Festivals & special events, Music
Top summer music festivals in Chicago
Music lives large in Chicago, from our neighborhood streets and historic venues to downtown parks and our iconic lakefront. And Chicago’s iconic festival season brings…
National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen
Chicago Like a Local blog
Unique perspectives on the city from the people who live here.
Festivals & special events, Free & cheap
Chicago Air and Water Show
Free admission • Chicago lakefront Starting in the summer of 1959, the Chicago Air and Water Show has grown to be the largest and oldest…
Festivals & special events, Free & cheap
Chicago’s free summer music festivals
In the summer, Chicago’s downtown and lakefront are filled with the sounds of live music. The city’s iconic festival season brings locals and visitors alike…
Festivals & special events, LGBTQ+
Chicago Pride Parade and more Pride celebrations in Chicago
Chicago knows how to party for Pride. The annual LGBTQ+ celebration takes over the city each June, with street fests, concerts, parties, and the iconic…
Festivals & special events, Food & drink, Music
Windy City Smokeout
July 10 – 13, 2025 United Center parking lot Country music, barbecue, and craft beer — it’s hard to think of a better way to…
Festivals & special events, Free & cheap, Music
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Free admission • Millennium Park Gospel music has deep roots in Chicago. The city helped transform the genre, propelling it onto the world stage. The…
Festivals & special events, Free & cheap, Music
Chicago Blues Festival
Free admission • Millennium Park and beyond A legendary Chicago event since 1984, the Chicago Blues Festival is the world’s largest free blues festival. Each…
Festivals & special events
Chicago festival and event guide
Every season is festival season in Chicago. Chicago’s world-renowned fests and events celebrate food, music, culture, art, and history throughout the city. Check out the…
Festivals & special events, Music
Lollapalooza
Grant Park Each year, thousands of fans travel from around the world to experience Lollapalooza in Chicago. Those lucky enough to score tickets get to…
Festivals & special events, Food & drink
Your guide to Chicago’s food festivals
Get a taste of Chicago’s award-winning dining scene at the city’s packed schedule of food festivals, featuring everything from barbecue to international cuisine to Chicago-style…
Blog, Music, Special events
Celebrate the Year of Chicago Music with a new city-wide music festival
Aug. 19 – Sept. 19, 2021 Citywide Celebrate the Year of Chicago Music (and the return of festival season) with the new Chicago In Tune…
Festivals
Chicago summer festivals: the ultimate guide
In Chicago, fest season is the best season. The city’s social calendar is packed with street fairs, music festivals, pop-up markets, outdoor concerts, food fests,…
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