Events and Festivals in Chicago

Our year-round guide to the events and festivals in Chicago, from Lollapalooza to SketchFest and everything in-between

Concerts in Chicago in March 2018
Music

Concerts in Chicago in March 2018

This month's slate of live music is already reminding us of days spent at summer music festivals
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This week's top events

Oktoberfest Nation
Things to do

Oktoberfest Nation

Chicago's largest Oktoberfest celebration is returning to the heart of Fulton Market. Located just behind Restaurant Row at 171 N. Peoria St., this...
Creepy Cruise
Things to do

Creepy Cruise

Explore Chicago's eerie past as you snake down the river aboard the First Lady Creepy Cruise. The 90-minute tour combines architectural history with stories...
Guinness Chicago’s Oktoberfest
Things to do

Guinness Chicago’s Oktoberfest

Guinness Open Gate Brewery is hosting a spirited three-day Oktoberfest bash in the West Loop. Expect live polka, oompah and contemporary music, stein-holding...

Upcoming Chicago festivals

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This week's best concerts in Chicago

World Music Wednesdays
Music

World Music Wednesdays

Every Wednesday, the Old Town School of Folk Music hosts a showcase of world music and dance. Featuring both local and touring talent, you're sure to...
Riot Fest
Music

Riot Fest

Get ready, punk rockers! Riot Fest is returning to Douglass Park from September 18-20 with a laundry list of rock, punk, metal and emo artists. It's always...

This week's best comedy shows in Chicago

The Paper Machete
Comedy

The Paper Machete

This weekly “live magazine” is a cavalcade of culture, politics and wit featuring journalists, actors, comedians and musicians offering...
Blind Wolf Comedy
Comedy

Blind Wolf Comedy

Located inside The Den, a 1920s greystone-turned-hotel in Lakeview, the Blind Wolf Speakeasy is an intimate, approachable bar, event venue and home to a free...

The top Chicago music festivals

Lollapalooza
Music

Lollapalooza

Chicago's largest summer music festival takes over Grant Park with big acts and even bigger porta-potty lines
Spring Awakening
Music

Spring Awakening

A sea of bros in neon tank tops flock to this massive EDM festival in Soldier Field
Riot Fest
Music

Riot Fest

The punks invade Humboldt Park at this sprawling rock festival on the city's Northwest Side
North Coast
Music

North Coast

Do your Labor Day plans include jam bands, hip-hop acts, DJs and glow sticks? You're probably a Coastie