April to May and September to October is the best time to visit Chicago as the weather is mild and tourist numbers are moderate. In late spring, celebrate local beer culture at the Mayfest. Summer in the city is famous for its hotel rates going through the roof and unstable weather when agonizing heat waves from June to August can hinder your sightseeing experience. However, Chicago is lucky to be located next to the lake, that's why festival goers boldly and enthusiastically attend Lollapalooza and other great summer events. September says goodbye to the summer at the Chicago Jazz Festival and during the Chicagohenge at the end of the month. A freezing and windy period between November and March offers you great deals on airfare and accommodation, just pack your warmest layers. St. Patrick's Day turns the Chicago River green in March, probably one of the best sights of the city!
The largest free blues festival in the world and one of the greatest music festivals in Chicago
For the whole summer you have a chance to see the beautiful fireworks twice a week!
Entice these buzzy flying jewels into your yard
The monthly event to make it clear how many cyclists are there
Step to the glass box ledge and walk in the air 1,353 feet above Chicago
Absorb the starry skies in the vicinity of Chicago
Whatever cruise you choose, Windy City won't leave you unsatisfied
Take a kayaking trip on the beautiful Chicago River
Find out if Windy Сity is made for wind sports
Sailing is much time limited in Chicago due to the weather conditions
A former meatpacking facility is transformed into a human-made ecosystem
Enjoy the most important holiday of the summer on the shore of Lake Michigan
Once in a year a lakefront road is closed for cars and open for the cyclists!
Even the most hurried drivers don't mind stopping to gaze at the unique solar spectacle
The oldest and largest show of this kind in the United States
Find the best spots to enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms in Chicago
50,000 yellow rubber ducks are splashed into the Chicago River to fundraise for the Special Olympics Illinois
A colorful celebration of freedom, diversity and culture
St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is definitely a party of a lifetime!
The city by Lake Michigan is obsessed with food trucks
A favorite Labor Day Weekend tradition with great music all over the city
Color blasts illuminate the iconic Chicago skyline
Chinese New Year is celebrated heavily in Chicago
The spectacular and beautiful celebration of the spring's arrival!
One of the biggest fall events in Chicago
The holiday spirit takes over the Michigan Avenue on that night
So many participating restaurants, so little time
The mouthwatering burger festival
A vibrant celebration of Latin culture in the Midwest
Starting as a local barbecue get-together, the Smokeout has become one of the best festivals in town!
Note down the recipe for an unforgettable food & music festival
Lots of Japanese food, culture and entertainment
One of Chicago's trademarks, the Ribfest attracts crowds annually
The most fun fall event loved by kids and adults
A summer gathering of leading DJs from all over the world
As an Oktoberfest's counterpart, this festival offers you plenty of foods and drinks as well as beer gardens!
Don't miss your chance to see the largest Memorial Day Parade in the country
Beloved Chicago indoor winter event perfect for frosty days
The biggest auto show in North America
Musicians from over 20 countries give about 50 performances with free admission
Enjoy the best fall colors across the state
A range of extraordinary theatrical offerings returns to Chicago every year in February
Traditionally ornated Chinese Boats race through Chicago River for Literacy
Great food and some wacky fun in just 30 minutes from Chicago
The largest African American parade in the United States
Raising money for a cause is always a good idea, even if it means jumping into the frosty Lake Michigan!
One of the biggest and brightest holiday events in Illinois
The only outdoor winter and summer beer festival of Midwest
Get into the festive spirit while walking or driving through spectacular holiday lights
The biggest geek gathering in the Midwest
A great selection of films, documentaries, and shorts from the Spanish-speaking world
Drink lots of margaritas and cerveza celebrating the Mexican national holiday
Discover a safe haven abundant with flowers just on the outskirts of the Windy City
Drink some Glühwein, shop for presents, and enjoy German food delights at one of the largest Christmas markets in the US
Workers' Day is always a big deal in Chicago
A festival dedicated to bacon? Definitely one of the best ideas in the world!
Isn't it your lifetime dream to race in a cart of food between the neighbourhood bars?
Sandhill cranes make a stop at northern Illinois marshes on their way to Florida
Check out the scenic course of one of the largest marathons in the U.S.
Come out and get lost in the world's largest corn labyrinth
A relaxing Independence Day celebration at The Chain O’Lakes
Chicagoans love summers, even though they are extremely hot and humid. Part of this love is surplused by the existance of beaches
The longest-running competitive film festival in the USA
From an art parade to booze cruises—Halloween is a great time to explore Chicago
Are you ready to eat lots of turkey testicles and listen to hours of live music?
An enchanted forest filled with dazzling projections and interactive trees that respond to touch and voice
The ice cover gets shattered to knife-sharp pieces as spring takes over winter
Wrap up the summer season with a bang
One of the best small-town 4th of July celebrations in the greater Chicago area
Linkoln Park Zoo is not only one of the biggest and oldest zoos in the USA, but it also boasts some perfect winter scenery
A perfect opportunity to enjoy live racing, entertainment, and fancy group outings
The largest beer festival in the city celebrates the beginning of summer season
Rejoice in an amiable atmosphere at Chicago German-American Oktoberfest
America's biggest barrel-aged beer festival
A big country music festival on the lakefront
Discover some of the best ski areas of the Midwest
A community celebration with fireworks in the Chicago suburbs
A historic celebration near Lake Michigan
One of the oldest and most famous alternative music festivals is a must-visit!
One of the trendiest festivals, Pitchfork sets the music scene
The sweetest run in the world takes over the United States from coast to coast
The massive fan gathering which was previously known as Chicago Comic Con
The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild organizes the massive 11 days long craft beer event
A legendary rock music event held in Chicago
Enjoy great food, music, and street fun in a suburb of Chicago
Get into the holiday season with traditional festivities in Downtown Geneva, IL
Be merry, be positive, be helpful, be Santa! Thousands of Christmas fans running in the swimming suits
Chicago loves running wearing hardly anything. Of course, for the good cause
Free events, special programs, and promotions at Chicago's best museums
The largest redhead gathering in the US
Absorb the bright season without leaving the Windy City
A spectacular 4th of July celebration in the Chicago suburbs
Start the holiday season with a vibrant parade, holiday market, and the annual Christmas tree lighting
Join thousands of beer lovers at St. Al's Oktoberfest
Beer Under Glass, which is hosted by Revolution Brewing, marks the start of Illinois Craft Beer Week
One of the multiple fine options to make some 4th of July memories near Chicago
The urban game that attracts thousands of people
The festival of bikes and environmentally conscious people!