Chicago truly does offer something for everyone throughout the entire year. From world-class attractions to simple neighborhoods street fairs and farmers' markets, Chicago provides the full spectrum of entertainment, attractions, dining, sports, music, theatre, history, etc.
January: Chicago Restaurant Week & winter festivities
Celebrate Chicago’s acclaimed dining scene during Chicago Restaurant Week, the city’s largest culinary event. Take advantage of special dining deals at hundreds of top Chicago restaurants.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Experience the awe-inspiring outdoor light show, when an illuminated trail transforms the Chicago Botanic Garden with lights and sounds.
Don’t miss ZooLights, a spectacular Chicago holiday tradition featuring more than one million sparkling lights and festive displays throughout the historic zoo.
Ice skating in Millennium Park
Grab your skates and enjoy some classic winter fun in Chicago’s famous Millennium Park. Check out the two pop-up ice rinks offering scenic views of the snowy skyline.
This citywide multi-venue festival showcases the best of the city’s indie scene with performances from local musicians and comedians.
Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory
Escape the cold and explore the Winter Flower Show, which showcases stunning flowers and lush greenery throughout the indoor greenhouses.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Immerse yourself in this dazzling holiday display, when brilliant lights and music bring the Morton Arboretum’s trees to life.
FEBRUARY: Lunar New Year & Chicago Theatre Week
Celebrate Chicago’s acclaimed dining scene during Chicago Restaurant Week, the city’s largest culinary event. Take advantage of special dining deals at hundreds of top Chicago restaurants.
Experience the excitement of Chicago Theatre Week, where you can enjoy discounted tickets to a diverse range of exhilarating productions, ranging from original premieres to Broadway in Chicago favorites.
Chicago Lunar New Year celebrations
Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Chicago with lively cultural performances, colorful parades with traditional lion dances, film screenings, shopping specials, and culinary events across the city.
The Chicago Auto Show — America’s largest and longest-running auto exhibition — features the latest vehicles, concept cars, and interactive displays for auto enthusiasts of all ages.
Ice skating in Millennium Park
Grab your skates and enjoy some classic winter fun in Chicago’s famous Millennium Park. Check out the two pop-up ice rinks offering scenic views of the snowy skyline.
The Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden
Marvel at thousands of colorful orchids in bloom during this stunning annual exhibition.
Enjoy free family fun in Chicago’s parks with sled dogs, snowshoeing, crafts, and more winter activities.
Global Connections at Navy Pier
Experience vibrant international celebrations, including Carnivale and Lunar New Year, at lakefront Navy Pier.
Discover new and long-time microbreweries as you sip your way through Ravenswood, a craft beer hot spot in Chicago.
Celebrate the rich tradition of folk music from around the world at this beloved University of Chicago event, a local favorite since 1961.
Sample top hard ciders from regional and international producers at this annual Navy Pier tasting event.
Bundle up and rock out at this free (outdoor!) winter music festival, hosted at legendary music venue Empty Bottle.
March: St Patrick’s Day Parade & River Dyeing
The annual parade in downtown Chicago brings thousands of revelers to Grant Park to cheer on bag pipers, Irish dancers, community groups, and more.
One of the world’s most famous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Chicago River is dyed a vivid emerald green in honor of the holiday.
A tradition enjoyed by many generations of Chicagoans, this family-friendly parade draws thousands of revelers to the Beverly neighborhood each year.
Celebrate Chicago’s Irish heritage on the city’s Northwest Side with this annual parade, traditionally held the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day.
St. Patrick’s Fest at Irish American Heritage Center
This fun-filled day includes traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance, an arts and crafts fair, and more at the Irish American Heritage Center.
Catch the excitement of the return of baseball season in Chicago as the White Sox kick off their season at Rate Field in the Bridgeport neighborhood, complete with post-game fireworks.
Discover a diverse range of thought-provoking discussions and performances at the Chicago Humanities Festival, featuring leading artists, authors, and visionaries from around the globe.
A local staple for more than two decades, the Chicago Irish Film Festival brings some of the year’s best movies and documentaries from Irish filmmakers to Chicago audiences.
This free cultural celebration brings the colors and traditions of the Holi holiday to the lakefront attraction, including the iconic powder throwing.
April: Spring art events & film festivals
EXPO Chicago Contemporary Art Fair
This renowned contemporary art fair brings more than 170 international galleries to Navy Pier for a range of exhibitions, shows, and curator discussions.
Explore Chicago’s vibrant art scene during EXPO Art Week, with free citywide exhibitions, installations, and programming leading up to the main event at Navy Pier.
C2E2: Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo
Enjoy comic books, cosplay, anime, video games, celebrity panels, and more at the Midwest’s largest comic and entertainment convention.
Celebrate Latino culture with films that put an emphasis on breaking stereotypes and spotlighting the diversity of Latino history and heritage.
Kick off baseball season in Chicago during the Cubs’ first home game of the year at historic Wrigley Field, the country’s second-oldest ballpark.
Discover a diverse range of thought-provoking discussions and performances at the Chicago Humanities Festival, featuring leading artists, authors, and visionaries from around the globe.
Shop unique items, housewares, jewelry, and more handmade goods made by local creators and artisans from around the country.
This European-style market showcases a curated mix of antique and vintage finds from a range of vendors, including fashion, art, decor, and beyond.
May: Street festivals & Memorial Day Weekend
Experience this electrifying reggaeton festival in downtown Grant Park, spotlighting Latin music’s hottest stars.
Catch Navy Pier’s spectacular summer fireworks lighting up Chicago’s lakefront twice a week all season long.
Step back in time at Pullman Railroad Days, featuring guided tours of historic railcars at the site of Chicago’s first National Monument.
Kick off summer with this Memorial Day Weekend festival, known for tribute bands, local artisans, and a lively beer garden.
Honor Memorial Day in Chicago with the city’s downtown parade and wreath-laying ceremony commemorating American heroes.
Visit Chicago’s neighborhood farmers markets for the freshest local produce, creative food, and handmade goods all summer long.
Expand your mind at this annual showcase, featuring a multidisciplinary array of inspiring talks and performances across the city.
Browse Chicago’s century-old Maxwell Street Market on select Sundays for unique crafts, live music, and delicious global street food.
This European-style outdoor market is a top destination for antique and vintage finds, including fashion, art, decor, and beyond.
Celebrate one of Chicago’s most iconic bites at this annual food fest, where you can cast your vote for the city’s best hot dog.
Kick off summer in the heart of historic Lincoln Park, with live music from local bands, drinks, an art show, and local vendors.
Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk
Step inside private residences and landmark buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries throughout nearby Oak Park.
Raise a stein at this annual German gathering in Lincoln Square, known for giant beers, traditional foods, and lively polka bands.
June: Pride Parade & Chicago Blues Festival
One of the largest Pride celebrations in the world, the Chicago Pride Parade marches through the vibrant Northalsted neighborhood on the last Sunday of June.
Celebrate Pride in the country’s oldest official gay neighborhood at this joyous fest, featuring drag queens, live music, dancing, local food, and more.
Enjoy world-class blues at one of Chicago’s most legendary music festivals, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans from all over the country.
Puerto Rican Festival and People’s Parade
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Puerto Rico during this two-day festival and parade in Humboldt Park.
Enjoy the magic of free classical performances all summer long at the Grant Park Music Festival, celebrating its 90th season this year.
These prestigious culinary awards from the James Beard Foundation recognize top chefs and restaurants in Chicago and around the country.
See some of the biggest names in hip hop at Summer Smash, the ultimate outdoor party with 50+ performances across three stages.
This month-long, citywide celebration brings dance performances across genres to venues throughout the city.
A long-standing staple of Chicago’s festival scene, this outdoor market showcases more than 200 visual artists from around the country.
This juried art fest and sale draws artists from all over the world to the charming Old Town neighborhood for a weekend of art, food, and fun.
For more than 50 years, this summer festival has celebrated Andersonville’s Swedish heritage, LGBTQ+ pride, and the close-knit community’s quirky vibes.
Discover local music, unique vendors, and fun family activities at Do Division Street Fest, a West Town staple event with two live stages.
Browse artwork from over 200 artists at Chicago’s oldest juried art festival, a staple in the Hyde Park neighborhood for more than 75 years.
Dig into mouthwatering ribs at Ribfest Chicago, a family-friendly street festival in North Center with two stages, local beers, and bourbon tastings.
Sample international cuisine from over 50 restaurants during this annual event highlighting the neighborhood’s culinary diversity.
Browse Chicago’s century-old Maxwell Street Market on select Sundays for unique crafts, live music, and delicious global street food.
Enjoy free live music outside the Museum of Contemporary Art, showcasing artists from Chicago’s internationally renowned jazz community.
Marvel at more than 150 public art installations and engage with live art events during Uptown Art Week in Chicago.
Indulge in gourmet bites and live music at Taste of Randolph, celebrating the best of the West Loop’s buzzing restaurant scene.
This free outdoor concert series features top local and touring acts, all with a skyline backdrop in Millennium Park.
Dance the night away at Chicago SummerDance, featuring free dance lessons and live music on an open-air dance floor.
Savor authentic Greek cuisine, music, and dancing at this lively street festival celebrating the city’s Greek heritage.
Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo
Sample craft beers while exploring the historic Lincoln Park Zoo during this unique adults-only tasting event.
Experience this fantastical music festival on Chicago’s lakefront, with two days dedicated to electronic music.
Bring some fun to your weeknights with this summer series at the Shedd Aquarium, featuring top jazz ensembles, cocktails, and unbeatable skyline views.
This juried art showcase brings more than 100 artists, plus live music and food, to Chicago’s famed Michigan Avenue.
July: Summer festivals & NASCAR
House music fans flock to lakefront Jackson Park for the Chosen Few Picnic, the nation’s longest-running house music celebration.
Enjoy powerful voices and uplifting performances at the free Chicago Gospel Music Festival, highlighting traditional choirs and contemporary stars.
Millennium Park Summer Film Series
Catch free movies under the stars at Millennium Park’s beloved film series, featuring everything from classics to family favorites all season long.
This free outdoor concert series features top local and touring acts, all with a skyline backdrop in Millennium Park.
This popular country music festival is like a weekend-long tailgate, with a star-studded lineup and some of the country’s best barbecue pitmasters.
NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend
NASCAR roars back to Grant Park with two days of thrilling street races, live music, family fun, and high-energy festival vibes in the heart of downtown.
A Chicago summer tradition for 90 years, the Grant Park Music Festival continues to deliver world-class classical performances in scenic Millennium Park.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture at this annual street fair, showcasing lion dances, live music, and traditional and contemporary culinary offerings.
This weekend fest draws crowds for its eclectic musical lineup, delicious food options, and creative vibes.
Taste your way through the Pilsen neighborhood at this summer food festival, modeled after a typical Mexican market.
Bite into the city’s best burgers at this lively street fest, all while enjoying live music and cold drinks.
African/Caribbean International Festival of Life
Cultural celebrations take center stage at this Washington Park festival dedicated to the music, cuisine, and traditions of African and Caribbean nations.
Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Dive into the city’s craft brewing scene at this beer tasting event in Lincoln Park, where you’ll find sips from more than a dozen local spots.
Bring some fun to your weeknights with this summer series at the Shedd Aquarium, featuring top jazz ensembles, cocktails, and unbeatable skyline views.
Stroll the charming Southport Corridor during this neighborhood art and music festival, where jewelry, sculpture, photography, and more are on display.
Celebrate community pride at Fiesta Back of the Yards, with a mix of live entertainment, Latin cuisine, carnival rides, and dance performances.
Bucktown Neighborhood & Garden Walk
Tour lush urban gardens during this annual neighborhood stroll in the funky Bucktown neighborhood.
This multi-day celebration of Mexican culture in the Pilsen neighborhood features food, entertainment, and cultural activities.
Get a taste of top local spots in the River North area, a bustling neighborhood known for its trendy restaurant scene.
A local staple for more than four decades, Taste of Lincoln serves up great food, art, crafts, and a full lineup of live performances.
Dance the night away at Chicago SummerDance, featuring free dance lessons and live music on an open-air dance floor.
For one day only, enjoy unbeatable views as you bike down Chicago’s scenic Lakeshore Drive during this all-ages, car-free event.
August: Lollapalooza & Chicago Jazz Festival
Chicago House Music Festival and Conference
House music was born in Chicago, and this highly anticipated event celebrates the past, present, and future of the genre.
Experience one of the world’s most iconic music festivals as Lollapalooza takes over Grant Park with four electrifying days of music along Chicago’s scenic lakefront.
Marvel at the city’s rich jazz legacy at the free Chicago Jazz Festival, which welcomes legendary names and modern masters to Millennium Park and neighborhood stages.
This exuberant celebration of African American culture and history, a Chicago tradition for almost a century, is one of the largest parades in the country.
This iconic free event draws thousands of spectators to the Chicago lakefront to be wowed by breathtaking aerial maneuvers and water stunts.
Join in the joy of Market Days, a legendary LGBTQ+ event with all-day live music on multiple stages, unique local vendors, and dancing in a historic neighborhood.
Millennium Park Summer Film Series
Catch free movies under the stars at Millennium Park’s beloved film series, featuring everything from classics to family favorites all season long.
This free outdoor concert series features top local and touring acts, all with a skyline backdrop in Millennium Park.
Dance the night away at Chicago SummerDance, featuring free dance lessons and live music on an open-air dance floor.
A Chicago summer tradition for 90 years, the Grant Park Music Festival continues to deliver world-class classical performances in scenic Millennium Park.
Bring some fun to your weeknights with this summer series at the Shedd Aquarium, featuring top jazz ensembles, cocktails, and unbeatable skyline views.
Wine and Art Walk at Morton Arboretum
Just outside Chicago, this sprawling natural area hosts a nature-themed art fair and wine tasting event on the lush summer grounds.
Also known as the Jefferson Park Arts & Music Festival, this neighborhood festival has been a staple in the Jefferson Park community for more than 20 years.
The Great American Lobster Fest
Crack into fresh lobster at Navy Pier’s Great American Lobster Fest, the Midwest’s largest seafood celebration.
This lively music festival in the bustling Little Village neighborhood is a platform for local talent and young creatives.
Sip sangria in Humboldt Park while enjoying Latin American food and music at this laidback festival.
This family-friendly festival in Edison Park supports neighborhood businesses and raises funds for the community.
Watch local artists cover the city in art during this live-painting event, with food vendors, merchants, DJs, and more.
Artists, musicians, and craft vendors fill Rogers Park with creativity each summer during Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest, a staple for art lovers.
World-class athletes from around the world come to compete in this sporting event, which includes a triathlon, super sprint, and kids’ event.
September: Chicago Gourmet & Taste of Chicago
Experience a true Chicago tradition at the lakefront Taste of Chicago, where you can try some of the city’s best bites and catch free shows by top musical acts.
Navy Pier’s free performing arts festival returns for the fifth year, with more than 110 artists and organizations performing throughout the waterfront space.
Chicago’s premier punk rock festival takes over Douglass Park with carnival rides, fun eats, and modern and throwback acts.
Indulge in elevated food and wine tastings and more fun foodie events during Chicago Gourmet, the city’s upscale culinary festival spotlighting acclaimed chefs from across the nation.
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with this downtown festival featuring mariachis, ballet folclórico, authentic Mexican cuisine, and more.
Every fall, this free festival celebrates the roots of Chicago-style jazz with diverse artist lineups on outdoor and indoor stages throughout Hyde Park.
Now in its 25th year, Englewood Jazz Festival offers three days of live music with a strong emphasis on homegrown artists and the neighborhood’s jazz legacy.
This electronic music fest draws attendees from around the world to celebrate house music, a Chicago-born genre, over Labor Day weekend.
The second-oldest LGBTQ+ film festival in the country, Reeling brings a diverse film lineup with everything from international finds to the latest documentaries.
The West Loop Arts Festival transforms several blocks into a vibrant art walk, complete with live music and the neighborhood’s signature food.
There’s nowhere like Lincoln Square for Oktoberfest, when the neighborhood’s German heritage is on full display for the weekend.
Chicago International Latino Theater Festival
Chicago’s dynamic Latino theatre community shines during this month-long festival, featuring performances, workshops, and events across the city.
Experience rhythms from around the globe at Chicago’s World Music Festival, a multi-venue celebration spotlighting international artists and genres.
The city’s iconic State Street turns into a pedestrian playground filled with art, shopping, dining, live performances, and interactive fun.
Get your fill of Greek cuisine, live bands, and dance at this cultural celebration in Chicago’s Greektown neighborhood.
Celebrate the last days of summer with tacos, margaritas, and lucha libre action at Lakeview Taco Fest along the lively Southport Corridor.
Book lovers shouldn’t miss the Midwest’s largest outdoor literary event, with author talks and book exhibitors lining Printers Row.
This European-style outdoor market showcases the best antique and vintage finds, including fashion, art, decor, and beyond.
Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
This over-the-top Halloween pop-up includes a giant corn maze, carnival games, photo opportunities, axe throwing, bars, food trucks, and tons of pumpkin-packed fun.
In Lakeview, this popular Oktoberfest event includes a craft beer tasting, live bands, and a “kinderfest” for families. Prost!
Taste your way around the globe at World Dumpling Festival, which spotlights international cuisine in Logan Square.
Celebrate the local art scene at the Ravenswood Art Walk, where more than 50 Chicago artists display their work at pop-ups, open studios, and an outdoor market.
Learn to salsa, waltz, swing, and more during these free open-air dance lessons paired with live music in city parks.
You’ll find authentic Greek flavor, live music, and festive vibes at the Lincoln Park Gyro Festival, an annual highlight for food lovers.
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts
This art festival in the waterfront Lakeview neighborhood showcases more than 150 artists and their work, including photography, furniture, jewelry, paintings, and much more.
Dance the day away at this Labor Day weekend music festival, featuring the best in electronic music, hip hop, and rock, plus art installations and food vendors.
Get a taste of Chicago’s Polish heritage with live music, a casino, beer garden, kids area, and of course, endless Polish food and beer.
October: Halloween celebrations & fall festivals
Athletes from around the world come to Chicago for its world-class marathon course, featuring 26.2 scenic miles through the city’s neighborhoods.
This free city-wide architecture festival gives you inside access to the city’s most jaw-dropping landmarks, private clubs, skyscrapers, and more.
Chicago International Film Festival
Celebrating over six decades, the nation’s longest-running film festival brings a world-class lineup of feature films, documentaries, and shorts to Chicago.
This week-long celebration of creativity will shine a spotlight on the city’s groundbreaking design community with more than 50 events and runway shows.
Chicago International Latino Theater Festival
Explore bold new performances and rising talent at this month-long showcase of the city’s vibrant Latino theatre community.
Step back in time during the Historic Pullman House Tour, offering rare access to stately mansions and charming workers’ cottages for more than 50 years.
Halloween gets a creative twist at this family-friendly twilight parade, an enchanting twilight parade featuring puppets, giant lanterns, floats, and talented performers.
Join the fun at this lively Halloween parade, complete with a costume contest, dance troupes, mesmerizing performances, and more.
Dive into queer stories with the Reeling Film Festival, the nation’s second-oldest LGBTQ+ film event known for its diverse and inclusive programming.
Sample seasonal brews from over 60 local breweries, all while exploring inside the historic Field Museum.
Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
This over-the-top Halloween pop-up includes a giant corn maze, carnival games, photo opportunities, axe throwing, bars, food trucks, and tons of pumpkin-packed fun.
It’s all about apples at this autumnal extravaganza. Celebrate the fall harvest with apple pie, ciders, apple-themed goods, and more.
Raise a glass at the Lincoln Park Wine Festival, set in a beautiful outdoor market with wine tastings, sommeliers, and live performances.
The city’s iconic State Street turns into a pedestrian playground filled with art, shopping, dining, live performances, and interactive fun.
November: Chicago Thanksgiving Parade & holiday lights
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Kick off the holiday season at this magical evening parade, including a dazzling procession, fireworks, and the official lighting of Michigan Avenue’s iconic trees.
Head to historic State Street to catch the annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, with giant floats, dancers, horses, special guests, and more.
Grab a mug of hot wine and peruse artisan vendors and traditional foods during this open-air holiday bazaar, styled after traditional Christmas markets in Germany.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Don’t miss the annual Christmas tree lighting, a century-old holiday tradition that draws crowds to admire the city’s glittering tree in Millennium Park.
Don’t miss ZooLights, a spectacular Chicago holiday tradition featuring more than one million sparkling lights and festive displays throughout the historic zoo.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Experience the awe-inspiring outdoor light show, when an illuminated trail transforms the Chicago Botanic Garden with lights and sounds.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Immerse yourself in this dazzling holiday display, when brilliant lights and music bring the Morton Arboretum’s trees to life.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Navy Pier shines during Light Up the Lake, featuring holiday lights, a skating rink, fireworks, artisan markets, and activities for all ages.
Find ice bumper cars, rides, family-friendly events, holiday traditions, and more at this winter wonderland near Wrigley Field.
Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory
Escape the cold and explore the Winter Flower Show, which showcases stunning flowers and lush greenery throughout the indoor greenhouses.
Ice skating in Millennium Park
Grab your skates and enjoy some classic winter fun in Chicago’s famous Millennium Park. Check out the two pop-up ice rinks offering scenic views of the snowy skyline.
Chicago International Latino Theater Festival
Explore bold new performances and rising talent at this month-long showcase of the city’s vibrant Latino theatre community.
Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer: Taste some of the nation’s rarest, most exclusive wood and barrel-aged beers from more than 100 brewers, focusing on unique limited releases.
December: Holiday markets & NYE fireworks
Grab a mug of hot wine and stroll through this magical holiday bazaar, styled after traditional German Christmas markets.
Don’t miss ZooLights, a spectacular Chicago holiday tradition featuring more than one million sparkling lights and festive displays throughout the historic zoo.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Navy Pier
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Chicago with a spectacular fireworks show at Navy Pier, lighting up the night sky over Lake Michigan at the stroke of midnight.
Ice skating in Millennium Park
Grab your skates and enjoy some classic winter fun in Chicago’s famous Millennium Park. Check out the two pop-up ice rinks offering scenic views of the snowy skyline.
Find the perfect holiday gifts at this annual makers market, where you’ll find unique items, housewares, jewelry, gifts, and more handmade by local creators.
Find ice bumper cars, rides, family-friendly events, holiday traditions, and more at this winter wonderland near Wrigley Field.
Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory
Escape the cold and explore the Winter Flower Show, which showcases stunning flowers and lush greenery throughout the indoor greenhouses.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Navy Pier shines during Light Up the Lake, featuring holiday lights, a skating rink, fireworks, artisan markets, and activities for all ages.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Experience the awe-inspiring outdoor light show, when an illuminated trail transforms the Chicago Botanic Garden with lights and sounds.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum:
mmerse yourself in this dazzling holiday display, when brilliant lights and music bring the Morton Arboretum’s trees to life