10 Best Chicago Events to Attend in 2023

Chicago Dyes River Green! ☘️

A tradition since 1962, representatives of the Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 pour dye into the Chicago River on the morning of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, turning the water a bright shade of green.  The Chicago River dyeing takes place between Columbus Drive and State Street, so head to the Michigan Avenue bridge or snag a spot along the Riverwalk for the best views of the action.

Events Details
🗓 Saturday March 11 | 10:00am
📍Chicago Riverwalk, IL 60601

Memorial Day Fireworks 🎆

📸: Navy Pier

One of the city’s top attractions is Navy Pier, a waterfront stretch of rides, restaurants, and entertainment, and more. The Pier is known for its spectacular summer fireworks displays , which kick off with the Memorial Day Fireworks Show. While you’re there, take a spin on the iconic Centennial Wheel and grab a drink at Offshore, the largest rooftop bar in the world.

Events Details
🗓 Saturday March 27 | 10:00pm
📍Navy Pier 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Nascar Chicago Street Race 🏁

📸: Nascar Chicago

For the first time ever, the sights, sounds and speed of NASCAR are coming to the streets of downtown Chicago. One of the most iconic cities in the world, Chicago will add another chapter to its illustrious sports history when a NASCAR Cup Series street race debuts against the backdrop of Lake Michigan and Grant Park, televised on NBC.  Check it out this summer in Grant Park! The races will be surrounded by music and entertainment options for all ages, truly making it one of the signature sporting and entertainment events of the year.

Events Details
🗓 Saturday July 1st-2nd
📍Chicago Street Course Balbo & Columbus, Chicago, IL 60605

Taste of Chicago🌮🍕🍟🌽

📸: Taste Of Chicago

The Taste of Chicago (also known locally as The Taste)  is the world’s largest food festival, held for five days in Grant Park. This event is also one of the largest festivals in Chicago. Non-food-related events include live music on multiple stages and more.

Events Details
🗓 Friday July 7th-Sunday July 9th
📍Grant Park Buckingham Fountain, 301 S. Columbus Dr. Chicago, IL 60605

Lollapalooza 🎉

📸: Lollapalooza

Each year, thousands of fans travel from around the world to experience Lollapalooza in Chicago. Those lucky enough to score tickets get to experience the festival’s legendary musical acts, scenic lakefront setting, and unbeatable summer atmosphere against the backdrop of Chicago’s magnificent skyline.

Lollapalooza has called Chicago home for more than 30 years. Since then, this larger-than-life lakefront music experience has become one of the country’s long-running festivals — not to mention one of the largest and most iconic music festivals in the world.

Events Details
🗓 Thursday August 3rd-Sunday August 6th
📍Grant Park 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

Jazzin at the Shedd 🐠🎶

📸:  Jazzin at the Shedd

Live jazz revels at Shedd Aquarium! The popular midweek Jazzin’ at the Shedd series returns this June with a festival-worthy lineup of Chicago’s top jazz ensembles.

As the sun goes down and the music heats up, relax with a drink on the breezy terrace to take in our unbeatable city view or stroll the aquarium and experience the unbelievable animals that live inside. Head to the Shedd Aquarium–where great music, the city skyline, fireworks and animals come together!

Events Details
🗓 TBA
📍Shedd Aquarium 1200 S Dusable Lk Shr Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago Air & Water Show ✈️

The Chicago Air and Water Show presented by the City of Chicago is the largest FREE show of its kind in the United States. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point. Watch for the highly anticipated appearance of the US Air Force Thunderbirds along with appearances by the U.S. Army parachute team, the Golden Knights. Joining them will be the usual popular flying demos, antique flying machines, and demonstrations by Chicago’s own fire department air/sea rescue and … lots more!

Events Details
🗓 Saturday August 19th-Sunday August 20th | 9:00am
📍Chicago Riverwalk, IL 60601

Chicago Jazz Festival 🎹

📸: Chicago Jazz Festival

The Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that promotes all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming. The festival showcases Chicago’s local talent alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation for one of the city’s most beloved art forms.

Events Details
🗓 Friday September 1st-4th
📍Chicago Riverwalk, IL 60601

Hyde Park Summer Fest ☀️

📸: Hyde Park Summer Fest

Hyde Park Summer Fest connects diverse groups of people in one space to unplug, ground themselves, and create new experiences in a natural environment in one of Chicago’s most iconic neighborhoods. As a multi-generational experience, the festival brings life and unique opportunities of engagements to those who appreciate music, culture, and entertainment through our expanded campus and enhanced programming stamping its place in Chicago history.  Hyde Park Summer Fest takes place at Midway Plaisance Park near the University of Chicago campus and is completely outdoors.

Events Details
🗓 Saturday June 17th-18th
📍Midway Plaisance Park 1130 Midway Plaisance, Chicago, IL 60637

Bank of America Chicago Marathon 🏃‍♀️

📸: Chicago Marathon

Whether you’re ready to race or just joining the cheering committee, you can catch the Bank of America Chicago Marathon all across the city every October. This elite athletic event is one of the most prestigious marathons in the world, and is one of the six World Marathon Majors. Watch amateur and elite athletes from around the world race through Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, which come out in full force to cheer on the runners.

Events Details
🗓 Sunday October 8th
📍Grant Park at the intersection of Columbus Drive and Monroe Street 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601