La Femme Dance Festival is a powerful tribute to the brilliance, resilience and global impact of Black women in dance. Now entering its 5th edition, this biennial…
When young black journalist Xan Smith is assigned to interview the once successful, now aging, white novelist, Henry Percival, her mission is clear. She is…
Fully Committed is a fast-paced, hilarious one-person comedy that takes audiences behind the scenes of New York’s hottest restaurant. One actor brings to life nearly…
We replaced Jeff Foxworthy (yuck) with Jonathan Castillo (hot) and swapped out the 5th graders (yikes) with drunk actors (also yikes) in our newest twist…
Comedian Margaret Cho will perform live at Vic Theatre on Mar. 28, 2026.
“I have heard from a reliable source that no Dominican male has ever died a virgin. I shall be the first.” Oscar knows that a…
Chicago Writers’ Bloc presents a series of staged readings of new work, many of which feature women’s voices, across genres from historical dramas to musicals,…
Based on actual events, CHANGING CHANNELS is set backstage at the DuMont Television Network in New York City in 1952. It is the peak of the “Red…
Experience the 45th Anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Live in Concert with the Chicago Philharmonic. Originally…
US premiere of an Irish drama that was revived in 2024 at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre. Set in Dublin, 1850: The delicate balance at the heart…
Lower East Side of New York City. End of the millennium. Mark and Roger are roommates, and they can’t afford rent (again). But they don’t…
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…
“The more music you got in the world, the fuller it is.” Ma Rainey’s band is waiting. It’s 1926 Chicago, and “The Mother of the…
PERFECT FOR MARCH BREAK SEE ALL SEVEN HARRY POTTER BOOKS IN 70 HILARIOUS MINUTES! “Absolutely hilarious! I laughed til my cheeks hurt” — Around the…
Inspired by the classic movie and hit FX show “Fargo”, Duluth takes audiences into the world of true crime in the Midwest. The cast of…
The Lincoln Lodge stand-up comedy and variety showcase plays every Friday and Saturday night in Chicago’s glamorous Logan Square! In addition to The Lodge’s rotating…
Chicago’s longest running and best interactive improv comedy experience. ComedySportz is comedy played as a sport, not comedy ABOUT sports (whew). Refs, fouls, points, games…
The Cosmic Underground Show blasts off for a 90-minute immersive comedy, magic, and mind-reading show. Cosmic founders Harrison Lampert (a quirky sleight-of-hand expert) and Kayla…
Trap Door Theatre Presents: The Cuttlefish, or the Hyrcanian Worldview Written by Stanisław I. Witkiewicz Translated by Daniel Gerould Directed by Nicole Wiesner Part philosophical…
An Intimate Evening with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will come to The Chicago Theatre on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28.
The Grelley Duvall Show returns with the world premiere of Grelley Duvall Best Actress, written and conceived by Alex Grelle with Jesse Morgan Young, directed…
Idle Muse Theatre Company launches its 20th anniversary season with The Three Musketeers, March 26 – April 25, written by Robert Kauzlaric, directed by Idle…
See comedians do two sets: first one sober and the second one DRUNK! Then the audience votes on their favorite drunk comic.
Murderer, poisoner, witch . That’s how history remembers Giulia Tofana, Italy’s most prolific serial killer and the infamous creator of the Aqua Tofana poison. Authorities…
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:
