Various locations throughout Chicago

Explore a host of galleries and programming at this monthly event that showcases West Town’s dynamic arts community. On the first Friday of every month, galleries and arts-based businesses stay open until 8pm.

Mandala South Asian Performing Arts—a bridge connecting audiences to the vibrant colors and rich traditions of South Asian heritage—returns with the eighth annual Mandala Makers Festival. This multidisciplinary platform, which supports a diverse array of South Asian performing artists, kicks off its season on April 15. The festivities continue through October, offering a continuous showcase of immersive music and dance events. Visit the Mandala Makers Festival website for a complete schedule of performances.

The Chicago Latino Film Fest returns for its 42nd year from Thursday, April 16, through Tuesday, April 27, showing films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, the United States and more via screenings at the Davis Theatre and Cervantes Institute. For a complete schedule of screenings, check out the Chicago Latino Film Festival website.

Chicago—a city renowned for its profound impact on the history and future of the genre—will host the 15th annual International Jazz Day. As the world’s largest celebration of jazz and its power to unite global communities, the event will honor Chicago’s legendary contributions to jazz, blues, and world music. Confirmed artists include Melissa Aldana, Béla Fleck, Ernest Dawkins, Herbie Hancock and more.

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 bars—will feature pickle cocktails and mocktails, pickle-focused foods, pickleback shots, live music, photo ops and much more. It’s a day you’ll relish forever.

Renegade Craft Fair returns just in time for the holiday shopping sprint, taking over Morgan MFG's industrial digs. Attendees will be able to shop the handmade wares of more than 170 vendor booths, selling everything from candles and screenprints to jewelry and pottery. The fair also boasts food and drink from local restaurants, so you won't have to go hungry (or thirsty) while you shop. When is the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago this year? The spring edition of the fair will be held May 16–17. What vendors will be there? More than 250 local artists will be at the market. Check Renegade's official website for the full list of vendors. How much does it cost to attend? There is a $5 suggested entry fee, which supports the Fair. You can pay by scanning a QR code at the Fair.

The Midwest Film Festival proudly presents its 2026 season, “Midwest Royale,” an expansive celebration of cinema, culture and community. This landmark year honors more than two decades of the festival’s commitment to championing regional storytelling and elevating local creative talent. The season officially launches on May 31 at the Chicago Cultural Center with the Midwest Film Fair and the Best of the Midwest Winners Showcase. This opening event will feature screenings of the 2025 award-winning films alongside the highly anticipated announcement of the 2026 Best of the Midwest Awards (BMA) nominees.

As is Labor Day weekend tradition in Chicago, some of the biggest names in jazz will gather for a series of shows at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center during this annual festival. Visit the Chicago Jazz Festival webpage for the full lineup and schedule.

Celebrating Chicago culture through couture, Chicago Fashion Week brings runway shows, markets, educational programs and more—many of which are free to attend—throughout the city. The full gamut of programming is yet to be announced; stay updated via CFW's website.