Chicago - Entertainment
While New Orleans may hold the record for the most festivals of any Midwestern city, Chicago isn’t far behind. If there isn’t a convention or major city-wide festival going on during a week or weekend, there will likely be a smaller, community oriented festival going on in some part of town. Perhaps the most popular festival of the year only lasts three days. The Chicago Blues Festival comes to the city in June, but only lasts three days. If you are after a hotel room during this time frame, you may want to book as far ahead as you can. Soon after the close of the blues festival is the Taste of Chicago, which leads right into the busy July 4 weekend. This is a massive ten day festival which showcases everything that this city has to offer in the way of food.
Events
Winter Flower and Train Show
January
Lincoln Park Conservatory
312/742-7529
Rube Goldberg Machine Contest
February
Navy Pier
203/227-0818
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March
Downtown
312/942-9188
Chicago Improv Fest
April
773/935-9810
Art Chicago
May
Merchandise Mart
312/527-3701
PRIDEChicago Parade
June
Belmont and Halstead Streets
Taste of Chicago
July
Grant Park
Underground Film Festival
August
Gene Siskel Film Center
Chicago Jazz Festival
September
Grant Park
312/744-3315
International Film Festival
October
Theatres Throughout the Metro
312/332-FILM
Tree Lighting Ceremony
November
Daley Plaza
ChristKindlMarket
December
Daley Plaza
312/644-2662