64th season opener, Cinderella. This classic rags-to-riches fairy tale with the world’s favorite princess is scheduled to be performed on October 23rd , 24th ,…
The Winter’s Tale is coming to Chicago, running from Thursday, December 3, 2026, through Saturday, December 12, 2026, at The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.…
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…
Tin Drum Theatre Company announces the Chicago premiere of A Dark Wood, October 15 – November 1, written by Eric Coble and directed by Steve…
Find out for yourself why The Second City has been the first name in laughter for over sixty years! From the stages that launched the…
“Take thuh cards and show me whatcha got!” Brothers Lincoln and Booth, named in jest, are two Black men living in America just trying to…
A gaggle of suburban moms, armed with pickleball paddles and hard kombucha, are ready to take on the school board in the fight of their…
Oil Lamp Theater is proud to announce the cast and creative team for its next production, Dial M for Murder, October 2 – November 1,…
Do you dare enter the Haunted Museum? Guided demon hunts, spooky stories, creepy crafts, mummification demonstrations, and more! Dress up in your costume and experience…
Escape the Museum returns for another thrilling year with a brand new experience. After a sold-out run last year, Griffin MSI is hosting eight nights…
Alternative rock band The Wrecks will bring their national fall headline run, the “Finally : OUTSIDE Tour,” to the House of Blues Chicago on Saturday,…
The creator of 420 Shakespeare is bringing Mary Shelley’s monster to life… with a little help from Mary Jane. On a dark and stormy night,…
The Kids Show For Adults. It’s the all-ages magic show that’s actually fun for all ages. This is not a sweet, gentle, clap-along children’s show.…
Main Character Syndrome is a solo character showcase by Chicago’s funniest improvisers presenting original SNL-audition ready character sketches. From Tim Robinson to Cecily Strong, iO…
Runway Latinx (RLX) is founded and produced by Arabel Alva Rosales, J.D. RLX highlights Fashion, Gastronomy, Mixology, and Entertainment. This year will take place over…
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…
Millennials take on Generation X in a live stand-up comedy battle – and the audience decides who wins. Hosted by Chicago comedian Todd Glover, Standup…
The Séance is an original stage show that recreates an authentic Victorian-era séance. We investigate the history, tell the stories of the participants, and demonstrate…
We play with the dead. The Séance returns to Chicago’s Stars & Garters for Saturday nights this fall. Recreating the atmosphere and techniques of 19th-century…
2-Item Minimum Per Guest First Come, First Served Seating No Outside Food or Beverage Valid ID Required at Entry Zar the Star is a New…
The Séance: Live (and dead) recreates an authentic 1890s Victorian parlor séance using real history and stagecraft from the heyday of spiritualism. Saturday nights through…
Two lifelong friends sail into open water: one edging closer to the pull of oblivion, the other with a question neither can escape. Nobel laureate…
Kokandy Productions’ critically acclaimed revival of the 10-time 2025 Jeff Award–nominated musical JEKYLL & HYDE will make its Broadway In Chicago debut at the Broadway Playhouse at…
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…
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:
