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Check out just a sampling of Chicago’s diverse year-round happenings, from colorful cultural celebrations to lively music and food fests. Explore our up-to-date calendar for a complete listing of exciting events. Events subject to change. WINTER DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY Chinese New Year Citywide | February This cultural showcase includes culinary events, a colorful parade that rolls through the heart of Chinatown, and performances from Chinese music and dance groups. Chicago Auto Show McCormick Place Feb. 12 – 21 The nation’s largest and longest-running auto show features debut vehicles, concept cars, interactive exhibits, and more. Chicago Theatre Week Citywide | Feb. 17 – 27 Experience the thrill of Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene with half-price tickets to the city’s hottest shows. SPRING MARCH, APRIL, MAY St. Patrick’s Day Loop | March One of the world’s most famous St. Patrick’s Day traditions, Chicago’s downtown parade and green river dyeing are bucket list events. Chicago Restaurant Week Citywide | Mar. 25 – Apr. 10 The best time of year to try new cuisine from Chicago’s acclaimed dining scene, Chicago Restaurant Week features special prix fixe menus at hundreds of local restaurants. EXPO Chicago Navy Pier | Apr. 7 – 10 This international exposition of contemporary and modern art brings galleries and artists from around the globe to Navy Pier. Chicago Gospel Music Festival Millennium Park | May Hear everything from traditional choirs to contemporary gospel groups at this free outdoor festival under the stunning Pritzker Pavilion. SUMMER JUNE, JULY, AUGUST Chicago Blues Festival Millennium Park | June A genre with deep Chicago roots, blues is the star of this outdoor summer festival that attracts some of the music industry’s biggest names. Chicago Pride Fest & Parade Northalsted | June This joyful celebration of LGBTQ+ community and culture takes place in the nation’s oldest official gay neighborhood. James Beard Awards Gala Lyric Opera | June 13 Chicago is the host city for these prestigious awards that attract the country’s biggest culinary stars for a weekend of foodf-ocused events. Taste of Chicago Grant Park | July One of the country’s largest free-admission food festivals offers a sumptuous taste of Chicago’s diverse culinary scene. Lollapalooza Grant Park | July 28 – 31 This iconic music festival takes over lakefront Grant Park and features local talent and top acts from various genres of music from around the globe. Fiesta Del Sol Pilsen | July – August This family-friendly festival has been celebrating Mexican culture and music in the Pilsen neighborhood for 50 years. Chinatown Summer Fair Chinatown July – August Celebrate summer in the historic Chinatown neighborhood with cultural demonstrations, traditional dances, and food from local restaurants. Windy City Smokeout United Center Aug. 4 – 7 It’s all about beer, barbecue, and country music at this outdoor summer festival. Bud Billiken Parade Washington Park August The largest African American parade in the country, this exuberant procession of bands, floats, and student performers has been taking place since 1929. Black Women’s Expo McCormick Place August The nation’s largest, longest-running exposition dedicated to Black women consumers and empowering local businesses features lifestyle, beauty, entertainment, and culture. FALL SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER Chicago Gourmet Millennium Park September This high-end food festival features elevated tastings, live cooking demos, and intimate dinners with the country’s best chefs. Little Village Festival Little Village | September An annual celebration of Hispanic community and culture, this festival marks Mexican Independence Day with food, music, carnival rides, and a parade. Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival Citywide September – October Discover emerging voices in the local Latino theatre community during this multifaceted festival. Bank of America Chicago Marathon Citywide | October Runners from around the world gather for this major marathon that travels through 29 unique neighborhoods. Open House Chicago Citywide | October This one-of-a-kind free architecture festival offers an intimate look inside the city’s most unique buildings, skyscrapers, and landmarks. Day of the Dead Xicágo National Museum of Mexican Art | October The National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen hosts this cultural celebration, alongside an annual exhibit featuring traditional altars. BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival The Magnificent Mile November A beloved holiday tradition, this spectacular event includes a parade and the official lighting of the trees along iconic Michigan Avenue. Christkindlmarket Daley Plaza November – December Feel the magic at this annual outdoor holiday market modeled after traditional German Christmas markets.
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