“Haunted by Our Dark Side: Chicago Ghosts, Gangsters, and True Crime” is a 2-hour afternoon/evening walking tour that uncovers Chicago’s shadowy past through chilling tales…
EXP Rosemont invites guests to step back in time with The Last Stronghold, a free-roaming virtual reality experience that transports visitors to the fortified medieval…
The Museum of You is an all-inclusive, interactive performance experience where the audience becomes the art. Throughout the evening, performers and artists collaborate with guests…
Wading examines the tension among lore, myth and material truth — how we move through murky systems of power, bumping up against the trappings down below,…
The Glow Wild lantern festival transforms the night into a glowing celebration of art, culture, and conservation. Wander illuminated pathways surrounded by handcrafted lanterns inspired…
Don’t miss the longest running late-night show in Chicago! At The Infinite Wrench you’ll see 30 original plays in 60 minutes written and performed by…
Fair is foul, and foul is fair, what’s gonna happen today live on air? Since 1958, Lady Marcia Macbeth has been a guiding light to…
Chicago’s longest running and best interactive improv comedy experience. ComedySportz is comedy played as a sport, not comedy ABOUT sports (whew). Refs, fouls, points, games…
Chicago’s longest running and best interactive improv comedy experience. ComedySportz is comedy played as a sport, not comedy ABOUT sports (whew). Refs, fouls, points, games…
Northwest Stories is turning the Studebaker Theater into the Northwest for one night with special guest Jordy Searcy.If you like folk music, campfire stories, evergreen…
2-Item Minimum Per Guest Valid ID Required for Entry First Come, First Served Seating No Outside Food or Beverage SPECIAL EVENT** **No complimentary or discount…
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…
The Improvised Shakespeare Company® proudly presents its critically-acclaimed, long-running hit show Improvised Shakespeare Chicago, now in its 19th year! Join us for an evening of…
The hottest show in town, Devil’s Daughter, features a cast of seasoned comedians who have performed together in Chicago and around the country for over a decade.…
Nico and Matt are a married couple committed to building a relationship that exists outside traditional binaries. When familiar figures from the past and unexpected…
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…
“I have heard from a reliable source that no Dominican male has ever died a virgin. I shall be the first.” Oscar knows that a…
Based on actual events, CHANGING CHANNELS is set backstage at the DuMont Television Network in New York City in 1952. It is the peak of the “Red…
US premiere of an Irish drama that was revived in 2024 at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre. Set in Dublin, 1850: The delicate balance at the heart…
Lower East Side of New York City. End of the millennium. Mark and Roger are roommates, and they can’t afford rent (again). But they don’t…
The hottest show in town Devil’s Daughter features a cast of seasoned comedians who have performed together in Chicago and around the country for over a decade.…
Missed Call is a premier Chicago comedy group that writes and performs an entirely new sketch show every Friday — inspired by the audience’s suggestion!
Ghostlight begins its 9th Season with the first installment of a three-part cabaret experience devised by Ensemble Member Khnemu Menu-Ra, 3 Stages of Love. The…
Love always makes for a good story because some part of it is always relatable. And what better way to explore all the various sides…
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…
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…
Route 66 offers a true taste of America, and the culinary adventure kicks off here in Chicago, a city that offers some of the best…
Chicago is proud to be the official host city of International Jazz Day 2026, a global celebration that honors jazz and its unique power to…
As we hop into spring, let’s make time to enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or just the return…
March is dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions of women throughout history, and Chicago is the perfect place to celebrate. From engaging educational events to…
March is certainly a celebratory time in Chicago, as the temperatures start to warm up and every weekend is packed with events. Watch the river…
This month in Chicago, explore lush indoor gardens, admire iconic works in one of the world’s top art museums, and join in colorful 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:
