Get ready for the welcoming traditional German toasts of "Prost!" to echo throughout the courtyard during the 59th annual St. Benedict Oktoberfest on October 3-5, 2025. St. Benedict parish celebrates its German roots with a family-friendly fest that includes German food and … [Read more...] about St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest
family friendly
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
Free Sundays on State
State Street, that great street, will be closed to traffic and open for an interactive, fun-filled block party in the heart of the Loop. Sundays on State is scheduled this summer for September 7 and October 5, 2025. From 11 to 6 pm on the designated Sundays, State Street between Lake and … [Read more...] about Free Sundays on State
Free Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
Celebrate the joys of autumn in the fun-filled setting of Lincoln Park Zoo during the ninth annual Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest, September 26-October 26, 2025. Step into the vibrant world of pumpkins, harvest mazes and fall photo ops during this family-friendly event. Admission to the zoo is … [Read more...] about Free Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
German-American Oktoberfest
Celebrate German heritage in all its forms, including dance, music, and food at the annual German-American Oktoberfest on September 5--7,2025, in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. The opening ceremony kicks off at 8 pm on September 5. Commemorating 100 years of German traditions, the German … [Read more...] about German-American Oktoberfest
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 6 and 7, 2025. Stretching out over five blocks, the Printers Row Lit Fest features more than 100 booksellers, interactive … [Read more...] about Free Printers Row Lit Fest
Bud Billiken Parade
Head to Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood to witness the second largest parade in the U.S. after the Rose Bowl; the historic Bud Billiken Parade celebrates 96 years of African American music, pageantry and community on August 9, 2025. Filled with over 200 elaborate marching bands, drill … [Read more...] about Bud Billiken Parade
Retro on Roscoe Festival
Go back in time and enjoy oldies and throwback fashion at the 28th annual Retro on Roscoe festival on September 5-7, 2025, in the Roscoe Village neighborhood. Groove to music on three stages, including a family stage, within a six-block stretch of Roscoe Village. Enjoy music from … [Read more...] about Retro on Roscoe Festival
Chicago Rubber Ducky Derby
Relive the childhood joy of floating rubber ducks and watch 60,000 rubber ducks get dumped into and race down the Chicago River during the annual Chicago Ducky Derby on August 7, 2025, at the Columbus Drive Bridge. The festivities include entertainment for the entire family, … [Read more...] about Chicago Rubber Ducky Derby
Jeff Fest Arts and Music Festival
The Jefferson Park neighborhood on Chicago's Northwest side will come alive with music and creative arts during the 24th annual Jeff Fest, on August 1-2, 2025. The sprawling seven acres of Jefferson Memorial Park will host this beloved community event, which features tribute bands, … [Read more...] about Jeff Fest Arts and Music Festival
