Japanese hip-hop powerhouse Creepy Nuts — the duo made up of three-time national rap battle champion R-Shitei and world-champion DJ DJ Matsunaga — announce their…
Neo-soul duo Floetry is reuniting for their first tour in a decade, the “Say Yes The Tour,” and they are scheduled to perform in Chicago…
Get ready to experience a rollercoaster of emotions in a heart-stopping performance at The Playground Theater. Consider My Heart Stopped is a show about the…
Every Wednesday The Best Speakeasy In Chicago Hosts The Hottest Comedians The City Has To Offer! Indulge In Our Amazing Craft Cocktails And Enjoy An…
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,…
The Queen is jealous of Snow White’s Beauty! So she runs off into the woods to live with seven crazy Dwarfs. Will the Queen find…
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…
DIRECTED BY CHUCK SMITH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AND MUSIC DIRECTOR HARRY J. LENNIX “The more music you got in the world, the fuller it is.” Ma…
CIVL Fest 2026 is a citywide celebration of Chicago’s independent music and performing arts venues. Taking place April 16–25, 2026, the festival showcases 40+ shows…
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…
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…
The Ally Written by Itamar Moses Directed by Jeremy Wechsler When Asaf’s student asks him to sign a manifesto condemning police brutality, he wants to…
Chicago’s brand new Stars & Garters, 3914 N Clark St, presents Stars & Garters After Dark, every Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Rouge Room.…
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…
CIVL Fest 2026 is a citywide festival spotlighting Chicago’s independent venues with ten days of shows, special events, and community-focused programming. This concert kicks off…
CIVL Fest 2026 is a citywide celebration of Chicago’s independent music and performing arts venues. Taking place April 16–25, 2026, the festival showcases CIVL member…
What if your favorite movie was set in Chicago? Flicks like Jaws, Titanic, and Trolls World Tour are deserving of sequels in The Second City,…
Chicago’s best comedians doing their best material over live jazz! Every third Thursday at The Lincoln Lodge Theatre, Hosted by Jamaal Sanders, Hunter Hirsch, and…
When young black journalist Xan Smith is assigned to interview the once successful, now aging, white novelist, Henry Percival, her mission is clear. She is…
Welcome to the home of the eccentric Latimer, who waylays couples who are running away together and gives them a taste of what their lives…
Written and directed by Rueben D. Echoles Produced by eta Creative Arts Foundation, in association with EcholesINK A Lot to Unpack is a one-act comedy about Reality Television host…
Life happens outside of your comfort zone. Out Here is a courageous new musical, developed through a dynamic collaboration with the University of Chicago. Audiences will have…
Life happens outside of your comfort zone. Out Here is a world-premiere musical, a thrilling collaboration between Court Theatre and the University of Chicago, and an intimate…
This is a story about money. Don’t let them fool you otherwise. When a father loses his child in a clash with the local police,…
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…
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…
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…
EXPO CHICAGO Contemporary Art Fair returns to lakefront Navy Pier from April 9 – 12, 2026 with an exciting roster of 130 leading galleries from around…
Black history tours of Chicago offer an engaging journey through the city’s rich African American culture. Embark on an in-depth exploration of influential neighborhoods like…
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:
