Chicago's festival season is only a few short months away and we're already counting down the days.
Earlier this week, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced the 2025 lineup of spring and summer extravaganzas, showcasing Chicago's always-vibrant cultural community.
“From world-class music festivals to neighborhood celebrations, Chicago continues to be a premier destination for unforgettable experiences,” said Johnson in an official statement. “Part of what makes our city such a remarkable place is our commitment to inviting residents and visitors to explore Chicago through diverse, welcoming programming that draws people to not only our lakefront and downtown parks but also into the neighborhoods and communities.”
Expect a ton of returning favorites, from the Chicago Jazz Festival to Taste of Chicago, alongside smaller community events that a big portion of the population is excited about each year as well, including the Millennium Park Summer Film Series.
Here is a full list of the the spring and summer festivals happening in Chicago this year (basically, a seasonal Chicago events calendar filled with wonderful things to do in town):
• Chicago Farmers Markets (Citywide including Daley Plaza) – May through October; Division Street Market opening Saturday, May 17 and Daley Plaza Market opening Saturday, May 22.
• Maxwell Street (1330 S. Halsted) – Second Sundays, May through October.
• Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony & Parade (Daley Plaza and State Street) – Saturday, May 24.
• Millennium Park Summer Workouts (Great Lawn) – Saturdays, May 17 – August 30.
• Chicago Blues Festival (Ramova Theatre, Jay Pritzker Pavilion and throughout Millennium Park) – Thursday– Sunday, June 5 – 8.
• Millennium Park Summer Music Series (Jay Pritzker Pavilion) – 10 concerts, most Mondays & Thursdays, June 26 – August 7.
• Chicago Gospel Music Festival (Jay Pritzker Pavilion) – July 12.
• Millennium Park Summer Film Series (Jay Pritzker Pavilion) – Tuesdays, July 1 – August 26.
• Chicago SummerDance (Citywide, including pop-ups and special events, Night Out in the Parks events: select dates TBA June – September) – Spirit of Music Garden Schedule: Thursday – Saturday August 7 – August 23.
• Chicago Air and Water Show (North Avenue Beach & Lakefront) – August 16 –17, with a rehearsal on August 15.
• Chicago House Music Conference & Festival (Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, Spirit of Music Garden and Riverwalk) – Friday, August 22 – Saturday, August 23. Chicago House Music Conference to take place at Chicago Cultural Center, Friday, August 22.
• Chicago Jazz Festival (Citywide including the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park) – Thursday – Sunday, August 28 – 31.
• Taste of Chicago (Grant Park & Neighborhoods) – Friday – Sunday, September 5–7. Three additional neighborhood Taste events in Marquette Park (Sunday, June 28), Pullman Park (Saturday, July 19) and Albany Park (Saturday, August 9).
• World Music Festival Chicago (Citywide including the Chicago Cultural Center) – Friday, September 26 – Sunday, October 5.
• City Holiday Events (Millennium Park) – Tree Lighting Ceremony, Friday, November 21; Holiday Market, Friday – Sunday, November 21 – 23; Holiday Sing Along, Fridays December 5, 12, 19.
• New Year’s Eve Celebration (Riverwalk) – Wednesday, December 31.