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…
2-Item Minimum Per Guest First Come, First Served Seating No Outside Food or Beverage Valid ID Required at Entry Crowd Work Wednesday is a weekly…
The comedy synthpop trio Starbomb is scheduled to perform live in Chicago, Illinois on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 as part of “Probably The Only Tour…
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…
South Korean alternative hip-hop pioneers Epik High will perform live in Chicago on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the House of Blues…
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…
The legendary anonymous avant-garde collective The Residents will kick off their rescheduled North American tour in Chicago on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. This highly anticipated…
Idle Muse Theatre Company continues its 20th anniversary season and kicks off the Halloween season with Witch, September 10 – October 10, written by Jen…
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…
How did a dead body, a fake love letter, and — of all people — Ian Fleming turn the tide of World War II? Olivier…
Get ready for a night filled with laughter as the “Best of Chicago Comedy – Chicago” takes the stage at The Foundation Room at House…
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,…
Performed in the hallowed halls of the University of Chicago’s historic Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, Court Theatre’s 2026/27 season opens with the American premiere of Tituba—a…
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…
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…
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…
No matter how different we all are, we are united by one commonality: our need to go. Using the structure of an ancient religious ritual,…
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…
Chicago’s fall events calendar is overflowing with cultural happenings — including music, theatre, film, visual arts, and everything in between. If you’re looking for things…
Chicago is home to a diverse Filipino American community, and October is a chance to celebrate Filipino heritage, history, and culture across the city. Throughout…
Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is a tradition that has been practiced in Mexican culture for over 3,000…
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…
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:
