Carl Nielsen’s Inextinguishable Symphony is a work of volcanic energy and struggle, capped by an extraordinary timpani battle. According to the composer, this wartime score represents “everything…
Oh, Mary! is a dark comedy about a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Unrequited yearning, alcoholism, and…
Carl Nielsen’s Inextinguishable Symphony is a work of volcanic energy and struggle, capped by an extraordinary timpani battle. According to the composer, this wartime score represents “everything…
Treat yourself to a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of chamber music. Beethoven’s String Quintet in C Minor — one of his earliest Viennese successes…
2026/27 CSO Artist-in-Residence Jean-Yves Thibaudet takes on Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto, a beguiling blend of dark Russian Romanticism and Armenian folk music. The concerto “is a…
2026/27 CSO Artist-in-Residence Jean-Yves Thibaudet takes on Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto, a beguiling blend of dark Russian Romanticism and Armenian folk music. The concerto “is a…
Pink Martini returns with its joyously freewheeling blend of classic pop, big band and Latin music. Joined by powerhouse vocalist Storm Large, the 12-member ensemble…
2026/27 CSO Artist-in-Residence Jean-Yves Thibaudet takes on Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto, a beguiling blend of dark Russian Romanticism and Armenian folk music. The concerto “is a…
How do we sum up our lives? Shostakovich confronted this question as he began his Fifteenth Symphony while confined to a hospital bed. The piece…
Aries Spears is bringing his brand new stand-up tour home to Chicago for a headline performance at The Chicago Theatre on Friday, February 19, 2027.…
Recognized without dispute as two of the finest jazz interpreters, guitarist John Scofield and bassist Dave Holland join forces to present a new conversation. Performing…
Affectionately known as “The Trocks,” get ready for the world’s foremost all-male comedic ballet company, delighting audiences worldwide with a brilliant mix of impeccable technique and hilarious…
How do we sum up our lives? Shostakovich confronted this question as he began his Fifteenth Symphony while confined to a hospital bed. The piece…
How do we sum up our lives? Shostakovich confronted this question as he began his Fifteenth Symphony while confined to a hospital bed. The piece…
Celebrate 35 years of one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time: Sonic the Hedgehog. This new in concert experience brings together, live on stage,…
Come along on two heroic journeys. The concert opens with the world premiere of The Escapist Symphony by former Mead Composer-in-Residence Mason Bates, presented by the Chicago…
Come along on two heroic journeys. The concert opens with the world premiere of The Escapist Symphony by former Mead Composer-in-Residence Mason Bates, presented by the Chicago…
Bugs Bunny At The Symphony is scheduled to play live in Chicago, Illinois across two dates on Friday, February 26, 2027, and Saturday, February 27,…
After performing his smash-hit show ‘Horizons’ to nearly half a million people across the world, Professor Brian Cox is back with his new world tour…
Bugs Bunny At The Symphony is scheduled to play live in Chicago, Illinois across two dates on Friday, February 26, 2027, and Saturday, February 27,…
Come along on two heroic journeys. The concert opens with the world premiere of The Escapist Symphony by former Mead Composer-in-Residence Mason Bates, presented by the Chicago…
Feel the power of Japanese taiko drumming as Kodo returns to Symphony Center. This legendary ensemble of master percussionists brings a centuries-old tradition to electrifying…
Twilight in Concert will be coming to The Chicago Theatre on Sunday, February 28, 2027, at 7:00 PM. This live-to-film cinematic experience features the full…
Bach’s concertos represent the summit of Baroque ingenuity, packed with emotional depth and melodic splendor. Hear two of the finest examples in performances by Orion…
Save the date, cinephiles: The Chicago International Film Festival is back with exciting screenings, world premieres, and more events for cinephiles from Oct. 14 to…
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…
This fall, Chicago’s fashion and design scene takes center stage during the third annual Chicago Fashion Week, showcasing the city’s creativity, culture, and couture. This…
Fall in Chicago is the best time of year for architecture lovers. The season brings top events like the annual Pullman House Tour, the Chicago…
Chicago is a city renowned for its rich cultural diversity, and there’s no better time to experience it than during National Hispanic Heritage Month. From…
Chicago is a city with history — a whole lot of history, dating back to before the city’s founding in 1837. So it’s hardly surprising…
Chicago’s summer festival season may be winding down, but there’s still another standout event on the city’s cultural calendar — Chicago Live Festival at Navy…
There’s no better way to celebrate the spookiest time of year than by packing your calendar with haunted events, themed cocktails, and spine-chilling pop-ups —…
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:
