Zoe, a Black student at a liberal arts college, is called into her white professor’s office to discuss her paper about slavery’s effect on the…
Akeem Ali is performing at the House of Blues Chicago on Saturday, October 31, 2026, for “The Texture Tour.”
Join Shedd Aquarium for a frightfully fun night at Haunted House Party, where house music and Halloween collide. Come dressed in your creepiest, kookiest costumes…
The Soul Avengers return to SPACE after a paying tribute to Al Green at the venue in the hazy days before the pandemic. This time,…
The Sanctum Dark Music Festival returns to Chicago for Halloween weekend on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026. The darkwave, industrial, and post-punk…
Saturday Night Sketch brings Chicago’s best sketch comedy ensembles to the stage for a high-octane evening. From sharp political satire to mind melting absurdity, come…
Vampire playlist by Concrete Content. Written by Xitlali Celeste, Angelica Davila, Pedro Arturo Jimenez, Luis Antonio Mora, Cielo Santiago Muñoz, Amelia Roque, Dani Suarez, Erik Ventura,…
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…
We saw you coming. Fourteen floors above Randolph Street, aerialists fly through a century-old Belgian Spiegeltent while acrobatics, burlesque, cabaret, and comedy unfold around your…
Celebrate 45 years of improvisational excellence with the Best of iO Improv. This show brings together two teams of our very best improvisers, each delivering…
Our longest-running sketch show is back again to scare you into drinking! DEATH TOLL is a sketch comedy show with one simple rule: drink when…
One of the most provocative and enduring theatrical works to emerge from the AIDS crisis. The play follows J.R. and Bert, two gay men who…
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW returns to The Chicago Theatre on Halloween night! Experience the cult-classic phenomenon in a new 4K restoration with a live…
“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…
Brahms once called A German Requiem his “human requiem” — and it fits. The gently powerful score emphasizes consolation for the living rather than fiery judgment, and…
Moliere’s Tartuffe is a five-act comedy satirizing religious hypocrisy, where the charlatan Tartuffe frauds the gullible Orgon by faking piety, seizing control of his home,…
After four years of sold-out performances, Port of Entry returns for its final season beginning Oct. 29. Created by Albany Park Theater Project and Third…
Remy Bumppo Theatre Company is pleased to announce the cast, creative and production teams for the first production in its 2026 – 2027 season, Mud…
Allison Russell will perform live at The Vic Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, poet, and activist is bringing…
Award-winning Refracted Theatre Company is proud to announce the cast and creative team of I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire, written by Samantha Hurley and…
Award-winning Redtwist Theatre’s new 22nd season, “State of Violence,” begins with Prayer Circle, September 17 – November 8, by Erik Gernand and directed by Executive…
Oil Lamp Theater is proud to announce the cast and creative team for its next production, Dial M for Murder, October 2 – November 1,…
The Factory Theater and Artistic Director Michael Jones are proud to announce the first production of its 32nd season, the world premiere of B.Z Florida’s…
Chicago’s cultural scene doesn’t slow down when the temperature drops. Winter in Chicago is packed with tons of exciting happenings, including blockbuster museum exhibits, hit…
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…
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…
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…
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:
