Starting March 19, experience Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope — a breathtaking journey of light, art, and conservation. Wander paths under the moonlight, illuminated by…
It is Rocco and Allen’s job to watch the moon, and it is really quite boring. Night after night, they time the sequences exactly –…
Now through July 12, 2026 Multiple experiences per day at the Reid Murdoch Building, 333 N LaSalle Visit TheateroftheMindChicago.com for dates, times, and tickets Created…
Each week, Chicago comics bring the freshest, most experimental new material to the Annoyance for the Comedy Hour. The weekly show is an eclectic mix…
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The Evanston Art Center (EAC) is excited to welcome the public to our upcoming exhibition, Thinking Through Tapestry | American Tapestry Alliance. The exhibition will…
A library is the perfect place to explore the origins of a country founded on words. What did Congress mean when they declared that “all…
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Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360 provides a panoramic view through history and truth, inviting visitors of all backgrounds to witness stories of survival, ask questions, and reflect…
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…
I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit explores the flora and fauna of six different habitats, including the Desert, Ocean, Rainforest, Sky, Woods and City.…
“Haunted by Our Dark Side: Chicago Ghosts, Gangsters, and True Crime” is a 2-hour afternoon/evening walking tour that uncovers Chicago’s shadowy past through chilling tales…
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Will You Remember? is a group exhibition from students in Loyola University Chicago’s Digital Imaging class that explores how the Internet and digital media seep…
I Used to Live in Chicago is a multidisciplinary exhibition exploring memory, displacement, and cultural resilience across Chicago’s historically black neighborhoods. Curated by Anefertiti Bowman,…
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The Glow Wild lantern festival transforms the night into a glowing celebration of art, culture, and conservation. Wander illuminated pathways surrounded by handcrafted lanterns inspired…
South Chicago Dance Theatre presents its ninth annual home season concert and return to the Harris Theater For Music and Dance on May 1, 2026!…
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2-Item Minimum Per Guest First Come, First Served Seating No Outside Food or Beverage Valid ID Required at Entry Kelly Kellz (Kelly Davis) is a…
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AAPI Heritage Month Events in Chicago This May, Chicago will celebrate the city’s diverse AAPI communities. Here are a few ways to participate: Admire never-before-seen…
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…
In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire swept through the city and destroyed much of downtown. Yet Chicago rose from the ashes, building back bigger and…
Summer in Chicago just wouldn’t feel complete without the city’s beloved street festivals, which include an eclectic array of neighborhood celebrations across the city. These…
If you’ve never been to a cabaret show, Chicago is a great place to start. With a 100-plus year history rooted in the city’s early…
Chicago’s summer event calendar is overflowing with cultural happenings. From groundbreaking art exhibits to exciting theatrical premieres, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. Check…
Chicago’s event calendar reflects the city itself — bold, diverse, and always buzzing. From lakefront music festivals and neighborhood street fairs to major sporting events and food celebrations, there’s something happening in every season.
Here’s a look at the types of events you’ll find across the city:
Other Chicago events include cultural celebrations, sporting events, conventions, comedy shows, live theatre, and so much more.
Chicago’s biggest annual events draw visitors from around the world and highlight the very best of the city’s food, music, and culture.
These signature events help define Chicago as one of the top festival cities in the country.
If you’re planning a trip around Chicago’s event calendar, there’s something new to discover every month of the year.
Summer is peak festival season. The city comes alive with outdoor concerts, neighborhood street fests, and major events like Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, and the Chicago Air and Water Show. Nearly every weekend offers something new, especially along the lakefront and in Millennium Park.
Early fall brings cooler temperatures and marquee events like the Chicago Marathon and culinary celebrations such as Chicago Gourmet. It’s an ideal time for visitors seeking cultural events like the Chicago International Film Festival.
Winter brings a dose of holiday magic to Chicago, with beloved traditions like ZooLights and Christkindlmarket. Visitors can also check out cultural celebrations for the Lunar New Year and enjoy local-favorite annual events like Chicago Restaurant Week and Chicago Theatre Week.
Spring is the perfect time to visit Chicago for culture lovers. Check out spring flower shows, top art fairs like EXPO Chicago, and bucket-list traditions like Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It’s also the start of outdoor events, with baseball season kicking off in late March.
Chicago is known for offering an impressive lineup of free events, particularly in the summer months.
Some of the city’s most popular free events include:
Come experience the unmatched energy of Chicago’s legendary sports scene, from our fan-favorite teams to our historic stadiums and iconic events.
Catch a game by one of Chicago’s major league teams:
Other major annual sporting events in Chicago include:
