Chicago Visitors Guide - 2026
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
2026-01-26 09:46:26
Check out some of Chicago’s year-round happenings, from diverse cultural celebrations to world-class music and food fests. Go to choosechicago.com/events or simply use your phone’s camera and scan the QR code for a complete, upto- date events calendar.
Events subject to change.
WINTER
November – December
Daley Plaza & Gallagher Way
Feel the magic at this annual outdoor bazaar, modeled after traditional German Christmas markets.
December – January
Navy Pier
An indoor holiday experience, complete with dazzling decor, thrilling rides, ice skating, and seasonal fun for all ages.
Jan. 23 – Feb. 8
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.
Feb. 5 – 15
Citywide
Experience the thrill of Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene with discounted tickets to the city’s hottest shows.
Feb. 7 – 16
McCormick Place
The nation’s largest and longest-running auto show features debut vehicles, concept cars, interactive exhibits, and more.
SPRING
March 14
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.
March
Navy Pier
This free cultural celebration brings the colors and traditions of Holi to the lakefront attraction, including the iconic powder throwing.
April 9 – 12
Navy Pier
This international exposition of contemporary and modern art brings galleries and artists from around the globe to Navy Pier.
April 30
Citywide
The 15th annual International Jazz Day will take place in Chicago, a city known for its incredible contributions to the history and future of jazz.
May 23 – 24
Grant Park
Chicago’s annual Latin music festival kicks off summer with a two-day experience on the lakefront.
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
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
North Center
Held in the North Center neighborhood, this food festival draws more than 60,000 attendees with the sweet smell of barbecue.
June 12 – 14
Andersonville
The Andersonville neighborhood celebrates its Swedish roots and LGBTQ+ pride with live music, drag shows, artisans, and food and drink.
June 20 – 21 (Fest) June 28 (Parade)
Northalsted
This joyful celebration of LGBTQ+ community and culture takes place in the nation’s oldest official gay neighborhood.
► MILLENNIUM PARK SUMMER MUSIC SERIES
June – August
Millennium Park
This free outdoor concert series features top local and touring acts, all with a skyline backdrop in Millennium Park.
► MILLENNIUM PARK SUMMER FILM SERIES
July – August
Millennium Park
Catch free movies under the stars at Millennium Park’s beloved film series, featuring everything from classics to family favorites all season long.
July 9 – 12
United Center
It’s all about beer, barbecue, and country music at this laid-back summer festival.
July 11
Jackson Park
The world’s longestrunning event dedicated to house music brings thousands of fans to Jackson Park.
► CHICAGO GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL
July
Millennium Park
Hear everything from traditional choirs to contemporary gospel groups at this free outdoor festival under the stunning Pritzker Pavilion.
July
Wicker Park
The music lineup is a major draw at this eclectic street fest that celebrates the neighborhood’s unique character.
July
Chinatown
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture at this annual celebration featuring authentic cuisine, lion dances, kung fu demonstrations, and more.
July – August
Pilsen
This family-friendly festival has been celebrating Mexican culture and music in the Pilsen neighborhood for 50 years.
July – August
Grant Park
This iconic music festival takes over lakefront Grant Park with local talent and top acts from around the world.
July – September
Citywide
Learn some new moves or enjoy the music when this summer event series turns Chicago parks into open-air dance floors.
Aug. 8
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.
► CHICAGO HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL
August
Citywide
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.
August
Lakefront
This free lakefront display is one of the largest events of its kind, with astonishing aerial demonstrations.
August
Millennium Park
The oldest of Chicago’s free music festivals boasts an incredibly diverse lineup of jazz legends and fresh talent.
FALL
Sept. 19 – 20
Navy Pier
The Midwest’s largest free performing arts showcase features more than 110 artists and organizations throughout lakefront Navy Pier.
September
Citywide
The second longestrunning film festival of its kind, Reeling brings LGBTQ+ stories to screens around the city.
September
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
October
Citywide
Discover emerging voices in the local Latino theatre community during this multifaceted festival.
► BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON
Oct. 11
Citywide
Runners from around the world gather for this major marathon that travels through 29 different neighborhoods.
► HISTORIC PULLMAN HOUSE TOURS
October
Pullman
Step back in time during this long-running house tour, which gives visitors an exclusive look into the historic Pullman neighborhood.
► CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
October
Citywide
Celebrating over six decades, the nation’s longest-running film festival brings a worldclass lineup of feature films, documentaries, and shorts to Chicago.
October
Citywide
This one-of-a-kind free architecture festival takes you inside the city’s most unique buildings, skyscrapers, and landmarks.
October
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 and the official lighting of the trees along iconic Michigan Avenue.
SCAN HERE FOR THE LATEST CHICAGO EVENTS CALENDAR.
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CHICAGO SPORTS
February – October
CHICAGO FIRE | Soldier Field
Cheer a thrilling Chicago Fire Football Club match — the team is a past winner of the MLS Cup.
March – September
CHICAGO WHITE SOX | Rate Field
Catch a White Sox game and watch for the booming fireworks that herald each home run.
March – October
CHICAGO STARS | SeatGeek Stadium
See exciting soccer moves from the Chicago Stars, a leader in the National Women’s Soccer League.
April – September
CHICAGO CUBS | Wrigley Field
Sit in the bleachers like a local and watch the Chicago Cubs play at historic Wrigley Field.
May – September
CHICAGO SKY | Wintrust Arena
Watch one of the hottest teams in women’s basketball take on rivals in the South Loop.
September – January
CHICAGO BEARS | Soldier Field
Sing Bear Down, Chicago Bears with the crowd each time the team makes a touchdown.
October – April
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS | United Center
Spy mascot Tommy Hawk gleefully dancing 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 before the game.
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