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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. Click here for a complete, up-to-date events calendar. Events subject to change. WINTER DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY Christkindlmarket *Daley Plaza Nov. 24 - Dec. 24* Feel the magic at this annual outdoor holiday market modeled after traditional German Christmas markets. Navy Pier Light Up The Lake Navy Pier | November – January Warm up at Chicago’s largest indoor light garden, with stunning light sculptures, an ice rink, holiday beer garden, and more. ZooLights *Lincoln Park Zoo November – January* This spectacular holiday display, made up of more than two million lights, transforms Chicago’s historic Lincoln Park Zoo into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Lightscape *Chicago Botanic Garden Nov. 11 – Jan. 8* Lightscape is set along a mile-long path where visitors can admire multisensory light installations by artists from around the world. Chicago Restaurant Week *Citywide Jan. 20 – Feb. 5* Chicago Restaurant Week features special prix fixe menus at hundreds of local restaurants and kicks off with the First Bites Bash tasting event. Lunar New Year Citywide | Feb. 1 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. 11 – 20* The nation’s largest and longest-running auto show features debut vehicles, concept cars, interactive exhibits, and more. Chicago Theatre Week Citywide | Feb. 16 – 26 Experience the thrill of Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene with half-price tickets to the city’s hottest shows. SPRING MARCH, APRIL, MAY Garfield Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show Garfield Park Conservatory February – May This annual flower show features the first blooms of spring, housed in one of the largest greenhouses in the country. St. Patrick’s Day Chicago Riverwalk March 11 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 Cubs home opener Wrigley Field | March 30 Head to historic Wrigley Field to watch the Chicago Cubs open their season against the Milwaukee Brewers. Chicago White Sox home opener Guaranteed Rate Field April 3 The Chicago White Sox open another exciting season at Guaranteed Rate Field — expect plenty of fireworks. EXPO Chicago Navy Pier | April 13 – 16 This international exposition of contemporary and modern art brings galleries and artists from around the globe to Navy Pier. Sueños Music Festival Grant Park | May Chicago’s first Latin music festival kicks off summer with a two-day experience in Grant Park. Mole de Mayo Pilsen | TBD Celebrate Latino culture and cuisine with this food festival and cook-off event in Pilsen. Chicago Gospel Festival Millennium Park | May Hear everything from traditional choirs to contemporary gospel groups at this free outdoor festival under the stunning Pritzker Pavilion. 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. NASCAR Chicago Street Race Loop | July 1 – 2 For the first time in its 75-year history, NASCAR will hold a street race. The 2.2-mile course will zoom past Chicago landmarks, including Buckingham Fountain and the Field Museum. Chosen Few Picnic & Festival Jackson Park | July This celebration of house music, held in scenic Jackson Park, has been drawing legendary DJs and fans for more than 30 years. Silver Room Sound System Block Party Oakwood Beach July This family-friendly summer celebration features multiple live music stages, a food court, a design pavilion, and outdoor games. Windy City Smokeout United Center July 13 – 16 It’s all about beer, barbecue, and country music at this outdoor summer festival. Fiesta Del Sol Pilsen July – August This family-friendly festival has been celebrating Mexican culture and music in the Pilsen neighborhood for 50 years. Lollapalooza Grant Park and select neighborhoods Aug. 3 – 6 This iconic music festival takes over the lakefront’s Grant Park, and features local talent and top acts from genres of music around the globe. Bud Billiken Parade Martin Luther King Drive Aug. 12 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 Plac August The nation’s largest, longest-running exposition dedicated to Black women consumers and empowering local businesses features lifestyle, beauty, entertainment, and culture. SUMMER JUNE, JULY, AUGUST FALL SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER Chicago Gourmet Millennium Park Sept. 21 – 24 This high-end food festival features elevated tastings, live cooking demos, and intimate dinners with the country’s best chefs. Hyde Park Jazz Fest Hyde Park | September This free festival features a diverse lineup that celebrates the rich tradition of jazz on Chicago’s south side. Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival Citywide September – October Discover emerging voices in the local Latino theatre community during this multifaceted festival. Chicago International Film Festival Loop | October America’s longest-running competitive film festival features more than 80 screenings across the city. Bank of America Chicago Marathon Citywide | Oct. 8 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 Pilsen | October The National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen hosts this cultural celebration, alongside an annual exhibit featuring traditional altars. Arts in the Dark Loop | October This whimsical evening parade celebrates Halloween as the artist’s holiday, with creative puppets, floats, and performances.
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