Chicago St. Patrick's Day River Dyeing (Saturday before March 17 annually (tradition since 1962)). Members of Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 dye the Chicago River bright green using a vegetable-based dye, a tradition started in 1962. The dyeing occurs between Columbus Drive and Orleans Street, typically…
Chicago Blues Festival (Early June annually (2026 dates: June 4–7)). Billed as the largest free blues festival in the world. Held at Millennium Park and citywide venues. Free and open to the public. 2026 dates confirmed by City of Chicago announcement.
Lollapalooza (Late July / early August annually (2026 dates: July 30 – August 2)). Annual four-day multi-stage music festival held in Grant Park on the shores of Lake Michigan. Features 170+ artists across 8 stages. 2026 dates confirmed on official Lollapalooza website.
Chicago Air and Water Show (Third weekend of August annually (2026 dates: August 15–16)). The largest and oldest free-admission air and water exhibition in the United States, held since 1959 along the Lake Michigan waterfront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street.
Taste of Chicago (Early September annually (2025 dates: September 5–7)). Free outdoor food festival in Grant Park featuring 50+ food vendors and live music. Celebrates Chicago's diverse culinary scene. Dates and details confirmed via City of Chicago official announcement.
Bank of America Chicago Marathon (Second Sunday of October annually (2026 date: October 11)). One of the six World Marathon Majors. Draws elite runners and approximately 45,000 participants through Chicago's neighborhoods. Official dates listed on chicagomarathon.com.