Festivals & special events
Chicago festival and event guide
Every season is festival season in Chicago. Each month brings a packed line-up of special events celebrating food, music, culture, art, history, and beyond. Choose…
National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen
Chicago Like a Local blog
Unique perspectives on the city from the people who live here.
Festivals & special events, Food & drink, Music
Windy City Smokeout
July 8 – 12, 2026 United Center parking lot Country music, barbecue, and craft beer — it’s hard to think of a better way to…
Festivals
Chicago summer street festivals: your ultimate guide
Summer in Chicago wouldn’t be the same without its iconic street festivals. Located in vibrant neighborhoods across the city, these local-favorite events are a great…
Festivals & special events, LGBTQ+
Chicago Pride: Your guide to Chicago Pride Parade, Pride Fest, and more
Chicago really knows how to party for Pride. Each June, the city is brimming with LGBTQ+ celebrations and events, including over-the-top street fests, exhilarating concerts,…
Festivals & special events, Free & cheap
Chicago Air and Water Show
Free admission • Chicago lakefront The Chicago Air and Water Show has been an iconic Chicago event since 1959. The annual summer spectacle is the…
Festivals & special events, Free & cheap, Music
Chicago Blues Festival
Free admission • Millennium Park and beyond A legendary Chicago event since 1984, the Chicago Blues Festival is the world’s largest free blues festival. Each…
Festivals & special events, Music
Lollapalooza Chicago guide: lineup, schedule, tickets, and more
Grant Park Each year, thousands of fans travel from around the world to experience Lollapalooza in Chicago. Those lucky enough to score tickets to the…
Festivals & special events, Music
Top summer music festivals in Chicago
Music lives large in Chicago, from our neighborhood streets and historic venues to downtown parks and our iconic lakefront. And Chicago’s iconic festival season brings…
Festivals & special events, Free & cheap, Music
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Free admission • Millennium Park Gospel music has deep roots in Chicago. The Chicago Gospel Music Festival, one of the city’s free summer music festivals,…
Festivals & special events, Food & drink
Your guide to Chicago’s food festivals
Get a taste of Chicago’s award-winning dining scene at the city’s packed schedule of food festivals, featuring everything from barbecue to international cuisine to Chicago-style…
Blog, Music, Special events
Celebrate the Year of Chicago Music with a new city-wide music festival
Aug. 19 – Sept. 19, 2021 Citywide Celebrate the Year of Chicago Music (and the return of festival season) with the new Chicago In Tune…
Dining, Festivals, Special events
Come “Rock the Fork” at two of Chicago Gourmet’s new events
Food and music – they’re a fabulous pair, and “two of Chicago’s most beloved cultural institutions,” says Sam Toia, president and CEO of the Illinois…
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