The Swedish metalcore band Imminence will perform live in Chicago on Thursday, December 10, 2026, at the Riviera Theatre. The concert is part of their…
Adults Night Out: Sugar and Spice is a lighthearted and kid-free (21+) holiday party that promises to be equal parts sweet and spicy. With exclusive…
One relationship. Infinite possibilities. In how many universes would you love someone? Nick Payne’s Olivier award-winning CONSTELLATIONS is a play about free will and friendship;…
25th anniversary of Chicago’s holiday smash hit! Filled with heartwarming storytelling, music, and some very special surprises. George Bailey – the Everyman from small town…
The Joffrey Ballet is bringing its critically acclaimed annual holiday production of The Nutcracker back to the Lyric Opera House from December 4 through December…
Blue Man Group invites audiences to experience an all-new holiday production that reimagines the season through its signature blend of music, comedy, art, and immersive…
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…
Award-winning Redtwist Theatre announces the cast and creative team for ‘night Mother, April 16 – May 24, by Marsha Norman and directed by Executive Artistic…
Nothing beats the December chill like a musical trip to old Vienna. Dance numbers evoke the city’s glittering Christmas markets, imperial architecture and steaming mugs…
Performed in the hallowed halls of the University of Chicago’s historic Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, Court Theatre’s 2026/27 season opens with the American premiere of Tituba—a…
Eddie Carbone, a longshoreman living in Red Hook, Brooklyn, harbors an obsessive love for his niece Catherine. When two illegal immigrants arrive from Sicily —…
After four years of sold-out performances, Port of Entry returns for its final season beginning Oct. 29. Created by Albany Park Theater Project and Third…
Kip Moore is bringing his newly announced, highly anticipated winter acoustic tour to Chicago for an intimate performance at The Vic Theatre on Thursday, December…
Oil Lamp Theater is proud to announce the cast and creative team for its next production and the final production in its 2026 season, It’s…
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…
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…
Lazy Susan Theatre Co. presents Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece “Our Town” beginning November 12, 2026. A breakfast before school, first loves, and those quiet…
Brett Eldredge is bringing his Glow: 10 Year Anniversary Tour to The Chicago Theatre for two consecutive nights: Thursday, December 10, 2026, and Friday, December…
Syd—the critically acclaimed singer, producer, and frontwoman of neo-soul collective The Internet—will perform live at the Ramova Theatre in Chicago on Thursday, December 10, 2026.…
Nominated “Best Comedy Show” by the Chicago Reader (2025), Sketch Playlist is a weekly sketch show that will feature all-new sketches every single week… the…
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…
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…
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…
On July 4, 2026, America turned 250 years old. To reckon with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is to reckon with freedom…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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:
