Detroit ’67 A Play by Dominique Morisseau Directed by Aaron Reese Boseman Running through November 1, 2026 ★★★★ “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. THE CAST IS FIRE!” –Bonnie…
As Halloween season arrives, the Seadog Haunted River Tour returns to the Chicago River, offering guests a hauntingly fun journey through the city’s storied past.…
“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…
Do you dare enter the Haunted Museum? Guided demon hunts, spooky stories, creepy crafts, mummification demonstrations, and more! Dress up in your costume and experience…
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…
Alternative rock band The Wrecks will bring their national fall headline run, the “Finally : OUTSIDE Tour,” to the House of Blues Chicago on Saturday,…
Tix include 15 tastings, giveaways & more! There will be a variety of wines to try at this one of a kind venue! Wine not…
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,…
The Kids Show For Adults. It’s the all-ages magic show that’s actually fun for all ages. This is not a sweet, gentle, clap-along children’s show.…
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…
Two South Asian singles meet for the first time on a blind date on stage, and a live audience watches every awkward, funny and unexpectedly…
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…
LUMA8 proudly announces the 12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, a family-friendly event featuring unique floats, spectacle puppets, and all forms of creative…
The Dinner Detective is an interactive comedic true crime dinner theatre experience based on real cold cases. Feast on dinner, but beware… the killer is…
Runway Latinx (RLX) is founded and produced by Arabel Alva Rosales, J.D. RLX highlights Fashion, Gastronomy, Mixology, and Entertainment. This year will take place over…
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…
Come for the brews, stay for the boos! Zoo Brews: Howls and Growls is an adults-only Halloween party at Lincoln Park Zoo that lets you…
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…
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…
The holiday season in Chicago is always an exciting time. With countless events across multiple neighborhoods, there are so many ways to celebrate. One of…
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…
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…
Chicago goes all out for the holidays, with something magical happening in every corner of the city. The season kicks off with the Christmas Tree…
If you’re looking for a getaway in January or February, Chicago continues to deliver a flurry of seasonal fun long after the holidays end. Between…
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…
Chicago is the city that’s Never Done, Never Outdone. And we keep proving it year after year. In 2026, Chicago welcomed new immersive experiences, celebrated…
Celebrate cozy weather and changing leaves in the city made for autumn adventures. We’ve got everything you need to plan the perfect fall day in…
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:
