Throughout the year, you’ll find an ever changing variety of festivals and events around Chicago and Illinois. See the highlights for spring and summer below that include everything from art fairs and parades to museum exhibits and wine festivals.
Chicago Boat, RV and Outdoors Show - Get ready for summer at this show featuring 900 boats, 200 recreational vehicles and other temptations for the outdoor enthusiast.
Chicago Auto Show - From the newest production models to futuristic concept cars, this spectacular show is an auto buff’s dream.
Vintage Illinois Wine Festival - Starved Rock in Utica is home to this great two-day wine tasting event that features over 25 wineries from around the state.
Chicago Celtic Festival - This festival showcases local, national and international performers as well as artisans displaying and selling unique, handmade jewellery, sweaters, ceramics, glass, painting and more.
International Route 66 Festival - Held during the last weekend of every September, the festival features a world-class classic car show, 50's and 60's music, great food, celebrities, workshops and more.
Bank of America Chicago Marathon - One million spectators will line the 26.2-mile course in October, cheering on the runners to help them accomplish a personal dream.
Pumpkin Plaza - Chicagoween - Celebrate Halloween city-wide during the month of October at museums, Navy Pier, the Chicago Cultural Center and other organizations. Visit Pumpkin (Daley) Plaza for the Haunted Village, pumpkin decorating, spooky storytellers, a farmers’ market and performances by Midnight Circus, including acts of high-flying feats.
SOFA at Navy Pier - Visit the critically acclaimed Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair at Navy Pier to see work from 100 international galleries and dealers from 16 countries.
Magnificent Mile® Lights Festival - Each November, the Magnificent Mile becomes a magical winter wonderland in the city’s official start to the festive season.
Christkindlmarket - Festive ornaments, wooden toys, nutcrackers and glassware from Germany and other parts of Europe are sold from charming timber cabins and tents in Daley Plaza.
McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade - Families line the streets to marvel at spectacular floats and balloons, and to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus himself.
Chicago Flower and Garden Show - A showcase of beautiful and magical displays featuring gardening demonstrations, tablescapes, family and children’s activities and entertainment.
St. Patrick’s Day - They say everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, and the city hosts a giant parade to celebrate.
Long Grove Chocolate Festival - The business district, home to 80 shops and restaurants including the well-known Long Grove Confectionery, becomes a chocolate lover’s paradise during this annual festival that celebrates the beginning of the Long Grove outdoor special events season.
Blues Festival - This four-day annual event brings more than 70 performers to six stages in Grant Park each June.
Old Town Art Fair - Among the most prestigious of America's art fairs and one of the nation's oldest.
Ravinia Festival - This wonderful 3-month festival hosts more than 100 world-class events, spanning musical genres from classical to pop, at its beautiful outdoor venue in Highland Park.
Taste of Chicago - A food fair like you’ve never seen. Amazing food in sample-size portions from more than 65 Chicago restaurants.
Gold Coast Art Fair - 300 artists and thousands of art lovers from around the world convene in the beautiful Gold Coast neighbourhood.
Lollapalooza - One of the biggest events of the summer and unique to Chicago, this three-day, eight-stage music festival boasts 130+ bands ranging from breakthrough to world-famous music acts.
Illinois State Fair - Just 3 hours south of Chicago in the state capital of Springfield, explore 366 acres of exhibits, Illinois artisans, top-notch live music and don't forget to visit the famous Butter Cow!
Air & Water Show - Head to the beach and see thrilling performances by some of the most skilled civilian and military pilots in the world.
On the Waterfront - Just 90 minutes north of Chicago in Rockford, Illinois' largest music festival spans 30 blocks and features more than 246 hours of music on 7 stages; plus food booths, the Urban Marketplace to buy treasures from around the world and spectacular fireworks every night!
Jazz Festival - A swinging Labour Day tradition. The sweet sounds of jazz fill Grant Park every September.
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