Lincoln Park Zoo's annual Zoo Lights is the highlight of Chicago's holiday season, with hundreds of lights twinkling across the grounds. Tickets are on sale now for the event, which opens on November 21, 2025. Stroll through the zoo and enjoy an illuminated holiday wonderland of animal … [Read more...] about ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo $7 plus free nights
family friendly
Chicago Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
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
Millennium Park Holiday Tree Lighting
The beloved Chicago holiday tradition of lighting the Christmas tree that towers over Millennium Park will kick off on November 21, 2025. This live event will fill Millennium Park with music, fireworks and thousands of twinkling lights. A 53-foot-tall Colorado blue spruce was selected for … [Read more...] about Millennium Park Holiday Tree Lighting
New Flyover in Chicago Attraction
Chicago's iconic skyline and skyscrapers got a little closer since the opening of the Flyover in Chicago immersive flying experience at Navy Pier. This exciting attraction that soars over downtown Chicago just added another experience: Call of the Canadian Rockies. Leave the city and fly … [Read more...] about New Flyover in Chicago Attraction
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
Whirl around the twirling ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park for the ultimate winter season experience. The Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon is open every day from November 14, 2025, through March 8, 2026. Roll around the whimsical ice skating ribbon for a more exciting ride than … [Read more...] about Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
Free Meet Me on Milwaukee
Roaming through car-free streets is one of the joys of Chicago street fests and just because the summer is over doesn't mean you can't still experience this favorite pastime. Head to the Wicker Park neighborhood for the Meet Me on Milwaukee event, where the busy intersection of Milwaukee at … [Read more...] about Free Meet Me on Milwaukee
Free Lincoln Park Spooky Zoo
Celebrate the scary season with a visit to Lincoln Park Zoo for trick or treating among the animals at the annual Spooky Zoo event on October 18, 2025. Stroll around the zoo and collect treats while supplies last. Kids can also enjoy interactive storytelling and live music on the Main Mall … [Read more...] about Free Lincoln Park Spooky Zoo
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 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
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
International Festival of Life
Enjoy the global rhythms of reggae, African and Latin music at the 32nd annual African/ Caribbean International Festival of Life, July 11-13, 2025. Dive into the music, food and art of different cultures during this beloved event in the South Loop. The headliners for this … [Read more...] about International Festival of Life
Wells Street Art Festival
The historic Old Town neighborhood comes alive with the highly anticipated Wells Street Art Festival on June 14 and 15, 2025, in the heart of the landmark neighborhood Traditionally held on the second weekend in June, the fair features artists from all over North America, including painters, … [Read more...] about Wells Street Art Festival
