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…
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…
If you’re looking for a fast, flexible Greeter experience, check out our InstaGreeter walks. These hour-long guided walks are a fun and informal way to…
“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…
Step aboard for a one-of-a-kind journey where mind-reading, magic, comedy, and sci-fi collide in ways you won’t find anywhere else in Chicago. Hosted by real-life…
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…
Drunk Christmas Carol, presented by the Drunk Shakespeare Society, brings a boozy twist on Charles Dickens’ holiday classic to Chicago for a limited run at…
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…
November 13 & 15 | SHORTS FROM THE BLOCK celebrates Chicago as both place and practice, a city continually shaped by its artists, organizers, institutions,…
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…
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…
Chicago’s Theatre of Magic at Palmer House a Hilton Hotel transforms an iconic landmark into an intimate stage for world-class illusions, magic-themed cocktails, and five-star…
The Second City’s 114th Mainstage Revue Pandemonium, Please Hold is a loud, fast, and gloriously unhinged night of comedic mayhem. The Second City’s six-person cast…
This is Different! The Fall North Shore Fine Art Expo is a curated original boutique expo showcasing works from an eclectic group of contemporary artists…
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…
Ask yourself: Am I being a good friend to myself when I am being a friend to others? At Your Mercy is a BFA Dance…
Reality Detox: The Improv Experience is a high-energy night of improvisation from The Second City, with a few sketch surprises mixed in along the way. Built…
One relationship. Infinite possibilities. In how many universes would you love someone? Nick Payne’s Olivier award-winning CONSTELLATIONS is a play about free will and friendship;…
Andy Haynes is a writer, stand up and actor from Seattle, WA. His standup can be seen on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Comedy…
Comedian Nikki Glaser is scheduled to perform two shows in Chicago in late 2026 as part of her “The Stunning Tour”.
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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:
