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Explore a sampling of Chicago’s exciting year-round happenings. For a complete events calendar, go to choosechicago.com/events. Dates subject to change. JANUARY Chicago Restaurant Week Citywide, Jan. 24–Feb. 9 eatitupchicago.com During this annual culinary celebration, more than 300 restaurants around the city offer specially priced prix fixe brunch, lunch, and dinner menus. FEBRUARY Chicago Auto Show McCormick Place, Feb. 8–17 chicagoautoshow.com The largest auto show in North America showcases an impressive collection of passenger cars and trucks, as well as experimental cars. Chicago Theatre Week Citywide, Feb. 13–23 chicagotheatreweek.com Snag discounted tickets to more than 100 of the hottest shows in Chicago, produced by professional theatre companies. NBA All-Star Game United Center, Feb. 16 nbaevents.com/allstar The 69th annual exhibition game will be played in Chicago for the first time in more than 30 years. Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) McCormick Place, Feb. 28–Mar. 1 c2e2.com The largest comic, cosplay, and pop culture convention in the Midwest features celebrity panels, screenings, and a cosplay awards show. MARCH St. Patrick’s Day Parade/Dyeing Of The Chicago River Citywide, Mar. 14 chicagostpatricksdayparade.org See the Chicago River dyed emerald green, followed by a parade along Columbus Drive with floats, Irish step dancers, and bagpipers. APRIL Chicago International Music Festival Symphony Center, Apr. 5–9 world-projects.net Young musicians, from high school choir groups to university bands, perform at the home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. MAY James Beard Awards Gala Lyric Opera House, May 4 jamesbeard.org/awards Known as the Oscars of the food world, this culinary awards show honors renowned chefs and restaurateurs from around the country. Chicago Gospel Music Festival Millennium Park, May 26–30 chicagogospelmusicfestival.us This 35th annual music festival features local and national gospel groups, from traditional choirs to contemporary singers and hip-hop artists. JUNE Chicago Blues Festival Millennium Park, June 5–7 chicagobluesfestival.us More than 100 international performers pay homage to Chicago’s rich music tradition during the largest free blues festival in the world. Chicago Pride Fest & Parade Boystown, Fest: June 20–21, Parade: June 28 chicagopride.gopride.com Chicago’s LGBTQ+community celebrates Pride with a weekend fest of live music and drag shows, leading up to a wildly popular parade the following Sunday. Pride in the Park Grant Park, June 27 prideintheparkchicago.com This music festival features big-name talent, local eats and drinks, and a Pride-themed fireworks display. JULY Taste Of Chicago Grant Park, July 8–12 tasteofchicago.us Bites from some of the city’s best restaurants, along with concerts and cooking demos, make this one of summer’s can’t-miss fests. Lollapalooza Grant Park, July 30–Aug. 2 lollapalooza.com This sprawling music festival features more than 170 bands, from big-name performers to up-and-comers, along with local eats and drinks. AUGUST Chicago Air & Water Show North Avenue Beach Aug. 15–16 chicagoairandwatershow.us See jaw-dropping aerial and water stunts performed by daredevil teams along Lake Michigan, between Oak Street and Fullerton Avenue. Chicago Jazz Festival Millennium Park Aug. 28–Sept. 6 chicagojazzfestival.us Programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago, this 42nd annual music fest showcases the greatest jazz artists from around the world. SEPTEMBER EXPO CHICAGO Navy Pier, Sept. 24–27 expochicago.com This annual exposition hosts more than 130 international contemporary art galleries, as well as panel discussions with leading art experts. Chicago Gourmet Millennium Park, Sept. 25–27 chicagogourmet.org Chicago’s fall foodie gathering features celebrity chefs, cocktail and cooking demos, seminars, themed special events, and food and wine tastings. OCTOBER Bank of America Chicago Marathon Grant Park, Oct. 11 chicagomarathon.com A fitness expo kicks off this marathon that features runners from more than 100 countries racing through city neighborhoods. Open House Chicago Citywide, Oct. 16–17 openhousechicago.org Tour more than 250 architectural gems across Chicago for free, including soaring skyscrapers, opulent theatres, and exclusive private clubs. Day of the Dead Xicágo National Museum of Mexican Art, Oct. 27 nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org As part of its Día de los Muertos celebration, both the museum and nearby Harrison Park feature live music, art activities, and altars devoted to departed loved ones. NOVEMBER Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebrations Millennium Park, Nov.–Dec. millenniumpark.org Watch the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree and sing along with choirs on select days during Caroling at Cloud Gate. BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Magnificent Mile, Nov. 20–21 themagnificentmile.com The festival’s main event is a dazzling evening parade led by Mickey Mouse as he illuminates the glittering lights along North Michigan Avenue. Chicago Thanksgiving Parade Loop, Nov. 26 chicagothanksgivingparade.com Thanksgiving Day begins with a cheery morning parade along historic State Street featuring giant balloon characters, colorful floats, and marching bands. DECEMBER Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest Navy Pier, Dec. 2020–Jan. 2021 navypier.org This indoor winter playland delights all ages with carnival rides, an ice skating rink, holiday activities, and loads of festive decorations. 2020 CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES Go to meetinchicago.com for a detailed calendar of upcoming conventions and conferences in Chicago.
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