Chicago Events
Events in Chicago
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Events
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Sporting Events
Downtown / The Loop
Food & Drink Festivals
Downtown / The Loop
Cultural Events
Downtown / The Loop
Cultural Events • Music Festivals
Lower West Side
Cultural Events
Buena Park
Food & Drink Festivals
North Center
Cultural Events
Downtown / The Loop
Music Festivals • Food & Drink Festivals
Music Festivals
Exhibitions
Open now
What travellers are saying
- Jennifer N1 contributionSuch a fun time! Would highly recommend if you’re looking for something unique to do. Kid and adult friendly. Emmy and Liam were wonderful!!!! They were sweet and quick to help, personable and felt like old friends. They never rushed us and even when we had a bit of technical difficulties, it didn’t eat into our time. We’ll definitely be back with more friends and family. Thanks guys for giving us a memorable night!Written 7 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michael CThousand Oaks, CA31 contributionsHad a great time at the Chicago Air and Water show this year. Definitely want to get there early and find a spot to set up for the day. It got very crowded as the day went on. There was a great lineup, capped off with the USN Blue Angels. I can’t say enough about the Blue Angels. They never disappoint. If you are into air shows, this is one you want to see. I’m sure there are spots all along the waterfront where you are able to see the flyovers. I went right down to show center, which was super packed once the Blue Angels started. But it was worth it. I was staying in town, so when I left I walked about a mile away from the main show area, through Old Town, which was nice. Eventually Ubered back to the hotel. I don’t suggest driving anywhere near the water front.Written 21 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MidwestKathMDetroit, MI1,125 contributionsThe Chicago Blues Festival is awesome! Been there a couple times in recent years. From the small stage to the main stage, the variety of musical acts--from local to national acts and some internationally known performers--playing and singing the blues is terrific. Situated in Millenium Park in the heart of downtown Chicago...and is free to attent, this festival is not to be missed. Sitting on the grass or in the theatre in the Pritzker Pavilion listening to music while surrounded by fresh air, skyscrapers, and city traffic is the bomb! Make your plans to attend next year! And squeeze in a visit to the Art Institute or the Chicago Cultural Center, both just across the street. Food and drink vendors on site. Lots of parking nearby.Written 7 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- katherinec573Springfield, MA605 contributionsI flew to Chicago to meet my granddaughter and her boyfriend for the weekend, the younger generation came here for Lollapalooza.
We toured the millennium park, Chinatown and took a boat ride on Lake Michigan, they attended the concert on 8/4,every one had a great time in ChicagoWritten 30 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Allen21096Chicago, IL26,843 contributionsSo you want to attend the Chicago Marathon? We wanted to attend, because my son was running it for the first time and his friend was on his 6th. First, the course is planned out pretty well and it appears that most everything has been thought of. There are port-a-potties everywhere. There is unlimited space for viewing. And, Bank of America has put together a phone app that was extraordinary. Besides giving plenty of information about times to be there and places to be, it has an exceptional tracking section. We were able to monitor their progress throughout. We found that of the four places that we watched, the app was only off by a half of block on just one of those viewing opportunities. So, seven of us started out to find viewing places and the night before we plotted out a course of action, with a "Plan B:" The first thing that is important to realize is that you can not drive through the course, so in order to get to different viewing areas, you have to drive on the surface street on the outskirts of the course. We were advised to use Uber or the "El", but once we started we realized that those two modes weren't going to work well. The thing to remember is that there are a lot of runners, so you have a choice - to sit at one spot and watch tens of thousands of runners go by, or to pick out a couple of spots and work your way around to them, while monitoring the tracking app, to see your specific runners. So, we headed for Addison St. and Broadway Ave., first. We found a spot to park and decided to leave one person with the car. There really is an ebb and flow among the spectators, so what is a crowded spot may not be for long. Our second spot was Adams St. and Ashland Ave., at M.M. 15. At this second spot, we were only able to view my son, as his friend had worked his way ahead. Again, we parked less than a block away and someone stayed with the car. Our 3rd choice was at Canalport and Cermak Rd. At this area, the neighborhood was a bit more desolate,. When we parked the car, we were very close and all of us were able to catch my son, as he went by. This was the one spot that the tracking off was a bit off. The final viewing area was the spectator area at the finish line at Roosevelt Rd. and Michigan Ave. We weren't able to park as close, but most of us did get to see my son as he came past the spectator area. The starting area is not a good spot to see your runner, there are far too many people. - in 2019, a mere 45,786 participants! With our planning, we were able to view my son running at four different spots. My grandkids loved to watch their Dad and uncle and the three of them had different signs that they had made the night before. It was a fun day. And the weather was nice. It never rained, it was not hot and muggy and it was a comfortable day for running. All in all, a lot of fun,Written 15 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Barbara W2 contributionsThe best food there was Harold's Fried Chicken, Robinson's ribs are overrated,ribs was salty ,the peach cobbler from BJ's also overated,it was dry, Connie's Pizza super thick deep dish crust,for the price , this pizza overated too,sparingly toppings .all in all I will not be attending next year.and will go to Harold's Fried Chicken restaurant moving forward, Harold's Fried Chicken gets 5 ,🌟's .Written 10 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Thomas J. Elzey9 contributionsCHICAGO AT ITS BEST !! Great Jazz, wonderful venue , beautiful people !!!
The vibe is low key and mellow .Written 14 December 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - IrinaUnited States14,350 contributionsChristkindlemarket is a big annual cultural event on Daley Plaza in Chicago Loop. The market attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, and not only from Chicago, but from many other cities in the US, as well as guests from all over the world.
Last Saturday, it was even difficult to enter the market place: people had to move in long lines along Washington, Dearborn, Randolph and Clark Streets, to get to Daley Plaza and the market. Undoubtedly, Christkindlemarket is an unique place for holiday shopping. This year it is open from November 28 through December 24, 2024. There you can buy all kinds of holiday decorations, souvenirs, a variety of authentic German food, hot and cold drinks -- you buy the food in the kiosks, you can listen to music, take photos -- so, you are expected to have a good time!
I've visited Christkindlemarket several times in the past, but this year the crowds were overwhelming to fully enjoy shopping. Daley Plaza is quite a small plaza, enclosed between four streets and surrounded by government buildings. That is also to say, one doesn't have to worry too much about security: it is always there.
The market is open every day, the hours, schedule of events and the list of vendors from different countries is given in multiple online sources. It could be probably better and more enjoyable to visit Christkindlemarket during the weekdays.Written 9 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Diane KVenice, FL4,582 contributionsMy husband and I spent over two hours at the Chicago Auto Show. There is a reduced price for seniors (over 62). We enjoyed being able to sit in a variety of cars to compare comfort and features. Too bad Mercedes and BMW chose not to participate. The sales people were helpful when we had questions. They could use a few tables by the food vendors so you don't have to sit on the floor.Written 14 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ImmerWandernPalos Park, IL12,246 contributionsWe had heard about this Pilsen Street festival for a few years and finally checked it out last year. It began 45 years ago in 1974 to celebrate the opening of a local high school and now celebrated Latino culture: cuisine, music, art. Given that it was held at the height of summer the festival lived up to its name; the day featured relentless sunshine so check the weather and prepare accordingly with headgear and sunblock.
We arrived fairly early but still found that the closest street parking was many blocks away, an uncomfortable walk in the summer heat. We paid to park close to the entrance.
About 100 booths lined Cermak Avenue. We focused on the food, drinks and music. Bring an empty stomach and hearty appetite. As with any food festival it was tempting to start eating at the first booth. I suggest walking the length of the Fiesta Del Sol and check out all the culinary offerings before committing to your first of many dishes and drinks. Seating is hard to come by along Cermak so head to the park on the north and find a bench or just sit on the grass.
Be sure to check out the performance stage on the east end for Mexican songs and dances performed by both school groups and professionals.Written 29 July 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - C2197MAthomasvChicago58 contributionsThis fest is not for the faint of heart. Mostly DJ rock the stages and the crowd is 18 plus. Very EDM and people trying to rave out. We try and go every year to support Chicago and the Industry. Venue laid out very well and lots of room to dance and people watch. But that also means lots of walking. There very strict on what you can bring in so make sure to check out there site before you go. The food venders where laid out well but they need more of them to handle all of the people. A lot of them ran out of food. Bathrooms where well laid out and plenty to choose from. All types of music to choose to hear so pick your stage wisely. For a quick get away and to feel like your in your own little world make sure to visit there silent disco.Written 9 August 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Allen21096Chicago, IL26,843 contributionsThe Pride Parade in Chicago can best be described as free entertainment. There certainly is a large amount of community support and the parade is well attended. It usually starts at Montrose Ave. & Broadway Ave. and heads south to Diversey Parkway & Sheridan Rd., where it empties in to Lincoln Park. We don't go to the after party in the park, but we get a kick out of the parade itself. The only caveat that I have is don't take the kids. It is much too risque, in my honest opinion, for kids to be there.Written 8 November 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SuziMac885 contributionsWe traveled from Ohio to attend Pitchfork with our adult children. I was not familiar with many of the bands like my family was, but found some bands I really liked, like Twin Peaks. Pitchfork Music Festival is three day event in Union Park. We took a taxi there on Friday and our driver did not know where this park was located. I guess not much goes on there.
I appreciated how organized the event was as well as how peaceful most of the guests were even though there were quite a bit of drug usage and little security. I was close to the oldest person there, but didn't feel out of place.
The worst moment was being shaken down by the gate security upon admission the first day. I did not know you could not bring a camera and I had brought mine. This made no sense because everyone has a phone with a camera, right? The security guy said if I gave him $40.00 I could bring it in. Since I would have missed a lot of the concert if I had taken it back to the hotel and came back and stood in line again, I paid it. I was very angry when I found out the truth was you could bring in a camera if the lense was not removable, which mine was not. Definately left a bad taste in my mouth.
I have been to Chicago many times and that was the first time I was faced with such a scam. I look at it like a bad person rather than a bad event.Written 2 August 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ImmerWandernPalos Park, IL12,246 contributionsChicago has long a tradition of multiple sailing races and regattas during the summer and early fall months. For example the Chicago Yacht Club just hosted the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series was this past 2nd weekend of June. There are races to Waukegan, Michigan City, and - perhaps the most famous of all - the race to Mackinac Island. We have watched the start of the Race to Mackinac many years ago and the ceremonies surrounding the event were fun to watch, especially from one of the tall ships based at Navy Pier. Once the competitors had set off, however, there was nothing more to watch, sailing-wise.
SailGP is a new addition to this roster of races. SailGP is a 4-year old, international sailing competition founded in 2019 featuring sailing hydrofoils or hydrofoil sailboats, specifically catamarans that were modified from the America’s Cup race. The venues and teams have changed in the first 3 seasons. This 2023-2024 season features 10 nations: Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Switzerland, France, Denmark, Spain, Germany, and USA. Germany is racing for the first time this year. China and Japan, once part of the original roster, have dropped out. This was the second year running that Chicago hosted the event and this was the first event of the 2023-2024 season. The upcoming venues include Plymouth UK, Copenhagen, Saint-Tropez, Cadiz Spain, Dubai, Singapore, Sydney, Christchurch, Bermuda, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and a venue yet-to-be-determined in Canada.
The hydrofoils mounted under the hulls act like wings in that once sufficient speed has been attained they create lift, pushing the hulls out of the water allowing the sailboat to move much faster than if the hulls were in contact with the water. The boats are said to “fly” at this point. This can let the boat achieve speeds twice that of wind speed.
We took a tour of the SailGP Team Base just south of Soldier Field on the first day of the 2-day event. Our guide was a Romanian expat, former member of the Romanian national sailing team who now coaches local youth teams. He was very informative as to how these boats functioned, and even us non-sailors could appreciate and understand how these boats worked. Most of the boats were out of the water, with just the Spanish boat still in its hangar. It is interesting that the boats were all technically identical, that information of their performances on the water would eventually be shared with all competitors. The idea was that it would be sailing skills and strategy and not technological know-how or tweaking that would determine race outcomes.
The sailing race took place just off Navy Pier, mostly close in to the lakefront with just a small portion of the race happening outside the breakwater. That meant the action was quite visible and accessible from Navy Pier; even non-paying visitors could see the boats. It helped to have binoculars, to better see the action on the boats themselves as well as when they were a little further out. Nevertheless all the action took place well within visual field and not out by the horizon. There were several options when purchasing tickets, from general admission to on-water viewing. We indulged in Grandstand tickets that gave us access to the very tip of Navy Pier just past the large ballroom. The finish line was between Navy Pier and the Chicago Harbor lighthouse out on the breakwater.
We are not sailors but we met many fellow attendees who were. They not only came from the US but from all over the world. We met 2 groups of Canadians eager to support their boat; one was a multi generational family of sailors. We sat to a gentleman from New Zealand following his high-ranked team. A couple from Chile has been following SailGP was well as other racing events such as MotoGP and Formula One.
The teams could not practice on Thursday prior to the start of the event due to high winds. The following day had perfect conditions with brisk winds that had our guide hoping one of the boats might break the 100 kilometer per hour barrier, or 62 mph. Boats not infrequently reach 50 mph. The teams did get some practice runs in before the actual race and “flying” was an appropriate description. Once the hydrofoil sailboats hit critical velocity they rose out of the water and skimmed rapidly, white spray frequently foaming from the foils. Their ability to make what looked like neck-snapping turns was amazing. I admit to having a hard time following the race itself, needing the Jumbotron screen and explanations of the announcer to understand what was going on. The boats have to make several circuits between markers but their is no required course (as there is in a road race); they can choose their own particular course. The boats move fastest when their hulls are out of the water. There were fierce battles between Australia and New Zealand, the same 2 teams that dominated last year. Unfortunately Team USA struggled once again and was stuck at the bottom of the standings.
The second day saw the racing boats almost becalmed. The boats barely made headway even with their tallest sails (“wings”) at 29 meters trying to capture the slightest breeze; and while the race pushed through it’s pace was but an unfortunate shadow of the first day’s.
Even so the entire experience was unique and a lot of fun.Written 19 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
