Chicago Visitors Guide - 2025
Festivals & events
2025-03-31 07:13:15
Check out some of Chicago’s diverse year-round happenings, from colorful cultural celebrations to lively music and food fests. Go to choosechicago.com/events or simply use your phone’s camera and scan the QR code for a complete, up-to-date events calendar.
Events subject to change.
WINTER
CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL PUPPET THEATER FESTIVAL
Jan. 15 – 26
Citywide
Discover the magic of puppetry at the nation’s largest puppet theatre festival, featuring captivating performances from artists across the globe.
Jan. 24 – Feb. 9
Citywide
The best time of year to experience Chicago’s acclaimed dining scene, Chicago Restaurant Week features special prix fixe menus at hundreds of local restaurants.
Jan. 26 – Feb. 9
Citywide
Join in culinary events, a colorful parade that rolls through Chinatown, and performances from Chinese music and dance groups.
Feb. 6 – 16
Citywide
Experience the thrill of Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene with discounted tickets to the city’s hottest shows.
Feb. 8 – 17
McCormick Place
The nation’s largest and longest-running auto show features debut vehicles, concept cars, interactive exhibits, and more.
SPRING
March 15
Loop
One of the world’s most famous St. Patrick’s Day traditions, Chicago’s downtown parade and
green river dyeing are bucket list events.
April 24 – 27
Navy Pier
This international exposition of contemporary and modern art brings galleries and artists from around the globe to Navy Pier.
May 24 – 25
Grant Park
Chicago’s annual Latin music festival kicks off summer with a two-day experience on the lakefront.
CHICAGO SPORTS
February – October
CHICAGO FIRE
Soldier Field
Head to the lakefront to see a fast-paced match by the Chicago Fire Football Club, past winner of the MLS Cup.
March – October
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Rate Field
Catch a White Sox game and watch for the dazzling fireworks that celebrate each home run with a flourish.
March – October
CHICAGO STARS
SeatGeek Stadium
See exciting soccer plays by the Chicago Stars team, a prominent force in the National Women’s Soccer League.
April – October
CHICAGO CUBS
Wrigley Field
Sit in the sunny bleachers like a local and watch the Chicago Cubs play baseball at historic Wrigley Field.
May – July
CHICAGO UNION
Martin Stadium
The city’s championship team is part of USA Ultimate, the largest flying disc organization in the world.
May – September
CHICAGO SKY
Wintrust Arena
Watch one of the hottest teams in women’s basketball take on rivals with precision and skill in the South Loop.
September – January
CHICAGO BEARS
Soldier Field
Join the energetic crowd in singing the anthemic Bear Down, Chicago Bears each time the team makes a touchdown.
October – April
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
United Center
Keep an eye out for mascot Tommy Hawk, who exuberantly dances to Chelsea Dagger every time the team scores.
October – April
CHICAGO BULLS
United Center
Snap a selfie with the statue of Chicago basketball superstar Michael Jordan and catch the Bulls action on the court.
SUMMER
May – August
Navy Pier
It’s not summer in Chicago without this dazzling fireworks display lighting up the lakefront.
May – October
Maxwell Street
A local tradition since 1912, this sprawling alfresco market features a mix of crafts, live music, artists, food vendors, and more.
June
Logan Square
Held in the heart of Logan Square, this art-focused fest also includes local foods and performers.
June 5 – 8
Millennium Park
A genre with deep Chicago roots, blues is the star of this outdoor summer festival that attracts some of music’s biggest names.
June 6 – 8
North Center
In the North Center neighborhood, this annual food festival draws more than 60,000 attendees with the sweet smell of barbecue.
June
Andersonville
The Andersonville neighborhood celebrates its Swedish roots and LGBTQ+ pride with live music, drag shows, artisans, and food and drink.
June 21 – 22 & June 29
Northalsted
This joyful celebration of LGBTQ+ community and culture takes place in the nation’s oldest official gay neighborhood.
June/July
State Street
This summer event series turns one of Chicago’s most iconic Loop streets into a giant block party, with food, drinks, shopping, art, and more.
July – September
Citywide
Learn some new moves or just enjoy the music when this summer event series turns Chicago parks into open-air dance floors.
July
Pilsen
This family-friendly festival has been celebrating Mexican culture and music in the Pilsen neighborhood for more than 50 years.
July
Chinatown
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture at this annual celebration, featuring cuisine, lion dances, kung fu demonstrations, and more.
NASCAR CHICAGO STREET RACE WEEKEND
July 5 – 6
Loop
Hear the roar of the engines as NASCAR takes over downtown Chicago for this one-of-a-kind street race.
July 10 – 13
United Center
It’s all about beer, barbecue, and country music at this laid-back summer festival.
AFRICAN/CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF LIFE
July 11 – 13
Park 540
This four-day family fest offers lively music, food, arts, crafts, games, and more.
July 12
Jackson Park
The world’s longest-running event dedicated to house music brings thousands of fans to Jackson Park.
SCAN HERE FOR THE LATEST CHICAGO EVENTS CALENDAR.
July 12
Millennium Park
Hear everything from traditional choirs to contemporary gospel groups at this free outdoor festival under the stunning Pritzker Pavilion.
July 31 – Aug. 3
Grant Park
This iconic music festival takes over downtown Grant Park with local talent and top acts from around the world.
Aug. 9
Martin Luther King Drive
The largest African American parade in the country, this exuberant procession of bands, floats, and student performers has taken place since 1929.
Aug. 9 – 10
Northalsted
This summer street festival, held in a historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood, offers a fun weekend of live music, dancing, DJs, and vendors.
Aug. 16 – 17
Lakefront
This free lakefront display is one of the largest events of its kind, with astonishing aerial and water demonstrations.
Aug. 22 – 23
Millennium Park
Celebrate the birthplace of house music at this free festival, featuring local legends and international DJs spinning iconic beats in the heart of the city.
SCAN HERE FOR THE LATEST CHICAGO EVENTS CALENDAR.
FALL
Sept. 5 – 7
Grant Park
One of the country’s largest free-admission food festivals offers a diverse taste of Chicago’s acclaimed culinary scene.
26TH STREET MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
Sept. 14
Little Village
One of the largest parades in the Midwest, this joyous procession features brightly colored floats, mariachi bands, and folkloric dancing.
Sept. 25 – 28
Millennium Park
This elevated food festival features tastings, live cooking demos, and fun competitions with the country’s best chefs.
DESTINOS: CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL LATINO THEATER FESTIVAL
September – November
Citywide
Discover emerging voices in the local Latino theatre community during this multifaceted festival.
October
Pullman
Step back in time during this long-running house tour, which gives visitors an exclusive look into the historic Pullman neighborhood.
October
Citywide
This one-of-a-kind free architecture festival takes you inside the city’s most unique buildings, skyscrapers, and landmarks.
October
Pilsen
The National Museum of Mexican Art hosts this annual cultural celebration that features traditional altars, live music, and art activities.
BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON
Oct. 12
Citywide
Runners from around the world gather for this major marathon that travels through 29 different neighborhoods.
CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Oct. 15 – 26
Citywide
North America’s longest-running competitive film festival features movie screenings, world premieres, and special celebrity appearances.
Oct. 18
State Street
This whimsical evening parade celebrates Halloween as the artist’s holiday, with creative puppets, floats, and performances.
THE WINTRUST MAGNIFICENT MILE LIGHTS FESTIVAL
November
The Magnificent Mile
A beloved tradition, this spectacular holiday event includes a parade, fireworks, and the lighting of the trees along iconic Michigan Avenue.
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