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 The Pritzker Pavillion and Great Lawn are filled with music fans during the 2024 Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park.
June 5 – 8: Chicago Blues Festival (Ramova Theatre, Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Millennium Park);
MillenniumPark.org and
ChicagoBluesFestival.us July 12: Chicago Gospel Music Festival at Jay Pritzker Pavilion);
MillenniumPark.org and
ChicagoGospelMusicFestival.us The Blue Angels perform aerial stunts along North Avenue Beach during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach in 2024.
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);
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