The new public art exhibit We the People: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Beauty in Greektown Chicago celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration…
Get ready for an electrifying night of basketball as the Xavier Musketeers take on the Detroit Mercy Titans at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati! This…
Glide along the Chicago River and Lakefront as you’re dazzled by the sparkle of the city at night. Hear lively commentary as you feel the…
On July 4, 2026, America turned 250 years old. To reckon with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is to reckon with freedom…
The Pulitzer Prizes and American Library Association are bringing Pulitzer on the Road to the Harold Washington Library Center this fall. Opening October 14, the…
Step into the Great Green Room and experience Goodnight Moon like never before. Inspired by Margaret Wise Brown’s timeless story and Clement Hurd’s iconic illustrations,…
The Declaration of Independence grounded the revolutionary right of a people to overthrow a government in the philosophical premise that “all men are created equal.”…
Join us for Homeschool Days at Peppa Pig World of Play Chicago, where preschool families can enjoy an OINKTASTIC discount! Experience the magic of Peppa…
Don your armor, pull out your spellbooks, and straighten your crown; Castle, presented by Shriners Children’s, is coming back to Chicago Children’s Museum. In this…
Flyway City: Architecture for a Flourishing Ecosystem, designed and co-curated by architecture and urban design practice Studio Gang in collaboration with the Chicago Architecture Center,…
Emma Stebbins: Carving Out History examines the full scope of Stebbins’s history‑making career as one of the most significant American sculptors of the nineteenth century. From…
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…
Chicago-based conceptual artist Stephanie Brooks and Washington-based still life and landscape painter David Kroll are exhibiting their works at the Zolla / Lieberman Gallery in…
SOMETHING BIG IS GROWING ON SKID ROW… A down-on-his-luck floral assistant discovers an exotic plant with a craving for human flesh. As the carnivorous plant…
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Fall Undergraduate Exhibition showcases the culminating work of graduating seniors. This exhibition features the ambitious and innovative…
What if you could shrink yourself down to the size of a bug? Build your own droid? Travel through space with nothing but science to…
Intuit Art Museum (IAM), recognized worldwide as one of the few institutions dedicated solely to championing the work of self-taught artists, marks the 250th anniversary…
The 2026 State Farm Champions Classic will take place on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago. This marquee, early-season men’s college…
Showcasing some of the best performers in the city, Tuesday Good Show is a free weekly variety show hosted by Nick Bonsignore and Keller Paulson.…
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Four Roses Presents…A Gman Author Series Event Femmes at Full Volume Author Bobby Talamine in Conversation with Lauren O’Neil Free with RSVP / 21 &…
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson is bringing his new show, “Astronomy Bizarre,” to Chicago on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. “Astronomy Bizarre” explores the most exotic and…
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…
The Atlanta-based rapper Hunxho is bringing his upcoming “2 Night Only” tour to Chicago on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. He will be performing live at…
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…
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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:
