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

Jazzin’ at the Shedd
Music

Jazzin’ at the Shedd

The Shedd Aquarium's weekly summer concert series presents a rotating lineup of jazz bands on its scenic lakeside terrace, where attendees can dance, have...
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...
Navy Pier Fireworks
Things to do

Navy Pier Fireworks

During the summer, one of the best aerial displays you'll find in Chicago originates from Navy Pier. The Chicago attraction hosts twice-weekly fireworks...

Upcoming Chicago festivals

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This week's best concerts in Chicago

Tuesdays on the Terrace
Music

Tuesdays on the Terrace

Tuesdays on the Terrace returns to the Museum of Contemporary Art's Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden this summer for free weekly concerts. This year's...
Jazzin’ at the Shedd
Music

Jazzin’ at the Shedd

The Shedd Aquarium's weekly summer concert series presents a rotating lineup of jazz bands on its scenic lakeside terrace, where attendees can dance, have...

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...
BULL
Comedy

BULL

What happens when a grift lands you smack dab in the center-court spotlight during the Chicago Bulls’ legendary 1996 reign? BULL, a two-act comedy...
The Humboldt Jungle
Comedy

The Humboldt Jungle

Before it was shut down by the city in 2024, the Humboldt Jungle was a DIY operation hosted in founder Nathan Weil's Humboldt Park basement. Comedians,...

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