A lot of interesting events are held in Chicago throughout the year (festivals, exhibitions, sports competitions, shows and other events). Choose the best time to travel to Illinois, to a city on Lake Michigan. The most popular events take place on weekends.
Events in Chicago.
- February 8 - 19, 2024 - Chicago Auto Show.
- March 16, 2024 - St. Patrick's Day Parade.
- June 6–9, 2024 - Chicago Blues Festival.
- August 1 - 4, 2024 - Lollapalooza festival.
- August 10 - 11, 2024 - Chicago Air and Water Show.
- August 29– September 1, 2024 - Chicago Jazz Festival.
- October 13, 2024 - Chicago Marathon.
- November 28, 2024 - Thanksgiving Parade.
- December 31, 2024 - New Year's Eve.
June
Chicago Blues Festival. It is the largest free blues festival in the world. The festival is held annualy in June. Jazz lovers have the opportunity to hear their favorite music performed by the best musicians.
Location: Millennium Park, Chicago, US.
Dates: Thursday – Sunday, June 6–9, 2024.
The festival is canceled due to COVID-19 crisis.
July
July 4 - 7, 2024. The 31st African/Caribbean Intl Festival of Life Anniversary! The African and Caribbean diasporas in Chicago are represented well at the International Festival of Life (IFOL)., Chicago. The African and Caribbean diasporas in Chicago will be represented at the International Festival of Life (IFOL).
Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28, 2024. Chicago Chinatown Summer Fair. This iconic event is one of the most ethnically unique outdoor events in Chicago and the Midwest. Lion dance procession, kung fu demonstrations, samplings from Chinatown’s restaurants & unique gift shops, arts & crafts exhibits. It will be located on Wentworth Avenue from Cermak Avenue to 24th Place in Chicago.
August
Lollapalooza is an annual four-day music festival based in Chicago, Illinois at Grant Park. It is more than just a music festival. It is a cultural experience that takes place on 115 acres between Downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan. Kidzapalooza runs parallel to Lollapalooza all in its own securely designated area at Grant Park. Lollapalooza takes place at Grant Park in Chicago, IL. The festival hours are 11AM – 10PM each day. You can buy tickets in advance online.
Planned for August 1 - 4, 2024.
Chicago Air and Water Show. It is the largest free air show of its kind in the United States. Come see the pilots' skill and enjoy the good society and nature views. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street. North Avenue Beach is the best point. The nearest station: Sedgwick.
Dates: Saturday, August 10, 2024 - Sunday, August 11, 2024; 9am-3pm.
September
Chicago Jazz Festival. The Chicago Jazz Festival (CJF) is a popular event with music lovers in the US. It is held annually in downtown Chicago.
Places: Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park and other places in the city.
Dates: Thursday, August 29– Sunday, September 1, 2024.
October
Chicago Marathon. The Chicago Marathon is is held annually in October in Chicago, Illinois. It is officially known as the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The race is limited to 45,000 runners and only the best runners may take part in this event. The race start and finish areas are located within Grant Park, but general spectators will not have access there.
Date: Sunday, October 13, 2024.
November
Thanksgiving Parade. There are best marching bands, giant popular inflatable balloons, spectacular performance acts and much more on State St. from Congress to Randolph.
Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024.
December
December 31, 2023. New Year's Eve. Where to go on New Year's Eve in Chicago? Choosing the right hotel in the city center, you can get to the party organized by the hotel. (For example: Hilton Chicago, Congress Plaza Hotel, JW Marriott. Book your hotel here.) There will also be parties in restaurants and bars.
A good decision is also just to make a walk to the Navy Pier.
January
Chicago Boat Show. This event will be interesting: boat lovers, lovers of water travel, lovers of water sports. There will be presented boats for every lifestyle, activity and budget. The show allows to compare all your options at one time, in one place.
Dates: January 15-19, 2025.
Location: McCormick Place, 2301 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, US.
February
Chinese New Year Parade. Chinese New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 (Year of the Snake). The parade will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025. The parade starts at 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue at 1:00 p.m.. The procession runs north up Wentworth to Cermak Road. The parade will be accompanied by traditional participants: marching bands, colorful floats, traditional lion dances and musicians.
Chicago Auto Show. The Chicago Auto Show is held annually in February at Chicago's McCormick Place convention complex. It is the largest auto show in North America. Come see the car of your dreams.
Dates: February 10 - 19, 2024.
2024 Dates:
- Media Preview: Feb. 8-9.
- First Look for Charity: Feb. 9.
- Public Show, Feb. 10-19.
Address: McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, US.
March
St. Patrick's Day Parade. St. Patrick's Day Parade is held every year on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day, unless the holiday falls on a Saturday. You can watch the river going green between Columbus and Wacker drives. Then festivities continue with St. Patrick's Day Parade on Columbus Dr. with colorful floats, flags and colorful-dressed people.
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2024 (12:30pm).
All year round. Excursions, tours, river cruises to any subject and budget you can find at any time in Chicago. Look for deals here.
Useful links:
- Tickets can be bought on the official website of the event.
- Book your hotel 👍 in Chikago in advance.
- Find flight and buy a plane ticket
to Chicago online. - Book a taxi 🚕from the airport before your trip.
- You can rent a car here.
- Chicago travel iformation.