THINGS TO DO IN CHICAGO
Learn about Fun and Exciting Things to Do in Chicago:
Chicago is a vibrant city bursting with fun and exciting things to do for visitors and locals alike. From world-class museums and iconic architecture to lively neighborhoods, lakefront adventures, and a calendar packed with festivals, the Windy City offers something for everyone. Whether you're into food, music, sports, art, or just exploring unique spots, these sites will help you discover the best experiences Chicago has to offer.
Choose Chicago Official Tourism Site
A comprehensive guide to attractions, cultural sites, events, festivals, and food experiences around the city. Great for trip planning.
https://www.choosechicago.com
Your Chicago Guide Events Calendar
Citywide but user-submitted and neighborhood-filterable events including markets, music, public tours, arts, and street fairs.
https://yourchicagoguide.com/chicago-events-calendar
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events
Official city calendar of free events, exhibitions, concerts, and festivals (like Taste of Chicago, Blues Festival, Jazz Festival), plus Cultural Center programming.
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/provdrs/attractions_eventsandexhibitions.html Chicago Government+1
Chicago Park District Event Finder
Official source for neighborhood-level programming in parks—free concerts, festivals, workshops, wellness classes, art installations, cultural celebrations, all across Chicago’s distinct communities.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
Time Out Chicago
Lists daily and monthly things to do including festivals, restaurants, nightlife, shows, and events. Ideal for up-to-date recommendations.
https://www.timeout.com/chicago
Secret Chicago
Insider’s guide to lesser‑known things to do, hidden gems, pop-up events, street fairs, cultural experiences, festivals, and new openings.
https://secretchicago.com
Enjoy Illinois – Festivals & Events in Illinois
Covers not only Chicago festivals but major statewide events, street fairs, food events, holiday celebrations, and local markets
https://www.enjoyillinois.com/things-to-do/festivals-and-events
A comprehensive guide to attractions, cultural sites, events, festivals, and food experiences around the city. Great for trip planning.
https://www.choosechicago.com
Your Chicago Guide Events Calendar
Citywide but user-submitted and neighborhood-filterable events including markets, music, public tours, arts, and street fairs.
https://yourchicagoguide.com/chicago-events-calendar
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events
Official city calendar of free events, exhibitions, concerts, and festivals (like Taste of Chicago, Blues Festival, Jazz Festival), plus Cultural Center programming.
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/provdrs/attractions_eventsandexhibitions.html Chicago Government+1
Chicago Park District Event Finder
Official source for neighborhood-level programming in parks—free concerts, festivals, workshops, wellness classes, art installations, cultural celebrations, all across Chicago’s distinct communities.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
Time Out Chicago
Lists daily and monthly things to do including festivals, restaurants, nightlife, shows, and events. Ideal for up-to-date recommendations.
https://www.timeout.com/chicago
Secret Chicago
Insider’s guide to lesser‑known things to do, hidden gems, pop-up events, street fairs, cultural experiences, festivals, and new openings.
https://secretchicago.com
Enjoy Illinois – Festivals & Events in Illinois
Covers not only Chicago festivals but major statewide events, street fairs, food events, holiday celebrations, and local markets
https://www.enjoyillinois.com/things-to-do/festivals-and-events
From neighborhood street festivals and art shows to live music, food pop-ups, and cultural celebrations, the city always has something going on. This curated list of news outlets and blogs will keep you plugged into the latest events, activities, and insider tips to make the most of every season in the Windy City.
Do312.com
A centralized calendar for concerts, comedy, theater, street festivals, neighborhood pop-ups, arts, and locally curated city events. Frequently cited by locals.
https://do312.com
Block Club Chicago
An award-winning nonprofit news organization that publishes highly localized “things to do this weekend” articles focused on neighborhoods across the city, including DIY festivals, street fairs, concerts, and local gatherings.
https://blockclubchicago.org
Chicago Innerview
A free, indie monthly print and online music magazine focused on live concerts, underground venues, local festivals, and artist-driven events in Chicago.
https://chicagoinnerview.com
Forgotten Chicago
An organization and website dedicated to uncovering hidden architecture, historic landmarks, lesser-known city stories, and neighborhood walking tours.
http://forgottenchicago.com
South Side Weekly
Covers arts, culture, and events rooted in Chicago’s South Side with a weekly calendar of neighborhood gatherings, community festivals, and local stories.
https://southsideweekly.com
Hyde Park Herald
Covers Hyde Park area events and cultural happenings, local parks programming, performances, fairs, and community festivals.
https://hpherald.com
A centralized calendar for concerts, comedy, theater, street festivals, neighborhood pop-ups, arts, and locally curated city events. Frequently cited by locals.
https://do312.com
Block Club Chicago
An award-winning nonprofit news organization that publishes highly localized “things to do this weekend” articles focused on neighborhoods across the city, including DIY festivals, street fairs, concerts, and local gatherings.
https://blockclubchicago.org
Chicago Innerview
A free, indie monthly print and online music magazine focused on live concerts, underground venues, local festivals, and artist-driven events in Chicago.
https://chicagoinnerview.com
Forgotten Chicago
An organization and website dedicated to uncovering hidden architecture, historic landmarks, lesser-known city stories, and neighborhood walking tours.
http://forgottenchicago.com
South Side Weekly
Covers arts, culture, and events rooted in Chicago’s South Side with a weekly calendar of neighborhood gatherings, community festivals, and local stories.
https://southsideweekly.com
Hyde Park Herald
Covers Hyde Park area events and cultural happenings, local parks programming, performances, fairs, and community festivals.
https://hpherald.com


