Get ready for a season of vibrant arts, culture and community spirit! Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) have officially announced the 2025 lineup of festivals and events spanning the entire year, starting this May.
Where to Go and What to Do in Chicago for 2025
This year’s festival season brings back a lineup of beloved events, including:
Chicago Blues Festival (June 5 – 8)
Chicago Gospel Music Festival (July 12)
Chicago Air and Water Show (August 16 & 17)
Chicago Jazz Festival (August 28 – 31)
Taste of Chicago (September 5 – 7)
Alongside these marquee events, Chicagoans can enjoy the return of neighborhood favorites such as the Chicago Farmers Markets (May – October), Millennium Park Summer Music Series (June 26 – August 7), Millennium Park Summer Film Series (July 1 – August 26) and Chicago SummerDance (June – August).
Your Guide to Chicago’s Hottest Events of the Year
(Dates subject to change. Visit Chicago.gov/DCASE for updates.)
Chicago Farmers Markets – May through October (Various locations). Opening dates: Division Street Market (May 17), Daley Plaza Market (May 22).
Maxwell Street Market – Second Sundays, May through October (1330 S. Halsted).
Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony & Parade – May 24 (Daley Plaza and State Street).
Millennium Park Summer Workouts – Saturdays, May 17 – August 30 (Great Lawn).
Music, Dance, and Cultural Delights Await
Chicago Blues Festival – June 5 – 8 (Ramova Theatre, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and Millennium Park).
Millennium Park Summer Music Series – 10 concerts, Mondays & Thursdays, June 26 – August 7 (Jay Pritzker Pavilion).
Chicago Gospel Music Festival – July 12 (Jay Pritzker Pavilion).
Millennium Park Summer Film Series – Tuesdays, July 1 – August 26 (Jay Pritzker Pavilion).
Chicago SummerDance – June – September (Citywide pop-ups & special events). Spirit of Music Garden: August 7 – 23.
Thrills and Spectacle Over the Lakefront
Chicago Air and Water Show – August 16 – 17 (North Avenue Beach & Lakefront, with rehearsal on August 15).
Chicago House Music Conference & Festival – August 22 – 23 (Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, Spirit of Music Garden, and Riverwalk).
Chicago Jazz Festival – August 28 – 31 (Citywide, including the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park).
Savor the Flavors and Sounds of the City
Taste of Chicago – September 5 – 7 (Grant Park & Neighborhoods). Additional Taste events in Marquette Park (June 28), Pullman Park (July 19), and Albany Park (August 9).
World Music Festival Chicago – September 26 – October 5 (Citywide, including the Chicago Cultural Center).
Celebrate the Holidays in True Chicago Style
City Holiday Events – Millennium Park: Tree Lighting Ceremony (November 21), Holiday Market (November 21 – 23), Holiday Sing-Along (December 5, 12, 19).
New Year’s Eve Celebration – December 31 (Riverwalk).
Classical Music Under the Stars
Grant Park Music Festival – June 11 – August 16 (Jay Pritzker Pavilion).
(For complete event details and updates, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and follow @ChicagoDCASE on social media.)
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