Events - Chicago, Illinois | ArrivalGuides.com

EventsGuide was updated: 25 Juni 2025

If it’s music you’ve come for, you’ll find every genre at live music clubs and outdoor events like Millennium Park concerts, Lollapalooza and the Chicago Blues Festival. Chicago’s calendar is packed with local street festivals, holiday celebrations and special events year round.

Blues Festival (June)

The annual Blues Festival is Chicago's biggest music festival, and the largest one in the entire world to not charge an admission fee. Attendees number in the hundreds of thousands.

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Gospel Music Festival (June)

Bringing together the traditional and modern takes on the gospel genre rooted in Chicago's history, the Gospel Music Festival features performers from across the nation. Admission is free of charge.

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Taste of Chicago (July)

A grand-scale happening showcasing all Chicago's vibrant dining scene has to offer, with live music and entertainment to go along.

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Chicago Jazz Festival (August–September)

A Labor Day weekend celebration of the jazz genre featuring performers from all across the nation.

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Chicago Gourmet (September)

A celebration of all things food, Chicago Gourmet features lectures and workshops by prominent chefs, seminars on wine and mixology, VIP culinary experiences, and delightful tastings.

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World Music Festival Chicago (September)

The United States' largest and longest-lasting international music festival takes place in Chicago, introducing guests and city residents to music genres and instruments from all across the globe. Events take place at venues across the city.

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Chicago Marathon (October)

With up to 45,000 yearly participants, the Chicago Marathon is among the global six World Marathon Majors.

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Chicago International Film Festival (October)

The Chicago International Film Festival brings motion pictures from the across the world (and the state of Illinois) to the Windy City, showcasing the best of the world's cinematographic endeavor within a space of 2 exciting weeks.

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Christkindlmarket Chicago (November–December)

Following the European (German) tradition of open-air Christmas markets, Chicago now boasts one of its own, with an additional location in Naperville.

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ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo (December)

Zoo grounds come to life every year around the Christmas holiday season, with spectacular light displays and shows, as well as entertainment for the whole family.

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