The Improvised Shakespeare Company® proudly presents its critically-acclaimed, long-running hit show Improvised Shakespeare Chicago, now in its 19th year! Join us for an evening of…
Isaiah Collier’s saxophone sound is both fierce and deeply reflective—rooted in tradition yet stretching toward the future. Named Chicago Tribune’s Jazz Artist of the Year and…
The hottest show in town, Devil’s Daughter, features a cast of seasoned comedians who have performed together in Chicago and around the country for over a decade.…
Welcome to the home of the eccentric Latimer, who waylays couples who are running away together and gives them a taste of what their lives…
Life happens outside of your comfort zone. Out Here is a world-premiere musical, a thrilling collaboration between Court Theatre and the University of Chicago, and an intimate…
This is a story about money. Don’t let them fool you otherwise. When a father loses his child in a clash with the local police,…
US premiere of an Irish drama that was revived in 2024 at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre. Set in Dublin, 1850: The delicate balance at the heart…
Written by Ryan Stevens and directed by Stefan Roseen Sensor-E is the hit new social media app, able to simulate real-life sensations so you can…
Oil Lamp Theater’s next performance in its 2026 season is Poor Behavior, written by Theresa Rebeck and directed by Lauren Katz, April 10 – May…
The hottest show in town Devil’s Daughter features a cast of seasoned comedians who have performed together in Chicago and around the country for over a decade.…
Missed Call is a premier Chicago comedy group that writes and performs an entirely new sketch show every Friday — inspired by the audience’s suggestion!
Love always makes for a good story because some part of it is always relatable. And what better way to explore all the various sides…
The Lincoln Lodge stand-up comedy and variety showcase plays every Friday and Saturday night in Chicago’s glamorous Logan Square! In addition to The Lodge’s rotating…
“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…
Award-winning diva Demi Lovato brings her powerhouse voice and fearless stage presence to Chicago on May 1, 2026, for a one-night-only performance at the United…
They Might Be Giants are scheduled to perform a three-night residency in Chicago from Friday, May 1, through Sunday, May 3, 2026. These are their…
It is Rocco and Allen’s job to watch the moon, and it is really quite boring. Night after night, they time the sequences exactly –…
4 professional actors meet to perform a Shakespeare play… but only after one of them takes at least 20mg of you know what, leading to…
iO Chicago presents: a fully made-up, off-off-off Broadway style musical every Friday at 10pm in the Fremont Theater. Spend your Friday night with us. See…
A Chicago based improv comedy show and drinking game based on the works of Alfred Hitchcock. Based on an audience suggestion, the cast weave together…
Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC), America’s Original Jazz Dance company, returns to the Harris Theater for its 63rd season, radiating energy and boundless spirit with three…
This musical based on Margaret Wise Brown’s beloved children’s book is drenched in primary colors that pay homage to Clement Hurd’s vivid illustrations in an…
Blast off with Stargazers Adventure Club in Planetary Games, an interactive space spectacular where imagination fuels the fun! You’ll learn planetary facts from out-of-this-world host,…
Play For All Saturday, April 5 at 10 am First Saturday of Every Month (through June 2026) Chicago Children’s Museum’s Play For All initiative…
Black history tours of Chicago offer an engaging journey through the city’s rich African American culture. Embark on an in-depth exploration of influential neighborhoods like…
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…
Route 66 offers a true taste of America, and the culinary adventure kicks off here in Chicago, a city that offers some of the best…
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…
As we hop into spring, let’s make time to enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or just the return…
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 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:
