Annual Events & Festivals
Chicago is a four-season city, and lucky for us, its festivals are too. Below is just a sampling of the many events that take place throughout the year. Most are family-friendly, and many are free or simply require a small donation that usually benefits the host neighborhood association. Chicagoans love to eat, and its many food fests reflect that, along with the our penchant for a big parade—some parades are listed here, but for info on even more, like the Polish Constitution Parade, the Puerto Rican Parade, and the Disability Pride Parade, just head to the City of Chicago’s event database at www.explorechicago.org; here, you can also search by date, type of event or festival, and free events. Consider taking public transportation to most of these events, because parking is just a hassle, especially when a festival closes several blocks of streets.
1. Flower Shows
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (312) 742-7736
Address: 2391 N. Stockton Dr.
Description:
2. Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (312) 326-5320
Description: Ring in the Lunar New Year with this colorful parade through Chicago’s tight-knit Chinatown community. Along with marching bands, festooned floats, lion dancers, and the annual Miss Friendship pageant, a highlight is the fabulous 100-foot-long paper-and-silk dragon. While you’re in the area, be sure to stop into the many authentic Asian markets for souvenirs and the season’s famous moon cakes. Free.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 600 E. Grand Ave.
4. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (312) 942-9188
Description: There are more than a million people who claim Irish roots in the Windy City, but everyone gets a little green on St. Patrick’s Day. Paint a shamrock on your face and join the 350,000-plus onlookers at this massive downtown parade that boasts a waving lot of politicians and other city VIPs, plus a kilted clan of bagpipers and the chosen St. Patrick’s Day Queen. For added green-day excitement, start off at the Michigan Avenue Bridge (get there at about 9:30 a.m.) to catch a glimpse of Chicago’s famous dyeing of its river. The Chicago Journeymen Plumbers started the odd tradition back in 1962 and it’s grown into a holiday favorite, but don’t ask how they get that perfect shade of Kelly green, because it’s a guarded secret. Free. Parade starts at noon.
5. Egg-Stravaganza At Soldier Field
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (312) 235-7000
Address: 1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.
Description: Each Easter season, gridiron action at Soldier Field takes a backseat to a good old-fashioned egg hunt. Actually, the organizers make it pretty easy to find the eggs (after all, where can they hide them on a football field?), but the kids won’t mind when they open their loot of candy. Plus, there are face-painters, balloon artists, a live concert, and of course a much-anticipated visit from the big bunny himself. An Easter breakfast can be added to the event for a fee. The egg-grab is free.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
9. Memorial Day Parade
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (312) 744-3315
Description: Honoring fallen heroes, Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade has been a big deal since it began in 1870, and is now one of the largest in the nation. Wave hello to the mayor and other politicians, along with marching bands, and veterans’ groups. Start time is noon.
10. 57th Street Art Fair
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (773) 493-3247
Description: A beloved tradition for more than 60 years in the Hyde Park area, this juried art fair (the oldest in Chicago) got its start when silversmith Mary Louise Womer created an event where local artists could show and sell their original works. It has since blossomed into a much-lauded art extravaganza that attracts over 20,000 visitors to browse and buy from more than 250 artists of all types, plus kids’ activities, and munchies to keep up your energy. Free.
11. Andersonville Midsommarfest
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (773) 728-2995
Description: Andersonville itself is so hip and fun that the festival just gives you an excuse to go there—along with about 50,000 other people. Going on for more than 45 years, this event rocks out with two days of local bands, food, kid fun, and vendor booths. The area’s Swedish roots come out for the party with Nordic folkdancers, the traditional Maypole dance, and a Swedish women’s choir. $5 donation; seniors and children 12 and under free.
12. Chicago Blues Festival
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (312) 744-3315
Description: Shemekia Copeland, B.B. King, John Primer, Eddie “The Chief” Clearwater, Koko Taylor, and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith. They’ve all banged out the blues at this blast of a festival that makes the most of its place in the Blues Capital of the World. It started in 1984 with a tribute to Muddy Waters a year after his death and continues to honor blues legends who have made musical history, both past and present. Three days of concerts on four stages, all for free. Can’t get blue over that. Food and beverage tickets sold separately.
13. Family Fun Festival
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (312) 742-1168
Description: Chicagoans have got to hand it to retail giant Target: It sure does spread its wealth as sponsor of free admission times at museums and of this popular summertime kid corral. Sing-alongs and live bands twice daily; story times at the stocked book nook; rotating activity zones from area orgs like the Lurie Garden, the roving Chinese-American Museum of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Chicago Architecture Foundation; plus blocks, hula-hoops, and beanbag tosses all out for the playing. The big white tent makes it weather-resistant (watch for puddles here and there when it rains hard), and its Millennium Park location makes it perfect for post-play picnics. Free.
14. Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: The more outrageous the better at this annual spectacle, one of the largest gay pride parades in the country. Cars of supporting politicians, and festooned floats from community organizations, businesses, media, and more make their way through Boystown, attracting a raucous and jam-packed cheering crowd of equally colorful onlookers. It’s the highlight of the GLBT Pride Fest weekend. Free.
15. Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (773) 348-8243
Description: The more outrageous the better at this annual spectacle, one of the largest gay pride parades in the country. Cars of supporting politicians, and festooned floats from community organizations, businesses, media, and more make their way through Boystown, attracting a raucous and jam-packed cheering crowd of equally colorful onlookers. It’s the highlight of the GLBT Pride Fest weekend. Free.