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

ART on THE MART
Art

ART on THE MART

Displaying a 25-story-tall video installation on the side of THE MART, ART on THE MART is the largest permanent digital art projection in...
David Byrne’s Theater of the Mind
Things to do

David Byrne’s Theater of the Mind

3 out of 5 stars
Part art installation, part psychological gauntlet, Theater of the Mind is David Byrne and Mala Gaonkar’s newest exploration of the self. Tucked inside...
Chicago Pickle Fest
Things to do

Chicago Pickle Fest

Do you love all things pickled? Well there’s a festival for you. This Wrigleyville event—taking place at some of the neighborhood's top...

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...
Mandala Makers Festival
Music

Mandala Makers Festival

Mandala South Asian Performing Arts—a bridge connecting audiences to the vibrant colors and rich traditions of South Asian heritage—returns with...

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...

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