The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Hall was built as a memorial to the sacrifices of Union Civil War veterans and their families. According…
Join us for Homeschool Days at Peppa Pig World of Play Chicago, where preschool families can enjoy an OINKTASTIC discount! Experience the magic of Peppa…
Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360 provides a panoramic view through history and truth, inviting visitors of all backgrounds to witness stories of survival, ask questions, and reflect…
This musical is JUST RIGHT! This show is based on the classic story of a young girl who ventures into the woods and stumbles on…
Arts Healing Across Communities is a six-month initiative that integrates professional performance, participatory arts, and culturally grounded wellness workshops to foster healing, resilience, and collective…
Will You Remember? is a group exhibition from students in Loyola University Chicago’s Digital Imaging class that explores how the Internet and digital media seep…
I Used to Live in Chicago is a multidisciplinary exhibition exploring memory, displacement, and cultural resilience across Chicago’s historically black neighborhoods. Curated by Anefertiti Bowman,…
Showcasing some of the best performers in the city, Tuesday Good Show is a free weekly variety show hosted by Nick Bonsignore and Keller Paulson.…
Join us for the most fun interactive comedy show in Chicago, where the audience determines who’s the funniest (and the most unfunny) by throwing [fake]…
HIGHQ AMERICA’S FAVORITE DRUG TEST IS COMING TO RISE HighQ – America’s Favorite Drug Test is excited to bring their intelligent blend of alternative comedy and spirited…
THE PARTY’S ROARING IN CHICAGO! THE GREAT GATSBY is a “Broadway extravaganza that explodes with life and energy” (Entertainment Weekly). Based on the classic American novel…
Delight in Shakespeare’s most raucous comedy! The secret lives of Windsor wives reveal there is much more to this charming, middle-class English hamlet than meets…
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Terry White continues his monthly ‘Songwriter Circle’ residency in Fitzgerald’s Sidebar with special guests Andon Davis and Chris Siebold.
Doc10 is Chicago’s only all-documentary film festival and provides an engaging experience for its audiences, reaching thousands of local cinephiles over the last nine years.…
Rediscover the soundtrack of a lifetime with GOING BACHARACH, a vibrant new revue, direct from a sold-out run in New York, celebrating the legacy of…
Your best bet for Tuesday night laughs with one of Chicago’s most critically acclaimed comedy showcases! Every Tuesday, we will bring you the best lineup…
Order in the court!Comic Court is back at The Lincoln Lodge every 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 9PM. Comedians argue ridiculous cases like actual lawyers,…
Now through July 12, 2026 Multiple experiences per day at the Reid Murdoch Building, 333 N LaSalle Visit TheateroftheMindChicago.com for dates, times, and tickets Created…
The Evanston Art Center (EAC) is excited to welcome the public to our upcoming exhibition, Walldrawings | Friedhard Kiekeben and Maria Burundarena. The exhibition will…
A library is the perfect place to explore the origins of a country founded on words. What did Congress mean when they declared that “all…
By A Thread: Nature’s Resilience dives into the science of biodiversity and what it takes to protect it—showcasing the research, conservation, and education work happening…
The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Hall was built as a memorial to the sacrifices of Union Civil War veterans and their families. According…
Join us for Homeschool Days at Peppa Pig World of Play Chicago, where preschool families can enjoy an OINKTASTIC discount! Experience the magic of Peppa…
Summer in Chicago just wouldn’t feel complete without the city’s beloved street festivals. Scattered throughout lively neighborhoods, these community gatherings are the perfect excuse 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…
If you’ve never been to a cabaret show, Chicago is a great place to start. With a 100-plus year history rooted in the city’s early…
Chicago’s summer event calendar is overflowing with cultural happenings. From groundbreaking art exhibits to exciting theatrical premieres, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. Check…
For a century, the illustrious history of Route 66 has captured the American imagination. More than a highway, the so-called “Mother Road” is an open‑road…
The annual James Beard Awards recognize the best and the brightest of the nation’s dining scene. These prestigious accolades honor not only chefs and restaurants…
April is a jam-packed month in Chicago — spring is on the horizon, tulips start to bloom all over the city, and weekends fill up…
This month in Chicago, explore lush indoor gardens, admire iconic works in one of the world’s top art museums, and join in milestone 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:
