Events & Entertainment

January

Gingerbread Fantasy Factory

Held through early January

Location:  Chicago Children's Museum

312-527-1000

Call for additional information Join in as children of all ages "make", "bake" and decorate pretend gingerbread creations as well as dress up to reenact the Gingerbread Man, catch their breath to read the original story, or create scented gingerbread sculptures. Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light 2004 Held through early January

Location: Museum of Science and Industry

773-684-3323

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Experience a Chicago tradition more than six decades old. Christmas Around the World features an enchanted forest of glimmering trees, each decorated with meticulous care by one of Chicago's ethnic communities. Winter Flower Show and Holiday Garden Railway Exhibition Held through early January

Location: Lincoln Park Conservatory

312-742-7736

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Several model trains, including an old fashioned steam engine, circus train, freight train and trolley, will wind their way through a miniature village set in a field of vibrant red, pink and white poinsettias. Winter Wedding Faire & Fashion Show Held in early January

Location: Oak Lawn

708-229-8850 Call for additional information

Plan every detail of the perfect wedding and see the latest in bridal fashions presented during a fabulous runway show. SoxFest Annual White Sox Fan Convention Held in mid January

Location: Hyatt Regency Chicago

312-674-1000

SoxFest offers fans the opportunity to meet their favorite current and former Sox players. These players participate in skills clinics, question-and-answer sessions and autograph signings throughout the weekend.  

The Chicagoland Outdoors Show Held in mid January

Location:  Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

Call for additional information

The Chicagoland Outdoors Show is the largest consumer event of its kind in the greater Chicago area. People come from Midwest states to view and purchase fishing and hunting products, plan outdoor vacations, shop for boats, RV's, ATV's and 4WD's.  

Winter Fest

Held in late January

Location:  Centennial Ice Arena

847-433-6901 Call for additional information

Cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating, dog sled & ice sculpting demos. Food and fun for all to celebrate winter!  

The Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show featuring Travel Show Held in mid January

Location: McCormick Place

312-791-7000

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One of the largest events in the Midwest for recreational and leisure activities featuring more than 600 boats, 300 RVs and hundreds of booths filled with outfitters, charter boats, personal watercraft, fishing equipment, wakeboarding & marine accessories. Annual Chicago Snow Sculpting Competition Held in late January

Location: Rolling Meadows

847-394-8500

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At the Atrium Corporate Center located on the north side of Golf Road and about a mile east of Woodfield Mall. Enjoy viewing the work of a three person team that carves a six-foot by six-foot by ten feet block of snow into a masterpiece.

Chicago Winter Delights Held early January – late February

Location: Chicago Cultural Center

312-744-6630

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This winter festival offers the best in culture and entertainment, as well as special hotel rates, themed weekends and hospitality packages.  

February

Strictly Sail Show

Held in early February

Location: Navy Pier

312-595-PIER Call for additional information

This annual show features accessories and equipment dealers to sailing schools, associations/clubs and exhibitors from every aspect of the world of sailing.

Chinese New Year Parade

Held in mid February

Location: Wentworth from Cermak to 24th Street

312-225-0303 Call for additional information

This Chinatown celebration welcomes the Lunar New Year.  The parade includes marching bands, floats, lion teams, 100' Mystical Dragon, Miss Chinatown and Miss Friendship Ambassador along with "fire Crackers" at individual stores.  

Winter Carnival

Held in mid February

Location:  Redmond Recreational Complex

630-594-1190

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Weekend of fun on & off the ice. Star studded ice skating show, with top talent at an affordable price! Carvers compete for the National Ice Carver National Championship trophy. Hockey games, ice games, chili cook-off, open skating and more. The Chicago International Motorcycle Show Held in mid February

Location: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont 

847-692-2220

Powersports enthusiasts from across the country can see the latest and greatest innovations, products and services, aftermarket products, as well as the hottest new motorcycles, ATVs, scooters and more.  

Annual Mardi Gras Competition Held in mid February

Location: The Edge Ice Arena, Bensenville

630-766-8888 Call for additional information

Figure skating competition for individual skaters and synchronized skating teams from the Chicago area.  

Chicago Auto Show Held in mid February

Location: McCormick Place, Chicago

312-791-7000 Call for additional information

Chicago showcases the entire spectrum of automobile manufacturer offerings on a single show floor in the magnificent McCormick Place. This show features more than 1,000 cars, trucks, SUVs and the always-ready-to-steal-the-show concepts. Chicago Winter Delights Held early January – late February

Location: Chicago Cultural Center

312-744-6630

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This winter festival offers both culture and entertainment.  

March

Naperville St. Patrick's Day Parade

Held on March 17

Location:  Spring Street in Naperville

630-305-7701 Call for additional information Featuring approximately 50 entries including Irish dancers, pipe bands and local politicians and a color guard. Celebrate the day of the Irish in Naperville.  

Annual Storytelling Festival Held in mid March Location: Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg

847-895-3600 Call for additional information

Bringing together nationally renowned artists, this is a day of celebrating one of the most enduring art forms.  

Annual Fox Valley Spring Antique Show

Held in mid March

Location:  Kane County Fairgrounds

815-838-0606

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Features antique dealers from 14 states.

Maple Sugaring Days

Held in mid March

Location: Naper Settlement, Naperville

630-420-6010

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Observe costumed villages tapping maple trees to collect the sap, which is boiled down to make maple syrup and sugar.  

Chicago Golf and Backyard Show Held in mid March

Location: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont

847-692-2222 Call for additional information

One of the oldest and largest consumer golf show in the Midwest, and each year it attracts almost 20,000 avid golfers who come to see what's new in golf.  

Chicago Flower and Garden Show Held in mid March

Location: Navy Pier, Chicago

312-595-PIER Call for additional information

Heralding the promise of spring with a burst of welcome color, warmth and cheer, the more than 25 themed gardens brim over, featuring hourly educational lectures, hundreds of gardening products, ongoing demonstrations and workshops.  

April

Chicago Bike Show Held in early April

Location: Navy Pier, Chicago

312-595-PIER

Call for additional information

From extreme stunt shows to the latest products in the bicycling industry, this show brings together major manufacturers, tour operators, local stores, clubs and other bike-related organizations.  

Greater Woodfield Annual "Original" Chefs' Fest Held in mid April

Location: Arlington Park, Arlington Heights

847-490-1010 Call for additional information

Over 40 of the area's most succulent restaurants all in one place! Cooking demonstrations, games & prizes, silent auction. One low admission price lets visitors eat and drink all night long.

Country Folk Art Festival

Held in mid April

Location:  Kane County Fairgrounds

630-858-1568 The country's top artisans and craftsmen offer for sale exacting reproductions of antique American country and formal furniture and accessories, contemporary folk art, and spectacular crafts.  

Illinois State Scramble

Held in mid April

Location:  Village Greens of Woodridge Golf Course, Woodridge

630-985-3610

Call for additional information The Annual Illinois State Scramble is a two person scramble format played at scratch. Any amateur golfer is eligible to enter.

Antique Collectible Toy and Doll World Show Held in late April

Location: Kane County Fairgrounds

773-736-5140

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1500 tables of antique and collectible toys, dolls, playthings, and childhood memorabilia.

Annual Chicago Improv Festival at Cultural Center Held in late April

Location: Chicago Cultural Center

312-744-6630

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The Chicago Cultural Center hosts special events including a week of free performances from Chicago's top improv troupes during the Lunchbreak series and Family Day events.  

May

Annual REACH Duck Race Held in early May

Location: Naperville Riverwalk

630-848-5000

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This event features plastic ducks in a "float" race in the DuPage River along the Naperville Riverwalk, beginning near the Riverwalk Rotary Hill. A pet parade is held in conjunction with the event.

Bike Chicago

Held early May – late July

Location: Varies within Chicago

312-744-3315

Call for additional information

A three-month long celebration. Various events include Bike to Work Day, LATE Ride and Bike Along Lake Shore Drive and numerous workshops to promote health and the environmental benefits of biking.  

Blooming Fest

Held in mid May

Location: Wayne & Helen Fox Community Center, West Chicago

630-593-0141 Call for additional information

West Chicago is blooming in Spring! Held in conjunction with the Garden Club plant sale, Blooming Fest is an outdoor gallery of children's art. Come see what the little Picasso's are creating. An outdoor craft fair features Chicago artisans.  

Railroad Daze in Franklin Park Held in mid May

Location: Franklin Park

847-671-4800

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Exhibits of trains, engines, and sleeping cars are featured. Additionally, there is great music (2 bands each night - Country-Western & Contemporary Rock) as well as children's rides, food vendors and more!

Civil War Days

Held in mid May

Location: Naper Settlement, Naperville

630-420-6010

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Gun powder clouds the grounds, shots ring out in the distance and the Civil War re-enactors have set up camp once again.  

June

Annual Matteson Festival Held in mid June

Location: Memorial Park, Matteson

708-748-1080

Call for additional information

Outdoor community festival featuring live entertainment daily. Carnival rides, arts & crafts, food/beer garden and much more. Free parking and admission to festival.  

Naper Days Celebration

Held in mid June

Location: Naper Settlement, Naperville

630-420-6010

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Celebrate the best Naperville has to offer, from its past, present and future! Including multiple stages featuring local musical entertainment, a "Taste of Naperville" hosting local restaurants, a wide variety of family entertainment and much more.  

Bike Chicago

Held early May – late July

Location: Varies within Chicago

312-744-3315

Call for additional information

A three-month long celebration. Various events include Bike to Work Day, LATE Ride and Bike Along Lake Shore Drive and numerous workshops to promote health and the environmental benefits of biking.  

Annual Auto Show Held in late June

Location: 4101 West 183rd Street, Country Club Hills

708-798-2616

One of the most popular auto shows in the south suburbs featuring old cars, not-so-old cars, today's special cars and motorcycles of all kinds  

July

Tennisfest Held in mid July

Location: 2920 West 183rd Street, Homewood

708-799-1323

Call for additional information

A 12-day festival with free tennis clinics, free USA 1-2-3 tennis lessons, tennis sculpture contest, famous player pet contest, tournaments and much more. Gospel Fest

Held in late July

Location: Sesto Park, Chicago Heights

708-755-1351

Call for additional information

Annual Gospel Fest following parade beginning at 10:30am at Wilson Elementary School. Singers, food, games and fellowship.  

Ridgefest

Held in late July

Location: Freedom Park, Chicago Ridge

708-425-7700

Call for additional information

 Annual festival with national bands / acts. Diverse ethnic food vendors, huge carnival, arts/ crafts, special guests and children's entertainment.  

Bike Chicago

Held early May – late July

Location: Varies within Chicago

312-744-3315

Call for additional information

A three-month long celebration. Various events include Bike to Work Day, LATE Ride and Bike Along Lake Shore Drive and numerous workshops to promote health and the environmental benefits of biking.  

September

Frankfort Fall Festival

Held in early September

Location: Frankfort

815-469-3356

Call for additional information

An outdoor show of over 300 crafters and artisans offer an unmatched array of the finest handmade creations.

South Holland Heritage Festival Held in early September

Location: South Holland

708-210-2900

Call for additional information

5 days of different events you can't miss. Gallery of Art, Annual Car Show/Swap Meet, One Book One Body Church & Community, Heritage Paarlberg Fest and so much to see each day for all to enjoy.  

Lake Katherine’s Monarch Butterfly Festival Held in mid September

Location:  Palos Heights

708-361-1873 Call for additional information

Lake Katherine has one of the oldest butterfly events in North America. Walk through the butterfly house. Spider tent, insect exhibitors, crafters, canoes and hay rides, flood.

November

Gingerbread Fantasy Factory

Held November - early January

Location:  Chicago Children's Museum

312-527-1000

Call for additional information Join in as children of all ages "make", "bake" and decorate pretend gingerbread creations as well as dress up to reenact the Gingerbread Man, catch their breath to read the original story, or create scented gingerbread sculptures. Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light Held through early January

Location: Museum of Science and I