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…
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…
As the longest-running competitive film festival in North America, The Chicago International Film Festival brings more than 150 films from around the world to Chicago.…
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…
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…
Spooky season has arrived at the Field Museum! Join us for Fright at the Field, a Halloween experience featuring the return of Underground MISAdventure, and…
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…
Escape the Museum returns for another thrilling year with a brand new experience. After a sold-out run last year, Griffin MSI is hosting eight nights…
Clarketoberfest at the Harley Clarke Mansion Oct. 16–18 brings three days of FREE fall fun, beer, food by Hatchet Burger, dancing, family festivities, and live…
Fashion builds, restricts, exaggerates, protects, conceals, and transforms. Forum 301 examines how, garments move between architecture, sculpture, and performance transformed by the presence of a…
Date & Time Opening reception: Friday, October 16, 2026, 6–10 PM On view: October 16–30, 2026, 12-6 PM Venue & Address Evoke Gallery 3040 N…
Liz Carmouche vs. Jena Bishop 2 is officially scheduled to headline PFL Chicago on Friday, October 16, 2026. The highly anticipated rematch will serve as…
Reality Detox: The Improv Experience is a high-energy night of improvisation from The Second City, with a few sketch surprises mixed in along the way. Built…
Come cheer on the Bulls!
After wrapping the final season of Disney Channel’s top-rated show, LIV AND MADDIE, Joey Bragg has been incredibly busy establishing himself as a comedic leading…
A cozy evening with Chicago’s best comedians sharing their takes on every headline that makes you say, “”Is this really happening?” BREAKING! In our frantic…
A stand-up show focused on highlighting Latin comedic talent and good vibes! Risas, comunidad and good vibes Come celebrate local Latin comedy talent and laugh…
Two lifelong friends sail into open water: one edging closer to the pull of oblivion, the other with a question neither can escape. Nobel laureate…
This production is produced by Repertorio Latino TC and Colectivo El Pozo, written by Raúl Dorantes and directed by Joaquín Catana and Roma Díaz. El…
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:
