Curious Theatre Branch, with co-producers Chicago Danztheater Ensemble, Chicago Dramatists and Labyrinth Club, are pleased to announce the 37th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, September 20…
The major championship doubleheader Golden Boy Promotions: Schofield vs. Bahdi is coming to the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. This highly anticipated world title boxing…
“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…
Step aboard for a one-of-a-kind journey where mind-reading, magic, comedy, and sci-fi collide in ways you won’t find anywhere else in Chicago. Hosted by real-life…
3-day theater happening with a wide variety of back-to-back shows from more than 30 groups/artists. Including short plays, improv, monologues, sketch comedy, stand-up, music, and…
Pigment International is pleased to partner with Spectrum Chicago to create a dynamic program of artist conversations, student engagement, collector experiences, and editorial storytelling throughout…
Escape the Museum returns for another thrilling year with a brand new experience. After a sold-out run last year, Griffin MSI is hosting eight nights…
The creator of 420 Shakespeare is bringing Mary Shelley’s monster to life… with a little help from Mary Jane. On a dark and stormy night,…
Main Character Syndrome is a solo character showcase by Chicago’s funniest improvisers presenting original SNL-audition ready character sketches. From Tim Robinson to Cecily Strong, iO…
Intuit Art Museum (IAM), recognized worldwide as one of the few institutions dedicated solely to championing the work of self-taught artists, marks the 250th anniversary…
The Second City’s 114th Mainstage Revue Pandemonium, Please Hold is a loud, fast, and gloriously unhinged night of comedic mayhem. The Second City’s six-person cast…
Celebrate the 2026/27 Season in grand fashion as Zell Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä leads a musical journey to the opulent Babylon of Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast.…
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…
Millennials take on Generation X in a live stand-up comedy battle – and the audience decides who wins. Hosted by Chicago comedian Todd Glover, Standup…
21+ ONLY Brianna Wellen, Chicago Reader: Sideshow entertainer Thom Britton’s solo show is part performance, part demonstration. Britton is a charismatic performer who appears genuinely…
The Séance is an original stage show that recreates an authentic Victorian-era séance. We investigate the history, tell the stories of the participants, and demonstrate…
Reality Detox: The Improv Experience is a high-energy night of improvisation from The Second City, with a few sketch surprises mixed in along the way. Built…
We play with the dead. The Séance returns to Chicago’s Stars & Garters for Saturday nights this fall. Recreating the atmosphere and techniques of 19th-century…
2-Item Minimum Per Guest Valid ID Required for Entry First Come, First Served Seating No Outside Food or Beverage Paul Elia is an LA-based actor,…
The Séance: Live (and dead) recreates an authentic 1890s Victorian parlor séance using real history and stagecraft from the heyday of spiritualism. Saturday nights through…
Two lifelong friends sail into open water: one edging closer to the pull of oblivion, the other with a question neither can escape. Nobel laureate…
One of just eight World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the planet’s most epic athletic events. Each year, more…
October is a jam-packed time in Chicago, with tons of Halloween events and fall-themed celebrations happening all month long. Start filling up your calendar with…
A visit to Chicago should feel as distinctive as the city itself. The Chicago Hotel Collection offers boutique hotel stays in some of the city’s…
This month, enjoy unique Halloween celebrations, tour local artist studios, check out global musicians, and browse the city’s longest-running outdoor market — all without spending…
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…
Save the date, cinephiles: The Chicago International Film Festival is back with exciting screenings, world premieres, and more events for cinephiles from Oct. 14 to…
This fall, Chicago’s fashion and design scene takes center stage during the third annual Chicago Fashion Week, showcasing the city’s creativity, culture, and couture. This…
Fall in Chicago is the best time of year for architecture lovers. The season brings top events like the annual Pullman House Tour, the Chicago…
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:
