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…
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…
Dada Reinvents the Wheel: An Interactive Comedy Experience Where Anything Can Happen Forget everything you know, except breathing—Dada Reinvents the Wheel is putting the fate…
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…
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,…
Robby Hoffman is performing live in Chicago on Friday, October 9, 2026, as part of her “Live on Tour” headlining comedy run.
Jerry Seinfeld will perform live at The Chicago Theatre on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
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…
Enjoy a 90-minute improv experience with The Second City, plus two cocktails and small bites for $110. Looking for a unique way to spend your…
Kokandy Productions’ critically acclaimed revival of the 10-time 2025 Jeff Award–nominated musical JEKYLL & HYDE will make its Broadway In Chicago debut at the Broadway Playhouse at…
MUNA is performing at The Salt Shed Outdoors on Friday, October 9, 2026, as part of their “Gets So Hot Tour.” Opening Act: Hemlocke Springs.
Scene Queen is performing live in Chicago on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the House of Blues Chicago. The “bimbocore” artist is bringing her headlining…
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…
Vape! lovingly pokes fun at all of the wonderful moments, sexual innuendos, outrageous characters, rivalries and secret romances from the original musical. The hair products 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.…
THE SWALLOW is set during a private singing lesson between a choral director and a new student. As they work together on a song, what initially…
No matter how different we all are, we are united by one commonality: our need to go. Using the structure of an ancient religious ritual,…
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…
Award-winning Redtwist Theatre announces the cast and creative team for ‘night Mother, April 16 – May 24, by Marsha Norman and directed by Executive Artistic…
The 7 Fingers is “pulse-raising magic” (The New York Times). From the primal vista of her childhood bedroom springs Shana Carroll’s wildly imaginative, ground-breaking memoir that…
“Take thuh cards and show me whatcha got!” Brothers Lincoln and Booth, named in jest, are two Black men living in America just trying to…
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…
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…
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 is a city renowned for its rich cultural diversity, and there’s no better time to experience it than during National Hispanic Heritage Month. From…
Chicago is a city with history — a whole lot of history, dating back to before the city’s founding in 1837. So it’s hardly surprising…
Chicago’s summer festival season may be winding down, but there’s still another standout event on the city’s cultural calendar — Chicago Live Festival at Navy…
There’s no better way to celebrate the spookiest time of year than by packing your calendar with haunted events, themed cocktails, and spine-chilling pop-ups —…
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:
