Chicago is synonymous with vibrant street festivals, and 2024 promises to be no exception. From neighborhood block parties to internationally acclaimed events, the city’s streets will come alive with music, food, art, and community spirit. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, our guide to Chicago street festivals in 2024 will help you navigate the exciting lineup and make the most of the festival season.
Make sure to check with event organizers for the most up-to-date information and consider exploring more events on the official events calendar for a complete Chicago experience.
Explore Chicago Street Festivals by Month:
January • February • March • April
May • June • July • August • September
October • November • December
January
January in Chicago might be chilly, but the city’s festival spirit remains warm. While not strictly “street” festivals due to the weather, several indoor and winter-themed outdoor events capture the festive atmosphere.
People enjoying Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden at night
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden: Experience the magic of winter nights at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. This outdoor illuminated trail transforms the gardens into a winter wonderland with breathtaking light displays and artistic installations. Perfect for families and those seeking a unique winter experience.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum: Venture to Lisle and witness the Morton Arboretum’s trees come alive with dazzling lights and synchronized music. “Illumination” is an immersive experience that blends nature and technology, creating a memorable winter spectacle.
Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory: Escape the winter cold and immerse yourself in the tropical beauty of the Garfield Park Conservatory. The annual Winter Flower Show offers a vibrant and colorful oasis, showcasing diverse floral displays in a stunning indoor setting.
Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo: Lincoln Park Zoo sparkles with over a million twinkling lights during Zoolights. This free holiday tradition features festive light displays, ice sculptures, and holiday-themed activities, making it a perfect family outing.
Chicago Restaurant Week: Food enthusiasts rejoice! Chicago Restaurant Week extends into February, offering a culinary journey through the city’s diverse dining scene. Enjoy prix fixe menus at top restaurants, providing a fantastic opportunity to explore Chicago’s gastronomic delights.
Tomorrow Never Knows: Music lovers can kick off the year with the Tomorrow Never Knows festival. This multi-day, multi-venue event highlights Chicago’s indie music scene and comedy talents, showcasing both established and emerging artists.
Ice skating in Millennium Park: Embrace the winter spirit with ice skating at Millennium Park. Lace up your skates and enjoy the iconic McCormick Tribune Ice Rink and Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon, offering scenic views and winter fun for all ages.
February
February continues the festive momentum with a mix of indoor and outdoor events, celebrating culture, cuisine, and unique Chicago experiences.
People enjoying brunch at Tabu Chicago restaurant
Chicago Restaurant Week: If you missed it in January, Chicago Restaurant Week continues into early February, giving you more time to savor the city’s top culinary offerings at special prices.
Chicago Theatre Week: Immerse yourself in Chicago’s renowned theater scene during Chicago Theatre Week. This event offers discounted tickets to a wide range of performances, from Broadway shows to experimental productions, showcasing the city’s theatrical diversity.
Chicago Lunar New Year celebrations: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with vibrant festivities throughout Chicago. Experience traditional lion dances, parades, cultural performances, and delicious culinary events in Chinatown and across the city, marking the start of the Lunar calendar.
Chicago Auto Show: Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Chicago Auto Show, one of the largest auto shows in North America. Explore the latest models, concept cars, and automotive innovations from domestic and international manufacturers at McCormick Place.
UChicago Folk Festival: Since 1961, the UChicago Folk Festival has brought traditional and folk music from around the globe to Hyde Park. Enjoy captivating performances by renowned musicians and discover the richness of folk traditions.
Cider Summit Chicago: Discover the world of hard cider at Cider Summit Chicago at Navy Pier. Sample a wide variety of ciders from local, regional, and international producers, catering to diverse palates and cider preferences.
Music Frozen Dancing: Brave the cold and enjoy live music at Music Frozen Dancing, a free outdoor music festival presented by the Empty Bottle. Bundle up and experience Chicago’s resilient music scene in a unique winter setting.
Ice skating in Millennium Park: Continue enjoying winter activities with ice skating at Millennium Park’s scenic rinks, offering a classic Chicago winter experience.
Ravenswood On Tap: Craft beer aficionados can explore Ravenswood, a hub of Chicago’s craft beer scene, during Ravenswood On Tap. Sample local brews from neighborhood breweries and enjoy the convivial atmosphere.
The Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden: Escape to a world of floral beauty at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Orchid Show. Admire thousands of orchids in breathtaking displays of color and elegance, showcasing the diversity and allure of these exotic flowers.
Polar Adventure Days: Experience winter adventures at Northerly Island with Polar Adventure Days. This free family-friendly event features husky sled dog demonstrations, snowshoeing, winter crafts, and outdoor activities on the lakefront.
Global Connections at Navy Pier: Navy Pier hosts Global Connections, featuring colorful international celebrations such as Carnivale and Lunar New Year, showcasing the city’s multicultural fabric.
March
March in Chicago marks the transition towards spring, with the city bursting into green for St. Patrick’s Day and a continued array of cultural events.
Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and River Dyeing: Witness one of the world’s most iconic St. Patrick’s Day celebrations as Chicago dyes its river emerald green. The downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a spectacle of floats, marching bands, and Irish pride, drawing massive crowds.
South Side Irish Parade: The South Side Irish Parade offers a family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration with a strong community focus. This long-standing tradition brings together generations of Chicagoans for a day of Irish festivities.
Northwest Side Irish Parade: Adding to the city’s Irish celebrations, the Northwest Side Irish Parade, typically held the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day, is a community-focused event celebrating faith, family, and Irish heritage.
Ice skating in Millennium Park: Enjoy the last days of ice skating in Millennium Park as winter begins to recede, offering a final chance to experience this beloved winter pastime.
Chicago White Sox home opener: Baseball season begins! Head to Guaranteed Rate Field in Bridgeport to cheer on the Chicago White Sox at their home opener. Experience the excitement of opening day and classic fireworks.
Chicago Humanities Festival: Engage with leading thinkers, artists, and creators from around the world at the Chicago Humanities Festival. This intellectual and cultural event features discussions, performances, and conversations on a wide range of topics.
April
April in Chicago sees the city awaken with spring, marked by art fairs, cultural festivals, and the return of baseball to Wrigleyville.
Visitors exploring art at EXPO Chicago Contemporary Art Fair
EXPO Chicago Contemporary Art Fair: Navy Pier becomes a hub for contemporary art during EXPO Chicago. This international art fair brings together leading galleries from around the world, showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art and fostering dialogues within the art world.
Chicago Cubs home opener: Wrigleyville comes alive as the Chicago Cubs return for their home opener at historic Wrigley Field. Experience the unique atmosphere of Wrigleyville and the excitement of Cubs baseball.
C2E2: Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo: Pop culture fans unite at C2E2, the Midwest’s largest comic and entertainment expo. Explore comic books, cosplay, video games, anime, TV shows, movies, and more at McCormick Place.
Chicago Latino Film Festival: Celebrate Latino culture and heritage at the Chicago Latino Film Festival. This festival showcases films that break stereotypes and celebrate the diversity of Latino experiences through cinema.
Chicago Humanities Festival: The Chicago Humanities Festival continues into April, offering more opportunities to engage with stimulating discussions and cultural events.
One of a Kind Spring Show: Discover unique handmade goods at the One of a Kind Spring Show. Find art, craft, and design directly from artists and makers, featuring jewelry, home goods, and fashion at The Mart.
Randolph Street Market: Explore vintage treasures and unique finds at the Randolph Street Market. This European-style market offers antiques, vintage fashion, art, and decorative items in a vibrant outdoor setting.
May
May marks the true beginning of Chicago’s street festival season, with neighborhood events blooming alongside warmer weather and outdoor celebrations.
Crowd enjoying Sueños Music Festival in Grant Park
Sueños Music Festival: Grant Park pulsates with the rhythms of reggaeton at Sueños Music Festival. This electrifying festival brings together top Latin music artists for a weekend of high-energy performances and cultural celebration.
Navy Pier summer fireworks: Navy Pier’s spectacular summer fireworks begin in May, lighting up the lakefront twice a week. Enjoy breathtaking displays over Lake Michigan, a quintessential Chicago summer experience.
Chicago Farmers Markets: Support local farmers and artisans at Chicago Farmers Markets, opening across neighborhoods. Find fresh produce, artisanal foods, and community vibes at these weekly markets.
Chicago Humanities Festival: The Chicago Humanities Festival extends into May, providing ongoing opportunities for intellectual and cultural enrichment.
Maxwell Street Market: Experience a Chicago institution at Maxwell Street Market, a historic Sunday market offering an eclectic mix of goods, street food, and live music.
Randolph Street Market: The Randolph Street Market continues into May, offering more opportunities to discover vintage and antique treasures in an outdoor market setting.
Mole de Mayo: Pilsen’s vibrant culinary scene shines at Mole de Mayo, an outdoor food festival dedicated to mole. Sample diverse mole varieties, enjoy live entertainment, and explore craft vendors in this culturally rich neighborhood.
Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk: Architecture enthusiasts can explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy at the Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk. For one day only, tour private residences and landmark buildings designed by Wright and his contemporaries in Oak Park.
Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest: Lakeview’s charming streets host the Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest, a neighborhood block party with tribute bands, artisan vendors, and local food and drinks.
Mayfest: Lincoln Park kicks off summer with Mayfest, a lively street festival featuring live music across two stages, drinks, an art show, and local vendors in a historic setting.
Chicago Memorial Day Parade: Chicago honors Memorial Day with a downtown parade and wreath-laying ceremony, commemorating the holiday and its significance.
June
June in Chicago is festival prime time, with a packed calendar of street fests celebrating Pride Month, music, art, and neighborhood culture.
People celebrating at Chicago Pride Parade in Northalsted
Chicago Pride Parade: Chicago Pride Parade is a highlight of June, one of the largest and most exuberant Pride celebrations globally. The parade marches through Northalsted, celebrating LGBTQ+ community and pride.
Chicago Pride Fest: Northalsted, America’s first officially recognized gay neighborhood, hosts Chicago Pride Fest. This lively street festival precedes the parade, featuring music, drag performances, food, and community celebration.
Chicago House Music Festival and Conference: Experience house music in its birthplace at the Chicago House Music Festival in Millennium Park. This day-long event celebrates the Chicago-born genre with DJs and live performances.
Chicago Gospel Music Festival: Celebrate another Chicago-born genre at the Chicago Gospel Music Festival. This free outdoor concert in Millennium Park showcases traditional choirs, contemporary gospel artists, and the power of gospel music.
Windy City Hot Dog Fest: Chicago’s iconic hot dog takes center stage at the Windy City Hot Dog Fest in Portage Park. Sample hot dogs from various vendors and vote for the best frankfurter in the city.
Craft Brews At Lincoln Park Zoo: Enjoy craft beer in a unique setting at Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo. Sample beers from local breweries while exploring the zoo after hours.
Beyond Wonderland: Step into a magical world at Beyond Wonderland Chicago, an electronic music festival with immersive stages, art installations, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Maifest in Lincoln Square: Experience German heritage at Maifest in Lincoln Square, Chicago’s oldest German festival. Enjoy traditional German food, beer, music, and dancing, celebrating German culture and community.
Jazzin’ at the Shedd: The Shedd Aquarium hosts Jazzin’ at the Shedd, a weeknight series featuring top Chicago jazz ensembles. Enjoy live music, aquarium access, cocktails, and stunning city views.
Chicago Blues Festival: One of the world’s largest free blues festivals, the Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park, draws blues legends and fans from around the globe, celebrating the genre’s rich history.
Puerto Rican Festival and People’s Parade: Humboldt Park celebrates Puerto Rican culture at the Puerto Rican Festival and People’s Parade. Experience Puerto Rican music, food, art, and traditions during this vibrant cultural event.
Maxwell Street Market: Maxwell Street Market continues to offer its eclectic mix of goods, food, and music every Sunday.
Ribfest Chicago: North Center hosts Ribfest Chicago, a family-friendly street festival dedicated to ribs and rock music. Enjoy BBQ ribs from various vendors, live music on two stages, and a festive atmosphere.
Grant Park Music Festival: The Grant Park Music Festival continues its summer season of free classical music concerts in Millennium Park, a Chicago summer tradition.
James Beard Foundation Awards: Chicago hosts the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards, honoring culinary excellence. This event brings together the nation’s top chefs and food industry leaders.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: The Museum of Contemporary Art offers free live jazz music every Tuesday on its terrace, showcasing Chicago’s vibrant jazz community.
Summer Smash Festival: Hip-hop takes center stage at the Summer Smash Festival, an outdoor multi-stage music festival featuring top hip-hop artists, claiming to be the “biggest party of the summer.”
Chicago Dance Month: June is Chicago Dance Month, a city-wide celebration of dance with performances across genres and venues, showcasing Chicago’s diverse dance scene.
Old Town Art Fair: Old Town Art Fair, a long-standing tradition, showcases artists across mediums in an open-air market setting, celebrating art and community.
Wells Street Art Festival: Old Town also hosts the Wells Street Art Festival, a juried art fair attracting artists from around the world, displaying fine art and craft.
Flavors of Albany Park: Albany Park’s diverse culinary scene is highlighted at Flavors of Albany Park, featuring over 50 local restaurants showcasing their cuisines.
Andersonville Midsommarfest: Andersonville Midsommarfest celebrates Swedish heritage, LGBTQ+ pride, and local businesses with music, food, and community spirit in this vibrant neighborhood.
Do Division Street Fest: Do Division Street Fest in West Town features two live music stages, local vendors, food, and a family fun area, creating a popular neighborhood festival.
Lincoln Park Greek Fest: Lincoln Park Greek Fest celebrates Greek culture with authentic food, music, and dancing, immersing attendees in Greek traditions and flavors.
Uptown Art Week: Uptown Art Week showcases public art, live painting, and interactive art activities, celebrating Uptown’s artistic identity and public art scene.
57th Street Art Fair: Hyde Park hosts the 57th Street Art Fair, Chicago’s oldest juried art fair, featuring over 200 artists and their works in a free, community-focused event.
Taste of Randolph: West Loop’s culinary prowess is on display at Taste of Randolph, a food festival showcasing the neighborhood’s top restaurants and chefs.
Logan Square Arts Fest: Logan Square Arts Fest combines art, music, food, and drinks in the heart of Logan Square, creating a vibrant neighborhood celebration.
Chicago Summerdance: Chicago Summerdance offers free open-air dance lessons and live music in city parks throughout the summer, encouraging participation in various dance styles.
July
July continues the summer festival frenzy, with major music festivals, food celebrations, and neighborhood street fairs filling the calendar.
People enjoying food at Windy City Smokeout festival
Windy City Smokeout: Country music and BBQ collide at Windy City Smokeout, a popular festival drawing top country artists and BBQ pitmasters for a weekend-long party.
Chicago SummerDance: Chicago Summerdance continues to offer free dance lessons and music in parks across the city throughout July.
NASCAR Street Race Weekend: Grant Park transforms into a racetrack for NASCAR Street Race Weekend, featuring action-packed racing, music performances, and family activities in a unique urban setting.
Chosen Few Picnic: House music fans gather at Jackson Park for the Chosen Few Picnic, the longest-running event dedicated to house music, celebrating the genre’s legacy and community.
Fiesta Back of the Yards: Back of the Yards celebrates its cultural diversity at Fiesta Back of the Yards, featuring live music, dance, carnival rides, and community engagement.
Millennium Park Summer Film Series: Enjoy free movies under the stars at the Millennium Park Summer Film Series, screening family favorites, cult classics, and more every Tuesday evening.
Millennium Park Music Series: Millennium Park also hosts free weekly concerts as part of its Summer Music Series, showcasing diverse musical genres and artists.
Maxwell Street Market: Maxwell Street Market continues its Sunday tradition of eclectic finds, food, and music.
Chicago Craft Beer Festival: Lincoln Park hosts the Chicago Craft Beer Festival, showcasing local breweries and craft beers, offering tastings and a celebration of Chicago’s beer scene.
Grant Park Music Festival: The Grant Park Music Festival continues its free classical music concerts in Millennium Park throughout July.
Chinatown Summer Fair: Chinatown Summer Fair celebrates Chinese culture with cultural demonstrations, traditional dances, food from Chinatown restaurants, and family-friendly activities.
Tacos y Tamales: Pilsen hosts Tacos y Tamales, a food festival inspired by traditional Mexican markets, offering tacos, tamales, artwork, crafts, and live music.
Wicker Park Fest: Wicker Park Fest celebrates the neighborhood’s eclectic spirit with over 50 bands on four stages, local food, a kids’ area, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest: Burger lovers flock to Roscoe Village Burger Fest to sample burgers from various vendors and enjoy live music and drinks.
African/Caribbean International Festival Of Life: Washington Park hosts the African/Caribbean International Festival Of Life, celebrating reggae music, African and Caribbean culture, food, and traditions.
Millennium Art Festival: Millennium Art Festival brings a juried art showcase to Michigan Avenue in the Loop, along with live music and food, creating an arts destination in the city center.
Jazzin’ at the Shedd: Jazzin’ at the Shedd continues its weeknight series in July, offering jazz music, aquarium access, and city views.
Sundays on State: State Street transforms into a pedestrian-friendly block party with Sundays on State, featuring art, culture, shopping, dining, and interactive activities in the Loop.
Southport Art & Music Fest: Southport Corridor comes alive with the Southport Art & Music Fest, showcasing fine art, jewelry, sculpture, photography, and live music.
Bucktown Neighborhood & Garden Walk: Explore Bucktown’s urban gardens during the Bucktown Neighborhood & Garden Walk, combined with live music and neighborhood exploration.
Fiesta Del Sol: Pilsen hosts Fiesta Del Sol, a multi-day celebration of Mexican culture, community, and family fun, featuring music, food, carnival rides, and cultural activities.
Taste of River North: River North’s thriving restaurant scene is celebrated at Taste of River North, a food festival showcasing the neighborhood’s culinary hotspots.
Taste of Lincoln: Lincoln Avenue hosts Taste of Lincoln, a long-running neighborhood festival featuring food, arts and crafts, and non-stop live music, a community staple.
Miche Fest: Pilsen also hosts Miche Fest, a Latino music festival featuring top artists and micheladas, celebrating Latino music and culture.
August
August in Chicago is headlined by Lollapalooza and the Air and Water Show, with neighborhood festivals continuing the summer momentum.
Crowd enjoying live music at Lollapalooza festival in Grant Park
Lollapalooza: Lollapalooza, one of the world’s largest and most iconic music festivals, takes over Grant Park for four days, featuring top international artists and diverse music genres.
Bud Billiken Parade: The Bud Billiken Parade, one of the largest parades in the US, celebrates African American culture and history with an exuberant procession through Bronzeville, a Chicago institution for almost a century.
Chicago Air and Water Show: Lake Michigan’s skies become a stage for the Chicago Air and Water Show, a free waterfront spectacle featuring stunning aerial displays and performances.
Northalsted Market Days: Northalsted Market Days, an iconic Pride event, features all-day live music, unique vendors, DJs, and dancing in the heart of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood.
Millennium Park Music Series: Millennium Park’s Summer Music Series continues its free concerts throughout August.
Millennium Park Summer Film Series: The Millennium Park Summer Film Series continues its free movie screenings on Tuesday evenings.
The Great American Lobster Fest: Navy Pier hosts The Great American Lobster Fest, the Midwest’s largest seafood festival, featuring live lobsters flown in from the East Coast and seafood delicacies.
Jazzin’ at the Shedd: Jazzin’ at the Shedd concludes its summer series in August, offering final opportunities to enjoy jazz, aquarium access, and city views.
Wine and Art Walk at Morton Arboretum: Just outside Chicago, the Morton Arboretum hosts a Wine and Art Walk, combining an art fair with wine tasting amidst beautiful natural surroundings in Lisle.
Jeff Fest: Jefferson Park hosts Jeff Fest, also known as the Jefferson Park Arts & Music Festival, a neighborhood park festival with music, art, and community spirit.
Chicago Summerdance: Chicago Summerdance continues its free dance lessons and music in parks throughout August.
Villapalooza: Little Village hosts Villapalooza, a music festival on 26th Street, showcasing local talent and young creatives in the vibrant Little Village neighborhood.
Grant Park Music Festival: The Grant Park Music Festival continues its free classical music concerts in Millennium Park through August.
Sangria Festival: Humboldt Park hosts the Sangria Festival, celebrating sangria, Latin American food, and music, creating a festive cultural experience.
Edison Park Fest: Edison Park Fest, a neighborhood tradition, supports local businesses and raises funds for the community, featuring music, food, and family activities.
Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest: Rogers Park hosts the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest, an arts-centric festival with artists, craft vendors, live music, and community engagement.
Chicago Triathlon: Athletes from around the world compete in the Chicago Triathlon, a major sporting event including a triathlon, super sprint, and kids’ events along the lakefront.
Bike The Drive: Experience a car-free Lakeshore Drive during Bike The Drive, a unique event allowing cyclists to ride along Chicago’s scenic lakefront.
September
September in Chicago features major cultural festivals like the Jazz Festival and Taste of Chicago, alongside neighborhood art walks and fall celebrations.
Millennium Park Pritzker Pavilion during Chicago Jazz Festival
Chicago Jazz Festival: The Chicago Jazz Festival, a free event in Millennium Park and neighborhood venues, celebrates jazz music with performances by jazz legends and contemporary artists, a cornerstone of Chicago’s music scene.
Taste of Chicago: Taste of Chicago, a long-running free festival in Grant Park, showcases Chicago’s diverse cuisine and features performances by top musical artists, a culinary and entertainment highlight.
Chicago Live!: Navy Pier hosts Chicago Live!, a free performing arts festival featuring over 110 artists and organizations across various performance genres.
Riot Fest & Carnival: Riot Fest & Carnival brings rock, punk, and carnival rides to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, a major music festival with a unique carnival atmosphere.
Chicago Gourmet: Chicago Gourmet, a high-end food festival, features tastings, demos, and intimate dinners with renowned chefs, celebrating culinary excellence and gourmet experiences.
Taste of Greektown: Greektown’s vibrant culture is celebrated at Taste of Greektown, featuring Greek food, music, dance troupes, and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Greektown.
Lakeview Taco Fest: Southport Corridor hosts Lakeview Taco Fest, celebrating tacos, margaritas, and entertainment, a delicious end-of-summer festival.
El Grito Festival: Downtown Chicago celebrates Mexican Independence Day with El Grito Festival, honoring the city’s Mexican community with music, food, and cultural festivities.
Hyde Park Jazz Festival: Hyde Park Jazz Festival, a free festival, celebrates the rich jazz tradition of Chicago’s South Side, featuring diverse jazz musicians and performances.
Printers Row Lit Fest: Printers Row Lit Fest, the largest free outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest, features speakers, authors, book vendors, and literary events in Printers Row.
Randolph Street Market: Randolph Street Market continues into September, offering vintage and antique finds in an outdoor market setting.
Maxwell Street Market: Maxwell Street Market continues its Sunday tradition of eclectic goods, food, and music.
Englewood Jazz Festival: Englewood Jazz Festival, held at Hamilton Park, offers three days of free live music with a focus on homegrown jazz artists, celebrating Englewood’s cultural contributions.
Chicago Summerdance: Chicago Summerdance continues its free dance lessons and music in parks through September.
ARC Music Festival: Union Park hosts ARC Music Festival, celebrating house music, a Chicago-born genre, over Labor Day weekend with top house music artists.
Reeling Film Festival: Reeling Film Festival, the second oldest LGBTQ+ film festival in the US, showcases diverse and inclusive films, celebrating LGBTQ+ stories and cinema.
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts: Lakeview East Festival of the Arts showcases over 150 artists and their work, including photography, furniture, jewelry, and paintings, in a vibrant arts festival.
North Coast Music Festival: North Coast Music Festival, held over Labor Day weekend, features electronic music, hip hop, and rock acts, along with art installations and food vendors, a multi-genre music experience.
Taste of Polonia Festival: Taste of Polonia Festival celebrates Chicago’s Polish heritage with live music, Polish food, a beer garden, and family activities, showcasing Polish culture and community.
West Loop Art Festival: West Loop Art Festival features live music, entertainment, and local art vendors, celebrating art and community in the West Loop neighborhood.
German American Oktoberfest: Lincoln Square hosts German American Oktoberfest, a free festival celebrating German culture with food, drinks, dancing, and entertainment, a traditional Oktoberfest experience.
Ravenswood Art Walk: Ravenswood Art Walk features over 50 local artists in open studios, pop-ups, and an outdoor market, celebrating art and creativity in Ravenswood.
Lincoln Park Gyro Festival: Lincoln Park Gyro Festival celebrates Greek culture with Greek food, live music, and cultural experiences, bringing Greek flavors and traditions to Lincoln Park.
Chicago International Latino Theater Festival: The Chicago International Latino Theater Festival showcases the city’s Latino theater community throughout September and October.
World Music Festival: The World Music Festival brings musicians from around the globe to Chicago for a multi-venue celebration of international music and cultural exchange.
World Dumpling Festival: Logan Square hosts the World Dumpling Festival, offering dumplings from around the world, along with global music and dancing, a culinary and cultural journey.
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up: Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up, a fall-themed pop-up, features a corn maze, carnival games, photo ops, and pumpkin-themed fun, a festive fall destination.
October
October in Chicago brings fall colors and Halloween festivities, alongside architecture tours and film festivals.
Runners participating in the Chicago Marathon
Chicago Marathon: The Chicago Marathon draws runners from around the world to run 26.2 miles through Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, a major international sporting event.
Open House Chicago: Open House Chicago, a free architecture festival, offers access to explore Chicago’s iconic buildings, skyscrapers, and architectural gems, a unique urban exploration experience.
Chicago International Film Festival: The Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s longest-running competitive film festival, showcases international films, premieres, and cinematic talent.
Chicago Fashion Week: Chicago Fashion Week celebrates the city’s design community with over 50 events and shows, highlighting Chicago’s fashion scene and creativity.
Chicago Beer Festival: The Chicago Beer Festival at the Field Museum offers seasonal brews from local breweries within the iconic museum setting, a unique beer tasting experience.
Chicago International Latino Theater Festival: The Chicago International Latino Theater Festival continues into October, showcasing Latino theater and performing arts.
Maxwell Street Market: Maxwell Street Market continues its Sunday tradition of eclectic goods, food, and music throughout October.
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up: Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up extends into October, offering fall-themed fun, pumpkin patches, and Halloween-inspired activities.
Reeling Film Festival: Reeling Film Festival continues into October, showcasing LGBTQ+ films and cinematic storytelling.
Historic Pullman House Tour: Historic Pullman House Tour offers tours of private homes in the historic Pullman neighborhood, showcasing architecture and Pullman history.
Lincoln Square Apple Fest: Lincoln Square Apple Fest celebrates the fall harvest with apple pies, apple cider, artisan goods, and autumnal festivities.
Lincoln Park Wine Festival: Lincoln Park Wine Festival offers wine tastings, food pairings, and live music in an open-air market setting, a fall wine celebration.
Arts in the Dark: Arts in the Dark, a twilight Halloween parade, features puppets, performers, and whimsical floats, celebrating Halloween artistry and creativity.
Northalsted Halloween Parade: Northalsted Halloween Parade features costumes, a costume contest, trick-or-treating for dogs, and dance performances, a spooky and festive Halloween event.
November
November in Chicago transitions into the holiday season, with tree lightings, holiday markets, and winter wonderlands emerging across the city.
Ice skating at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park in winter
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, a beloved holiday tradition, features a parade and the lighting of trees along Michigan Avenue, officially kicking off the holiday season.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier: Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier transforms Navy Pier into a winter wonderland with light displays, a skating rink, fireworks, and holiday activities.
Christkindlmarket Chicago: Christkindlmarket Chicago, a traditional German Christmas market, opens in Daley Plaza, offering holiday gifts, food, drinks, and a festive atmosphere.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: The annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Millennium Park marks the official lighting of the city’s towering Christmas tree, a spectacular holiday tradition.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo: ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo returns, illuminating the zoo with over a million twinkling lights and holiday displays, a festive family tradition.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden: Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden continues into November, transforming the gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum also continues, lighting up the trees with festive lights and music in Lisle.
Winterland at Gallagher Way: Winterland at Gallagher Way offers ice skating, ice bumper cars, a holiday market, and family events, creating a winter wonderland near Wrigley Field.
Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory: The Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory returns, offering a warm and colorful indoor escape with floral displays.
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade: The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade on State Street features giant floats, dancers, and special guests, a Thanksgiving Day tradition.
Ice skating in Millennium Park: Ice skating in Millennium Park opens for the season, offering winter fun at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink and Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon.
Chicago International Latino Theater Festival: The Chicago International Latino Theater Festival concludes in November, wrapping up its showcase of Latino theater and performing arts.
Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer: The Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer (FOBAB) showcases rare and exclusive wood and barrel-aged beers from craft brewers, a cult-favorite beer competition.
December
December in Chicago is fully immersed in the holiday spirit, with Christmas markets, light displays, and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Christkindlmarket Chicago in Daley Plaza during holiday season
Christkindlmarket Chicago: Christkindlmarket Chicago continues throughout December, offering holiday shopping, German food and drinks, and a festive holiday atmosphere at multiple locations.
One of a Kind Show and Sale: The One of a Kind Show and Sale returns for the holiday season, offering unique handmade gifts, art, and crafts from local creators at The Mart.
Winterland at Gallagher Way: Winterland at Gallagher Way continues to offer ice skating, holiday markets, and family fun throughout December.
Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory: The Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory continues to provide a warm and colorful indoor escape during December.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier: Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier extends through December, offering holiday light displays, ice skating, and winter festivities.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden: Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden continues to enchant visitors with its illuminated winter trail throughout December.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo: ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo remains a holiday highlight, illuminating the zoo with festive lights and holiday cheer throughout December.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum continues to light up the trees in Lisle with festive displays in December.
Ice skating in Millennium Park: Ice skating in Millennium Park remains open throughout December, offering winter fun for all ages.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Navy Pier: Ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Michigan at Navy Pier, a dazzling way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Chicago.
Explore More Chicago Festivals:
Chicago’s Top Food Festivals
Chicago’s Top Music Festivals
Chicago’s Free Summer Music Festivals
Please note that festival dates and information are subject to change. Always check official event websites for the most accurate and updated details.
