St Patrick's Day Parade   - South Side

17 March

Stretching down Western Avenue from 103rd Street to 115th Street, the procession of colourful costumes, floats and Irish pride is definitely something worth watching.

Chicago Blues Festival

7 - 10 June

This music festival showcases some of the biggest names in blues,

all completely free of charge.

Old Town Art Fair

9 - 10 June

At least 250 artists display and sell their wares, including paintings, sculpture, prints, photographs, jewelry, fiberglass, pottery and multi-media works in this annual tradition, including a garden walk, food and drinks by local restaurants, activities for the kids and an auction.

Taste of Chicago

29 June - 8 July

Every year, more than 65 of the most popular Chicago restaurants open up food booths all over Grant Park so visitors can sample a wide range of culinary delights, with four entertainment stages feature live music, many stalls offer cooking demonstrations and others sell arts and crafts.

Lollapalooza

3 - 5 August

One of the biggest, most legendary rock festivals in the world, this year's event is held at Grant Park and features world-renowned rock artistes such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queens of the Stone Age, Sonic Youth & Death Cab for Cutie.

Chicago Air & Water Show

18 - 19 August

Millions of visitors flock to the Lake Michigan shoreline to watch the pilots performing their riveting daredevil stunts.

Chicago Jazz Festival

30 August - 2 September

This musical extravaganza features free performances from the greatest names in jazz music, one of the biggest and best jazz festivals in the world.

World Music Festival

14 - 20 September

This is a major music festival featuring contemporary, traditional and fusion styles as performers from Australia to Zimbabwe entertain at more than a dozen venues with Grant Park as the central site.

Chicago International Film Festival

4 - 17 October

Audiences feast on the creme de la creme of cinema as more than 100 of the world's best feature, short, animation and documentary films are unveiled. In addition, attendees might mingle with directors, actors, and other celebrities at the screenings.

Zoo Lights Festival

Late November through to New Year.

Children of all ages experience wide-eyed delight as they view dazzling displays of colorful lights, ice-sculptured holiday scenes and festively decorated homes, with activities such as puppet shows, ice carving, gingerbread houses, holiday crafts and rides on the kiddie train.