Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide - 2019
2019 Festivals & Events
2018-12-14 13:18:41
Event dates are subject to change. Here is a sampling of our events. For a complete listing, go to choosechicago.com.
JANUARY
Chicago Restaurant Week
Citywide | Jan. 25–Feb. 7
More than 300 restaurants throughout Chicago offer specially priced prix fixe brunch, lunch and dinner menus during this annual culinary celebration.
FEBRUARY
Chinese New Year
Citywide | Feb. 4–17
choosechicago.com/chinesenewyear
Welcome the Year of the Pig during a citywide celebration that includes colorful parades, cultural performances and a variety of special events.
Chicago Theatre Week
Citywide | Feb. 7–17
Experience Chicago’s world-class theater scene with reduced-price tickets to more than 100 shows produced by professional companies throughout the city.
Chicago Auto Show
McCormick Place | Feb. 9–18
The largest auto show in North America features a huge range of passenger cars and trucks, exciting experimental cars and celebrity appearances.
MARCH
St. Patrick’s Day Parade/Dyeing of the Chicago River
Citywide | Mar. 16
chicagostpatricksdayparade.org
The Chicago River is dyed emerald green in the morning, followed by a festive parade along Columbus Drive featuring floats, Irish step dancers and bagpipers.
Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)
McCormick Place | Mar. 22–24
This comic, cosplay and pop culture convention features amazing artists and authors, celebrity panels and autograph sessions, plus screenings and a cosplay awards show.
APRIL
Star Wars Celebration
McCormick Place | Apr. 11–15
This celebration of all things Star Wars includes celebrity appearances, panels and interviews, limited-edition merchandise, special screenings and a cosplay competition.
MAY
James Beard Awards Gala
Lyric Opera of Chicago | May 6
Chefs and restaurateurs from around the country are honored during this culinary awards show known as the Oscars of the food world.
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Millennium Park | May 31-June 1
Acclaimed local, national and international gospel music performers fill Millennium Park with joyful noise during this free festival.
JUNE
Chicago Blues Festival
Millennium Park | June 7-9
The largest free blues festival in the world also features the best performers, with past appearances by blues giants that include Buddy Guy, B.B. King and Ray Charles.
Chicago Pride Fest & Parade
Boystown | Fest: June 22–23, Parade: June 30
Chicago’s lively LGBTQ celebration consists of the two-day Pride Fest (with live music and local food), followed by a fabulous parade the following Sunday.
JULY
Taste of Chicago
Grant Park | July 10-14
This annual eating extravaganza serves up bites from some of the most popular restaurants in Chicago, along with cooking demos and concerts.
AUGUST
Lollapolooza
Grant Park | Aug. 1–4
One of the largest outdoor music festivals in the world, Lollapalooza features electrifying performances by established and up-and-coming acts.
Chicago Air & Water Show
North Avenue Beach | Aug. 17-18
Join the crowds to watch amazing aerial and water stunts along the lakefront, from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street.
Chicago Jazz Festival
Millennium Park | Aug. 23–Sept. 1
Known for attracting some of the biggest names in jazz, this free fest provides a stage for everyone from local Chicago musicians to international performers.
SEPTEMBER
EXPO CHICAGO
Navy Pier | Sept. 19–22
The annual EXPO CHICAGO returns to Navy Pier, hosting leading art galleries and showcasing the works of global artists.
Chicago Gourmet
Millennium Park | Sept. 27–29
Foodies flock to this annual event that features celebrity chefs presenting cooking demos, book signings, seminars, and food and wine tastings in downtown Chicago.
OCTOBER
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Grant Park | Oct. 13
Runners hailing from all 50 states and more than 100 countries race through city neighborhoods to reach the finish line in Grant Park.
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
Grant Park | Oct. 19
Renowned cultural institutions, including some of Chicago’s leading museums and theater companies, combine forces to produce a magical evening Halloween parade.
Día de los Muertos Xicágo
National Museum of Mexican Art | October
nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
This authentic Day of the Dead celebration pays homage to dearly departed loved ones with make-your-own altars, live music and art activities in Harrison Park.
NOVEMBER
Christkindlmarket Chicago
Daley Plaza | Nov. 22–Dec. 24
Christkindlmarket is a charming open-air holiday market featuring handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and warming food and drink like glühwein, a hot spiced wine.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Celebrations
Millennium Park
November–December
Kick off the holidays with the official lighting of the city Christmas tree and sing holiday songs during Caroling at Cloud Gate on Friday evenings.
BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Magnificent Mile | Nov. 22-23
More than one million lights illuminate North Michigan Avenue during this two-day fest featuring live music, a parade led by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and spectacular fireworks.
Uncle Dan’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Loop | Nov. 28
Thanksgiving begins bright and early with this cheery morning parade that features huge helium balloon characters, colorful floats and marching bands along historic State Street.
DECEMBER
Winter WonderFest
Navy Pier
December 2019–January 2020
Winter WonderFest transforms Navy Pier into a festive indoor wonderland with rides, an ice skating rink and sparkling holiday decorations.
2019 CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES
Chicago hosts hundreds of conventions, conferences and trade shows throughout the city, with 2019 poised to be another record-breaking year. Find a detailed calendar of 2019 conventions and conferences in Chicago at meetinchicago.com.
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