Here’s a reminder of warm days ahead and fun in the sun because nobody does summer better than Chicago. Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) unveiled the 2026 lineup of Chicago festivals and events, kicking off in May and running through the holiday season.
Showcasing the city’s creative energy, diverse cultural landscape and neighborhood pride, this season features beloved classics alongside dynamic programs that invite residents and visitors to experience Chicago’s best in music, food, art and community gatherings.
“Chicago’s festival season is a celebration of who we are as a city. We are creative, diverse, welcoming and full of life. These events bring our neighborhoods together, lift up local artists and businesses, and invite the world to experience the energy that make Chicago an undeniable cultural destination,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “From free music and dance to legendary food and cultural festivals, this season reflects our commitment to joy, access and opportunity for all.”
From the return of beloved staples like the Chicago Blues Festival, Taste of Chicago, and the Chicago Air and Water Show, to citywide programs including Chicago SummerDance, Farmers Markets and free outdoor concerts and films in Millennium Park, Chicago’s cultural calendar is once again set to energize residents and visitors alike.
“Chicago’s festivals and events are more than entertainment. They are engines for our creative economy and powerful expressions of our city’s cultural identity,” said DCASE Acting Commissioner Kenya Merritt. “This season’s lineup showcases world-class talent, supports small businesses and creates unforgettable experiences for all attendees. We’re proud to continue investing in free, inclusive programming that strengthens our neighborhoods and keeps Chicago at the center of global culture.”
2026 Event Calendar
- Chicago Farmers Markets (Citywide markets including Daley Plaza)— May through October; Division Street Farmers Market opens Saturday, May 16, and Daley Plaza Farmers Market opens Thursday, May 21. ChicagoFarmersMarkets.us
- Maxwell Street Market (1330 S. Halsted) — Monthly, Sundays, May – October. MaxwellStreetMarket.us
- Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony & Parade — Saturday, May 23, Chicago.gov/DCASE
- Millennium Park Summer Workouts (Great Lawn) — Saturdays, May 16 – September 5. MillenniumPark.org
- Chicago Blues Festival (Ramova Theatre and Millennium Park) — Thursday through Sunday, June 4 – 7. MillenniumPark.org | ChicagoBluesFestival.us
- Millennium Park Summer Music Series (Jay Pritzker Pavilion) — Nine concerts, most Mondays & Thursdays, June 15 – August 6. MillenniumPark.org
- Millennium Park Summer Film Series (Jay Pritzker Pavilion) — Tuesdays, July 1 – August 19. MillenniumPark.org
- Taste of Chicago (Grant Park) — Wednesday through Sunday, July 8–12. TasteofChicago.us
- Chicago Gospel Music Festival (Jay Pritzker Pavilion) — Friday and Saturday, July 24 – 25. ChicagoGospelMusicFestival.us
- Chicago SummerDance (Citywide, including Night Out in the Parks pop-up events and Spirit of Music Garden) — July and August. ChicagoSummerDance.org
- Chicago Air and Water Show (North Avenue Beach) — Saturday and Sunday, August 15 – 16 (rehearsal Friday, August 14). ChicagoAirandWaterShow.us
- Chicago House Music Festival & Conference (Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park) — Thursday through Sunday, August 27 – 30. ChicagoHouseMusicFestival.org
- Chicago Jazz Festival (Citywide, including Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park) — Thursday through Sunday, September 3 – 6. MillenniumPark.org | ChicagoJazzFestival.us
- World Music Festival Chicago (Citywide) — Friday through Sunday, September 25 – October 4. WorldMusicFestivalChicago.org
- Chicago Made Music Showcase Finale (Chicago Cultural Center) — Saturday, October 24. ChicagoMade.us
- City Holiday Events (Millennium Park) — City of Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony (Friday, November 20); Holiday Market (Friday–Sunday, November 20 – 22); and Holiday Sing Along (Fridays, December 4, 11, 18). Chicago.gov/Holiday
- New Year’s Eve Celebration — Thursday, December 31. Chicago.gov/NYE
All dates and event details are subject to change. For updates and full programming information throughout the season, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and the individual festival websites linked above.
Plus, more exciting announcements are on the way, including upcoming Chicago Cultural Center programming, citywide art exhibitions, Millennium Park workout series and film showings, and other signature cultural experiences that will further expand the City of Chicago’s 2026 event season.
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