Chicago

Festivals and Annual Events

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.

Showing 1–24 of 30 festivals

City guide section

Festivals and events in Chicago

Showing 1–24 of 30 festivals

Plan around 30 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.

Winter Celebration in Lights

All through the first week of January, interactive events take place in the Elizabeth Mores Genus Children’s Garden.

Around the Coyote Winter Festival

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.

Auto Show

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.

Rube Goldberg Machine Contest

Teams come out to compete at building a machine that takes an allotted number of steps (20 or more) to complete a certain task.

Chicago Bike Show

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.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

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.

Comedy Festival

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.

Memorial Day Parade

A special day is set aside to honor the country’s veterans. ) at 11 AM. Then follows the parade, which commences at noon on Columbus Drive, between Balbo and Monroe Streets.

Chicago Summerfest

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.

Pearl Fest

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.

Taste of Chicago

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.

Chicago 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.

Chicago Summerdance

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.

Independence Day

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.

Wells Street Art Festival

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.

Air and Water Show

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.

Croatian Fest?

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.

Gold Coast Art Fair?

The Gold Coast River North Art Fair attracts over 300 juried artists and 600,000 visitors from locations around the world every year.

Whole Foods Market Flavorfest

The Whole Foods Market FlavorFest is a two-day festival that presents the best of all natural foods and products.

26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade

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.

57th Street Children’s Book Fair?

Now thousands of people participate in the live entertainment, delicious food, and all the reading related fun the fair has to offer.

Annual Hyde Park Jazz?

The Annual Hyde Park Jazz festival brings together a diverse group of talented jazz musicians for 15 hours of non-stop musical performance.

The Edgewater GRalley?

The Edgewater GRalley is an all day “block party”. Multiple stages are set up with each belting out different genres of rock music simultaneously.

Plaza Garibaldi?

A Mexican Cultural Festival with food, music, dancing and rodeo. Date: October 5, 2008 Address: California Health Park 2700 S. Rockwell Time: Noon-9:00pm