Step into a world of holiday magic with the Joffrey Ballet: The Nutcracker – Chicago, a beloved classic that brings the enchanting story to life…
Step into a world of enchantment this holiday season with the Joffrey Ballet: The Nutcracker – Chicago, a timeless classic that promises to captivate audiences…
Step into the magic of Wintrust Winter WonderFest, where Navy Pier comes alive with festive décor, seasonal attractions and family fun for all ages. Stroll the…
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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.”…
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Emma Stebbins: Carving Out History examines the full scope of Stebbins’s history‑making career as one of the most significant American sculptors of the nineteenth century. From…
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Loyola University Museum of Art invites visitors to experience the beauty and meaning of the Nativity through Art & Faith of the Crèche. This holiday…
Chicago is known across the world for inventing and perfecting five authentic dishes that are “must eats” and the Iconic Foods of Chicago Food tour…
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The holiday season in Chicago is always an exciting time. With countless events across multiple neighborhoods, there are so many ways to celebrate. One of…
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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…
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…
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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:
