Shhhhh! It’s a secret! Don’t tell anyone but your favorite iO performers are hosting a wild night of variety and sketch. Secret sketch show is…
Enjoy the best sketch comedy Chicago has to offer! The Annoyance Theatre has been at the crux of the comedy scene in Chicago for over…
2-Item Minimum Per Guest First Come, First Served Seating No Outside Food or Beverage Valid ID Required at Entry Josh Ocean Thomas is a Tunisian-American…
Chicago, get ready to gather at Metro Chicago for an unforgettable night with Boots—one of the city’s go-to picks for live entertainment. Boots – Chicago…
A revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation. HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father…
The Pop Air and Let’s Fly exhibitions continue to thrill and engage a participative audience, but EmotionAir sets an even more ambitious goal. This latest…
By A Thread: Nature’s Resilience dives into the science of biodiversity and what it takes to protect it—showcasing the research, conservation, and education work happening…
The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Hall was built as a memorial to the sacrifices of Union Civil War veterans and their families. According…
Not a Soft Thing is a multifaceted exhibition by 15 artist/mothers spanning diverse cultural backgrounds, disciplines, and stages of caregiving. Together, this artist collective challenges…
Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360 provides a panoramic view through history and truth, inviting visitors of all backgrounds to witness stories of survival, ask questions, and reflect…
American Prophets journeys through the pages of American history to explore the influence of religion and spirituality on writers and culture, with interactive displays incorporating…
I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit explores the flora and fauna of six different habitats, including the Desert, Ocean, Rainforest, Sky, Woods and City.…
Andersonville Restaurant Week is back! The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is excited to once again showcase the abundance of great restaurants throughout the district. Restaurant…
Built for the Body: the Intersection of Architecture & Jewelry is an exhibition that will be on view in our downtown Chicago gallery from January…
For the second year in a row, Chicago’s Water Tower Place is teaming up with the South Loop Farmers Market to bring its popular indoor…
The 2026 market features an incredible line-up of local vendors and events, including: A diverse range of fresh produce, preserved veggies, cheeses and meats, snacks…
Say goodbye to the cold as you escape the last remaining frigid days and “Spring Into WNDR.” As a celebration of a new season approaching,…
Come see the Chicago Stars take on the Kansas City Current March 22 at 1 p.m. CST at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium! We’re…
Take a walk with us down Randolph Street in the buzzy West Loop neighborhood for an insider’s peek into Chicago’s most talked-about restaurants, homegrown breweries,…
SEVENTY MINUTES. SEVEN SEASONS. ONE SPIKE. CREATED BY BRENDAN MURPHY PERFORMED BY JACOB JACKSON DIRECTED BY HAMISH MACDOUGALL In this fast-paced production we bring you…
Binkley, an outsider dwarf from the Kingdom of Magical Land, is quiet, timid and scared of the dark — not exactly the best characteristics for…
The Ally Written by Itamar Moses Directed by Jeremy Wechsler When Asaf’s student asks him to sign a manifesto condemning police brutality, he wants to…
Meet Cio-Cio-San — known as Madama Butterfly — a faithful but doomed geisha in love with B.F. Pinkerton. Everyone but Butterfly knows the Navy lieutenant…
Black history tours of Chicago offer an engaging journey through the city’s rich African American culture. Embark on an in-depth exploration of influential neighborhoods like…
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…
Route 66 offers a true taste of America, and the culinary adventure kicks off here in Chicago, a city that offers some of the best…
Chicago is proud to be the official host city of International Jazz Day 2026, a global celebration that honors jazz and its unique power to…
As we hop into spring, let’s make time to enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or just the return…
March is dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions of women throughout history, and Chicago is the perfect place to celebrate. From engaging educational events to…
March is certainly a celebratory time in Chicago, as the temperatures start to warm up and every weekend is packed with events. Watch the river…
This month in Chicago, explore lush indoor gardens, admire iconic works in one of the world’s top art museums, and join in colorful cultural celebrations…
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:
