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…
The Declaration of Independence grounded the revolutionary right of a people to overthrow a government in the philosophical premise that “all men are created equal.”…
Join us for Homeschool Days at Peppa Pig World of Play Chicago, where preschool families can enjoy an OINKTASTIC discount! Experience the magic of Peppa…
Imagine walking inside the thunderous sound of a taiko drum or feeling enveloped by the sinuous sounds of a saxophone, cello, or bass. What if…
Don your armor, pull out your spellbooks, and straighten your crown; Castle, presented by Shriners Children’s, is coming back to Chicago Children’s Museum. In this…
Flyway City: Architecture for a Flourishing Ecosystem, designed and co-curated by architecture and urban design practice Studio Gang in collaboration with the Chicago Architecture Center,…
For guests looking to turn up the excitement, City Cruises Seadog cruises deliver an unforgettable combination of speed and skyline views. By day, Seadog offers…
Intuit Art Museum (IAM), recognized worldwide as one of the few institutions dedicated solely to championing the work of self-taught artists, marks the 250th anniversary…
The pop-punk and alternative artist MICO is scheduled to perform live in Chicago, Illinois on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The performance is part of his…
Showcasing some of the best performers in the city, Tuesday Good Show is a free weekly variety show hosted by Nick Bonsignore and Keller Paulson.…
2-Item Minimum Per Guest First Come, First Served Seating No Outside Food or Beverage Valid ID Required at Entry Join us for the most fun…
Join us at Snakes & Lattes Chicago on September 29th for The Bear Trivia Night! Yes, Jeff! Join us on September 29th at Snakes & Lattes Chicago for some high-intensity…
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…
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…
This one-night-only production is made possible through the generous support of CENTER on HALSTED, our sponsoring partner. Hosted by Norma Seledon. Join us for Queer…
A searing drama about bureaucratic chaos in a post-Roe America. After her transcontinental flight is diverted to Dallas, a pregnant woman inexplicably finds herself trapped…
The 7 Fingers is “pulse-raising magic” (The New York Times). From the primal vista of her childhood bedroom springs Shana Carroll’s wildly imaginative, ground-breaking memoir that…
“Take thuh cards and show me whatcha got!” Brothers Lincoln and Booth, named in jest, are two Black men living in America just trying to…
Laurie Anderson is scheduled to perform live in Chicago, Illinois on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, showcasing her newly announced multimedia production, Republic of Love. The…
Grammy-nominated avant-garde jazz duo DOMi & JD Beck are bringing their headlining “WHO ASKED? US TOUR” to Chicago, Illinois on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The…
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…
Arlo Parks is bringing her Desire Tour to Chicago on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the historic Thalia Hall. The tour follows the release of…
Johnny Blue Skies (the pseudonym for Sturgill Simpson) and his band The Dark Clouds are scheduled to perform at the United Center in Chicago on…
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…
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…
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 is a city renowned for its rich cultural diversity, and there’s no better time to experience it than during National Hispanic Heritage Month. From…
Chicago is a city with history — a whole lot of history, dating back to before the city’s founding in 1837. So it’s hardly surprising…
Chicago’s summer festival season may be winding down, but there’s still another standout event on the city’s cultural calendar — Chicago Live Festival at Navy…
There’s no better way to celebrate the spookiest time of year than by packing your calendar with haunted events, themed cocktails, and spine-chilling pop-ups —…
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:
