Chicago’s brand new Stars & Garters, 3914 N Clark St, presents Stars & Garters After Dark, every Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Rouge Room.…
Chicago’s best comedians doing their best material over live jazz! Every third Thursday at The Lincoln Lodge Theatre, Hosted by Jamaal Sanders, Hunter Hirsch, and…
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,…
Concrete Boys is scheduled to perform in Chicago on Thursday, May 21, 2026, as part of their “It’s Us Vol. 2 Tour”.
STILL THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR MUSICAL Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, makes a triumphant return…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Meet Roxanne, Petunia, and Babe…three Sister Piggies who set out to build their own houses. Roxanne (the Rock’n Roll Pig) builds hers out of Sticks,…
THE SHOW THAT SET BROADWAY BACK 1,000 YEARS…RETURNS! TOURING ACROSS AMERICA THE TONY AWARD-WINNING BEST MUSICAL COMEDY MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT Peter Marks of The Washington…
The Slide Away 2026 festival will take place in Chicago over two nights, Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23, 2026. The festival features a…
Grammy-winning rapper and songwriter Kid Cudi is scheduled to perform in the Chicago area on Friday, May 22, 2026, as part of The Rebel Ragers…
Don’t miss the longest running late-night show in Chicago! At The Infinite Wrench you’ll see 30 original plays in 60 minutes written and performed by…
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…
The Grossman Ensemble—performing the best music you haven’t heard yet—closes the 2025-26 concert season with an energetic evening of brand-new music. Luke Poeppel conducts the…
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.…
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,…
The Kid LAROI will bring his A Perfect World Tour to Chicago’s The Salt Shed on Friday, May 22, 2026. This outdoor performance at the…
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…
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:
