Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide - 2025
Festivals & events
2025-05-14 10:08:36
WHAT’S NEW
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
November – January
Chicago Botanic Garden
Lightscape is set along a mile-long path where visitors can admire multisensory light installations by artists from around the world.
ILLUMINATION: TREE LIGHTS AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM
November – January
The Morton Arboretum
Each winter, the trees at this Lisle nature attraction come to life with festive lights and music.
November – January
Lincoln Park Zoo
This spectacular holiday display, made up of more than two million lights, transforms Chicago’s historic Lincoln Park Zoo into a breathtaking winter wonderland.
November – December
Daley Plaza
Feel the magic at this annual outdoor holiday market modeled after traditional German Christmas markets.
Jan. 24 – Feb. 9
Citywide
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. Sample bites from top Chicago restaurants at First Bites Bash, the celebratory tasting event that kicks off Chicago Restaurant Week.
Feb. 8 – 17
McCormick Place
The nation’s largest and longest-running auto show features debut vehicles, concept cars, interactive exhibits, and more.
February
Citywide
Experience the thrill of Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene with half-price tickets to the city’s hottest shows.
Feb. 9
Citywide
This cultural showcase includes culinary events, a colorful parade that rolls through the heart of Chinatown, and performances from Chinese music and dance groups.
SPRING
MARCH, APRIL, MAY
GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY SPRING FLOWER SHOW
February – May
Garfield Park Conservatory
This annual flower show features the first blooms of spring, housed in one of the largest greenhouses in the country.
March 15
Downtown
One of the world’s most famous St. Patrick’s Day traditions, Chicago’s downtown parade and green river dyeing are bucket list events.
March 27
Rate Field
The Chicago White Sox open another exciting season at Rate Field — expect plenty of fireworks.
April 4
Wrigley Field
Head to historic Wrigley Field to watch the Chicago Cubs open their season against the San Diego Padres.
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
Pilsen
Celebrate Latino culture and cuisine with this food festival and cook-off event in Pilsen.
May 24 – 25
Grant Park
Chicago’s Latin music festival kicks off summer with a twoday experience in Grant Park.
SUMMER
JUNE, JULY, AUGUST
June
Millennium Park
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.
June
Lyric Opera
The nation’s most prestigious culinary honors are presented at this star-studded event.
June 21 – 22 & June 29
Northalsted
This joyful celebration of LGBTQ+ community and culture takes place in the nation’s oldest official gay neighborhood.
NASCAR CHICAGO STREET RACE WEEKEND
July 5 – 6
Grant Park and select neighborhoods
This exhilarating event brings high-speed NASCAR races to the streets of downtown Chicago, along with top musical acts.
July
Jackson Park
This celebration of house music, held in scenic Jackson Park, has been drawing legendary DJs and fans for more than 30 years.
July 10 – 13
United Center
It’s all about beer, barbecue, and country music at this outdoor summer festival.
July
Millennium Park
Hear everything from traditional choirs to contemporary gospel groups at this free outdoor festival under the stunning Pritzker Pavilion.
CHICAGO DISABILITY PRIDE PARADE
July 26
Downtown
This annual parade is celebrating 22 years of promoting human diversity, drawing over 5,000 individuals, organizations, and leaders.
July 26 – 27
Chinatown
Celebrate summer in the historic Chinatown neighborhood with cultural demonstrations, traditional dances, and food from local restaurants.
July – August
Grant Park and select neighborhoods
This iconic music festival takes over the lakefront’s Grant Park and features a multigenre lineup of local talent and top acts from around the globe.
August
Martin Luther King Drive
The largest African American parade in the country, this exuberant procession of bands, floats, and student performers has been taking place since 1929.
August
McCormick Place
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
September
Navy Pier
The Midwest’s largest free performing arts showcase features more than 110 artists and organizations performing throughout lakefront Navy Pier.
September
Grant Park and select neighborhoods
One of the country’s largest free-admission food festivals offers a diverse taste of Chicago’s acclaimed culinary scene.
September
Millennium Park
This high-end food festival features elevated tastings, live cooking demos, and intimate dinners with the country’s best chefs.
September
Hyde Park
This free festival features a diverse lineup that celebrates the rich legacy of jazz on Chicago’s south side.
DESTINOS: CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL LATINO THEATER FESTIVAL
September – November Citywide
Discover emerging voices in the local Latino theatre community during this multifaceted festival.
BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON
Oct. 12
Citywide
Runners from around the world gather for this major marathon that travels through 29 unique neighborhoods.
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 offers a behind-the-scenes look inside the city’s most unique buildings, skyscrapers, and landmarks.
CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
October
Loop
America’s longest-running competitive film festival features more than 80 screenings across the city.
October
Loop
This whimsical evening parade celebrates Halloween as the artist’s holiday, with creative puppets, floats, and performances.
DÍA DE MUERTOS, WHERE THE PAST IS PRESENT
September – December
Pilsen
The National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen hosts this cultural celebration, alongside an annual exhibit featuring traditional altars.
THE WINTRUST MAGNIFICENT MILE LIGHTS FESTIVAL
November
The Magnificent Mile
A beloved holiday tradition, this spectacular event includes a parade and the official lighting of the trees along iconic Michigan Avenue.
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