Explore a sampling of Chicago’s exciting year-round happenings. For a complete events calendar, go to choosechicago.com/events . Dates subject to change. FESTIVALS & EVENTS Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) McCormick Place, Feb. 28–Mar. 1 c2e2.com The largest comic, cosplay, and pop culture convention in the Midwest features celebrity panels, screenings, and a cosplay awards show. 2020 JANUARY Chicago Restaurant Week Citywide, Jan. 24–Feb. 9 eatitupchicago.com During this annual culinary celebration, more than 300 restaurants around the city offer specially priced prix fixe brunch, lunch, and dinner menus. APRIL Chicago International Music Festival Symphony Center, Apr. 5–9 world-projects.net Young musicians, from high school choir groups to university bands, perform at the home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. FEBRUARY Chicago Auto Show McCormick Place, Feb. 8–17 chicagoautoshow.com The largest auto show in North America showcases an impressive collection of passenger cars and trucks, as well as experimental cars. Chicago Theatre Week Citywide, Feb. 13–23 chicagotheatreweek.com Snag discounted tickets to more than 100 of the hottest shows in Chicago, produced by professional theatre companies. NBA All-Star Game United Center, Feb. 16 nbaevents.com/allstar The 69th annual exhibition game will be played in Chicago for the first time in more than 30 years. MARCH St. Patrick’s Day Parade/Dyeing Of The Chicago River Citywide, Mar. 14 chicagostpatricks dayparade.org See the Chicago River dyed emerald green, followed by a parade along Columbus Drive with floats, Irish step dancers, and bagpipers. Chicago Gospel Music Festival Millennium Park, May 26–30 chicagogospelmusicfestival.us This 35th annual music festival features local and national gospel groups, from traditional choirs to contemporary singers and hip-hop artists. M AY James Beard Awards Gala Lyric Opera House, May 4 jamesbeard.org/awards Known as the Oscars of the food world, this culinary awards show honors renowned chefs and restaurateurs from around the country. JUNE Chicago Blues Festival Millennium Park, June 5–7 chicagobluesfestival.us More than 100 international performers pay homage to Chicago’s rich music tradition during the largest free blues festival in the world. Chicago Gospel Music Festival 2020 CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES Go to meetinchicago.com for a detailed calendar of upcoming conventions and conferences in Chicago. 8 meetinchicago.com THIS PAGE: CHOOSE CHICAGO; FACING PAGE: CHICAGO GOURMET
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