Editor's Favorite Events Terse Calendar NOTE: As of 2019 the maintenance of events data here has been largely discontinued now that other systems have finally grown adequate such as FaceBook and Metromix and Reader and Timeout and Do312.
Friday 2024.04.19
Group Skate. Fridays 21+ Free 7:30p UNCONFIRMED
Intermediate through advanced bladers come join the monthly group skate. Be able to skate some near traffic and do a distance of 10-12 miles. Helmet required, other protective gear and water recommended. Weather permitting. Bedno.com/skateDaley Plaza, 50 W Washington. At Dearborn. MAPPHOTOSFINDEVENTSINFOSHARE
Saturday 2024.04.20
Gamma Phi Circus (since 1929). Yearly. All ages. $1-12+ Fr 7p, Sa 1+7p UNCONFIRMED
*Walk&Roll Chicago (since 1973). Walk / skate / bike to fight cancer. Yearly. All ages. 8:30a UNCONFIRMED
Unique charity event for the American Cancer Society. Pledged Bike (15mi), walk (5mi), or skate (10mi). Dogs permitted. Around 5000 people will participate to raise more than $1,000,000. 312/279-7266 walkrollchicago.orgSoldier Field, 1410 South Museum Campus. Stadium Green just South. MAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Model Rocket Launching (since 1963). 3rd Sundays All ages. Free 2-5p UNCONFIRMED
Deeply validates geekness. All skill levels. BYOL (Bring Your Own Launcher). Northern Illinois Rocketry Association hosted. Held away from population centers, only a few launches a year. nirarocketry.orgEast Branch Forest Preserve, Off Glen Ellyn Road near Army Trail Road, Glendale Heights. Use I-355. MAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Monday 2024.04.22
*Earth Day (since 1970). Yearly.
Reflect on ecological issues and commit to the conservation and reclamation of nature. earthday.netPHOTOSINFOSHARE
Tuesday 2024.04.23
Millennium Park Movies. Tuesdays All ages. Free 6:30p UNCONFIRMED
A special day set aside for the planting of trees. First proposed in Nebraska in 1872, later became a legal holiday there. Different date by state. arborday.orgINFOSHARE
Critical Mass (since 1997). Last Fridays All ages Free 5:45p.
THE monthly gathering of bicyclists making our presence known downtown. Unplanned route gently winds a dozen miles or more. Thousands attend in good weather. Includes music, hipsters, athletes, show bikes, so much more. Skaters welcome. Bedno.com/bikeDaley Plaza, 773/486-4861, 50 W Washington. Under the Picasso (giant rusty bird), at Dearborn, SW of State&Lake train stop. chicagocriticalmass.orgMAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Wednesday 2024.05.01
*Full Moon Fire Jam. Monthly. All ages. Free 6:30-9:30p UNCONFIRMED
Gathering for fire spinners, fire jugglers, hoopers, breathers, etc. Practice, networking, and outstanding performances, with drum circle backing. Many hundreds of spectators attend. Estimated 2021 schedule: 2021.04.27 Tuesday 2021.05.26 Wednesday 2021.06.24 Thursday 2021.07.22 Thursday ** 2021.08.22 Sunday 2021.09.20 Monday 2021.10.20 Wednesday. fullmoonjam.org4960 N Simonds Dr Betwix Foster and Lawrence in grass near lake. bedno.com/firejamMAPPHOTOSINFOSHARE
Friday 2024.05.03
Southside Critical Mass. 1st Fridays All ages Free 5:45p UNCONFIRMED
Cinco De Mayo. Spanish for May 5th. Celebrated loudly. Yearly.
Not an independence day. Commemorates a major victory by the outnumbered and underarmed Mexican army, against the occupying French, on this day in 1862. vivacincodemayo.orglaraza.comPHOTOSINFOSHARE
***Kids and Kites Fest (since 1999). Family event, education, expert demos. Yearly. All ages. Free. 10a-4p UNCONFIRMED
****Mothers' Day. Respect and be kind to mothers, especially your own. 2nd Sunday in May Yearly.
Created in 1914 by a proclamation from President Woodrow Wilson. THANXX FOR EVERYTHING MOM!!! MAPINFOSHARE
CircEsteem Spring Circus (since 2002). Sa/Su -2024.05.19 Yearly. All ages. $8-16 2p UNCONFIRMED
"Watch in awe as the kids of the Chicago Youth Circus share their amazing talents." featuring a variety of classic acts. circesteem.orgAlternatives, 773/732-4564, 4730 N Sheridan. East of Red Line Lawrence or Wilson Stops. alternativesyouth.orgMAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Wednesday 2024.05.15
*FINAL Great Parker Rummage Sale. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. Free Sa 9a-4p, Su 10a-4p UNCONFIRMED
***Ride of Silence. 3rd Wednesday in May Yearly. All ages. Free 6:30-9p UNCONFIRMED
12+ mile route quietly passing sites of crash victims, many marked by powerful memorial Ghost Bikes. Held in hundreds of cities worldwide, raises awareness of cyclists legal right to public roadways, and shows respect for fallen comrades. Gather at Eternal Flame. rideofsilence.org/chicagoDaley Plaza, 312/346-3278, 50 W Washington. Washington and Dearborn. cityofchicago.orgMAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Food, music, merchants, major bands late, pet contest. Thousands attend, basic beer tents. 773/665-4682 starevents.comLakeview, 3100 N Ashland. At Barry. MAPPHOTOSFINDEVENTSINFOSHARE
Long Grove Chocolate Fest. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. Free 10a-6p UNCONFIRMED
Freshly made chocolate dipped everythings; fruits, popcorn, donuts, martinis, etc. Chef demos, specialty shops, two entertainment stages. Well managed popular family event in a lovely town. Historic Long Grove, 847/634-0888, Route 83 and Old Route 53, Long Grove. North Suburban. visitlonggrove.comMAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Sunday 2024.05.19
Shavuot. Jewish holiday. -2024.05.21 Yearly. Two nights, sunset to sunset. UNCONFIRMED
*Memorial Day Parade (since 1870). Yearly. All ages. Free 12p UNCONFIRMED
150 units, a dozen bands, veterans distributing flags and poppies, some 25000 participants expected. Wreath laying ceremony at 11a. Note that Grant Park features a statue of General Logan, who first officially recognized this day. tinyurl.com/chiparadesState Street from Lake to Van Buren. cityofchicago.orgPHOTOSINFOSHARE
Monday 2024.05.27
Memorial Day. Last Monday in May Yearly.
Legal Holiday. Honors United States military personnel who died in wars. Formerly called Decoration Day, observed since the civil war. Parades, flags fly at half mast, ceremonies at veteran's graves. Major picnic and veg-e-q day. dmoz.org/Society/Holidays/Memorial_Dayusmemorialday.orgPHOTOSINFOSHARE
***Bike The Drive (since 2002). Yearly. All ages. $35+ 5:30a-10:15a UNCONFIRMED
Ride on L.S.D., closed to cars. Tens of thousands participate. Pre-reg and ID and cash and helmet required. Vendors and parties after. 312/42-PEDAL bikethedrive.orgUpper Hutchinson Field, Columbus and Balbo. Near Buckingham Fountain. MAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Wednesday 2024.05.29
FIREWORKS!!! Sa/We -2024.08.31 Yearly. All ages. Free We 9:30p, Sa 10:15p UNCONFIRMED
Dozens of vendors, ethnic food, assorted bands, pet parade, family activities come, in a great shopping area. 773/728-2995 starevents.comAndersonville, Clark from Foster to Balmorol. andersonville.orgMAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Sunday 2024.06.09
Wells Street Art Festival (since 1975). Over 250 fine artists, food, music. Yearly. $0-5 10a-10p UNCONFIRMED
*Artists of the Wall Festival (since 1994). Bands, vendors, artists, neighbors. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. $30+ Always sells out. 8:30a-8p UNCONFIRMED
Participants paint over 100 mural segments from Pratt to Morse (spaces sell out). Some prizes, mostly fun. One of my ABSOLUTE favorite fests! Blade/bike path, good parks and beach, good bands and acts, veggie friendly and near a Heartland branch. Judging 2pm Sunday. artistsofthewall.comLoyola Park, 1230 W Greenleaf. Around 6900 N on the lake. rogerspark.comMAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Custer Fair (since 1972). Big happy art/music/food/fun fair. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. $1 suggested donation. 10a-9p UNCONFIRMED
Evanston's largest and oldest outdoor event known for diverse and unique features. Kid friendly. "fest of chompin' stompin' and shoppin' isn't just any old street fair." - Chicago Sun Times. 847/328-2204 facebook.com/custerfairDowntown, 847/328-22100, 600 Main St, Evanston. CTA Main St. Purple line and Metra Main Street Stops. cityofevanston.orgMAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Date on which the freedom of the slaves was formally announced in Texas in 1865, more than two years after Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and two months after the end of the Civil War. juneteenth.comINFOSHARE
Strawberry Fest. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. Free 10a-6p UNCONFIRMED
Strawberry foods, drinks and treats everywhere. Entertainment on two stages. 80 shops, galleries, restaurants. Well managed popular family event in a lovely town. starevents.comHistoric Long Grove, 847/634-0888, Route 83 and Old Route 53, Long Grove. North Suburban. visitlonggrove.comMAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Chicago Summerdance (since 1997). Lessons, dancing, big bands, different style everyday. -2024.08.25 Yearly. All ages. Free Su 4-7p, Th-Sa 6-9:30p UNCONFIRMED
Salsa, Swing, Waltz, Bamboleo, Cha Cha, Polka, Tango, Mambo, Fox Trot, etc. Lessons first hour. chicagosummerdance.orgGrant Park, 312/742-4007, 601 S Michigan. Between Harrison and Balbo, easy by train, bus, trolley, bike or blade. MAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Sunday 2024.06.30
*Tour de Fat. Party and performance event promoting Fat Tire beer. Yearly. $? UNCONFIRMED
***Gay Pride Parade and Festival (since 1970). One of the nation's largest. Last Sunday in June Yearly. All ages. Free 12p UNCONFIRMED
Hundreds of floats, thousands of flamboyantly happy people. Special events at all area bars and restaurants, major after-parties. Wear sun screen. Typically goes S on Broadway, S on Halsted, E on Belmont, S on Broadway, E on Diversey to Cannon Drive. 773/348-8243 chicagopride.gopride.comUptown, 4400 N Broadway. At Montrose. MAPINFOSHARE
Thursday 2024.07.04
*Independence Day. Yearly.
Legal holiday. The Declaration of Independence from Great Britain was passed by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on this day in 1776. Typically observed with picnics and evening fireworks. holidays.net/independenceINFOSHARE
*Beacon of Freedom parade (since 1922). Yearly. All ages. Free 2p.
Evanston has an extraordinary Independence Day parade, rated among the nation's best. Over 100 floats many representing alternative interests. Come early, bring sunscreen. evanston4th.orgNorth Evanston, Central Street and Central Park Avenue, Evanston. Marches East to Ashland. Easily reached by Purple line and Metra. MAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Saturday 2024.07.06
Earth at Aphelion. Our orbit's farthest point from the sun. Yearly. UNCONFIRMED
Bristol Renaissance Faire (since 1988). Party like it's 1599!!! Sa/Su -2024.09.01 Yearly. All ages. $8-16+ Coupons online. 10a-7p UNCONFIRMED
Open just nine enchanted weekends, rain or shine. Spend all day. Hundreds of costumed performers (about a dozen stages) including Queen Elizabeth & Court, over 160 unique artisans all within a recreated 16th Century village. Mouth watering foods of all description (several dozen booths) and aroma & fine imported ales. Big, fun, joyful, semi-realistic, classic goth outing, costumes encouraged, sometimes hot. Renaissance Village, 847/395-7773, 12550 120th, Kenosha WI. 94 North to Russell Rd (Exit 1), left (W) to Frontage Rd, right to 128 then follow signs. renfair.com/bristolMAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Taste Of Chicago (since 1981). Beer, meat, people, major bands. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. Free entry. 10a-9p UNCONFIRMED
Newly reformatted, 40+ quality restaurants represented. Bring money and sun screen. Variety of special attractions including flume ride, kid fun, local TV stars, high diving, much more. Good bands at several stages all day. tasteofchicago.usGrant Park, 312/744-3370, Columbus and Balbo. Easy by train, bus, trolley, bike or blade. cityofchicago.orgMAPPHOTOSFINDEVENTSINFOSHARE
Sunday 2024.07.14
Southport Art&Music Fest. Yearly. All ages. $5 12-10p UNCONFIRMED
Mix of fine art by day and bumpin' music at night "for a picture-perfect Chicago neighborhood street festival." starevents.com3700 N Southport Ave At Waveland. southportneighbors.comMAPSHARE
Featuring cultural entertainment, kid stuff, arts and crafts, shopping, street vendors, taste of China, more. Lion Dance at 12:30p. Chinatown Square, 2130 S Archer. Wentworth from Cermak to 24th. chicagochinatown.org/summer-fairMAPPHOTOSFINDEVENTSINFOSHARE
Thursday 2024.07.18
Festival Of The Lakes. -Sunday Yearly. UNCONFIRMED
Major bands, carnival rides and games, foods, boating, etc. Surprisingly easily accessible by CTA+Metra. festival.gohammond.comWolf Park, 2398 S. Calumet Ave, Whiting IN. MAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Saturday 2024.07.20
Anniversary of First Moon Landing (since 1969). Yearly.
Apollo 11 was launched on July 16th, 1969, carrying astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. and Michael Collins. The spacecraft landed in the Mare Tranquillitatis at 3:17 PM CDT on July 20th. At 9:56 PM Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the moon, issuing the now famous phrase "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind". Aldrin followed shortly while Collins remained in the orbiting command module. nasa.govINFOSHARE
*Pitchfork Music Festival. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. $15-35+ May sell out. 1-9p UNCONFIRMED
World Arts & Music Fest (since 1986). Yearly. All ages. Free 12-7p UNCONFIRMED
"Celebration of global diversity features art from an abundance of countries, family crafts activities, international cuisine, and live music and dance performances." Dawes Park, 847/448-8058, Church street at the lakefront, Evanston. cityofevanston.org/worldmusicMAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
SlutWalk. Yearly. All ages. Free 12-4p UNCONFIRMED
"March in support of education and against intolerance. Aims to combat the myth of 'the slut' and the culture of victim blaming" bedno.com/fb/621510764887826Old Water Tower, 800 N. Michigan Ave. MAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Thursday 2024.08.01
International Clown Week. -2024.08.06 Yearly.
Proclaimed in 1971 by Nixon. "I urge the people of the United States recognize the contributions made by clowns in their entertainment at children's hospitals, charitable institutions, for the mentally retarded, and generally helping to lift the spirits and boost the morale of our people." Observed Sunday in some years with a ceremony at Showmen's Rest in Woodlawn Cemetery. internationalclownweek.orgPHOTOSINFOSHARE
Friday 2024.08.02
*Lollapalooza. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. $90-850 12-10p UNCONFIRMED
Over 100 bands across eight stages and three days. lollapalooza.comGrant Park, 312/744-3370, Columbus and Balbo. Easy by train, bus, trolley, bike or blade. MAPPHOTOSFINDEVENTSINFOSHARE
Tuesday 2024.08.06
Hiroshima day (since 1945). Yearly.
On this day in 1945, an American bomber "Enola Gay" made the first wartime use of an atomic weapon. A single bomb was dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, destroying it completely. This day is often used for anti-nuclear protests worldwide. Watch for symbolic body outlines drawn on the ground in major cities. city.hiroshima.jptheenolagay.comINFOSHARE
Wednesday 2024.08.07
Northalsted Market Days (since 1982). Big crowded boystown fest. -Sunday Yearly. $? 11a-10p UNCONFIRMED
Over 400 vendors, 25 entertainers, bands at three stages, food from 55 restaurants, six city blocks, 17 entrances, 250K expected. Minimal clothing. Good blading on closed streets after closing. Boystown, 773/868-3010, Belmont and Halsted. Runs North to Addison. Easy train access. northalsted.comMAPPHOTOSFINDEVENTSINFOSHARE
Thursday 2024.08.08
Happiness Happens Day (since 1999). Yearly. All ages. Free.
(aka "HappyThon") Real event pursuing proclamation, sponsored by the "Secret Society of Happy People" to rebuff popular cynicism. Smile at strangers. Generally observed all August as "Happiness Happens" month. sohp.comPHOTOSINFOSHARE
Saturday 2024.08.10
Bud Billiken Day Parade (since 1929). On ABC&WGN, w/ mayor. 2nd Saturday in August Yearly. All ages. Free 2.5hr 10a UNCONFIRMED
Retro on Roscoe (since 1995). -Sunday Yearly. All ages. $5 (donation) 12-10p UNCONFIRMED
Antique cars, handmade crafts, retro music, kids activities, plenty of food, chilli cookoff, dozens of bands at three stages. 773/665-4682 starevents.comRoscoe from Damen to Hamilton MAPSHARE
**Air and Water Show (since 1959). WORLD CLASS EVENT!!! -Sunday Yearly. 9a-4p UNCONFIRMED
Water show 9-11a, air show 11a-4p. Narrated on WBBM (780AM) so bring a radio, swimming, vending, megapeople, dangerous UV so use sunscreen. Arrive early, bring water, prepare for extreme crowds. Consider watching from alternate points such as Montrose, a cruise, or hi-rise. Blue Angels, Lima Lima, Navy SEALs, bi-planes, F15, F14, F18, F117, B1b, B2, C141, KC135, AH64, A10 aircraft. chicagoairandwatershow.usPeaks at North Avenue beach, 312/744-3370. Red line to Clark/Division then walk North. explorechicago.orgMAPPHOTOSFINDEVENTSINFOSHARE
Saturday 2024.08.24
Taste of Greece. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. $3 12-11p UNCONFIRMED
Celebrates the anniversary of the 19th constitutional amendment ratified in 1920 granting women the right to vote. Formerly known as Woman Suffrage Day. women.comINFOSHARE
North Coast Music Festival. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. $50-225+ UNCONFIRMED
A dozen majors acts at several stages all day for three days. northcoastfestival.comUnion Park, 1501 W Randolph. Near Washington/Ogden intersection. MAPPHOTOSSHARE
Monday 2024.09.02
Labor Day. 1st Monday in September Yearly.
Honors working people and celebrates their history and accomplishments. Essentially identical to the European May Day celebrated on May 1st. First observed in NYC on 1882.09.05 by the Knights of Labor. dol.govSHARE
Wednesday 2024.09.04
*Burning Man Main Burn. Yearly. Some time well after sunset in NV (~7:30pm PDT). Local CDT 9:30p UNCONFIRMED
Rosh Hashanah. Jewish New Year (5782). -2024.09.11 Yearly. Sunset to sunset. UNCONFIRMED
"Head of the year" in Hebrew, this day commemorates the creation of the world. It is celebrated on Tishri 1 by the Hebrew calendar, which falls in early autumn. Rosh Hashanah begins the penitential season, culminating ten days later on Yom Kippur. The synagogue service includes the blowing of the Shofar (ram's horn), and liturgy stressing the sovereignty of God. It is customary on the first day, to go to a river or pond, and there to recite tashlich, scriptural verses about repentance and forgiveness. Introspect and resolve to do better. chabad.org/holidayshebcal.com/holidaysINFOSHARE
"Famous bands for dancing & entertainment in two huge fest tents. Delicious German food & drink" 773/728-3890 germanday.comLincoln Square, 4700 N Lincoln. Near Brown line train Western stop. lincolnsquare.orgMAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Sunday 2024.09.08
Star Trek debut anniversary (since 1966). Animated series also (1973). Yearly.
*Lakeview Fest of Arts (since 2005). Yearly. All ages. Sa 10a-7p, Su 10a-6p UNCONFIRMED
Unique and popular fest of artists, musicians, vendors, demos, etc carefully selected by the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce to bring and represent the best. bedno.com/fb/1803059476395349Lakeview East. Broadway from Belmont to Hawthorne. lakevieweastfestivalofthearts.comMAPSHARE
Von Steuben Parade. Yearly. All ages. Free 2-3p UNCONFIRMED
National Grandparents Day (since 1978). Yearly. First Sunday after Labor day. UNCONFIRMED
Day to honor grandparents. Spearheaded by West Virginia's Marian McQuade as an advocacy for nursing home residents and shut-ins, officially proclaimed by President Jimmy Carter. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Grandparents_DayINFOSHARE
Sunday 2024.09.15
Yom Kippur. Jewish Day of Atonement. -2024.09.16 Yearly. Sunset to sunset. UNCONFIRMED
Celebrated on Tishri 10 of the Hebrew calendar, which falls in early autumn. This Sabbath of Sabbaths is observed by fasting, confession to God of sins committed during the last year, and prayers for forgiveness. Observance begins with the evening Kol Nidre service of repentance. Strictly speaking, one has not atoned until forgiven by the wronged party. Give to charity, reflect, change, and for 24hrs do not eat, no leather, bathing, romance or frivolity. chabad.org/holidaysINFOSHARE
Monday 2024.09.16
Mexican Independence Day. Yearly.
Commemorates the call for independence from Spain in 1821. mexico.comINFOSHARE
*North Shore Century ride (since 1985). Yearly. All ages. $17-25 6a-7p UNCONFIRMED
Evanston Bike Club "incredibly scenic biking... tranquil tree-lined streets... refreshing lake breezes." Uses cue sheets and painted street markings. Five distance options from 25-100 miles. evanstonbikeclub.org/nscDawes Park, 1700 Sheridan Road. MAPSHARE
Long Grove Apple Fest (since 1993). -Sunday Yearly. All ages. Free 10a-6p UNCONFIRMED
Cider donuts, caramel apples, apple pies, even apple popcorn and apple martinis! Bands including country, rock and roll, Dixieland, and jazz, more. Well managed popular family event in a lovely town. starevents.comHistoric Long Grove, 847/634-0888, Route 83 and Old Route 53, Long Grove. North Suburban. visitlonggrove.comMAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Bicycle circumnavigation of the city's boundary with lots of stops for sites and snax. >82 miles over 15+ hours. bedno.com/fb/557656594648838Buckingham Fountain, 451 S Lake Shore Drive. MAPPHOTOSSHARE
Canadian Thanksgiving. 2nd Monday in October Yearly.
This holiday has had a variety of dates back to the late 1500's, and was set to its current date in 1957 by the Canadian government. Though it evolved independently, it's observance is now very similar to the U.S. Thanksgiving. canada.combedno.com/holidaysINFOSHARE
*Indigenous Peoples' Day. 2nd Monday in October Yearly.
*Arts in the Dark Parade. Yearly. All ages. Free 6-8p UNCONFIRMED
Chicago creative communities assemble for a powerful procession capturing their spirits. Large spectacle, legions of lanterns, costumes, music, dance, moving platforms, more. bedno.com/fb/583938511949410On State Parading South from Lake to Van Buren. ArtsInTheDark.orgMAPSHARE
Monday 2024.10.21
*Treehouse of Horrors XXIX (since 1990). Yearly. All ages. Free 7p UNCONFIRMED
**NOCTURNA HALLOWEEN PARTY (since 1989). Hosted by Scary Lady Sarah, Yearly. 18+ $15+ 10p-4a UNCONFIRMED
THE Halloween party for goth/industrial/ethereal community. Includes massive dance party, costume contest with prizes, giveaways, treats, games, more. "For people who live everyday like it's Halloween" bedno.com/fb/314852442402150Metro, 773/549-0203, 3730 N Clark. Near Red Line Addison stop. metrochicago.com/showsMAPTICKETSPHOTOSFINDEVENTSINFOSHARE
*Halloween Magic on Halsted Parade (since 1997). Yearly. All ages. Free 5pm registration. Step off 7:30p UNCONFIRMED
Iconic annual parade is the city's most outrageous and imaginative Halloween celebrations. Thousands watch, dozens perform. Big costume prizes. Halsted closed to cars -8pm. chicagoevents.comBoystown, Halsted at Belmont. Marches North to Cornelia, then back to Roscoe. northalsted.comMAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Friday 2024.11.01
All Saints Day. Yearly.
Christian holiday honors all known and unknown saints, observed with a feast. Observed as "Day of the Dead" (El Dia de los Muertos) in Mexico. christianity.about.comSHARE
Daylight Saving Time ends. Set clocks back to 1a. 1st Sunday in November Yearly. 2a.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) denotes the period of the year when clocks are set ahead one hour. Settings clocks ahead in the summer (spring ahead), and back in the winter (fall back) allows the clock hour to better match the cycle of daylight and night. This provides more daylight time during waking hours. DST was originally suggested by Benjamin Franklin in 1784. It began to be commonly observed during World War I. DST was formally adopted through the Uniform Time Act of 1966, then changed by a few weeks in 2007. Daylight Savings Time starts on the second Sunday in March. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylight_saving_timestandardtime.comINFOSHARE
Anniversary of the signing of the armistice which ended World War I in 1918. This day is also known as Armistice Day in Europe and Remembrance Day in Canada. Many offices closed Monday. Celebration and ceremonies at Soldier Field from 11am. veteransview.comINFOSHARE
Great American Smokeout (since 1977). 3rd Thursday in November Yearly.
Promoted by the American Cancer Society. Quit smoking, at least for the day. 877-YES-QUIT cancer.orgPHOTOSINFOSHARE
Saturday 2024.11.23
*Buy Nothing Day (since 1992). International celebration of consumer awareness and simple living. Yearly. Day after Thanksgiving. UNCONFIRMED
Very real global day of protest against the corporate brainwashing which leads to the un-sustainable Western hyper-consumerist culture. Includes anti-commercials and events at the world's largest malls. Intentionally occurs on the biggest shopping day of the year. See the website for more info. adbusters.org/bndFINDINFOSHARE
Thursday 2024.11.28
*Hanukkah (aka Chanukah). A Jewish holiday, lasts eight days. -2024.12.06 Yearly. Sunset to sunset. UNCONFIRMED
*State Street Thanksgiving Parade (since 1934). Very big, w/ Santa. 4th Thursday in November Yearly. All ages. Free 8a-11a UNCONFIRMED
Top marching bands, 100 giant balloons, carried live on WGN, 300K attend. chicagofestivals.orgState from Congress to Randolph. Downtown, come by train. MAPINFOSHARE
Sunday 2024.12.01
*AIDS awareness day. Yearly.
Internationally recognized day for increasing public awareness about AIDS. The best defense is education. aids.orgINFOSHARE
Day Without Art (since 1989). Commemorates Artists lost to AIDS. Yearly.
*Toys For Tots motorcycle parade (since 1978). 1st Sunday in December Yearly. All ages. Bring a toy. 9:30a UNCONFIRMED
World's largest, drawing over 20000 participants! Many biker Santas. Assembly begins hours earlier. Dan Ryan Woods, 83rd and Western. Travels all the way North to Foster. chicagolandtft.orgMAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Give gifts to service providers such as postal delivery person and trash collector. Sometimes observed on first weekday following xmas. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_DaySHARE
Kwanza. Yearly.
An African American holiday, originally observing the fruit harvest, now with broader themes of family, reverence, commemoration, recommitment and celebration. officialkwanzaawebsite.orgPHOTOSINFOSHARE
Tuesday 2024.12.31
New Years Eve. Yearly.
Last day of the year. Typically observed with a countdown to midnight, at which time one kisses the nearest person. Celebrate with confetti and champagne. theholidayspot.com/newyearSHARE
Wednesday 2025.01.01
New Years Day. Legal holiday. Yearly.
Observed by the making of New Year's resolutions, personal commitments to specific behavioral changes. smokefree.govSHARE
Thursday 2025.01.02
Earth at Perihelion. Our orbit's nearest point to the sun. Yearly. UNCONFIRMED
Dr. Martin Luther King Junior day. Legal Holiday. 3rd Monday in January Yearly.
Day to honor the memory, ideals and goals of the famed civil rights leader. Born 1929.01.15 in Atlanta GA, he promoted non-violent tactics and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Died for our sins on 1968.04.04 in Memphis Tennessee. mlking.orgINFOSHARE
B-Movie Fest (since 1983). All night. -Saturday Yearly. All ages. $10-20 ALWAYS SELLS OUT 24hrs Fr 6p through Sa 6p UNCONFIRMED
Playing at least 20 B-Movies. Napping, food (even pizza delivery), drink (non-alc), and re-entrance allowed. "Like a big slumber party on the Satellite of Love". Modern comfortable theater, vending machines, 16 and 35mm prints. b-fest.comMcCormick Auditorium, 847/491-2300, 1999 South Campus Drive, Evanston. Norris University Center, Northwestern University. northwestern.edu/up/parkingMAPPHOTOSINFOSHARE
Sunday 2025.02.02
Groundhogs Day (since 1888). Yearly.
According to Punxsutawney PA folklore, the groundhog (woodchuck) emerges from hibernation on this day. If sunny and the groundhog sees his shadow, legend holds that there will be six more weeks of winter. A cloudy day signals an early spring. Observed at the Brookfield Zoo Children's area. groundhogsday.comINFOSHARE
Tuesday 2025.02.11
Carnival. Yearly. UNCONFIRMED
Three days of festivities culminating on Mardi Gras. Christian in origin, it is the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday (Mardi Gras) preceding Ash Wednesday. mardigras.comPHOTOSINFOSHARE
Thursday 2025.02.13
Mardi Gras. Yearly. UNCONFIRMED
French for Fat Tuesday. Christian in origin it is the last day of the period of Carnival preceding Ash Wednesday. The name has come to represent the entire carnival period. Celebrated on a large scale in New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro, and Nice. Observed with Cajun music, costumes, parades and dancing and beads. mardigras.comINFOSHARE
Friday 2025.02.14
Ash Wednesday. Yearly. UNCONFIRMED
Christian in origin, this is the first day of Lent and the seventh Wednesday preceding Easter Sunday. The name originates from the ritual of placing ashes on worshipers' foreheads, symbolizing death and sorrow for sin. Lent is a 40 day period of penitence, prayer and fasting. Over time, fasting has been de-emphasized (though certain abstentions such as drinking and red meats are commonly observed), and the importance of prayer and works of charity has grown. Lent was first observed in the 4th century. christianity.about.comwikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_WednesdayPHOTOSINFOSHARE
*Valentine's Day. Yearly.
Day to exchange messages of love with the object of one's romantic interest. Typically observed through the gifting of roses, heart shaped boxes of chocolates, and luxury dinners. The day gets its name from the Christian saint Valentine. tinyurl.com/wikivdayPHOTOSINFOSHARE
Sunday 2025.02.16
Chinese New Years (4716). Dog. Yearly. UNCONFIRMED
Also New Years for some other lunar calendar cultures (traditional Japan, Korea, Vietnam). Observed with 14 days of joyous festivities and niceness. Date varies each year. Second new moon after winter solstice. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_YearPHOTOSINFOSHARE
Monday 2025.02.17
*Presidents Day. Legal holiday. 3rd Monday in February Yearly.
***Chiditarod XII (since 2006). Chicago's most absurd race. 1st Saturday in March Yearly. 21+ $5+ 10a-5p UNCONFIRMED
Four person teams pull shopping cart and musher by checkpoints gathering donated food en-route. Points for volume and creativity. chiditarod.orgFINDINFOSHARE
Illinois officially RE-DECLARED PLUTO A PLANET today in 2009, and furthermore declares March 13th henceforth as Pluto Day here! Honors that it's discoverer (on this date in 1930) Clyde Tombaugh was born in Streator. Senate Resolution LRB09604130KXB14171r. ilga.gov/legislation/96/SR/PDF/09600SR0046lv.pdfPHOTOSSHARE
Friday 2025.03.14
**Pi Day. Yearly.
Celebrating the world's most popular irrational number: March 14th = 3.14; Uber-geeks celebrate at 1:59:26 Once a century moments today when maximum possible digits are reached at 3.14.15 9:26:54 am+pm. Free rides on Navy Pier's Centennial Wheel. piday.orgSHARE
Saturday 2025.03.15
Ides of March. Yearly.
Simple Roman Nomenclature for the fifteen of March (or middle of other months, not necessarily the 15th), made foreboding in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, referring to the soothsayer's warning to the emperor of his impending murder at the hands of his closest associates. infoplease.com/spot/ides1.htmlINFOSHARE
Monday 2025.03.17
Saint Patrick's Day. Patron saint of Ireland, 389-461 AD, born in Britain. Yearly.
*Saint Patrick's Day parade (since 1955). Carried on ABC and WGN. Yearly. 2hrs 12p UNCONFIRMED
Around 100 bands/floats/balloons, thousands of marchers. Preceded by Mass at Old St. Pats at 9:30 with Irish music and dancing, river dyed green 10:30a, Trinity Dancers and Irish Pipe Band at Buckingham Fountain (11a). Downtown, 312/942-9188, Columbus, from Balbo to Monroe. Take any train. chicagostpatsparade.comMAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
**Triton Troupers Circus (since 1972). FINAL TWO SHOWS! Yearly. All ages. 2hr $6 Sa 1p* and 7p UNCONFIRMED
Annual local circus with true spirit and extraordinarily skilled performers in all classic specialties; acrobats, trapeze, juggling, wire, clowns, feats of strength, much more. No animal acts. Come early (doors open 1hr before show) for tickets and pre-show. Popcorn, drinks, candy available. Wheelchair accessible. Saturday matinee interpreted for hearing impaired, and pancake breakfast with the cast 8a-noon. Triton College, 2001 5th Ave, River Grove. Robert M. Collins Center Gymnasium, East side of street, just North of North Avenue (64), just West of 1st Avenue (171). Near Maywood Park. From 294 take Irving Park (19) exit East to Des Plaines River Rd South (right) 2.3 miles to 5th. From 290 take exit 20 to 1st Ave North. TritonTroupersCircus.comMAPPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE
Tuesday 2025.03.25
Palm Sunday. A Christian holiday, Sunday a week before before Easter, 6th (last) Sunday of Lent. Yearly. UNCONFIRMED
*Good Friday. A Christian Holiday, remembers the death of Jesus Christ. Yearly. UNCONFIRMED
Observed by readings, communion, preaching on his last sentences, including "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do". Two days before Easter. vatican.vawikipedia.org/wiki/Good_FridayINFOSHARE
*Passover. A most important Jewish festival. -Friday Yearly. Sunset to sunset. UNCONFIRMED
Commemorates the freeing of Israel from Egyptian slavery in the 13th century BC. Observed for one week with no leavened breads (Matzo) and no work on the first and last days. Celebrated the first two days with Seder festal meals. The symbols are explained and the Exodus story is retold through readings of the Haggadah. Date varies widely each year. See the 1956 masterpiece "Ten Commandments" starring Charleton Heston. chabad.org/holidays/passoverPHOTOSINFOSHARE
Tuesday 2025.04.01
April Fools' Day. Observed by playing brilliant practical jokes. Yearly.
*Easter. Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yearly. UNCONFIRMED
A Christian holiday, celebrated with egg decorating and hunts, brunch, fancy dresses and church attendance. Roots in passover and the pagan spring festival of the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre. Great home art opportunity. Date varies each year and for Eastern sects. christianity.about.comwikipedia.org/wiki/EasterPHOTOSINFOSHARE
Monday 2025.04.07
World Health Day. Commemorates founding of the W. H. Organization in 1948. Yearly.
Over 30 corporate sponsored college engineering teams compete at a VERY high level. Contest is an academic sporting challenge changed each year, usually having a cooperative twist. Presented by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a non-profit organization. Matches 9:30a-noon, 1-3p. firstinspires.orgUIC Pavilion, 312/413-4750, 525 South Racine. uicpavilion.comMAPTICKETSPHOTOSEVENTSINFOSHARE