Book by Tina Fey Music by Jeff Richmond Lyrics by Nell Benjamin Based on the Paramount Pictures film Mean Girls Directed by Devon Hayakawa Nominated…
LeRoy Neiman (1921-2012) was best known for his brilliantly colored, expressionist paintings and screenprints of athletes, musicians, and sporting events. LeRoy Neiman: A Keen Observer of…
The Humanities is a provocative play by Zayd Ayers Dohrn in which faculty and students at an elite American university grapple with issues of gender, race,…
From picking the perfect pumpkin, toasting s’mores over a fire pit, to rides and entertainers, this free festival offers something new and different each weekend…
TICKETS ON SALE AUG 7 September 26-November 1 By Phanésia Pharel Directed by Melia Bensussen Detective skills: unverified. Determination: unmatched. FACT: Maria was last seen at her…
Join Adam Selzer—author, podcaster, and host of Mysterious Chicago Tours—for spine-tingling walkabouts that dig into the zoo’s cemetery roots and locations from throughout its allegedly…
Join Adam Selzer—author, podcaster, and host of Mysterious Chicago Tours—for spine-tingling walkabouts that dig into the zoo’s cemetery roots and locations from throughout its allegedly…
Chicago’s First Portuguese Restaurant Week Celebrates the Flavors and Culture of Portugal Weeklong Event Brings Chicagoans Together to Discover Portugal through Food and Wine CHICAGO…
How did a dead body, a fake love letter, and — of all people — Ian Fleming turn the tide of World War II? Olivier…
Starting May 22, Dinos! are taking over Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs throughout the Zoo. Journey through a massive rib-cage tunnel, climb…
Now Extended Multiple experiences per day at the Reid Murdoch Building, 333 N LaSalle Visit TheateroftheMindChicago.com for dates, times, and tickets Created by David Byrne…
NoMI Gallery Presents: 萬物生輝 Everything is Bright. All Things are Beautiful. NoMI is proud to present a curated exhibition by contemporary artist Dwight Hwang, whose…
The new public art exhibit We the People: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Beauty in Greektown Chicago celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration…
Get ready for a night filled with laughter and unforgettable moments at the “Best of Chicago Comedy – Chicago”! Join us at The Foundation Room…
Glide along the Chicago River and Lakefront as you’re dazzled by the sparkle of the city at night. Hear lively commentary as you feel the…
From strange sightings to eerie haunts, mobsters and more, our latest nighttime tour takes you into Chicago’s shadowy past. Cruise along the Chicago River as…
For five years running, the Latina Comedy Festival has done something the comedy industry doesn’t do often often enough: handing the mic to Latina comedians…
Kokandy Productions’ critically acclaimed revival of the 10-time 2025 Jeff Award–nominated musical JEKYLL & HYDE will make its Broadway In Chicago debut at the Broadway Playhouse at…
Curious Theatre Branch, with co-producers Chicago Danztheater Ensemble, Chicago Dramatists and Labyrinth Club, are pleased to announce the 37th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, September 20…
Steve Lacy will perform live at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, Illinois, on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The Grammy-winning R&B and neo-soul artist…
NPR’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! records its live tapings at the Studebaker Theater inside the Fine Arts Building in Chicago, Illinois. Hosted by Peter Sagal…
Naomi Sharon is performing live in Chicago on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Park West. The Dutch alternative R&B singer-songwriter—and the first female artist signed…
Award-winning Refracted Theatre Company is proud to announce the cast and creative team of I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire, written by Samantha Hurley and…
Award-winning Redtwist Theatre’s new 22nd season, “State of Violence,” begins with Prayer Circle, September 17 – November 8, by Erik Gernand and directed by Executive…
One of just eight World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the planet’s most epic athletic events. Each year, more…
October is a jam-packed time in Chicago, with tons of Halloween events and fall-themed celebrations happening all month long. Start filling up your calendar with…
A visit to Chicago should feel as distinctive as the city itself. The Chicago Hotel Collection offers boutique hotel stays in some of the city’s…
This month, enjoy unique Halloween celebrations, tour local artist studios, check out global musicians, and browse the city’s longest-running outdoor market — all without spending…
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…
Save the date, cinephiles: The Chicago International Film Festival is back with exciting screenings, world premieres, and more events for cinephiles from Oct. 14 to…
This fall, Chicago’s fashion and design scene takes center stage during the third annual Chicago Fashion Week, showcasing the city’s creativity, culture, and couture. This…
Fall in Chicago is the best time of year for architecture lovers. The season brings top events like the annual Pullman House Tour, the Chicago…
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:
