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…
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…
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is returning to Chicago for a festive, multi-week holiday run from Thursday, December 10 through Sunday,…
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…
Chicago’s best comedians doing their best material over live jazz! Every third Thursday at The Lincoln Lodge Theatre, Hosted by Jamaal Sanders, Hunter Hirsch, and…
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…
“Why see a show when you can BE the show!” Choir! Choir! Choir! is the fully interactive, participatory show that turns audience into performer! So…
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 —…
Be part of a quintessential holiday tradition! Heaped with uplifting messages and intimate storytelling, Handel’s Messiah never fails to inspire. While the iconic melodies — including “For…
NPR’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! records its live tapings at the Studebaker Theater inside the Fine Arts Building in Chicago, Illinois. Hosted by Peter Sagal…
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…
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…
Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘N Out Live – The Next Generation is coming to Chicago to wrap up its massive 20-city arena tour on Thursday,…
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…
This is Bluey’s Big Play, For Real Life. When Dad feels like a little bit of time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join…
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…
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…
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:
