Best time to visit
99 things to do in Chicago
Critical Mass
The monthly event to make it clear how many cyclists are there
Windy City Smokeout
Starting as a local barbecue get-together, the Smokeout has become one of the best festivals in town!
Chicago Air and Water Show
The oldest and largest show of this kind in the United States
Chicagohenge
Even the most hurried drivers don't mind stopping to gaze at the unique solar spectacle
Summer Fireworks at Navy Pier
For the whole summer you have a chance to see the beautiful fireworks twice a week!
Illinois Craft Beer Week
The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild organizes the massive 11 days long craft beer event
Bike the Drive
Once in a year a lakefront road is closed for cars and open for the cyclists!
Beach Season
Chicagoans love summers, even though they are extremely hot and humid. Part of this love is surplused by the existance of beaches
Summer
The wettest and warmest time of the year is the most attractive for visitors
Mayfest (Maifest) at Lincoln Park
As an Oktoberfest's counterpart, this festival offers you plenty of foods and drinks as well as beer gardens!
Rubber Ducky Race (Duck Derby)
50,000 yellow rubber ducks are splashed into the Chicago River to fundraise for the Special Olympics Illinois
Lollapalooza
One of the oldest and most famous alternative music festivals is a must-visit!
Pitchfork Music Festival
One of the trendiest festivals, Pitchfork sets the music scene
Santa Speedo Run
Be merry, be positive, be helpful, be Santa! Thousands of Christmas fans running in the swimming suits
Dragon Boat Race for Literacy
Traditionally ornated Chinese Boats race through Chicago River for Literacy
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
The mouthwatering summer festival with great food and music
Chicago ZooLights
Linkoln Park Zoo is not only one of the biggest and oldest zoos in the USA, but it also boasts some perfect winter scenery
Chicago Polar Plunge
Raising money for a cause is always a good idea, even if it means jumping into the frosty Lake Michigan!
St. Paddy's Day (Green River)
St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is definitely a party of a lifetime!
Chiditarod
Isn't it your lifetime dream to race in a cart of food between the neighbourhood bars?
Chicago 4th of July Fireworks Shows & Events
Enjoy the most important holiday of the summer on the shore of Lake Michigan
Chicago Restaurant Week
So many participating restaurants, so little time
Chicago Jazz Festival
A favorite Labor Day Weekend tradition with great music all over the city
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
The holiday spirit takes over the Michigan Avenue on that night
Chicago Food Truck Festival
The city by Lake Michigan is obsessed with food trucks
Willis Tower (Skydeck Chicago)
Step to the glass box ledge and walk in the air 1,353 feet above Chicago
World Music Festival Chicago
Musicians from over 20 countries give about 50 performances with free admission
Chicago Latino Film Festival
A great selection of films, documentaries, and shorts from the Spanish-speaking world
Memorial Day Parade
Don't miss your chance to see the largest Memorial Day Parade in the country
Turkey Testicle Festival
Are you ready to eat lots of turkey testicles and listen to hours of live music?
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
The most fun fall event loved by kids and adults
Chicago Pride Parade & Fest
A colorful celebration of freedom, diversity and culture
Chicago Blues Festival
The largest free blues festival in the world and one of the greatest music festivals in Chicago
Chicago International Film Festival
The longest-running competitive film festival in the USA
Taste of Chicago
Note down the recipe for an unforgettable food & music festival
Chicago Theatre Week
A range of extraordinary theatrical offerings returns to Chicago every year in February
Chicago Marathon
Check out the scenic course of one of the largest marathons in the U.S.
The Plant Chicago
A former meatpacking facility is transformed into a human-made ecosystem
Christkindlmarket Chicago
Drink some Glühwein, shop for presents, and enjoy German food delights at one of the largest Christmas markets in the US
The Morton Arboretum Illumination
An enchanted forest filled with dazzling projections and interactive trees that respond to touch and voice
East Peoria Festival of Lights
One of the biggest and brightest holiday events in Illinois
Light Up The Lake (Winter WonderFest)
Beloved Chicago indoor winter event perfect for frosty days
Cinco de Mayo
Drink lots of margaritas and cerveza celebrating the Mexican national holiday
Festival Cubano (Cuban Fest Chicago)
A vibrant celebration of Latin culture in the Midwest
Spring Awakening Music Festival
A summer gathering of leading DJs from all over the world
Arlington Million
A perfect opportunity to enjoy live racing, entertainment, and fancy group outings
Allstate Hot Chocolate Run
The sweetest run in the world takes over the United States from coast to coast
Ice Shards on the Great Lakes
The ice cover gets shattered to knife-sharp pieces as spring takes over winter
Lilacia Park
Discover a safe haven abundant with flowers just on the outskirts of the Windy City
Richardson Adventure Farm Corn Maze
Come out and get lost in the world's largest corn labyrinth
Skiing and Snowboarding in Wisconsin
Discover some of the best ski areas of the Midwest
Sandhill Crane Migration in Illinois
Sandhill cranes make a stop at northern Illinois marshes on their way to Florida
Lake and River Cruises
Whatever cruise you choose, Windy City won't leave you unsatisfied
Halloween in Chicago: Events, Parades & Activities
From an art parade to booze cruises—Halloween is a great time to explore Chicago
Chicago Christmas Lights
Get into the festive spirit while walking or driving through spectacular holiday lights
Cherry Blossom in Chicago
Find the best spots to enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms in Chicago
Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)
The biggest geek gathering in the Midwest
Fan Expo Chicago
The massive fan gathering which was previously known as Chicago Comic Con
Stargazing
Absorb the starry skies in the vicinity of Chicago
Oktoberfest Chicago
Rejoice in an amiable atmosphere at Chicago German-American Oktoberfest
St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest
Join thousands of beer lovers at St. Al's Oktoberfest
Revolution Oktoberfest
Beer Under Glass, which is hosted by Revolution Brewing, marks the start of Illinois Craft Beer Week
Fox Lake 4th of July Fireworks & Parade
A relaxing Independence Day celebration at The Chain O’Lakes
Palatine Hometown Fireworks, Festivals & Shows
One of the best small-town 4th of July celebrations in the greater Chicago area
Wheaton 4th of July Fireworks, Parade & Shows
A community celebration with fireworks in the Chicago suburbs
Waukegan Fireworks
One of the multiple fine options to make some 4th of July memories near Chicago
Geneva Christmas Walk
Get into the holiday season with traditional festivities in Downtown Geneva, IL
Fox Lake Festival of Lights
Start the holiday season with a vibrant parade, holiday market, and the annual Christmas tree lighting
Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival
Take in pumpkins galore and explore the town invaded by hundreds of skeletons!
Gold Coast Art Fair
The Granddaddy of American Art Festivals has been around since 1957