Award-winning Refracted Theatre Company is proud to announce the cast and creative team of I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire, written by Samantha Hurley and…
The Jonas Brothers will perform live at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL, on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The pop-rock trio freshly announced their massive,…
Award-winning Redtwist Theatre’s new 22nd season, “State of Violence,” begins with Prayer Circle, September 17 – November 8, by Erik Gernand and directed by Executive…
Oil Lamp Theater is proud to announce the cast and creative team for its next production, Dial M for Murder, October 2 – November 1,…
Babes With Blades Theatre Company’s (BWBTC) presents the final production in its 2026 season, William Shakespeare’s King Lear, directed by Alison Dornheggen and fight choreography…
Tin Drum Theatre Company announces the Chicago premiere of A Dark Wood, October 15 – November 1, written by Eric Coble and directed by Steve…
swedm® has officially added a Chicago date to their debut North American tour on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The boundary-pushing EDM preservation collective—spearheaded by genre…
Nominated “Best Comedy Show” by the Chicago Reader (2025), Sketch Playlist is a weekly sketch show that will feature all-new sketches every single week… the…
Blueprint is the kind of improv that keeps audiences AND players on their toes. Each week, a different cast member designs a bold new improv format…
Continuing the rich tradition of late night improv, join the veteran cast of THE 11PM SHOW every Friday at 11PM as they perform late night, artistic improv…
Get ready for an unforgettable night at the Downstairs Theatre At Steppenwolf Theatre – Chicago, where the acclaimed performance of “Topdog/Underdog – Chicago” will take…
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…
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.”…
American Prophets journeys through the pages of American history to explore the influence of religion and spirituality on writers and culture, with interactive displays incorporating…
A mini version of the beloved Zoom Room exhibit will be set up in the museum’s Great Hall for a limited time. On display and ready…
Pigmented: Chicago to the World is a national convening that celebrates Chicago’s unparalleled influence on Black visual art, design, sculpture, architecture, fabrication, scholarship, and cultural leadership. Presented…
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…
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…
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 production is produced by Repertorio Latino TC and Colectivo El Pozo, written by Raúl Dorantes and directed by Joaquín Catana and Roma Díaz. El…
Zar the Star is a New York City-based stand-up comedian and content creator whose sharp wit, bold storytelling, and unfiltered takes have made her one…
Australian comedian Randy Feltface is scheduled to perform in Chicago on Friday, October 23, 2026, as part of his “Gimmick” tour.
Comedian and actor Adam Ray will perform live in Chicago on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The performance is a headlining stop on…
The Book of Mormon is returning to Chicago for a limited limited engagement from Friday, October 23 through Sunday, November 1, 2026. From the creators…
One of just eight World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the planet’s most epic athletic events. Each year, more…
October is a jam-packed time in Chicago, with tons of Halloween events and fall-themed celebrations happening all month long. Start filling up your calendar with…
A visit to Chicago should feel as distinctive as the city itself. The Chicago Hotel Collection offers boutique hotel stays in some of the city’s…
This month, enjoy unique Halloween celebrations, tour local artist studios, check out global musicians, and browse the city’s longest-running outdoor market — all without spending…
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…
Save the date, cinephiles: The Chicago International Film Festival is back with exciting screenings, world premieres, and more events for cinephiles from Oct. 14 to…
This fall, Chicago’s fashion and design scene takes center stage during the third annual Chicago Fashion Week, showcasing the city’s creativity, culture, and couture. This…
Fall in Chicago is the best time of year for architecture lovers. The season brings top events like the annual Pullman House Tour, the Chicago…
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:
