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…
The Evanston Art Center (EAC) is excited to welcome the public to our upcoming exhibition by Eli Williamson, Fellowship. The exhibition will be on display…
On View February 21 – March 15, 2026 Opening Reception Sunday, February 22nd, 1-4 pm Choreographic Place is an exhibition program presented by Bridge, premiering at…
On view February 21 – March 18, 2026 Opening Reception Sunday, February 22, 2026, 1-4 pm Ruth L. Poor, raised in Indiana, uses their work to…
“Open Your Eyes: Chicago’s Underground Pedway & Other Secrets of the Loop” is a 2‑hour, mostly indoor walking tour that uncovers Chicago’s hidden underground passages…
As our outdoor season wraps up, we’re heading inside for the colder months. Come support local vendors and farmers, and stock up on your favorite…
Young people are invited to design and build their future at the Chicago Architecture Center’s free premier family event, Saturday, February 28, 10am-2pm at the…
On Saturday, February 28, from 10AM-2PM, stroll through Andersonville and explore a wide range of wellness-focused businesses offering interactive experiences. Discover services that support physical…
By A Thread: Nature’s Resilience dives into the science of biodiversity and what it takes to protect it—showcasing the research, conservation, and education work happening…
The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Hall was built as a memorial to the sacrifices of Union Civil War veterans and their families. According…
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…
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.…
North Side Restaurant Week, running February 26 through March 8, 2026. Albany Park Chamber of Commerce, Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of…
“All That Glam: Chicago’s Art Deco Masterpieces” is a 2-hour walking tour celebrating the glitz, elegance, and futuristic flair of Chicago’s 1920s Art Deco buildings…
“The play’s the thing” in 75-minute staging of Shakespeare’s most famous play Artistic Director Edward Hall stages CST’s first-ever 75-minute adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless classic.…
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…
This is the ORIGINAL Chicago food tour that takes you to the restaurants featured on the TV phenomenon, The Bear. We’ll take you to the actual…
Built for the Body: the Intersection of Architecture & Jewelry is an exhibition that will be on view in our downtown Chicago gallery from January…
Chicago is known across the world for inventing and perfecting five authentic dishes that are “must eats” and the Iconic Foods of Chicago Food tour…
Discover a vibrant marketplace at Navy Pier celebrating local Black-owned brands, artisans, and creatives. Explore 10 unique vendors every Saturday in February, spotlighting makers from…
This compilation of vintage home movies drawn from the South Side Home Movie Project archives celebrates the materiality of home. Showcasing images of fabric, blankets…
Monster Jam is scheduled for multiple performances at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont from Friday, February 27, 2026, through Sunday, March 1, 2026. The event,…
March is dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions of women throughout history, and Chicago is the perfect place to celebrate. From engaging educational events to…
March is certainly a celebratory time in Chicago, as the temperatures start to warm up and every weekend is packed with events. Watch the river…
This month in Chicago, explore lush indoor gardens, admire iconic works in one of the world’s top art museums, and join in colorful cultural celebrations…
Chicago’s legendary sports scene is never done and never outdone. This year, the city will be hosting an array of major athletic events, including the…
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…
St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is a celebration like no other. With a substantial Irish population — and one of the biggest city-wide St. Patrick’s…
In the springtime, Chicago lives up to its official city motto Urbs in Horto — “City in a Garden.” Our countless parks, green spaces, and…
Chicago is proud to be the official host city of International Jazz Day 2026, a global celebration that honors jazz and its unique power to…
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:
