicago program, Dances From the Heart, Saturday, Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. The program,…
The Johnny Cash Festival
The 21st Annual Cash Fest featuring The Waco Brothers, Iron Horse, Alaina Stacey, The John Allen Green Band, Mike Gianinni, In Spite of Ourselves, State…
The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors and rich history of Chicago’s Chinatown on our top-rated TripAdvisor food and culture tour. Enjoy seated dining at five…
Tomorrow Never Knows
Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago
Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago, the first exhibition to open in Intuit’s newly-renovated museum, is part of Art Design Chicago, a citywide collaboration initiated by the Terra Foundation for American Art that highlights the city’s artistic heritage and creative communities.
American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture
American Prophets journeys through the pages of American history to explore the influence of religion and spirituality on writers and culture, with interactive displays incorporating…
The Indoor Farmers Market at Water Tower Place
For the second year in a row, Chicago’s Water Tower Place is teaming up with the South Loop Farmers Market to bring its popular indoor…
Not a Soft Thing: A Group Exhibition by Artist Mothers
Not a Soft Thing is a multifaceted exhibition by 15 artist/mothers spanning diverse cultural backgrounds, disciplines, and stages of caregiving. Together, this artist collective challenges…
The Cosmic Underground Show
The Cosmic Underground Show is a 90-minute, fast-paced, and hilariously mind-bending experience that blends cutting-edge magic with retro-futuristic flair. Set inside the recently unearthed Cosmic…
Secret Sketch Show
Shhhhh! It’s a secret! Don’t tell anyone but your favorite iO performers are hosting a wild night of variety and sketch. Secret sketch show is…
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park begins Nov. 21 (weather permitting). Admission to the ice rink will be free, but…
Pegasus Theatre Chicago’s 39th Annual Young Playwrights Festival
Pegasus Theatre Chicago presents the 39th Annual Young Playwrights Festival, January 1 - 24, 2026 at Chicago Dramatists, 798 N. Aberdeen. For nearly four decades,…
Balloon Museum: EmotionAir
The Pop Air and Let’s Fly exhibitions continue to thrill and engage a participative audience, but EmotionAir sets an even more ambitious goal. This latest…
Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind
Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind presents one of the most comprehensive exhibitions to date of Yoko Ono, the trailblazing artist, celebrated musician, and formidable campaigner…
Chicago Architecture Biennial
Explore cutting-edge projects and ideas from global contributors at North America’s largest architecture and design festival. All events are free and open to the public.
Explore our events calendar for more Chicago events and happenings.
Please note that all events are subject to change.
