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…
Extended by Popular Demand Through Nov 8! September 26-November 1 By Phanésia Pharel Directed by Melia Bensussen Detective skills: unverified. Determination: unmatched. FACT: Maria was last seen…
Tix include 15 tastings, giveaways & more! There will be a variety of wines to try at this one of a kind venue! Wine not…
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…
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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…
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On July 4, 2026, America turned 250 years old. To reckon with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is to reckon with freedom…
We invite you to experience the flavors of Andersonville at our 2nd Annual Autumn Restaurant Week, from Sunday, November 1 through Sunday, November 15. Explore…
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Join us at Navy Pier on Saturday, November 1 for Día de los Muertos, featuring art, cultural experiences and activities celebrating this meaningful tradition. Honor…
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Musical theatre and improv collide as Marquee presents you with an hour of fully improvised musical comedy, spontaneously creating entire scenes, songs, and stories based…
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Experience the official “Outlander” in-concert event! A live orchestra performs Bear McCreary’s acclaimed score, curated by showrunner Matthew B. Roberts, while highlights from eight seasons…
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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:
