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…
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…
“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…
Design Graveyard is a free, two-week exhibition of design work that never made it out of the studio. It collects abandoned concepts, rejected pitches, unbuilt…
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…
In the wake of the 2026 midterm elections and as part of its America@250 programming, Court Theatre inaugurates its first annual Court Convening, inviting artists,…
Christian worship singer and songwriter Abbie Gamboa is bringing her live concert experience to Chicago, Illinois, on Thursday, November 5, 2026, performing at the House…
Maggie Winters is coming back to where it all began for a one-night-only stand-up showcase. Before taking the internet by storm and landing on HBO’s…
2-Item Minimum Per Guest Valid ID Required for Entry First Come, First Served Seating No Outside Food or Beverage Ify Nwadiwe has a whole lot…
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong are performing live in Chicago on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at The Vic Theatre. The high-energy funk-jam band is returning to…
In 1981, iO Theater started a revolution that shaped modern comedy and launched the sharpest, funniest voices in the industry. Join us November 5-7 as…
In 1981, iO Theater started a revolution that shaped modern comedy and launched the sharpest, funniest voices in the industry. Join us November 5-7 as…
Vape! lovingly pokes fun at all of the wonderful moments, sexual innuendos, outrageous characters, rivalries and secret romances from the original musical. The hair products may…
Obie Award winner and “multi-media whiz” (New York Times) Jared Mezzocchi tells the story of his mother’s relationship to NASA and outer space while asking us to…
With the help of some of Chicago’s best actors, Improv: The Play is a new, hybrid version of long form improv happening only at the…
If you’re looking for a date night, girls’ night out, or a mandatory work outing (that your staff will actually like) — Look no further!…
Chicago Repertory Ballet Revives Its Acclaimed Original Story Ballet Following its gripping world premiere in 2025, Chicago Repertory Ballet proudly brings back The Capulets for…
One of the most provocative and enduring theatrical works to emerge from the AIDS crisis. The play follows J.R. and Bert, two gay men who…
Join actress and activist Sophia Bush for an intimate evening of unflinchingly honest storytelling. Live in conversation, she will open up about her childhood in…
Award-winning Redtwist Theatre announces the cast and creative team for ‘night Mother, April 16 – May 24, by Marsha Norman and directed by Executive Artistic…
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, with its iconic four-note motif, stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Strauss’ Burlesque — written when the composer…
About this show In a world where facts are manipulated and fear is currency, the truth becomes dangerous. As a new authoritarian government tightens its…
11/05: Thursday 7:30PM vs USF Ticket prices range from $31.50–$368.50, depending on seating location.
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…
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…
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…
Celebrate cozy weather and changing leaves in the city made for autumn adventures. We’ve got everything you need to plan the perfect fall day in…
It’s an incredible time to be a Chicago sports fan. Almost all of the city’s iconic sports teams are still playing, whether the season is…
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:
