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…
Illinois Humanities is proud to present an evening of commissioned performances from comedian Lisa Beasley, choreographer/director INSÉKTA, Illinois Poet Laureate Mark Turcotte, former Chicago Poet Laureate avery r.…
A weekly improv show hosted by Blue.0 and featuring a rotating cast of indie teams formed right here at The iO Theater! Each Wednesday at…
The Book of Mormon is returning to Chicago for a limited limited engagement from Friday, October 23 through Sunday, November 1, 2026. From the creators…
Join Chicago’s best comedians for a hilarious night of stand-up comedy, pizza, and nonstop laughs!
Where memory is preserved, legacy endures. MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient Rhiannon Giddens and celebrated co-composer Michael Abels deliver a profoundly moving story about the strength…
Father Mike Schmitz will bring his popular live presentation, Parables: A Time of Reflection, to The Chicago Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, on Wednesday, October 28,…
A showcase of 3 short plays by select writing teams and featuring a cast of iO Theater performers. It’s experimental, it’s follow-the-fun, it’s Play Time. Plays…
Always, Sometimes, Maybe is an award winning, internationally acclaimed solo show about a janitor so lonely she makes her friends out of trash. When Lou…
“Take thuh cards and show me whatcha got!” Brothers Lincoln and Booth, named in jest, are two Black men living in America just trying to…
A gaggle of suburban moms, armed with pickleball paddles and hard kombucha, are ready to take on the school board in the fight of their…
Shakey Graves will bring his Fondness, Etc. Tour to Chicago on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Special Guest: New York indie-rock band Wild Pink will open…
Oil Lamp Theater is proud to announce the cast and creative team for its next production, Dial M for Murder, October 2 – November 1,…
Eros Ramazzotti is bringing his Una Storia Importante World Tour to the Rosemont Theatre on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. This tour celebrates his 40-year career…
Join iO house team Fizz for Chicago’s most carbonated improv show. Wednesdays at 10 p.m., Fizz cracks open a high-octane, full-sugar set of one-night-only scenes,…
Continuing the rich tradition of late night improv, join the veteran cast of THE 11PM SHOW every Friday at 11PM as they perform late night, artistic improv…
Get ready for a night filled with laughter at the “Best of Chicago Comedy – Chicago,” where some of the city’s funniest talents take 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…
In this foot-stomping new musical, Grace accidentally knocks down the fence between her dad’s well-manicured backyard and Mr. Hertz’s wildflower garden, where she discovers three…
The Book of Mormon is returning to Chicago for a limited limited engagement from Friday, October 23 through Sunday, November 1, 2026. From the creators…
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…
OhJay Lamont, born and raised on the west side of Chicago, started doing stand-up comedy in 2015. He has worked in many different areas of…
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…
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…
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:
