All through the first week of January, interactive events take place in the Elizabeth Mores Genus Children’s Garden. Beautiful plants can be viewed in the largest glass greenhouse in the US, along with holiday lights that celebrate the continuation of winter. Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Avenue. Call (312) 746-5100 for more information.
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All through the first week of January, interactive events take place in the Elizabeth Mores Genus Children’s Garden. Beautiful plants can be viewed in the largest glass greenhouse in the US, along with holiday lights that celebrate the continuation of winter. Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Avenue. Call (312) 746-5100 for more information.
Works of over 400 artists, including art performances, are on view at the Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods, during the first week of February. This event is sponsored by the resident artists. Call (312) 744-2400 for more information
An auto show that’s seen 101 editions continues to delight Chicagoans with its rich and varied collection of contemporary cars. Hundreds of the latest production cars and trucks are showcased here. McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lakeshore Drive, for two weeks in the middle of February. Call (312) 791-7000 for more information.
Teams come out to compete at building a machine that takes an allotted number of steps (20 or more) to complete a certain task. The machine designed should use the most complex process to complete a simple task. This event is hosted by the Chicago Children’s Museum. Located at Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Avenue, in the middle of February. Call (312) 527-1000 for more information.
Check out the annual bike show where bike manufacturers and bike clubs come together in one location. Located at the Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, usually held at the end of March. Call (312) 595-PIER for more information.
The entire Irish community of Chicago turns out in large numbers to join the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Visitors to the city cannot help but be drawn to the festivities and join in the fun at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. For the past 40 years, the Chicago River has turned green in the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The parade begins at noon on Dearborn Street, between Wacker and Van Buren, then down the State Street Mall. Held on March 17. Call (312) 744-3315 for more information.
A visual extravaganza, this annual Art Fair is a showcase of contemporary and modern art. Visitors to this event get to witness 200 international galleries. This event is usually held in the middle of May. Located at Festival Hall, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue. Call (312) 587-3300 for more information.
Laughter is indeed the best medicine as you will get to know when you experience loads of it at the Comedy Festival held in the last weekend in May. Comedians from all over the world make you laugh till your sides ache, as they entertain you with improv, stand-up and sketches. This festival concurrently goes on at several venues including the Vic Theater, Chicago Theatre and the Apollo Theater. Call (847) 304-6624 for more information.
A special day is set aside to honor the country’s veterans. The festivities begin with a ceremony at the Logan Memorial (Grant Park, Michigan and 9th St.) at 11 AM. Then follows the parade, which commences at noon on Columbus Drive, between Balbo and Monroe Streets. Call (312) 744-5648 for more information.
An enjoyment extravaganza, this festival, at Lincoln Park, said to be the world’s largest music festival, is a two day event with live music, art shows, food and drinks. Multiple stages are set up and a carnival atmosphere brings joy to all. It is known to draw in around 25,000 Chicagoans every year. Address: 2200 N. Clark. 12-9PM Date: 21st and 22nd Time: 12 am-9pm
This is a free event and includes food, fun for all age groups, live musical entertainment and a sidewalk café. There is also a talent show featuring national as well as local talent. Address: 45th-47th Streets & Greenwood Ave. Date: June 8, 2008 Time: 11am-10pm
This amazing 10 day festival is celebrated the week around the fourth of July. Chicago’s Grant Park becomes an arena for celebrations of Chicago’s culinary specialties. Admission to the grounds is free but food and beverages are sold by tickets only. Rows of tents are set up and there are kid’s booth and activity stands set up for further entertainment. Live performances take place with popular singers and entertainers wooing the audiences. This festival starts at the end of June and ends after the fourth of July.
Date: July 5 & 6, 19 & 20 Address: Pearson @ Michigan & Chicago Time: 8:00am-9:00pm
This is an indoor and outdoor “European-Style” antique market. More than 150 quality antique artifacts, lighting, sterling, porcelain, clothing, house items, as well as collectables are on sale and display at the market. Date: July 26 & 27 Address: Plumber's Hall 1340 W. Washington Time: 9:00am-6:00pm
Tapping feet, swaying bodies, and music guaranteed to keep you on your toes, the Chicago Summerdance features around 40 different live bands that perform a variety of dance and music styles. Free dance instruction is also available. It is held at the Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan Avenue, between Harrison and Balbo. This event continues through the month of August. Call (312) 744-1424 for more information
Patriotic fervor marks the 4th of July celebrations held all over Chicago. A parade marches through Hyde Park and ends at Nicholas Park to commemorate the American Independence Day. Family activities are held throughout the morning and there is a fireworks display over Lake Michigan at night. The American flag can be seen flying proudly from every home and every car.
This is known as one of the best art fairs. Exhibitors and potential buyers attend this event from all over the nation. Diverse pieces of fine art, from ceramics to oil paintings are displayed. Date: July 27, 2008 Address: Sidewalks: Superior, State, Wabash & Chicago Time: 9am–5pm
The Chicago Air and Water Show takes place over the first weekend in August. Over two million spectators witness an amazing display of aerial stunts by military aircraft. Located at the Lakefront, Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, Admission is free. Call (312) 744-3315 for more information.
Celebrate Croatian art, food, and culture at this festival where you’ll find loads of homemade Croatian foods and pastries. There is a beer and wine tent, ethnic dancing, live music, games and more. Entry is free at this huge street party which kicks off with a parade through the east end of Bridgeport. More than 75 whole lambs and 20 pigs feature in a huge roast which is part of the celebrations. Date: August 15, 2008 Address: 2800-2900 S. Princeton Time: 10am-11pm
The Gold Coast River North Art Fair attracts over 300 juried artists and 600,000 visitors from locations around the world every year. It is one of the most attended art fairs in the Midwest and takes place around the gallery-filled River North neighborhood. Date: August 8-10, 2008 Address: LaSalle, Superior, Huron & Erie Streets Time: Aug. 8: Noon-6:00pm Aug. 9 & 10: 10:00am-6:00pm
The Whole Foods Market FlavorFest is a two-day festival that presents the best of all natural foods and products. Not only is all natural food there for festival goers to enjoy, but local celebrity chefs with interactive demonstrations, kids’ activities, and live music add to the fun! Date: August 23 & 24, 2008 Address: Jonquil Park Wrightwood/Lincoln/Sheffield Time: 11:00am-9:00pm
Come out and celebrate Mexican Independence Day. Enjoy watching the floats, street dancing and mariachi bands. In addition, enjoy Mexican food and merchandise at the stalls set up along the venue. Located at 26th Street from Albany Avenue to Kostner Street, the parade takes place on 16 September. Call (773) 521-5387 for more information.
The 57th Street Children’s Book Fair began as a back to school celebration 21 years ago. Now thousands of people participate in the live entertainment, delicious food, and all the reading related fun the fair has to offer. Date: September 29, 2008 Address: East 57th Street, between Kimbark and Dorchester Time: 1pm-6pm
The Annual Hyde Park Jazz festival brings together a diverse group of talented jazz musicians for 15 hours of non-stop musical performance. From old school to new school jazz styles, this event includes a variety of artists. Fun musical trolley rides take festival attendees to different music and food venues! Admission is free. Date: September 26, 2009 Address: Various Cultural Venues throughout Hyde Park Time: 11am-2am