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Chicago Events & Festivals

Your Guide to Chicago’s Top Celebrations & Seasonal Highlights

Discover Chicago’s most iconic celebrations, cultural festivals, seasonal events, and annual traditions. From world-famous music festivals and neighborhood street fairs to holiday markets and parades, explore what’s happening across the city all year long.

Explore This Month’s Events

Experience Chicago Through Its Events

From Iconic Festivals to Neighborhood Celebrations

Chicago hosts hundreds of festivals and cultural events each year — from world-renowned music festivals and seasonal celebrations to neighborhood street fairs and citywide traditions. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or exploring like a local, this guide highlights the best events happening throughout the year.

Before planning your visit, check out our Chicago Visitor Guide for essential tips.

Events by Season

❄️ Winter Events

Holiday markets, festive light displays, indoor cultural events, and cozy seasonal experiences.

Spring Events

❄️ Winter Events

Blooming gardens, food festivals, outdoor markets, and the start of Chicago’s event season.

Summer Events

Music festivals, lakefront celebrations, art fairs, and Chicago’s most iconic summer traditions.

Fall Events

Summer Events

Cultural festivals, neighborhood celebrations, Oktoberfest events, and scenic autumn activities.

See all five seasonal guides — spring, summer, fall, winter, and holidays — in our Seasons Guide.

Featured Annual Events

Chicago Air & Water Show

A spectacular display featuring military and civilian aircraft above Lake Michigan.

Taste of Chicago

Chicago Air & Water Show

The city’s biggest food festival showcasing restaurants, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Chicago Blues Festival

Chicago Air & Water Show

Chicago Blues Festival

The world’s largest free blues festival, celebrating Chicago’s iconic music history.

Chicago Jazz Festival

Chicago Blues Festival

A beloved Labor Day tradition with world-class performances in Millennium Park.

Lollapalooza

Chicago Jazz Festival

Chicago Marathon

One of the world’s most famous music festivals, set in Grant Park.

Chicago Marathon

Chicago Jazz Festival

Chicago Marathon

An internationally recognized race attracting elite athletes and global participants.

St. Patrick’s Day Chicago

The river turns green, parades fill the streets, and the city celebrates Irish heritage.

Christkindlmarket

St. Patrick’s Day Chicago

Chicago’s most beloved holiday market featuring food, gifts, and festive charm.

Navy Pier Fireworks

St. Patrick’s Day Chicago

Navy Pier Fireworks

Seasonal fireworks lighting up the lakefront throughout summer and holidays.

Navy Pier Fireworks

Planning a full weekend? Explore top Things to Do in Chicago.

Events by Season

WINTER EVENTS

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Christmas Tree & Millennium Park Ice Rink
Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon
Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
Christkindlmarket (Loop, Wrigleyville, Aurora)
Holiday Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Indoor art & museum exhibitions

SPRING EVENTS

WINTER EVENTS

Cherry blossoms at Jackson Park & Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)
Mayfest
Wells Street Art Festival
Opening day on the Riverwalk & Lakefront Trail
Spring exhibitions at the Art Institute & MCA

SUMMER EVENTS

Lollapalooza
Taste of Chicago
Air & Water Show
Navy Pier Fireworks (all summer)
Windy City Smokeout
Grant Park Music Festival
Chicago Pride Fest & Parade
Neighborhood street festivals (Old Town, West Loop, Wicker Park)

FALL EVENTS

SUMMER EVENTS

Chicago Marathon
Open House Chicago
Oktoberfest & fall beer festivals
Apple & pumpkin festivals
Ravenswood ArtWalk
Halloween Parade & haunted experiences
Fall restaurant week (varies by year)

For more seasonal inspiration, visit our Things to Do page.

Events by Neighborhood

River North

West Loop / Fulton Market

Art shows, gallery walks, nightlife events, and cultural pop-ups.

West Loop / Fulton Market

Food festivals, culinary events, outdoor markets, and cultural celebrations.

Pilsen

West Loop / Fulton Market

Lincoln Park

Art festivals, Día de los Muertos events, and vibrant neighborhood street fairs.

Lincoln Park

Outdoor concerts, farmers markets, zoo events, and seasonal celebrations.

The Loop

Lincoln Park

Hyde Park

Parades, holiday celebrations, theater premieres, and citywide festivals.

Hyde Park

Lincoln Park

Hyde Park

Cultural festivals, book fairs, and community celebrations around the University of Chicago.

Explore All Neighborhood Guides

Event Guides & Inspiration

Discover seasonal roundups, festival guides, neighborhood celebrations, and insider tips for experiencing Chicago’s most exciting events throughout the year.

See all stories and updates in our Chicago Blog.

Get Your Festival or Event Featured on WhereChicago

Reach thousands of travelers, locals, and culture seekers searching for Chicago’s best events. Submit your festival, concert, market, or community event for editorial consideration and inclusion in our curated guides.

Submit Your Event

Plan Your Next Chicago Outing

From major festivals to neighborhood celebrations, Chicago always has something happening. Use our guides to plan your next experience with confidence.

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