Enjoy the best Chicago events, festivals, and things to do with this calendar of events.
Distance is from the Wrigley Building in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
Underground film festival
June 1 - 4, 2017 (begins May 31)
7 miles NW
Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF) shows independent, experimental, and documentary films from around the world at the Logan Theatre, followed by nearby after-parties.Maifest
June 1 - 4, 2017
8 miles NW
The German festival known as Maifest Chicago serves beer, brats, sauerkraut, and music in Lincoln Square at Lincoln Ave. and Leland Ave. Free.Arts festival
June 1 - 11, 2017
8 miles north
Pivot Arts Festival features dozens of innovative performances (some for kids), plus a community parade June 3 in Edgewater and Uptown.Magic lounge
June 1 - 29, 2017
7 miles north
Chicago Magic Lounge is an old-school magic show with close-up magic, bar magic, table-hopping magicians, and main stage acts at Uptown Underground for age 21+. Discount tickets $12 - $14.Attractions
June 1 - Aug. 31, 2017
multiple locations
These discount ticket prices include all taxes and fees.- Aquarium + SkyDeck + Museums CityPass $101
- Chicago History Museum discount tickets $8
- Sunset Segway Tour discount tickets $39
Gospel music festival
June 2 - 3, 2017
0.5 miles south
Hear gospel choirs and soloists at the Chicago Gospel Music Festival in Millennium Park. Free.Aurora festival
June 2 - 3, 2017
43 miles west
Two Brothers Summer Festival features 7 bands on an outdoor stage, with food & beer for sale in Aurora.Division Street festival
June 2 - 4, 2017
4 miles NW
Do Division Street Fest & Sidewalk Sale has rousing live music, a sidewalk sale, a fashion show, and a family fun fest (Sat. & Sun.) on Division Street between Ashland and Leavitt. Donation.Greek festival
June 2 - 4, 2017
5 miles north
Lincoln Park Greek Fest serves Greek food, music, and dancing on Sheffield Avenue at Diversey Parkway.Taste of Mexico
June 2 - 4, 2017
9 miles SW
Taste of Little Village: Flavors of Mexico offers food, music, and carnival rides at 26th & California Avenue.Small-town festival
June 2 - 4, 2017
70 miles NW
Harvard Milk Days has 30 events, including a parade on Sat., milk-drinking contest, talent show, carnival, petting zoo, entertainment, and fireworks. Free.Innovative theater
June 2 - 10, 2017
5 miles north
Physical Festival includes five creative theater shows that tell stories physically and visually at Stage 773.Adult variety show
June 2 - 23, 2017 (also May)
7 miles north
Kiss Kiss Cabaret is a fun mix of burlesque, off-color comedy, music, magic, and variety acts at Uptown Underground for age 21+. Discount tickets $14.Movies in the Parks
June 2 - Sept. 7, 2017
Chicago locations
See 250 Movies in the Parks, if weather allows. Free.Dinner cruise with fireworks
June 3, 2017 (8:30 p.m.)
1 mile east
Enjoy a three-course meal aboard the luxurious Odyssey, including a champagne cocktail and views of the Chicago skyline plus fireworks at 10:15 p.m., departing from Navy Pier. Discount tickets $115.Wine festival
June 3, 2017 (1 to 9 p.m.)
11 miles west
Sample 150 wines from 15 local wineries and taste artisan foods at Uncork Illinois in Oak Park.Pet parade
June 3, 2017
17 miles SW
The LaGrange Pet Parade includes marching bands, floats, clowns, and a creative costume contest. Line up is 8:30 a.m. at Cossitt Ave. & LaGrange Rd. Free.Chicken-wing tasting
June 3 - 4, 2017 (2 to 6 p.m.)
2.5 miles NW
A ticket to Wingout Chicago includes chicken wings from restaurants and a beverage (beer, wine, or soda) at St. Michael’s Church parking lot. Expect lines. Discount tickets $35.Hyde Park festival
June 3 - 4, 2017
7.5 miles south
It’s free to attend Hyde Park Brew Fest to hear live music and shop from craft vendors, but the beer and cider tasting requires a ticket.Art fair in Hyde Park
June 3 - 4, 2017
8 miles south
Chicago’s oldest juried art fair is the 57th Street Art Fair, which allows only original art and no alcohol at 57th Street & Kimbark Avenue. Free.Deerfield art festival
June 3 - 4, 2017
27 miles north
Deerfield Festival of Fine Arts features juried arts & crafts, live music, a food court, and a children’s art area on Park Avenue. Free.Holistic living expo
June 3 - 4, 2017
28 miles SW
Body Mind Spirit Expo features speakers, workshops, and vendors for remaking your life at the Tinley Park Convention Center.Art fair in Buffalo Grove
June 3 - 4, 2017
33 miles NW
Buffalo Grove Art Festival features juried artists, live music, food, and children’s art activities. Free.Classic musical
June 3 - 11, 2017
14 miles north
Set to superb music by Leonard Bernstein, Candide is the story of a naive hero on a madcap odyssey around the world in search of his true love at Cahn Auditorium in Evanston. Discount tickets $25 to $35.Comedy dinner show
June 3 - Sept. 9, 2017 (also May)
5.8 miles north
You’re invited to fictitious Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding at Resurrection Church, followed by a real Italian dinner at Chicago Theater Works, with plenty of comedy improv and audience interaction. Discount tickets $59 to $69.Run at the zoo
June 4, 2017
2.5 miles north
United Run for the Zoo is a popular 10K, 5K, and kids’ stampede in Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park.Dog films
June 4, 2017 (12 and 2 p.m.)
6 miles north
The Dog Film Festival features films about the bond between dogs and humans at Music Box Theatre.Monday & Tuesday cruise
June 5 - Aug. 28, 2017 (boarding 6 p.m.)
0.7 miles east
An evening cruise aboard the Anita Dee II offers amazing views from the open top deck, dancing, and a pricey bar, departing from 200 N Breakwater Access.Adult zoo night
June 8, 2017 (6:30 to 10 p.m.)
2.5 miles north
Leave the kids at home and head to Adults Night Out at Lincoln Park Zoo to experience unique animal chats and live entertainment. You must be age 18+ to attend, age 21+ for the cash bars.Modern dance
June 8 - 11, 2017
0.5 miles south
Summer Series performs 4 favorite works representing four decades on its 40th anniversary at Harris Theater in Millennium Park. Discount tickets $36 to $102.Blues festival
June 9 - 11, 2017
1 mile south
Chicago’s biggest music festival, Chicago Blues Festival, brings top talent to Millennium Park. Later, the music continues into the night at city clubs. Free.Electronic dance music festival
June 9 - 11, 2017
3.9 miles SW
Spring Awakening Music Festival draws 75,000 to Addams/Medill Park to hear the best in electronic dance music (EDM) by some of the world’s top DJs. Requires age 18+ ID.Pork ribs festival
June 9 - 11, 2017
7 miles NW
Brave crowds, heat, and smoke in the quest for Chicago’s best BBQ from 15 Chicagoland restaurants at Ribfest Chicago, which also has 20 live bands on Lincoln Avenue north of Irving Park Road. Donation.Midsummer festival
June 9 - 11, 2017
7.5 miles north
Andersonville Midsommarfest is a street fair with music, dancing, crafts, a kids’ area, and ethnic food (like cevapi, glogg, and sangria).Magic show
June 9 - July 22, 2017 (9:30 p.m.)
0.7 miles south
The Magic Parlour is an evening of close-up magic by an award-winning magician in the beautiful Palmer House Hilton Hotel. Discount tickets $49.Naked bike ride
June 10, 2017
Chicago location
Ride in the World Naked Bike Ride: Chicago, nude or painted, to support safe biking and the environment.Beach party
June 10, 2017 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
2.9 miles north
A ticket to Beach Slap Volleyball Tournament & Party gets you six beer tickets, DJ music, and games to play in the sand at North Avenue Beach for age 21+.Lombard beer festival
June 10, 2017 (1 to 5 p.m.)
24 miles west
Lombard Ale Fest has 100 craft beers, food trucks, and live music for age 21+ at Lilacia Park in Lombard.Book fair
June 10 - 11, 2017
1 mile south
Shop from 200 booksellers and attend 100 literary events and signings on the south end of Dearborn Street at the Printers Row Lit Fest, billed as the largest free outdoor literary festival in the Midwest.Wells Street Art Festival
June 10 - 11, 2017
1.5 miles north
See works by 225 juried artists, hear live music, and enjoy beer and local restaurant food at Wells Street Art Festival on N. Wells St. from North Ave. to Division. Morning is quieter. Donation. Discount deal for two $39.Old Town Art Fair
June 10 - 11, 2017
2.7 miles north
Shop from 250 juried artists at the highly rated Old Town Art Fair, which includes a garden walk, food court, live music, and children’s corner on tree-lined streets near Lincoln Park. Donation.Food truck fest
June 10 - 11, 2017
3.9 miles SW
Pilsen Food Truck Social has dozens of food trucks, local restaurants, live music, craft vendors, and kids’ activities on 18th Street at Allport. Donation.Green festival
June 10 - 11, 2017
4 miles NW
Green Music Fest features environmentally friendly vendors, cutting-edge music, and a kids’ area on N Damen Ave. between North and Schiller. Donation.Barbecue festival
June 10 - 11, 2017 (12 to 10 p.m.)
8 miles NW
Enjoy barbecued ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken at 6 Corners BBQ Fest on N Milwaukee Avenue (from Irving Park Rd. to Belle Plaine Ave.). Donation.Hinsdale art festival
June 10 - 11, 2017
18 miles SW
See works by 150 juried artists in shady Burlington Park at Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival. Free.Arlington Heights festival
June 10 - 11, 2017
26 miles NW
Shop from 110 artists, taste restaurant food, hear live music, and check out the activities for kids at Promenade of Art in Arlington Heights. Free.Ravinia music festival
June 10 - Sept. 17, 2017
23 miles north
See nationally known performers at Ravinia Festival, billed as America’s oldest outdoor music festival at Ravinia Park in Highland Park.Patriotic bicycle ride
June 11, 2017
13.3 miles north
Ride with wounded veterans 18, 36, or 50 miles on the non-competitive Honor Ride Chicago, starting and ending at Evanston Subaru, followed by a lunch with music.Millennium Park music
June 12 - Aug. 21, 2017
0.7 miles SE
Millennium Park Summer Music Series features great music artists Monday and Thursday evenings in Millennium Park. Free.Millennium Park movies
June 13 - Sept. 5, 2017
0.5 miles south
Get a seat or sit on the lawn to see films on a 40-foot screen at Millennium Park Summer Film Series. Free.The King and I
June 14 - July 2, 2017
0.5 miles SW
The King and I is a “breathtaking and exquisite” [NY Times] musical by Rodgers & Hammerstein set in 19th-century Bangkok, winning Best Musical Revival, at the Oriental Theatre. Discount tickets $29 to $65.Classical music festival
June 14 - Aug. 19, 2017
Chicago locations
Grant Park Music Festival is an outdoor classical music series at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The rear seats are free, or bring a blanket or lawn chairs.Party in the planetarium
June 15, 2017 (6:30 to 10:30 p.m.)
2.5 miles SE
Adler After Dark: Planetary Prom is a dance party “with hands-on programs, theater shows, and special talks on current planetary missions” at Adler Planetarium for age 21+.Women’s comedy
June 15 - 18, 2017
5 miles north
See 400 women perform stand-up, sketch, improv, burlesque, and musical comedy shows at Chicago Women’s Funny Festival at Stage 773.Shakespeare outdoors
June 15 - 30, 2017
12 miles west
Macbeth is Shakespeare’s tragic story about a Scottish King betrayed by his friend, set in a gloomy world of ghosts and witches at Austin Gardens in Oak Park. Discount tickets $5 to $15.Beer tasting at the zoo
June 16 - 17, 2017 (6 to 10:30 p.m.)
2.5 miles north
Taste 20 samples of 75 beers, buy food, play lawn games, hear DJ music, and visit the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo during Craft Brews at the Zoo [formerly Brew to Be Wild] for age 21+.Villa Park festival
June 16 - 17, 2017
20 miles west
Villa Park Summerfest has a car show, music, food, and drinks Friday night. On Saturday, enjoy an arts and crafts show, food fair, music, and kids’ entertainment on Ardmore Ave. in Villa Park. Free.Taste of Randolph
June 16 - 18, 2017
1.5 miles west
Popular Taste of Randolph Street offers six blocks of artisan and restaurant booths plus three music stages on W Randolph Street from Peoria St. to Racine Ave. Donation.Italian block party
June 16 - 18, 2017
5 miles SW
Festa Pasta Vino celebrates Italian culture with three stages of entertainment, Italian wine and cuisine, and a Florentine market on Father’s Day weekend at 24th Street & Oakley Avenue. Donation.Elgin festival
June 16 - 18, 2017
40 miles NW
Elgin Ribfest combines barbecue, live music, and a Sunday car show at Festival Park.Book fair
June 17, 2017
2.5 miles west
Browse collectible books, vintage magazines, rare maps, and autographs at the Chicago Book & Paper Fair at Plumbers Union Hall.Puerto Rican Parade
June 17, 2017 (2 p.m.)
5 miles west
The Puerto Rican People’s Parade is on Division Street from Western Avenue to Sacramento Avenue. Free.Beer and wine festival
June 17, 2017
31.8 miles NW
Try samples from 10 local breweries and wineries at Solstice Hop & Vine Fest, with food and live music at Meineke Park in Schaumburg for age 21+.Art fair in Grant Park
June 17 - 18, 2017
1 mile SE
The Gold Coast Art Fair at Grant Park has 300 juried artists, plus live music, beer, and food at Butler Field on E Monroe Street. Free.Pride festival
June 17 - 18, 2017
6 miles north
Chicago Pride Fest is a huge weekend street festival for gay and lesbian pride with dance and pop music on two stages, food, drink, arts and crafts vendors, and a Sunday pet parade at Waveland & Halsted. Donation. (See June 25, 2017 for the Chicago Pride Parade.)Evanston arts festival
June 17 - 18, 2017
11 miles north
Custer Fair is a big arts and craft fair with three stages of folk and Native American music, a children’s area, and food from 30 restaurants at Main Street and Chicago Avenue. Donation.Cantigny Park art fair
June 17 - 18, 2017
27 miles west
Art in Bloom has juried artists, live music and demos, beautiful gardens, food trucks, and a Father’s Day brunch in Wheaton. Free admission except parking.LEGO expo
June 17 - 18, 2017
39 miles NW
See amazing LEGO creations at Brickworld Chicago, with displays and vendors at Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. Discount tickets $9.50.Father’s Day restaurants
June 18, 2017
Chicago locations
OpenTable lists restaurants that offer special brunch, lunch, and dinner menus on Father’s Day.Father’s Day dining cruise
June 18, 2017
1 mile east
Take a Father’s Day brunch or dinner cruise with views, departing from Navy Pier.Father’s Day dance party
June 18, 2017 (1 to 2:30 p.m.)
4.6 miles NW
Father’s Day Beauty and the Beast Dance Party is a family-friendly beginner dance class for 45 minutes that includes the waltz, followed by open dancing and light refreshments at Duet Dance Studio.Father’s Day BBQ
June 18, 2017 (12 to 2 p.m.)
14 miles SW
Make a reservation for the all-you-can-eat Father’s Day BBQ buffet with cash bar at the Brookfield Zoo.Technology festival
June 19 - 23, 2017
2.5 miles south
Techweek includes speakers, vendors, recruiters, parties, and a 2-day summit (June 23 & 24) at Merchandise Mart.Comedy festival
June 20 - 25, 2017
Old Town & Lake View
Snubfest invites dozens of comedians who were rejected by other festivals to do sketch comedy, stand-up, and storytelling at Zanies and Under the Gun.Swedish Days
June 20 - 25, 2017
42 miles west
Swedish Days features arts & crafts, Scandinavian food, a Maypole dance, and music in Geneva. See schedule.Music day
June 21, 2017
Chicago locations
Hear music at dozens of locations on Make Music Day. Free.Secret lives of teachers
June 22 - Aug. 6, 2017
20.1 miles north
Find out what goes on behind the mysterious door of The Faculty Lounge in this comedy about five teachers who relax, vent their frustrations, and share their hopes and insecurities at Oil Lamp Theater in Glenview. Discount tickets $18.Ale festival
June 23 - 24, 2017
0.9 miles south
Chicago Ale Fest features samples of 200 beers from 100 craft breweries, plus live music and restaurant food at Butler Field in Grant Park.Block party at St. Pat’s
June 23 - 24, 2017
3.7 miles SW
The World’s Largest Block Party has great bands, food, and drinks served by local celebrity bartenders in UIC parking lot at S. Morgan St. and W. Taylor St.Greek festival on Gold Coast
June 23 - 25, 2017
1.3 miles north
Looking for a small, friendly, free festival? Gold Coast Greek Fest offers Greek food, beverages, music, and dancing at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Free admission.Country music festival
June 23 - 25, 2017
2.4 miles SE
Hear 24 country artists, including Tim McGraw and Martina McBride at LakeShake at Huntington Bank Pavilion. Food, drinks, vendors, and games onsite.Art festival on Logan Square
June 23 - 25, 2017
6.5 miles NW
Logan Square Arts Festival offers art installations, local music, family activities, beer, and local restaurant food on Logan Square. Donation.Zombie march
June 24, 2017 (3:30 p.m.)
0.5 miles south
The free Chicago Zombie March begins at the “bean” in Millennium Park. See their page if you want to buy a zombie makeover.Volunteer day
June 24, 2017
0.7 miles SW
Join 5,000 volunteers helping to make Chicago a better place during Serve-a-thon, a single day of community service starting at Daley Plaza. Lunch, transportation, and an after-party included for $10.Chicago Bears run
June 24, 2017
2 miles south
Join the official Chicago Bears 5K, with food, games, live music, the Bears Drumline, Monster Squad, and Staley Da Bear at Soldier Field.Dragon boat races
June 24, 2017
3 miles south
Watch teams compete in colorful boats on the river, hear music, see dance, shop vendors, and attend an awards ceremony at Dragon Boat Race for Literacy at Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 W 19th Street. Free.Food truck festival
June 24 - 25, 2017
2.1 miles south
Chicago Food Truck Fest brings 50 food trucks and music to 1600 S. Wabash Avenue.Evanston fair
June 24 - 25, 2017
12 miles north
Evanston Chamber Artisan SummerFest [formerly Fountain Square Art Festival] features 150 juried artists, an eco-art “remix” area, strolling musicians, a kids’ area, food vendors, and craft beer and wine tasting at Church & Sherman in Evanston. Donation.Civil War event
June 24 - 25, 2017 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
22 miles west
Hear a cannon fire (11 a.m., 12 & 1 p.m.), see a battle skirmish, hear about Sherman’s march to the sea, meet Abraham Lincoln, and buy lunch on Civil War Reenactment Weekend at Fischer Farm in Bensenville. Free.Highland Park art festival
June 24 - 25, 2017
27 miles north
The Art Center of Highland Park - Festival of Fine Arts has 125 juried artists who create visual art (glass, wood, ceramics, fiber, jewelry). Donation.Acrobatic version of Moby Dick
June 24 - Sept. 3, 2017
0.7 miles north
See a high-flying cirque-style aerial and acrobatic version of Moby Dick, about a giant whale pursued by a sailing captain and crew at Lookingglass Theatre. Discount tickets $65.Pride parade
June 25, 2017 (noon)
6 miles north
Chicago Pride Parade for gay and lesbian pride has 200 floats, decorated vehicles, performers, and marching bands that go past 800,000 spectators on N. Broadway. No alcohol. Free.Get painted as you run
June 25, 2017
6.1 miles north
Wear a white shirt and get bombarded by color as you run the Color in Motion 5K at Montrose Beach.Scavenger hunt
June 27, 2017 (5 to 9:30 p.m.)
0.8 miles west
Complete mental and physical challenges with teammates at River North Challenge, which includes appetizers, beverages, prizes, and an after party.House Music Tour
June 28, 2017
10 miles south
Your ticket to House Club Tour [sound] gets you into 10 different clubs playing house music, with a bus connecting them all, and a free after party.Fake wedding
June 29, 2017 (7 to 9 p.m.)
0.6 miles west
Attend an emotional wedding ceremony, have a drink and appetizers (included), and dance at a reception as you check out wedding vendors in action at The Big Fake Wedding Chicago at 222 N. LaSalle Street.Oak Fest
June 29 - July 4, 2017
26 miles SW
OakFest offers live music, a carnival, food vendors, bingo, a Sunday car/bike show, and July 4 fireworks at 159th & Central Avenue in Oak Forest. Schedule. Free.Windy City RibFest
June 30 - July 2, 2017
6 miles north
Windy City RibFest in Uptown has food, beer, wine, bands, arts & crafts, and afternoon kids’ activities at W Lawrence Ave. & Broadway. Donation.Botanic Garden Art Festival
June 30 - July 2, 2017
24 miles north
Browse 100 booths of botanic-inspired arts and fine crafts offered by juried artists in pretty gardens at the Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival in Glencoe. Members’ day is Friday. Free except parking.Hot-air balloons & fireworks
June 30 - July 2, 2017
28 miles west
Lisle’s Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival has colorful hot-air balloon launches, flights, and evening balloon glows, as well as a carnival (starts Wednesday), food court, craft booths, a kids’ area, live music, and nightly fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Admission fee.American music festival
June 30 - July 3, 2017
10 miles west
FitzGerald’s American Music Festival features 40 Americana/roots bands and BBQ in Berwyn.Naperville RibFest
June 30 - July 3, 2017
31 miles SW
Naperville RibFest has great food, plenty of music, and free fireworks on July 3 at Knoch Park in Naperville.Festival in Mount Prospect
June 30 - July 4, 2017
24.2 miles NW
Mount Prospect Lions Club Festival is a big carnival with food vendors, a beer and wine tent, evening entertainment, a car show July 1, and fireworks June 30 and July 4 at Melas Park. Schedule.Frontier Days
June 30 - July 4, 2017
26 miles NW
Frontier Days Festival has family activities, live music, a carnival, a parade, and a weekend craft market at Recreation Park in Arlington Heights.Northwest festival
June 30 - July 4, 2017
35 miles NW
Northwest Fourth-Fest has carnival rides, music, a craft fair, fireworks, and a parade at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. See schedule.
