CONTENTS 10 REASONS TO MEET CHOOSE CHICAGO IS HERE TO HELP EXPLORE WHAT’S NEW FESTIVALS & EVENTS CONVENTION FACILITIES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS ACCESSIBLE CHICAGO FEATURED PARTNERS TAP INTO CHICAGO’S DIVERSE BUSINESSES RESOURCES ACTIVE TEAM BUILDING IDEAS UNMATCHED PRIVATE DINING IN CHICAGO ICONIC CHICAGO EVENT VENUES GUIDE TO THE McCORMICK PLACE AREA MEET SUSTAINABLY CHICAGO HOTEL COLLECTIONS SEE CHICAGO IN 24 HOURS FALL SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER Chicago Live! TASTE OF CHICAGO 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. BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON Oct. 11 Citywide Runners from around the world gather for this major marathon that travels through 29 unique neighborhoods. ARTS IN THE DARK October Loop This whimsical evening parade celebrates Halloween as the artist’s holiday, with creative puppets, floats, and performances. CHICAGO LIVE! September Navy Pier The Midwest’s largest free performing arts showcase features more than 110 artists and organizations performing throughout lakefront Navy Pier. OPEN HOUSE CHICAGO DAY OF THE DEAD XICÁGO CHICAGO GOURMET 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. October Pilsen The National Museum of Mexican Art hosts this annual cultural celebration that features traditional altars, live music, and art activities. September Millennium Park This high-end food festival features elevated tastings, live cooking demos, and intimate dinners with the country’s best chefs. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: KYLE FLUBACKER; @TEQUILAGRAPHICS (2 PHOTOS) CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL THE WINTRUST MAGNIFICENT MILE LIGHTS FESTIVAL October Loop America’s longest-running competitive film festival features more than 80 screenings across the city. 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.
Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide 2026: Page 22
