Chicago Festivals 2026 & 2027
Chicago has 20 festivals with confirmed dates on the 2026-2027 calendar below, each linked to its official source. Pick the ones that fit your window, then build the rest of the trip around them.
The Chicago festival calendar leads with these:
- Chicago International Film FestivalOct 14 - Oct 25film festival
- Chicago Jazz Festival 2026Sep 3 - Sep 6music festival
- Riot Fest Chicago 2026Sep 18 - Sep 20music festival
By TripSapien · Updated September 3, 2026
Festival calendar
September 2026
- Sep 3 - Sep 6
music festival. The Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that promotes all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming.
- Sep 3 - Sep 6
music festival
- Sep 4 - Sep 7
music festival. This second-year fest promises to bring the global scene to the birthplace of house music.
- Sep 4 - Sep 6
North Coast Music Festival 2026
music festival. Summer's Last Stand descends upon Union Park during Labor Day Weekend with the world's electronic, house, jam-band, indie, and hip-hop communities.
- Sep 12 - Sep 13
book/literary festival. The largest free outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest, this is a community-based celebration for book lovers presented by the not-for-profit Near South Planning Board.
- Sep 18 - Sep 20
music festival. For fans of punk, alt rock, and artists you won’t see on other festival lineups, Riot Fest should be on your bucket list.
- Sep 19
music festival. Thousands of music fans gather for a full-day celebration spanning multiple stages, with genres ranging from EDM and house to hip-hop and dance.
- Sep 23 - Sep 27
food festival
- Sep 23 - Sep 27
Chicago Underground Film Festival
film festival. International Independent Film Festival.
- Sep 24 - Sep 27
music festival
- Sep 25
food festival
- Sep 25 - Sep 27
food festival
October 2026
- Oct 14 - Oct 25
Chicago International Film Festival
film festival. The largest review the achievements of world cinema.
- Oct 18 - Oct 21
food festival
November 2026
- Nov 13 - Nov 14
Chicago International REEL Shorts Festival
film festival. International short film festival.
- Nov 21
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade
Religious / Spiritual. Associated occasion: Christmas / holiday season.
- Nov 26
Parade / Procession. Associated occasion: Thanksgiving.
January 2027
- Jan 15
film festival. International arthouse film festival.
May 2027
- May 29 - May 30
music festival
November 2027
- Nov 5 - Nov 14
Chicago International Children’s Film Festival
film festival. International Children’s Film Festival in Chicago.
Going to Chicago for a festival?
Pick your dates and we'll build the rest of your trip around it — every place checked for closures and booking needs.
Planning leads
Early leads on festivals still lining up. Exact dates and details firm up closer to your trip.
Latina Comedy Festival
Oct 1 - Oct 3 · Planning lead · details firm up closer in
Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade
Mar 17 - Mar 20 · Planning lead · projected date
May 29 · Planning lead · dates set closer in
Ready to plan Chicago?
Turn these festivals into a full Chicago plan, every place checked for closures, limited hours, and booking needs on your dates.