Things to Do in Chicago

Tickets, tours and experiences in Chicago, United States

Events in Chicago

96 events

About Chicago

Chicago is one of America's most dynamic live entertainment cities, offering a staggering variety of events throughout the year. The United Center hosts everything from Bulls and Blackhawks games to major concert tours, while Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field bring baseball fans out from April through October. Soldier Field is home to the Bears and regularly stages massive stadium concerts in summer. The Theatre District along Randolph Street features touring Broadway productions at venues like the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, and the James M. Nederlander Theatre. For live music, Chicago's legacy runs deep with legendary clubs like the Chicago Theatre, Riviera Theatre, and Metro anchoring a scene that spans blues, jazz, hip-hop, and rock. Lollapalooza takes over Grant Park each August, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans for one of the country's premier music festivals. The Auditorium Theatre and Lyric Opera of Chicago serve the classical and performing arts community. Navy Pier hosts family-friendly entertainment year-round. Spring and fall bring comfortable weather for outdoor events, while winter is prime time for indoor concerts and Bulls and Blackhawks action. Whether you want courtside seats, a standing-room spot at a dive bar blues show, or orchestra seats for Hamilton, Chicago delivers an event calendar that rivals any city in the world.

Highlights

  • United Center hosts over 200 events annually for sports and concerts
  • Wrigley Field offers iconic rooftop seating and summer concert series
  • Lollapalooza brings 400,000 fans to Grant Park every August
  • The Theatre District features more than a dozen major performance venues

Tips for Visiting Chicago

Book Cubs and Bears tickets early as both venues sell out regularly during the season

Use the CTA L train to reach most major venues and avoid expensive downtown parking

Summer is peak season for outdoor festivals so plan accommodations well in advance

Check for weeknight events at smaller venues like Metro and Thalia Hall for better prices

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago

What are the biggest event venues in Chicago?

The United Center seats around 23,500 for concerts and 20,917 for basketball. Soldier Field holds 61,500 for football and concerts. Wrigley Field seats 41,649 and hosts a popular summer concert series. The Cadillac Palace Theatre and CIBC Theatre are the main Broadway touring houses.

When is the best time to attend events in Chicago?

Summer from June through September is peak season with outdoor festivals including Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival, and the Chicago Blues Festival. The NBA and NHL seasons from October through April fill the United Center regularly. Broadway touring shows run year-round in the Theatre District.

How do I get to venues using public transit?

Most major venues are accessible via the CTA. The Red Line serves Wrigley Field at Addison station. The United Center is reachable via the Blue Line at Illinois Medical District station. Soldier Field is a short walk from Museum Campus station on the Roosevelt branch. The Theatre District is centrally located near several L stations.