“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…
Lupillo Rivera is bringing his 90’s CORRIDOS TOUR to the Rosemont Theatre on Saturday, October 24, 2026. This concert features a nostalgic lineup of regional…
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2-Item Minimum Per Guest First Come, First Served Seating No Outside Food or Beverage Valid ID Required at Entry Zar the Star is a New…
Pictures of the Imagination Colorful, exuberant, and sometimes scary musical pictures by Franz Liszt, Anatol Liadov, and George Whitefield Chadwick spur the imagination – and…
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Enjoy the best sketch comedy Chicago has to offer! The Annoyance Theatre has been at the crux of the comedy scene in Chicago for over…
Are you ready for a cinematic showdown where your favorite song lyrics inspire completely improvised, never-seen-before, and never-seen-again summer movies? Join us Saturdays in July…
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…
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…
The final bell just rang! You better get out of the classroom and get your ass to the iO Theater for After School Special brought to you…
The Chicago Comedy hour is a comedy variety show featuring sketch comedy, improv comedy and stand up comedy from some of the best up and…
Continuing the rich tradition of late night improv, join the veteran cast of THE 11PM SHOW every Friday at 11PM as they perform late night, artistic improv…
As the longest-running competitive film festival in North America, The Chicago International Film Festival brings more than 150 films from around the world to Chicago.…
Starting May 22, Dinos! are taking over Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs throughout the Zoo. Journey through a massive rib-cage tunnel, climb…
Now Extended Multiple experiences per day at the Reid Murdoch Building, 333 N LaSalle Visit TheateroftheMindChicago.com for dates, times, and tickets Created by David Byrne…
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From strange sightings to eerie haunts, mobsters and more, our latest nighttime tour takes you into Chicago’s shadowy past. Cruise along the Chicago River as…
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On July 4, 2026, America turned 250 years old. To reckon with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is to reckon with freedom…
Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 State Street The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, a local tradition for more than 90 years, kicks off the holiday season with a…
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…
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The best way to get to know Chicago is one meal at a time. This three-day Chicago food itinerary explores the city’s most iconic dishes and…
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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:
