On view February 21 – March 18, 2026 Opening Reception Sunday, February 22, 2026, 1-4 pm Ruth L. Poor, raised in Indiana, uses their work to…
Join us on Sunday, March 1 from 10AM–12PM for the joyful return of the Andersonville Purim Carnival, in partnership with Emanuel Congregation! The celebration kicks off…
By A Thread: Nature’s Resilience dives into the science of biodiversity and what it takes to protect it—showcasing the research, conservation, and education work happening…
The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Hall was built as a memorial to the sacrifices of Union Civil War veterans and their families. According…
Not a Soft Thing is a multifaceted exhibition by 15 artist/mothers spanning diverse cultural backgrounds, disciplines, and stages of caregiving. Together, this artist collective challenges…
Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360 provides a panoramic view through history and truth, inviting visitors of all backgrounds to witness stories of survival, ask questions, and reflect…
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…
I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit explores the flora and fauna of six different habitats, including the Desert, Ocean, Rainforest, Sky, Woods and City.…
North Side Restaurant Week, running February 26 through March 8, 2026. Albany Park Chamber of Commerce, Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of…
Built for the Body: the Intersection of Architecture & Jewelry is an exhibition that will be on view in our downtown Chicago gallery from January…
For the second year in a row, Chicago’s Water Tower Place is teaming up with the South Loop Farmers Market to bring its popular indoor…
The 2026 market features an incredible line-up of local vendors and events, including: A diverse range of fresh produce, preserved veggies, cheeses and meats, snacks…
Take a walk with us down Randolph Street in the buzzy West Loop neighborhood for an insider’s peek into Chicago’s most talked-about restaurants, homegrown breweries,…
Monster Jam is scheduled for multiple performances at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont from Friday, February 27, 2026, through Sunday, March 1, 2026. The event,…
Binkley, an outsider dwarf from the Kingdom of Magical Land, is quiet, timid and scared of the dark — not exactly the best characteristics for…
August Strindberg’s Miss Julie is a confrontation of class, gender, and desire at the turn of the twentieth century that’s as relevant today as when…
On the eve of a wedding meant to unite two rival Chicago pizza dynasties, a celebrity chef’s unexpected return from the dead throws everything into…
Bramble Theatre Company begins its 2026 season with a workshop production of The Pets, written by Dizzy Turek and directed by Dan Washelesky, running February 11…
Hubbard Street returns to the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Feb. 26-Mar. 1, 2026, to present a thrilling Winter Series program of works that…
“Elegant and beguiling” – Evening Standard (UK) Warwickshire, 1582. Agnes Hathaway, a natural healer, meets the Latin tutor, William Shakespeare. Drawn together by powerful but…
Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to present The Irish … and How They Got That Way, by Frank McCourt, original musical arrangements by Rusty…
Travel back over 90 million years this spring at Chicago Children’s Museum when Paleontologist Paul Sereno presents a newly discovered species of Spinosaurus. A replica…
Midwest town. Forced into marriage due to an unexpected pregnancy, former beauty queen Lola and recovering alcoholic Doc live a quiet life of heartbreak and…
March is dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions of women throughout history, and Chicago is the perfect place to celebrate. From engaging educational events to…
March is certainly a celebratory time in Chicago, as the temperatures start to warm up and every weekend is packed with events. Watch the river…
This month in Chicago, explore lush indoor gardens, admire iconic works in one of the world’s top art museums, and join in colorful cultural celebrations…
Chicago’s legendary sports scene is never done and never outdone. This year, the city will be hosting an array of major athletic events, including the…
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…
St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is a celebration like no other. With a substantial Irish population — and one of the biggest city-wide St. Patrick’s…
In the springtime, Chicago lives up to its official city motto Urbs in Horto — “City in a Garden.” Our countless parks, green spaces, and…
Chicago is proud to be the official host city of International Jazz Day 2026, a global celebration that honors jazz and its unique power to…
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:
