Festivals + Celebrations

Festival season doesn’t stop in the Windy City.

Discover vibrant food, music, culture, and more all year long at one of Chicago's acclaimed festivals. Immerse yourself in the festivities, then retreat to the comfort of your room, where our premier accommodations and convenient location create an unforgettable stay in the heart of the city.

Upcoming Concerts

  • September 18 & 19: Phoebe Bridgers playing at the United Center.
  • September 22: Weezer playing at the United Center
  • September 30: Lionel Richie Earth Wind and Fire playing at United Center
  • October 3: Doja Cat playing at United Center with guest Latto
  • October 5: After more than five decades of arena-shaking performances, era-defining hits, and one of the most enduring catalogs in rock history, JOURNEY is bringing the Final Frontier Tour to United Center
  • October 8: Gorillaz playing their Mountain Tour at United Center
  • October 11 & 12: Multi-platinum, three-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist Olivia Rodrigo is bringing The Unraveled Tour to United Center on October 11 and 12!
  • October 19: Disney Descendants, Zombies & Camp Rock at United Center
  • November 5: Katseye playing their Wildworld Tour at the United Center
  • November 7: Dave Matthews Band playing at the United Center
  • November 24 & 25: John Summit CTRL Escape Arena Tour at United Center

Upcoming Sports Events

  • October 7: Chicago Bulls vs. Phoenix Suns Pre-Season at United Center
  • November 10: College Basketball Doubleheader playing Statefarm Champions Classic
  • December 4: Mens Basketball at United Center | Illinois vs Uconn

Chicago Event Highlights

Chicago Exhibition Week | September 14 - 20

The fourth annual Chicago Exhibition Week features over 50 participating galleries and creative spaces across the city from September 14–20, spotlighting Chicago’s vibrant cultural landscape and artistic spirit for locals and visitors alike. Building off the success of last year’s edition, which attracted 10,000 attendees over three days, CXW26 will expand its footprint with over 50 participating galleries, demonstrating the vitality and diversity of the city’s growing commercial art scene.

Englewood Jazz Festival | September 17 - 19

Now in its 27th year, Englewood Jazz Festival offers three days of live music with a strong emphasis on homegrown artists and the neighborhood’s jazz legacy.

Oktoberfest Chicago | September 17 - October 26

A vibrant celebration of German culture, typically held in Lincoln Square. It features bratwursts, beer, dancing, and traditional German food. The event includes a parade, live music, and various activities for families, making it a popular autumn festival in the city.

Feeling Film Festival | September 17 - 27

The second-oldest LGBTQ+ film festival in the country, Reeling brings a diverse film lineup with everything from international finds to the latest documentaries.

Riot Fest | September 18 - 20

Riot Fest is an annual three-day punk rock music festival known for its strong punk rock ethos and significant contributions to the music scene.

World Dumpling Festival | September 19 - 20

Sample delicious dumplings from across the globe, featuring bites from an array of global Chicago restaurants.

Chicago Live! | September 19 - 20

Navy Pier’s free performing arts festival returns for the fifth year, with more than 110 artists and organizations performing throughout the waterfront space.

Chicago Underground Film Festival | September 23 - 27

The Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF), presented by Chicago Underground NFP, showcases some of the most genre-defying, groundbreaking, and unique films emerging from underground scenes. The festival welcomes independent artists who are often sidelined by more traditional, market-driven festivals, championing unconventional approaches to form and subject matter while cultivating a diverse audience committed to supporting and embracing their work.

Chicago Gourmet | September 24 - 27

Chicago Gourmet is an interactive, epicurean affair showcasing over 100 of Chicago’s finest restaurants and chefs, along with renowned vintners and breweries.

African/Caribbean International Festival of Life | September 25 - 27

Cultural celebrations take center stage at this Washington Park festival dedicated to the music, cuisine, and traditions of African and Caribbean nations.

World Music Festival | September 25 - October 4

Experience rhythms from around the globe at Chicago’s World Music Festival, a multi-venue celebration spotlighting international artists and genres.

Hyde Park Jazz Festival | September 26 - 27

Every fall, this free festival celebrates the roots of Chicago-style jazz with diverse artist lineups on outdoor and indoor stages throughout Hyde Park.

Chicago Fashion Week | October 8 - 18

Chicago Fashion Week®, the official celebration of Chicago’s fashion ecosystem, returns in 2026 for its third edition, October 8 – 18. We invite you to join us for a wide range of fashion experiences, from unique marketplaces to glamorous runway shows to lively in-store events and more.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon | October 11 & 12

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon welcomes thousands of runners from more than 100 countries and all 50 states, including a world-class professional field, top regional and Masters runners, race veterans, debut marathoners and charity runners. The race’s iconic course takes runners through 29 vibrant neighborhoods on an architectural and cultural tour of Chicago. Annually, an estimated 1.7 million spectators line the streets cheering on 55,000 runners from the start line to the final stretch down Columbus Drive. As a result of the race’s national and international draw, the Chicago Marathon assists in raising millions of dollars for a variety of charitable causes while generating millions of dollars in annual economic impact to its host city.

Open House Chicago | October 17 & 18

A free public festival that instills civic pride through providing access to places of architectural, historical and cultural significance, and highlights businesses, organizations and creative leaders making positive impact in Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.

Chicago International Film Festival | October 14 - 25

North America's longest-running competitive film festival, celebrating its 61st edition this October. It features over 100 feature films and numerous short films from around the world, along with filmmaker Q&As, red carpet events, and awards ceremonies.

Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade | October 24

12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade on Columbus drive moving north from Balbo to Jackson.

312 Comedy Festival | November 5 - 15

This multi-day celebration of stand-up comedy features performances from more than 20 top comedians across six Chicago venues.

Lincoln Park Zoolights | November 20 - January 3, 2027

ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd returns to Lincoln Park Zoo, lighting up the city’s favorite holiday tradition once again! Over 3 million lights and hundreds of nostalgic LED displays transform the zoo into a glowing wonderland, with magical holiday touches around every corner.

Christkindlmarket | November 20 - December 24

An annual outdoor holiday market held in downtown Chicago, Illinois, inspired by traditional German Christmas markets. Location TBD.

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival | November 21

Centered along Michigan Avenue, it features a grand tree-lighting parade, fireworks, and performances, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year for their 35th Annual. 

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade | November 26

Head to historic State Street to catch the annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, with giant floats, dancers, horses, special guests, and more.

The Nutcracker at the Joffrey | December 4 - 27

This holiday season, step into the spellbinding world where history and dreams intertwine. Join Marie and her Nutcracker prince on a fantastical adventure in Christopher Wheeldon’s kaleidoscopic reimagining of The Nutcracker, set amid the wonder of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

PBR Chicago Unleash the Beast at United Center | December 19 & 20

The Professional Bull Riders Unleash The Beast Series is returning to Chicago for TWO nights of world-class bull riding action.