EXP Rosemont invites guests to step back in time with The Last Stronghold, a free-roaming virtual reality experience that transports visitors to the fortified medieval…
Free Admission Museum Nights take place every third Friday of each month from 5 pm to 8 pm! The tour will start at 6:00 pm…
The Glow Wild lantern festival transforms the night into a glowing celebration of art, culture, and conservation. Wander illuminated pathways surrounded by handcrafted lanterns inspired…
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…
Suitable for Audiences of All Ages, This New Play by Juliet Kang Huneke is Directed by Karina Patel Jackalope Theatre Company is proud to present…
Chicago’s longest running and best interactive improv comedy experience. ComedySportz is comedy played as a sport, not comedy ABOUT sports (whew). Refs, fouls, points, games…
Chicago’s longest running and best interactive improv comedy experience. ComedySportz is comedy played as a sport, not comedy ABOUT sports (whew). Refs, fouls, points, games…
Mae Martin is scheduled to perform in Chicago on Friday, March 20, 2026, as part of his North American stand-up tour, The Possum.
The Ally Written by Itamar Moses Directed by Jeremy Wechsler When Asaf’s student asks him to sign a manifesto condemning police brutality, he wants to…
Zhou B Art Center opens exhibitions every 3rd Friday of the month with an evening reception from 7pm-10pm hosted by resident artists and galleries. This…
Chicago Writers’ Bloc Announces Its 2026 Spring Festival of New Plays and Musicals March 15–29 at City Lit Theater 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago…
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 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.…
Shattered Globe’s 35th season continues with the Midwest Premiere of Morning, Noon, and Night, a mind-bending exploration of teens, family, surveillance, and connection in a…
FULLY COMMITTED is a fast-paced, hilarious one-person comedy that takes audiences behind the scenes of New York’s hottest restaurant. One actor brings to life nearly 40…
Fully Committed is a fast-paced, hilarious one-person comedy that takes audiences behind the scenes of New York’s hottest restaurant. One actor brings to life nearly…
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,…
“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…
Chicago Writers’ Bloc presents a series of staged readings of new work, many of which feature women’s voices, across genres from historical dramas to musicals,…
Based on actual events, CHANGING CHANNELS is set backstage at the DuMont Television Network in New York City in 1952. It is the peak of the “Red…
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.,…
PERFECT FOR MARCH BREAK SEE ALL SEVEN HARRY POTTER BOOKS IN 70 HILARIOUS MINUTES! “Absolutely hilarious! I laughed til my cheeks hurt” — Around 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.…
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:
