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…
In the high stone tower of an isolated naval fortress, Alice and Edgar are about to celebrate 25 years of wedded bliss—if decades of resentment,…
Award-winning Redtwist Theatre presents Confederates, January 29 – March 8, by Dominique Morisseau and directed by Aaron Reese Boseman, at Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn…
“I have heard from a reliable source that no Dominican male has ever died a virgin. I shall be the first.” Oscar knows that a…
This darkly funny Pulitzer Prize Finalist presents a complicated love triangle that explores desire, obsession, and the emptiness behind its character’s lives. In a grimy…
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…
Remy Bumppo Theatre Company’s 30th anniversary season continues with Hedda Gabler, adapted by Christopher Shinn, based on the literal translation by Anne-Charlotte Hanes Harvey and…
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is proud to present The Play That Goes Wrong, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell St.,…
Canadian alternative rock band Our Lady Peace /w special guests The Verve Pipe is scheduled to perform in Chicago, IL, on Thursday, March 5, 2026,…
Dive into the nostalgia of Disney Channel Original Movies with the cast of Improvised DCOM! This All Star cast is bringing screen to stage every…
Welcome to the Amerie live performance at the iconic United Center in Chicago, Illinois! Get ready to be mesmerized by the soulful tunes and electrifying…
The R&B group B2K is bringing their 2026 “Boys 4 Life Tour,” co-headlined with Bow Wow, to Chicago’s United Center on March 5, 2026. The…
Acclaimed latin pop band Reik will perform in Rosemont, Illinois, on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Rosemont Theatre, which is part of their “2026…
Sketch Playlist is a weekly sketch show that will feature all-new sketches every single week… the ultimate sketch playlist. Come see these writers and performers…
A revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation. HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father…
The Pop Air and Let’s Fly exhibitions continue to thrill and engage a participative audience, but EmotionAir sets an even more ambitious goal. This latest…
Each week, Chicago comics bring the freshest, most experimental new material to the Annoyance for the Comedy Hour. The weekly show is an eclectic mix…
On View February 21 – March 15, 2026 Opening Reception Sunday, February 22nd, 1-4 pm Choreographic Place is an exhibition program presented by Bridge, premiering at…
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…
Celebrate International Women’s Day on the courts at SPF Pickleball with a week of special programming designed to bring women together through movement, community, and…
“Open Your Eyes: Chicago’s Underground Pedway & Other Secrets of the Loop” is a 2‑hour, mostly indoor walking tour that uncovers Chicago’s hidden underground passages…
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…
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:
