Celebrating art, music, dance, aerial marvels, food and more are just some of the ways the Chicago area comes together each year through myriad city-sponsored festivals and events, starting in the spring and culminating at year’s end.
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the full lineup on Thursday.
“From world-class music festivals to neighborhood celebrations, Chicago continues to be a premier destination for unforgettable experiences,” the mayor said. “Part of what makes our city such a remarkable place is our commitment to inviting residents and visitors to explore Chicago through diverse, welcoming programming that draws people to not only our lakefront and downtown parks but also into the neighborhoods and communities.”
Here’s the schedule for 2025:
May through October: Chicago Farmers Markets (citywide; Division Street Market opening May 17; Daley Plaza market opening May 22. ); ChicagoFarmersMarkets.us
May through October: Maxwell Street Market (Second Sundays only, 1330 S. Halsted); MaxwellStreetMarket.us
May 24: Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade (Daley Plaza and State Street); Chicago.gov/DCASE
May 17 – Aug. 30: Millennium Park Summer Workouts (Saturdays on the Great Lawn); MillenniumPark.org
June 5 – 8: Chicago Blues Festival (Ramova Theatre, Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Millennium Park); MillenniumPark.org and ChicagoBluesFestival.us
June 26 – Aug. 7: Millennium Park Summer Music Series (at Jay Pritzker Pavilion; 10 concerts, most Mondays and Thursdays); MillenniumPark.org
July 12: Chicago Gospel Music Festival at Jay Pritzker Pavilion); MillenniumPark.org and ChicagoGospelMusicFestival.us
July 1 – Aug. 26 (Tuesdays): Millennium Park Summer Film Series at Jay Pritzker Pavilion; MillenniumPark.org
Aug. 7 – 23: Chicago SummerDance (Citywide, including pop-ups and special events); ChicagoSummerDance.org
Aug. 16 –17: Chicago Air and Water Show (North Avenue Beach & Lakefront); ChicagoAirandWaterShow.us
Aug. 22 –23: Chicago House Music Conference & Festival (Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, Spirit of Music Garden and Riverwalk); ChicagoHouseMusicFestival.us
Aug. 28 – 31: Chicago Jazz Festival (citywide, Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park; MillenniumPark.org and ChicagoJazzFestival.us.
Sept. 5–7: Taste of Chicago Grant Park (June 28, Marquette Park; July 19 Pullman Park; Aug. 9 Albany Park); TasteofChicago.us
Sept. 26 – Oct. 5: World Music Festival Chicago; WorldMusicFestivalChicago.org
Nov. 21: City’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov 21-23: Holiday Market
Dec. 5, 12, 19: Holiday Sing Along
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Riverwalk
For more information, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE.