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Chicago’s roster of performances, exhibits and events changes constantly. For the most up-to-date information, go to choosechicago.com. Dates subject to change. CHINESE NEW YEAR CHICAGO RESTAURANT WEEK JANUARY January 27–February 9 Chicago Restaurant Week More than 350 restaurants citywide, eatitupchicago.com Sample the cuisine at Chicago’s world-class restaurants with prix fixe prices starting at $22. January 28–February 12 Chinese New Year Citywide celebration, choosechicago.com/chinesenewyear Cultural performances, parades and special events fill this two-week celebration. FEBRUARY February 9–19 Chicago Theatre Week Various theaters, chicagotheatreweek.com Celebrate theatre in Chicago with more than 100 shows featuring the best of Chicago’s talent, with ticket prices at $15 or $30. February 11–20 Chicago Auto Show McCormick Place, chicagoautoshow.com The largest auto show in the country features nearly 1,000 concept cars and new model vehicles. MARCH March 11 St. Patrick’s Day Parade/Dyeing of the River Columbus Dr., from Balbo to Monroe St., chicagostpatricksdayparade.org The Chicago River goes green between Columbus and Wacker Drives. Festivities continue with a parade up Columbus. JUNE June 2-3 Chicago Gospel Music Festival Millennium Park, chicagogospelmusicfestival.us Renowned gospel artists perform for free on stages throughout Millennium Park. June 9–11 Chicago Blues Festival Grant Park, chicagobluesfestival.us This three-day event is the largest free blues festival in the world. Fest: June 17–18 Parade: June 25 Chicago Pride Fest and Parade Halsted St. & Waveland, chicagopride.gopride.com The two-day official festival of Chicago’s LGBTQ community culminates in the Pride Parade. JULY July 5–9 Taste of Chicago Grant Park, tasteofchicago.us The 37th annual foodie fair features the best of Chicago’s booming restaurant scene, plus cooking demos and free concerts. THE BMO HARRIS BANKMAGNIFICENT MILE LIGHTS FESTIVAL CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL AUGUST August 3–6 Lollapalooza Grant Park, lollapalooza.com This annual music festival brings several hundred thousand spectators and rocking performances to Grant Park. August 19–20 Chicago Air & Water Show North Avenue Beach, chicagoairandwatershow.us Dozens of aerial and water stunts are visible along the lakefront at this show, the largest free event of its kind in the U.S. August 31–September 3 Chicago Jazz Festival Millennium Park, chicagojazzfestival.us This annual free event is known for attracting some of the top names in jazz for four days of blowout tunes. SEPTEMBER September 22–24 Chicago Gourmet Millennium Park, chicagogourmet.org More than 150 Chicago restaurants, chefs, vintners and breweries offer tastings, live cooking demos, seminars, book signings and more. OCTOBER October 8 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Starts and ends in Grant Park, chicagomarathon.com Runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries compete in the 40th annual race. October 14–15 Open House Chicago 200 buildings across the city, openhousechicago.org Explore the hidden gems and architectural treasures of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods at this free event presented by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. October 21 The Halloween Gathering Festival & Parade Millennium Park, chicagoculturalmile.org Chicago’s vast and diverse creative communities gather for an afternoon festival culminating with a magical nighttime parade. NOVEMBER November 17 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Millennium Park, millenniumpark.org Locals and visitors gather in Millennium Park to celebrate the holiday season at the official Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting. November 17–December 24 Christkindlmarket Chicago Daley Plaza, christkindlmarket.com This German market features traditional fare and goods from vendors offering eclectic, often handmade items. Free admission. November 18 The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Michigan Ave., from Wacker Dr. to Oak St. themagnificentmile.com More than a million lights on 200 trees along The Magnificent Mile light up for the holidays during this annual parade. November 23 McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade State St., from Congress northbound to Randolph chicagofestivals.org Created in 1934, this parade includes more than 5,000 participants, giant inflatables, marching bands, floats, mascot Teddy Turkey and more. DECEMBER December 1–January 7, 2018 Winter WonderFest Navy Pier, navypier.com Experience the winter season inside 170,000 square feet of family-friendly holiday fun. December 31 Chi-Town Rising Michigan Ave. & Chicago River, chi-townrising.com Ring in 2018 with this epic New Year’s Eve celebration featuring headliner musical acts, a visually spectacular countdown and a magnificent fireworks show. 2017 Conventions & Conferences Each year, Chicago hosts hundreds of conventions, conferences and trade shows throughout the city. For a detailed calendar of the 2017 conventions and conferences in Chicago, visit choosechicago.com/meeting-professionals/convention-calendar
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