This Halloween season, join us for the third year of Incredible Insects at The Butterfly House at Navy Pier: an interactive exhibit featuring wacky and…
Serial Killer: The Exhibition makes its Chicago debut on September 5, 2026, at Cinespace Film Studios Chicago, bringing the world’s largest private collection of authentic serial killer artifacts to…
Marriott Theatre, Chicagoland’s longest-running musical theatre presents Come From Away, the internationally celebrated musical that was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, captured four Laurence Olivier Awards,…
Goose Island’s 312 Beer and Bettinardi Golf are teaming up for a limited-edition collaboration celebrating the city both brands call home. To celebrate the collaboration,…
“Haunted by Our Dark Side: Chicago Ghosts, Gangsters, and True Crime” is a 2-hour afternoon/evening walking tour that uncovers Chicago’s shadowy past through chilling tales…
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…
DuSummer Music Series 2026 Get ready for an unforgettable summer of music at the DuSable Museum Outdoor Courtyard! Join us every other Thursday for some…
This production is presented by our partner, the National Museum of Mexican Art. Written and Directed by Anniela Huidobro. TZINELAS is a dance work that…
Mexican dance artist Anniela Huidobro will premiere TZINELAS on October 1, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the National Museum of Mexican Art (1852 W. 19th…
This production is produced by Repertorio Latino TC and Colectivo El Pozo, written by Raúl Dorantes and directed by Joaquín Catana and Roma Díaz. El…
Laugh your way into your new favorite Thursday tradition at Morgan’s Laugh Lounge, Chicago’s newest comedy hotspot. Every Thursday night from 6:00–9:30 PM, the lounge…
Tour-de-force solo show by Tania Richard, adapted from her memoir Black Girl from a White Suburb: Finding My Light, Using My Voice. Growing up in…
“Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights” is the landmark new production of the upcoming season. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score opens the door to an entirely reimagined world:…
Two lifelong friends sail into open water: one edging closer to the pull of oblivion, the other with a question neither can escape. Nobel laureate…
Kokandy Productions’ critically acclaimed revival of the 10-time 2025 Jeff Award–nominated musical JEKYLL & HYDE will make its Broadway In Chicago debut at the Broadway Playhouse at…
Curious Theatre Branch, with co-producers Chicago Danztheater Ensemble, Chicago Dramatists and Labyrinth Club, are pleased to announce the 37th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, September 20…
Steve Lacy will perform live at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, Illinois, on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The Grammy-winning R&B and neo-soul artist…
It’s officially spooky season and there’s no better time to watch a scary movie. From slashers to thrashers, Halloween-themed and gore, we take your favorite…
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…
A searing drama about bureaucratic chaos in a post-Roe America. After her transcontinental flight is diverted to Dallas, a pregnant woman inexplicably finds herself trapped…
With the help of some of Chicago’s best actors, Improv: The Play is a new, hybrid version of long form improv happening only at the…
If you’re looking for a date night, girls’ night out, or a mandatory work outing (that your staff will actually like) — Look no further!…
July 2nd, 1937. Many believe that Amelia Earhart met a watery demise, when in reality…she time travelled to the year 2026, landing at the Annoyance…
This production is produced by Teatro Inovarte, written by Jose Rochel, Pachy Felix and Tim Johnson Felix and directed by Jose Rochel and presented in…
One of just eight World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the planet’s most epic athletic events. Each year, more…
October is a jam-packed time in Chicago, with tons of Halloween events and fall-themed celebrations happening all month long. Start filling up your calendar with…
A visit to Chicago should feel as distinctive as the city itself. The Chicago Hotel Collection offers boutique hotel stays in some of the city’s…
This month, enjoy unique Halloween celebrations, tour local artist studios, check out global musicians, and browse the city’s longest-running outdoor market — all without spending…
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…
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…
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’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:
