Best time to visit Chicago
Best time of year to visit Chicago
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!
11 THINGS TO DO IN CHICAGO (JUNE 05 - JUNE 14)
Chicago Blues Festival
unconfirmedThe largest free blues festival in the world and one of the greatest music festivals in Chicago
Summer Fireworks at Navy Pier
For the whole summer you have a chance to see the beautiful fireworks twice a week!
Hummingbird Migration
Entice these buzzy flying jewels into your yard
Critical Mass
The monthly event to make it clear how many cyclists are there
Willis Tower (Skydeck Chicago)
Step to the glass box ledge and walk in the air 1,353 feet above Chicago
Stargazing
Absorb the starry skies in the vicinity of Chicago
Lake and River Cruises
Whatever cruise you choose, Windy City won't leave you unsatisfied
Kayaking Season
Take a kayaking trip on the beautiful Chicago River
Kitesurfing & Windsurfing
Find out if Windy Сity is made for wind sports
Sailing Season
Sailing is much time limited in Chicago due to the weather conditions
The Plant Chicago
A former meatpacking facility is transformed into a human-made ecosystem
88 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
4th of July Fireworks & Events
out of rangeEnjoy the most important holiday of the summer on the shore of Lake Michigan
Bike the Drive
out of rangeOnce in a year a lakefront road is closed for cars and open for the cyclists!
Chicagohenge
out of rangeEven the most hurried drivers don't mind stopping to gaze at the unique solar spectacle
Chicago Air and Water Show
out of rangeThe oldest and largest show of this kind in the United States
Cherry Blossom in Chicago
out of rangeFind the best spots to enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms in Chicago
Rubber Ducky Race
out of range50,000 yellow rubber ducks are splashed into the Chicago River to fundraise for the Special Olympics Illinois
Chicago Pride Parade & Fest
out of rangeA colorful celebration of freedom, diversity and culture
St. Paddy's Day (Green River)
out of rangeSt. Patrick's Day in Chicago is definitely a party of a lifetime!
Chicago Food Truck Festival
out of rangeThe city by Lake Michigan is obsessed with food trucks
Chicago Jazz Festival
out of rangeA favorite Labor Day Weekend tradition with great music all over the city
New Year's Eve in Chicago
out of rangeColor blasts illuminate the iconic Chicago skyline
Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
out of rangeChinese New Year is celebrated heavily in Chicago
Kids and Kites Festival
overThe spectacular and beautiful celebration of the spring's arrival!
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
out of rangeOne of the biggest fall events in Chicago
BMO Harris Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
out of rangeThe holiday spirit takes over the Michigan Avenue on that night
Chicago Restaurant Week
out of rangeSo many participating restaurants, so little time
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
unconfirmedThe mouthwatering burger festival
Festival Cubano (Cuban Fest Chicago)
on holdA vibrant celebration of Latin culture in the Midwest
Windy City Smokeout
out of rangeStarting as a local barbecue get-together, the Smokeout has become one of the best festivals in town!
Taste of Chicago
out of rangeNote down the recipe for an unforgettable food & music festival
Ginza Holiday Festival
out of rangeLots of Japanese food, culture and entertainment
Ribfest Chicago
out of rangeOne of Chicago's trademarks, the Ribfest attracts crowds annually
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
out of rangeThe most fun fall event loved by kids and adults
Spring Awakening Music Festival
unconfirmedA summer gathering of leading DJs from all over the world
Mayfest (Maifest) at Lincoln Park
unconfirmedAs an Oktoberfest's counterpart, this festival offers you plenty of foods and drinks as well as beer gardens!
Memorial Day Parade
out of rangeDon't miss your chance to see the largest Memorial Day Parade in the country
Light Up The Lake (Winter WonderFest)
out of rangeBeloved Chicago indoor winter event perfect for frosty days
Chicago Auto Show
out of rangeThe biggest auto show in North America
World Music Festival Chicago
out of rangeMusicians from over 20 countries give about 50 performances with free admission
Illinois Fall Colors
out of rangeEnjoy the best fall colors across the state
Chicago Theatre Week
out of rangeA range of extraordinary theatrical offerings returns to Chicago every year in February
Dragon Boat Race for Literacy
out of rangeTraditionally ornated Chinese Boats race through Chicago River for Literacy
Pierogi Fest
out of rangeGreat food and some wacky fun in just 30 minutes from Chicago
Bud Billiken Parade
out of rangeThe largest African American parade in the United States
Chicago Polar Plunge
out of rangeRaising money for a cause is always a good idea, even if it means jumping into the frosty Lake Michigan!
East Peoria Festival of Lights
out of rangeOne of the biggest and brightest holiday events in Illinois
Naperville Ale Fest
out of rangeThe only outdoor winter and summer beer festival of Midwest
Chicago Christmas Lights
out of rangeGet into the festive spirit while walking or driving through spectacular holiday lights
Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)
out of rangeThe biggest geek gathering in the Midwest
Chicago Latino Film Festival
out of rangeA great selection of films, documentaries, and shorts from the Spanish-speaking world
Cinco de Mayo
out of rangeDrink lots of margaritas and cerveza celebrating the Mexican national holiday
Lilacia Park
out of rangeDiscover a safe haven abundant with flowers just on the outskirts of the Windy City
Christkindlmarket Chicago
out of rangeDrink some Glühwein, shop for presents, and enjoy German food delights at one of the largest Christmas markets in the US
May Day
out of rangeWorkers' Day is always a big deal in Chicago
Baconfest
on holdA festival dedicated to bacon? Definitely one of the best ideas in the world!
Chiditarod
out of rangeIsn't it your lifetime dream to race in a cart of food between the neighbourhood bars?
Sandhill Crane Migration
out of rangeSandhill cranes make a stop at northern Illinois marshes on their way to Florida
Chicago Marathon
out of rangeCheck out the scenic course of one of the largest marathons in the U.S.
Richardson Adventure Farm Corn Maze
out of rangeCome out and get lost in the world's largest corn labyrinth
Fox Lake 4th of July Fireworks & Parade
out of rangeA relaxing Independence Day celebration at The Chain O’Lakes
Beach Season
out of rangeChicagoans love summers, even though they are extremely hot and humid. Part of this love is surplused by the existance of beaches
Chicago International Film Festival
out of rangeThe longest-running competitive film festival in the USA
Halloween Events in Chicago
out of rangeFrom an art parade to booze cruises—Halloween is a great time to explore Chicago
Navy Pier Winterfest
out of rangeFeel the Chicago holiday vibe at this authentic winter festival
Turkey Testicle Festival
out of rangeAre you ready to eat lots of turkey testicles and listen to hours of live music?
The Morton Arboretum Illumination
out of rangeAn enchanted forest filled with dazzling projections and interactive trees that respond to touch and voice
Ice Shards on the Great Lakes
out of rangeThe ice cover gets shattered to knife-sharp pieces as spring takes over winter
Chicago Labor Day Weekend
out of rangeWrap up the summer season with a bang
Palatine Hometown Fest & Fireworks
unconfirmedOne of the best small-town 4th of July celebrations in the greater Chicago area
ZooLights
out of rangeLinkoln Park Zoo is not only one of the biggest and oldest zoos in the USA, but it also boasts some perfect winter scenery
Arlington Million
overA perfect opportunity to enjoy live racing, entertainment, and fancy group outings
Chicago Beer Classic
on holdThe largest beer festival in the city celebrates the beginning of summer season
Oktoberfest Chicago
out of rangeRejoice in an amiable atmosphere at Chicago German-American Oktoberfest
FOBAB
out of rangeAmerica's biggest barrel-aged beer festival
Country LakeShake Festival
on holdA big country music festival on the lakefront
Skiing and Snowboarding in Wisconsin
out of rangeDiscover some of the best ski areas of the Midwest
Wheaton 4th of July Fireworks & Parade
out of rangeA community celebration with fireworks in the Chicago suburbs
Evanston 4th of July Fireworks & Parade
out of rangeA historic celebration near Lake Michigan
Lollapalooza
out of rangeOne of the oldest and most famous alternative music festivals is a must-visit!
Pitchfork Music Festival
unconfirmedOne of the trendiest festivals, Pitchfork sets the music scene
Allstate Hot Chocolate Run
out of rangeThe sweetest run in the world takes over the United States from coast to coast
Fan Expo Chicago
out of rangeThe massive fan gathering which was previously known as Chicago Comic Con
Illinois Craft Beer Week
unconfirmedThe Illinois Craft Brewers Guild organizes the massive 11 days long craft beer event
Riot Fest
out of rangeA legendary rock music event held in Chicago
Plainfield Fest
out of rangeEnjoy great food, music, and street fun in a suburb of Chicago
Geneva Christmas Walk
out of rangeGet into the holiday season with traditional festivities in Downtown Geneva, IL
Santa Speedo Run
out of rangeBe merry, be positive, be helpful, be Santa! Thousands of Christmas fans running in the swimming suits
Cupid's Undie Run
out of rangeChicago loves running wearing hardly anything. Of course, for the good cause
Chicago Museum Week
overFree events, special programs, and promotions at Chicago's best museums
Redhead Days Chicago
on holdThe largest redhead gathering in the US
Chicago Fall Colors
out of rangeAbsorb the bright season without leaving the Windy City
Crystal Lake Fireworks
out of rangeA spectacular 4th of July celebration in the Chicago suburbs
Fox Lake Festival of Lights
out of rangeStart the holiday season with a vibrant parade, holiday market, and the annual Christmas tree lighting
St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest
out of rangeJoin thousands of beer lovers at St. Al's Oktoberfest
Revolution Oktoberfest
out of rangeBeer Under Glass, which is hosted by Revolution Brewing, marks the start of Illinois Craft Beer Week
Waukegan Fireworks
out of rangeOne of the multiple fine options to make some 4th of July memories near Chicago
Journey to the End of the Night
overThe urban game that attracts thousands of people
Tour de Fat
overThe festival of bikes and environmentally conscious people!
