The path to damnation never sounded so sweet The 2026/27 Season kicks off with a thrilling fable of deceit and retribution. Sharp humor, high drama,…
In their early piano trios, the teenage Shostakovich and Debussy showed the world their youthful exuberance. By the time Dvořák wrote his Trio in F…
After more than a decade of touring nationally, Black Latina (The Play) comes to Chicago for a limited three-day run, October 16–18, 2026. Written by…
Detroit ’67 A Play by Dominique Morisseau Directed by Aaron Reese Boseman Running through November 1, 2026 ★★★★ “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. THE CAST IS FIRE!” –Bonnie…
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…
Foos Gone Wild is bringing The FOOS GONE WILD Tour 2026 live to Chicago on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the House of Blues Chicago.
A strange object in the sky. A cursed gas station hot dog. A llama with government clearance. Our performers create a brand new story influenced…
The Second City’s 114th Mainstage Revue Pandemonium, Please Hold is a loud, fast, and gloriously unhinged night of comedic mayhem. The Second City’s six-person cast…
Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida & currently based in Atlanta, Calimar White (AKA Agent Ratliff) is a hilarious standup comic, actor, influencer & business owner.…
Lightly Toasted is a standup showcase at The Home Comedy Theater in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago every third Sunday of the month featuring up…
Vape! lovingly pokes fun at all of the wonderful moments, sexual innuendos, outrageous characters, rivalries and secret romances from the original musical. The hair products may…
See the show that started it all, and experience the iO Theater’s groundbreaking, signature improv form: The Harold! This long-running, weekly improv tradition is double-headlined…
Chicago’s longest-running Harold team returns to iO to bring their unique blend of chaos and creativity to iO’s signature form The Harold melding games, songs, and scenes…
Continuing the rich tradition of late night improv, join the veteran cast of THE 11PM SHOW every Friday at 11PM as they perform late night, artistic improv…
It’s the best comedy show in the city. Created in 1995 by iO alum Armando Diaz, Armando is a historic improvisational form where actors improvise a series…
Find out for yourself why The Second City has been the first name in laughter for over sixty years! From the stages that launched the…
Vik Pandya is a nationally touring stand up comic based in Chicago. Known for his sharp self-deprecation, observational humor on dating, & hilarious crowd work,…
The all-new “Worlds Collide Concert Tour” brings together the worlds of “Descendants,” “ZOMBIES,” and for the very first time, “Camp Rock,”in an unforgettable new arena spectacular. A pop concert…
All the cool kids stay out late on a school night! Join new teams as they deliver a short and sweet show filled with laughter…
Continuing the rich tradition of late night improv, join the veteran cast of THE 11PM SHOW every Friday at 11PM as they perform late night, artistic improv…
Hear chamber music at its most intimate and expressive. Haydn’s elegant Piano Trio opens the evening, showcasing the wit and warmth of the composer’s enduring…
Join us for the most fun interactive comedy show in Chicago, where the audience determines who’s the funniest (and the most unfunny) by throwing [fake]…
Grammy and Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham is bringing his fall leg of the “Still Gettin’ Away With It Tour” to Chicago, Illinois on Tuesday, October…
Continuing the rich tradition of late night improv, join the veteran cast of THE 11PM SHOW every Friday at 11PM as they perform late night, artistic improv…
Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 State Street The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, a local tradition for more than 90 years, kicks off the holiday season with a…
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…
Chicago goes all out for the holidays, with something magical happening in every corner of the city. The season kicks off with the Christmas Tree…
If you’re looking for a getaway in January or February, Chicago continues to deliver a flurry of seasonal fun long after the holidays end. Between…
The best way to get to know Chicago is one meal at a time. This three-day Chicago food itinerary explores the city’s most iconic dishes and…
Chicago is the city that’s Never Done, Never Outdone. And we keep proving it year after year. In 2026, Chicago welcomed new immersive experiences, celebrated…
Celebrate cozy weather and changing leaves in the city made for autumn adventures. We’ve got everything you need to plan the perfect fall day in…
It’s an incredible time to be a Chicago sports fan. Almost all of the city’s iconic sports teams are still playing, whether the season is…
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:
