Upcoming Events in Chicago
Monthly
| Holiday Flower Show - Feb thru mid May. This show houses over 1,000 poinsettias, consisting of 30 different varieties, including vibrant red, delicate pink and soft white colors. An additional 2,000 plants such as begonias and Alternanthera will join festively decorated Christmas trees. Address: Garfield Park Conservatory 300 N. Central Park Ave. , Chicago, |
January
| 9 - 13 | The Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show - The largest event 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. Ph: (312) 791-7000 (Always call and confirm events) |
| 11 - 13 | Chicago Cubs Convention - At the convention, fans have the opportunity to mingle with current and former Cubs players, as well as broadcasters and front-office executives. Activities include autograph and photo sessions, question-and-answer seminars, baseball clinics and more. Address: 720 S. Michigan Ave. Hilton Chicago, Chicago, 60602 , Chicago, |
| 18 - 20 | SoxFest - Annual White Sox Fan Convention - SoxFest offers fans the opportunity to meet their favorite current and former Sox players. These players will participate in skills clinics, question-and-answer sessions and autograph signings throughout the weekend. Ph: (312) 674-1000 (Always call and confirm events) |
| 24 - 27 | Strictly Sail - More than 20,000 sailing enthusiasts are expected to visit the four-day event to see the newest sailboats and hottest sailing accessories on the market. Launched in 1996, Strictly Sail is the largest indoor sail show in the country. Ph: 312-595-PIER (Always call and confirm events) |
February
| 25 - 7 | Hong Kong Film Festival - One of America's most established contemporary Hong Kong Film Festivals. Sample action, comedy and dramatic features by acclaimed directors and enjoy retrospectives featuring favorite Hong Kong actors. Address: The Gene Siskel Film Center-School of the Art Institute of Chicago , Chicago, |
| 8 - 17 | Chicago Auto Show - 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. Address: McCormick Place 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr. , Chicago, |
| 8 | Chinese New Year Spectacular - Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in Asian culture, and this year's Spectacular promises to be the most exciting and unique Chinese New Year event ever! Address: 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago/Auditorium Theatre , Chicago, |
April
| 18 - 21 | Shen Yun Performing Arts - Shen Yun presents colorful and exhilarating performances of classical Chinese dance and music. A performance by Shen Yun is a presentation of traditional Chinese culture as it once was: a study in grace, wisdom, and the virtues distilled from the five millennia of Chinese civilization. Every year, Shen Yun unveils an entirely new lineup of dances, songs, and musical scores. At the core of Shen Yun’s performances is classical Chinese dance with China's numerous ethnic and folk dance styles rounding out the evening. In a collection of short pieces, audiences travel from the Himalayas to tropical lake-filled regions; from the legends of the culture’s creation over 5,000 years ago through to the story of Falun Dafa in China today; from the highest heavens down to the dusty plateaus of the Middle Kingdom. Address: Civic Opera House 20 North Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 , Chicago, |
| 29 |  Interview with Frank Gilchriest of Virgin Steele - Address: sonicasylumradio.com , Chicago, Email: gilchriestenterprises@yahoo.com Web: sonicasylumradio.com Fee: Free |
May
| 18 - 19 | Chicago Antique Market - The CHICAGO ANTIQUE MARKET is an indoor air-conditioned and outdoor European-style urban antique market located in the historic and distinctive Randolph Street Market District at the beautiful Beaux Arts Plumbers Hall complex at 1340 W. Washington Street. Features 150 quality antique dealers of furnishings, housewares, artifacts, vintage clothing, jewelry, sterling, porcelain, lighting, ephemera, toys and collectibles galore. Opening weekend is Memorial day weekend and from June through September it's the last weekend of the month. Come join us! Address: 1350 Randolph Street , Chicago, |
June
| 7 - 9 |  Ribfest Chicago 2012 - What ignited in 1999 as a community block party has exploded into one of Chicago’s most anticipated street festivals. Averaging 50,000 pounds of ribs and BBQ from more than 30 restaurants, Ribfest Chicago is expected to draw more than 50,000 people.As a nationally recognized music festival, we host a hot blend of Indie, pop, Indie Roots, rock and alt country for one of the most unique band lineups in the city. The 3rd Annual RibMania features a dozen professional eaters in the Midwest’s only sanctioned rib-eating contest on Friday night, and families can spend the whole weekend in Kids Square to enjoy live entertainment, inflatables, games and more. $5 Donation requested. Sponsored by the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce. Northcenter neighborhood on Lincoln Avenue between Irving Park Road (4000N-2000W) and Berteau Avenue (4185N-2100W). CTA Bus 11, 50, 80 stop at Damen/Irving Park Rd. El: Brown Line to Irving Park. Friday, June 8, 2012 - 5 pm to 10 pm Saturday, June 9, 2012 - Noon to 10 pm Sunday, June 10, 2012 - Noon to 10 pm ****Kids Square open Saturday – Noon to 8 pm, & Sunday – Noon to 7 pm Address: 4000 - 4165 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago IL 60618 , Chicago, |
July
| 6 - 7 | Shen Yun Performing Arts - Shen Yun brings to life 5,000 years of Chinese civilization through classical Chinese dance and music in an exhilarating show you will never forget. Shen Yun captures the spirit of a culture long lost. The show moves quickly through regions, dynasties, and legends. Ethnic and folk dances fill the stage with color and energy. Tremendous athleticism, thunderous battle drums, and masterful vocalists are all set to animated backdrops that transport you to another world. Address: Civic Opera House 20 North Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 , Chicago, |
September
| 7 - 8 | Celtic Fest Chicago - Celebrating the music, dance, art, products and cuisine of the Celtic regions. Regions represented will include Brittany, France, Ireland, Galicia, Spain, Scotland, Isle of Man, Cornwall, Wales, Nova Scotia and the United States. Directions and Attractions Highway: I-290 E. Congress Pkwy., turn left on State St., turn right on Monroe to Columbus Dr. Address: Jackson Blvd. and Columbus Dr. Chicago, 60602 Grant Park , Chicago, |
| 15 | Chicago Antique Market - Collectors, dealers, retail buyers, designers, domestic and international visitors, families and friends will come together to celebrate, preserve, swap and shop for treasures from the past. Randolph St. between Ada and Ogden Chicago, 60606 Ph: (312) 951-9939 (Always call and confirm events) |
| 21 - 22 | LakeView East Festival of Arts - The Lakeview Festival of the Arts is an annual event that showcases over 150 juried artists from across the country. The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce is proud to present to the community this free event for all to enjoy. The festival features some of the best works of art ranging from paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, to furniture. The Lakeview East community is a culturally diverse community, home to several nationally recognized galleries and theaters. While in our area, we encourage you to visit our boutiques, restaurants, specialty shops and cafes while enjoying the festival. We invite you to stop by the chamber booth and find out more about our exciting neighborhood Address: Chicago, Lake View East, Along Broadway Ave from Belmont St. to Roscoe Ave. , Chicago, |
October
| 22 | Fall Flower Show - This year's mum show is being held outdoors to showcase some of the hardier varieties. Also featured are other fall blooming flowers including asters, calendulas and zinnias. Address: Garfield Park Conservatory 300 N. Central Park Ave. Chicago, 60624 , Chicago, |
| 3 - 17 | Chicago International Children's Film Festival - The largest festival of films for children in North America, features over 250 animated and live action films from 40 countries. The festival welcomes over 20,000 children, adults, educators and filmmakers to the screenings, and interactive workshops. Address: 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. , Chicago, |
| 5 - 22 | Chrysanthemum Show at Lincoln Park Conservatory - Approximately 600 chrysanthemums will be on display at this annual flower show. Spider, pom pom, quill, anemone and daisy mums are some of the varieties you'll find. Address: 300 N. Central Park Ave. Chicago, 60624 Garfield Park Conservatory , Chicago, |
| 6 | The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon - The pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike, the marathon is the focal point of race weekend. Close to a million spectators line the 26.2-mile course, cheering on the runners to help them accomplish a personal dream. Ph: (888) 243-3344 (Always call and confirm events) |
| 20 | Chicago Antique Market - Collectors, dealers, retail buyers, designers, domestic and international visitors, families and friends will come together to celebrate, preserve, swap and shop for treasures from the past. Randolph St. between Ada and Ogden Chicago, 60606 Ph: (312) 951-9939 (Always call and confirm events) |
| 25 - 27 | Halloween Happening - Witches, vampires, princesses and cartoon characters are just some of the visitors you’ll see invade Daley Plaza as costumed children celebrate Halloween for three full days of free fun during Franken Plaza, presented by safety sponsor, UL. Franken Plaza offers plenty of free entertainment, trick or treat candy, arts & crafts, storytelling and more, including a kids costume contest with special prizes. For more than a decade Chicago’s Midnight Circus has been entertaining crowds at Daley Plaza for Halloween. This year Midnight Circus performs an all new, gravity defying show that features heart-stopping feats of otherworldy acrobatics and wickedly wonderful theatrics. with plenty of tricks to treat both young and old. Friday at Franken Plaza also includes a pumpkin carving demonstration from Steve Dahlke at 2:30 pm, a Harvest Market featuring fall produce from 7 am-3 pm and at 5:50 pm,, the after-work crowd can enjoy a screening of the classic film “Beetlejuice”, followed by the day’s last performance of Midnight Circus. On Saturday, Franken Plaza hosts the Monster Bash, when kids in costume have the chance to compete for prizes. The costume contest is open to children ages 12 and under. All contestants will line up beginning at 11:30 am to showcase their costumes across the stage at 12:15 pm. In addition to the costume contest and costume showcase on the main stage, other Saturday activities include arts & crafts, Trick or Treating and the Batbuck$ Game Show at both 2:20 pm and 6:30 pm, giving youngsters the chance to try their luck at Halloween themed games. Storyteller Oba King provides a frighteningly good time with Not So Scary, Scary Stories on Saturday and Sunday at 3p.m. Address: State and Randolph St. , Chicago, |
| 26 | Hallowed Haunts: Halloween Concert for Families - Come dressed in your favorite costume as the Civic Orchestra of Chicago delights audiences in this annual Halloween tradition. Orchestra Hall is turned into a giant haunted house, with ghoulish musicians performing a program of spine-tingling music. Address: Chicago Symphony Orchestra 220 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, 60604 , Chicago, |
November
| 31 - 9 | Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival - The Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival celebrates the second-oldest LGBT film festival in the world, showcasing innovative gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender films from around the world. This year, films are featured at six different Chicago area theatres. The festival will include 60+ screenings. Ph: 773-293-1447 (Always call and confirm events) |
| 15 - 28 | A Christmas Carol - Dance/Theater - Chicago's best-loved holiday entertainment will shine brightly again this year on the Goodman's Albert stage. Each year, thousands of Chicago families flock to the Goodman to enjoy Dickens' classic tale either for the first time or for the 25th. Address: Goodman Theatre170 N. Dearborn St , Chicago, |
| 16 | Magnificent Mile Lights Festival - Mickey Mouse, as master of ceremonies, will illuminate over one million lights on 200 trees along Chicago's Magnificent Mile from Oak Street to the Chicago River. The highly anticipated lighting procession steps onto the Avenue at 5:30pm and features a host of Disney friends, more than 30 floats, giant balloons, exciting marching bands, celebrities, musical performers and, of course, Santa. More than one million lights on 200 trees along The Magnificent Mile will be illuminated this magical evening. The procession culminates with a spectacular fireworks display along the Chicago River. Ph: (312) 642-3570 (Always call and confirm events) |
| 16 |  Great Choices Directory's Annual Business Expo - Health & Job - ShoppingFree Health/Wellness Screenings Employment Opportunities Free Empowering Seminars Networking Free Gift Bags Free Raffle Prizes 10am - 4pm Address: Homan Square Community Center, 3517 W Arlington , Chicago, |
| 20 | Chicago's Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony - The City of Chicago and UL are proud to present the official start of the holiday season! The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a highly-anticipated event drawing people of all ages to the heart of Chicago’s downtown "Loop." Live performances and festive holiday music begin at 4:30 pm and the holiday season officially commences at 5:00 pm, when the switch is flipped and the lights begin to sparkle in Daley Plaza. Address: Daley Plaza, Washington St. and Dearborn Pkwy. , Chicago, |
| 21 | State Street Thanksgiving Parade - More than 300,000 spectators are expected to line the parade route, cheering on more than 100 high-stepping marching bands, gigantic helium balloons, majestic equestrian units, fabulous floats and performance groups. 8-11am Ph: (312) 781-5681 (Always call and confirm events) |
December
| 14 - 15 | Mayor Daley's Annual Holiday Sports Festival - This sports festival is family friendly with tournaments for all ages. Tournaments in floor hockey, Nerf football, volleyball and soccer are featured along with many other "virtual sports." Address: McCormick Place 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr. , Chicago, |
Attractions near Chicago,
Billy Caldwell Golf Course
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Butler National Golf Club
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Prairie Lake Lodge Golf Club
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Buchanan Center for the Arts
Art exhibition and sales gallery, gift shop, art classes....
Accurate Plumbing Doctors
"Accurate Plumbing Doctors is a family owned full service plumbing company serving Palatine. All our work is 100% guarant...
Oakleaf Country Club
Course Access: Semi-PrivateHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: 4 days...
Aurora Regional Fire Museum
The Aurora Regional Fire Museum displays vintage firefighting equipment, memorabilia of the 1871 Chicago Fire, photographs an...
Oakland Cemetary
The grave site of Ann Rutledge, Abraham Lincoln's first sweetheart, lies in Oakland Cemetary. Her tombstone bears an inscript...
Oak Brook Golf Club
Course Access: PublicHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 7 days...
Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden
The Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse flora in east-central Illinois. It also feat...
Upcoming Events near Chicago,
Ribfest Chicago 2012
Start Date: Fri June, 7th
What ignited in 1999 as a community block party has exploded into one of Chicago’s most anticipated street festivals. Aver...
A Christmas Carol - Dance/Theater
Start Date: Fri November, 15th
Chicago's best-loved holiday entertainment will shine brightly again this year on the Goodman's Albert stage. Each year, tho...
Spiritual Explosion 2012
Start Date: Fri November, 15th
SPIRITUAL EXPLOSION 2012 I am HEAVY WITH FAVOR!!! Sponsored by St Michael's Spiritual Church and Gift Shop. (Make your hotel ...
Annual Lambs Farm Holiday Lights Gift & Craft Fair
Start Date: Fri November, 29th
The Annual Lambs Farm Holiday Lights Gift & Craft Fair will be held at a new venue this year. Shop for holiday gifts at hundr...
Fam Entertainment Presents the Play - The Cycle
Start Date: Fri November, 29th
Back by popular demand straight from the Harrah's Hotel live for two weeks, Fam Entertainment presents the play - "The Cycle....
Halloween Happening
Start Date: Fri October, 25th
Witches, vampires, princesses and cartoon characters are just some of the visitors you’ll see invade Daley Plaza as costume...
Hillside Chamber 5K Run/Walk
Start Date: Sat August, 17th
The Hillside Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday at 8:00am. The run start and finish will be on...
Mayor Daley's Annual Holiday Sports Festival
Start Date: Sat December, 14th
This sports festival is family friendly with tournaments for all ages. Tournaments in floor hockey, Nerf football, volleyball...
Breakfast with Santa
Start Date: Sat December, 7th
Enjoy breakfast at 9am or 11am, get your picture taken with Santa, and then bundle up to see the reindeer and the polar bears...
Intergalactic Bead & Jewelry Show
Start Date: Sat July, 6th
Intergalactic Bead & Jewelry Shows is the largest bead show in the state. Exhibitors from around the nation will display a sp...
Chicago Map
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