Chicago's iconic Michigan Avenue will shine even brighter during the 31st annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on November 22, 2025. This beloved holiday tradition combines a parade, lights, music, tree lighting and family activities for joy-filled holiday fun. The event kicks off at … [Read more...] about Chicago Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Chicago festivals
Destinos Chicago Latino Theater Festival
Celebrate Latino theater and dramatic creativity at the eighth annual Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival for an entire month, from October 1 to November 2, 2025. , at theaters across the city. The Chicago Latino Theater Alliance presents this anticipated annual … [Read more...] about Destinos Chicago Latino Theater Festival
Riverwalk Fall Fest
Experience the beauty of the fall season with the Chicago River as the backdrop at the Island Party Hut Fall Fest on the Chicago Riverwalk on Saturdays, September 20-October 25, 2025. Enjoy autumn festivities like hay rides on the river, pumpkin patches and eating apple cider donuts along the … [Read more...] about Riverwalk Fall Fest
Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest
Enjoy Fall fun with apple-inspired food, drinks and artisan goods at the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest, October 3-5, 2025. Celebrate the new season with a bounty of edible goodness. Midwest farms will be serving up fresh apples and related dishes and local restaurants and food … [Read more...] about Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest
Reeling International Film Fest
The second-oldest LBTGQ+ film festival in the country kicks off with an exciting line-up of international features, documentaries and shorts with the 43rd annual Reeling International Film Festival on September 19-28, 2025. The rich diversity of the queer community is showcased during the … [Read more...] about Reeling International Film Fest
Lakeview East Art Festival
The 20th annual Lakeview East Festival of the Arts showcases an exciting range of visual arts and live music on two stages in the Lakeview neighborhood on September 13-14, 2025. Explore a line-up of 150 juried artists from around the country displaying everything from paintings, … [Read more...] about Lakeview East Art Festival
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop Up
Wander through pumpkin patches and corn mazes while you enjoy the season at Chicago's largest fall festival, Jack's Pumpkin Pop Up, located near Goose Island, from September 18 to November 2, 2025. The large number of all-ages festivities make Jack's one of the most popular fall excursions. … [Read more...] about Jack’s Pumpkin Pop Up
St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest Chicago
It's that time of year when Chicagoans welcome the autumn season with polka, lederhosen and lots and lots of beer. St. Alphonsus Church celebrates its 21st annual Oktoberfest Chicago in the west Lakeview neighborhood with Bavarian food, live music and craft beer tasting on September 26-28, … [Read more...] about St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest Chicago
Chicago Live! at Navy Pier
Witness the excitement of Chicago's extensive performing arts scene during the fifth annual Chicago Live! festival on September 20-21, 2025. Navy Pier will host free, non-stop performances featuring Chicago dance, theater, music and more during the two-day event. The breadth of Chicago's … [Read more...] about Chicago Live! at Navy Pier
Free Thirsty Ears Classical Music Fest
Enjoy the beautiful melodies, cultural traditions and welcoming community of Chicago's only classical music festival, the Thirsty Ears Festival on August 23-24, 2025. The 10th annual event supplies two days of classical music, food vendors, craft beer and kids' activities in the … [Read more...] about Free Thirsty Ears Classical Music Fest
Ravenswood ArtWalk
The Ravenswood Corridor community celebrates 21 years of the annual Ravenswood ArtWalk on September 13-14, 2025. The area's artists, manufacturers and brewers will welcome visitors during the ArtWalk for the first time in two years, with a host of fun and interactive … [Read more...] about Ravenswood ArtWalk
Free Printers Row Lit Fest
The Midwest's largest literary festival returns to Chicago's historic Printer's Row neighborhood in the South Loop with the Printer's Row Lit Fest on September 12 and 13, 2026. Stretching out over five blocks, the Printers Row Lit Fest features more than 100 booksellers, interactive … [Read more...] about Free Printers Row Lit Fest
