Festivals and Events in Chicago

Local Festivals and Events in Chicago

Chicago is a city that loves to celebrate, with a wide range of festivals and events taking place throughout the year. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Spring Festivals (March to May)

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

  • Date: March 17th
  • Location: Downtown Chicago (State Street to Jackson Boulevard)
  • Time: 12pm-2pm
  • Description: One of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the world, featuring floats, live music, and Irish dancers.

Chicago Auto Show

  • Date: Late February to early March
  • Location: McCormick Place
  • Time: Varies (usually 9am-10pm)
  • Description: One of the largest auto shows in North America, with over 1 million square feet of exhibit space and hundreds of vehicles on display.

Summer Festivals (June to August)

Taste of Chicago

  • Date: Late July
  • Location: Grant Park
  • Time: Varies (usually 11am-10pm)
  • Description: A four-day celebration of Chicago’s culinary scene, featuring live music, food vendors, and cooking demonstrations.

Lollapalooza Music Festival

  • Date: Early August
  • Location: Grant Park
  • Time: Varies (usually 3pm-11pm)
  • Description: One of the largest and most iconic music festivals in the world, featuring a diverse lineup of artists and bands.

Fall Festivals (September to November)

Chicago Jazz Festival

  • Date: Late September
  • Location: Millennium Park
  • Time: Varies (usually 12pm-10pm)
  • Description: A free outdoor jazz festival featuring performances by local and national musicians.

Christkindlmarket

  • Date: Late November to early December
  • Location: Daley Plaza
  • Time: Varies (usually 11am-8pm)
  • Description: An annual German-style market featuring handmade crafts, food vendors, and live music.

Winter Festivals (December to February)

Magical Forest

  • Date: Late November to early January
  • Location: Maggie Daley Park
  • Time: Varies (usually 5pm-10pm)
  • Description: An immersive forest experience featuring interactive light installations, ice sculptures, and live performances.

These are just a few of the many festivals and events that take place in Chicago throughout the year. Be sure to check dates and times for each event, as they may vary from year to year.