The “First Fridays Art Walk,” organized by the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, welcomes art enthusiasts to explore the neighborhoods’ vibrant arts scene. All…
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…
Zhou B Art Center opens exhibitions every 3rd Friday of the month with an evening reception from 7pm-10pm hosted by resident artists and galleries. This…
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…
Two hundred years ago, Beethoven shook the world with his final symphony, and especially its Ode to Joy finale, one of the most celebrated melodies ever written.…
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!
The Lincoln Lodge stand-up comedy and variety showcase plays every Friday and Saturday night in Chicago’s glamorous Logan Square! In addition to The Lodge’s rotating…
iO Chicago presents: a fully made-up, off-off-off Broadway style musical every Friday at 10pm in the Fremont Theater. Spend your Friday night with us. See…
A Chicago based improv comedy show and drinking game based on the works of Alfred Hitchcock. Based on an audience suggestion, the cast weave together…
LeRoy Neiman: A Keen Observer of Style brings together 80 drawings and paintings, spanning the 1950s to 2000, that show how that early fashion work…
Serial Killer: The Exhibition makes its Chicago debut on September 5, 2026, at Cinespace Film Studios Chicago, bringing the world’s largest private collection of authentic serial killer artifacts to…
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…
“CRITICS’ PICK. TRULY AMAZING!” – New York Times “BEST VISITING IMPROV COMEDY!”– TimeOut NY “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!” – The Onion “★★★★★” THEY ARE AN ENTERTAINMENT PHENOMENON AND I…
After getting a single suggestion, the cast of six professional comedians asks the audience to choose a detective. Enjoy as they invent a tale of…
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…
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…
Two hundred years ago, Beethoven shook the world with his final symphony, and especially its Ode to Joy finale, one of the most celebrated melodies ever written.…
The Lincoln Lodge stand-up comedy and variety showcase plays every Friday and Saturday night in Chicago’s glamorous Logan Square! In addition to The Lodge’s rotating…
Enjoy the best sketch comedy Chicago has to offer! The Annoyance Theatre has been at the crux of the comedy scene in Chicago for over…
Are you ready for a cinematic showdown where your favorite song lyrics inspire completely improvised, never-seen-before, and never-seen-again summer movies? Join us Saturdays in July…
Slumber Party! A Comedy Show for Gossip Lovers A night of giggles, gossip, and games with your favorite Chicago comedians. Welcome to Slumber Party! Come…
LeRoy Neiman: A Keen Observer of Style brings together 80 drawings and paintings, spanning the 1950s to 2000, that show how that early fashion work…
Serial Killer: The Exhibition makes its Chicago debut on September 5, 2026, at Cinespace Film Studios Chicago, bringing the world’s largest private collection of authentic serial killer artifacts to…
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…
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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:
