Wild Door Theater presents the Midwest premiere of Maybe Tomorrow, a darkly funny and unsettling new play by Max Mondi and directed by Andrew Gallant,…
A musical based on the rip-roaring novel by Rafael Sabatini. Radicalized by his friend’s brutal murder on the eve of the French Revolution, a sardonic…
For fans of movies like I Know What You Did Last Summer, Freaky & Scream, Bump in the Night Theatre brings slashers to the stage…
Muse is a unique cabaret and burlesque experience with a focus on live music. The musings continue with 2026’s Chicago Cabaret Week! Join Boobs Radley,…
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…
I Used to Live in Chicago is a multidisciplinary exhibition exploring memory, displacement, and cultural resilience across Chicago’s historically black neighborhoods. Curated by Anefertiti Bowman,…
Free Throw is bringing their “Moments Before The Wind Tour” to the House of Blues Chicago on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Supporting Acts: Featuring Macseal,…
Since when do irreverence and genuine warmth go together? Since “Quirky”! Come hear a mix of offbeat, funny, honest and uplifting songs about love, longing…
Eight artists invite you to an exhibition of refined and personal work. Hosted in the historic gallery of the Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine…
Jack Grady is a comedy magician whose chaotic, unpredictable style has earned him a cult following and millions of fans across the internet. One of…
The Conspirators present Tartuffe, or, The Charlatan by playwright Molière (1622-1673), directed by Wm. Bullion, at Stars & Garters, 3914 N. Clark St., May 8…
Chicago’s top comedians battle it out for laughs, glory, and sweet sweet points in an interactive game show, featuring a live studio audience (that’s you!)…
Julio Torres is scheduled to perform in Chicago on Sunday, May 17, 2026, for his “Works in Progress” show.
Toronto indie rock band Good Kid /w special guest Inoha will perform live at Chicago’s Riviera Theatre on May 17, 2026.
16-time Grammy winner Bruno Mars /w special guests Leon Thomas & DJ Pee.Wee will perform live at Chicago’s Soldier Field on May 16-17, 2026.
You step inside Chicago’s oldest firehouse, preserved perfectly in time. A company of firefighters is preparing for the line of duty as a string of…
It is Rocco and Allen’s job to watch the moon, and it is really quite boring. Night after night, they time the sequences exactly –…
STILL THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR MUSICAL Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, makes a triumphant return…
The Evanston Art Center (EAC) is excited to welcome the public to our upcoming exhibition, Thinking Through Tapestry | American Tapestry Alliance. The exhibition will…
A library is the perfect place to explore the origins of a country founded on words. What did Congress mean when they declared that “all…
By A Thread: Nature’s Resilience dives into the science of biodiversity and what it takes to protect it—showcasing the research, conservation, and education work happening…
The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Hall was built as a memorial to the sacrifices of Union Civil War veterans and their families. According…
Join us for Homeschool Days at Peppa Pig World of Play Chicago, where preschool families can enjoy an OINKTASTIC discount! Experience the magic of Peppa…
Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360 provides a panoramic view through history and truth, inviting visitors of all backgrounds to witness stories of survival, ask questions, and reflect…
Obama Presidential Center opening: what to know Here’s what to know about the historic opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago: The Center will…
Chicago’s historic South Side is a crossroads of culture, history, and community. It’s also home to world‑class museums, lakefront parks, architectural landmarks, and one of…
This month in Chicago, explore the city’s oldest outdoor market, admire iconic works in one of the world’s top art museums, and take an outdoor…
The historic, tree-lined streets of Chicago’s storied Hyde Park neighborhood are filled with Gothic architecture, cultural landmarks, and a welcoming energy that gives it a…
May is a jam-packed month in Chicago — summer is on the horizon, tulips are blooming all over the city, and weekends fill up with…
AAPI Heritage Month Events in Chicago This May, Chicago will celebrate the city’s diverse AAPI communities. Here are a few ways to participate: Admire never-before-seen…
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…
In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire swept through the city and destroyed much of downtown. Yet Chicago rose from the ashes, building back bigger and…
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:
