Family & Free Community Events in Chicago

183 real events — independently sourced, no listings dumps.

Spooktacular (Lincoln Avenue)

Lincoln Avenue, Diversey to WebsterSat Oct 24, 2026Free

Autumn Leaves Festival (Indian Boundary Park)

Indian Boundary Park Cultural Center, 2500 W Lunt AveSat Oct 24, 2026Free

Harvest on Harrison

Harrison St. (Oak Park Arts District)Sun Oct 25, 2026Free

Trick or Treat on Southport

Southport Ave (Roscoe to Grace)Mon Oct 26, 2026Free

Upside Down Halloween Parade

Washington Park (Russell Dr.)Sat Oct 31, 2026Free

Xempasúchil (Día de los Muertos in Little Village)

26th Street commercial corridorSat Oct 31 & Sun Nov 1, 2026Free

UNO Carrera de los Muertos / Race of the Dead 5K

Benito Juarez Community AcademySat Oct 31, 2026$52 untimed / $65 timed in-person; $55–60 virtual option

SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Run Chicago

Grant ParkSun Nov 1, 20265K $39 / 10K $49 / 15K $59

Aville Grows Harvest Fest

Aville Grows Community Garden, 5339 N Ashland AveSun Nov 1, 2026Free RSVP; activity tokens $3–15

Día de los Muertos on Camino Clark

GROW/PROGRESANDO, 7056 N. Clark St. (Catrina Walk ends at AKAY Tacos, 7360 N. Clark St.)Sun Nov 1, 2026Free

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Illinois Resident Donation Days

Peggy Notebaert Nature MuseumNov 2–4 and Nov 30–Dec 2, 2026 (plus Dec 7–8 per one listing — sources vary slightly, confirm exact days)Suggested $10 household donation (Illinois residents)

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents: The Greatest Show On Earth

Allstate ArenaFri–Sun Nov 6–8, 2026 (multiple showtimes per day)Not listed — check Ticketmaster

Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light

Griffin Museum of Science and IndustryNov 7, 2026 – early Jan 2027Included with general admission ($25.95 adult / $14.95 child)

Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG)

Donald E. Stephens Convention CenterSat–Sun Nov 7–8, 2026Not listed — tickets via Eventbrite, price TBA

Bank of America Museums on Us (Free Weekend)

Participating museums citywideSat–Sun Nov 7–8, 2026; next up Dec 5–6, 2026Free general admission with a BofA/Merrill card + photo ID (one free entry per cardholder)

Holiday Craft Show & Bake Sale at St. Peter's UCC

St. Peter's United Church of Christ, 8013 Laramie Ave.Sat Nov 7, 2026Free admission

Millennium Park Holiday Market

Millennium ParkOpens Fri Nov 20, 2026Free

Chicago Sports Spectacular

Donald E. Stephens Convention CenterFri–Sun Nov 20–22, 2026Fri $15; Sat/Sun $20/day; kids 10 & under $10

Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Millennium ParkFri Nov 20, 2026Free

Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

North Michigan Avenue (Oak St. to the Chicago River)Sat Nov 21, 2026Free

Highland Park Holiday Lighting at Port Clinton Square

Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave.Sat Nov 21, 2026Free

Palatine Village Tree Lighting

Towne SquareSat Nov 21, 2026Free

Harvest Fest at Garfield Park

Garfield (James) Park, 100 N. Central Park Ave.Sat Nov 21, 2026Free

Harvest of Hope at Grand Crossing Park

Grand Crossing Park, 7655 S. Ingleside Ave.Sat Nov 21, 2026Free

Greektown Christmas Tree Lighting

Elysian Field, Halsted & Van BurenExpected Sun Nov 22, 2026 (the Sunday before Thanksgiving has held for both the 2024 and 2025 editions; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Holiday Magic & Tree Lighting (Bensenville)

Green & Center St., Downtown BensenvilleSun Nov 22, 2026 (confirmed on the village's own event page)Free

Holiday Kick Off at Jefferson Park

Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave.Tue Nov 24, 2026Free

Mount Prospect Tree Lighting & Christkindlmarket

Busse Park (across from Village Hall)Expected Wed Nov 25, 2026 (the night-before-Thanksgiving slot has held across recent years; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

State Street (Ida B. Wells Dr. to Randolph St.)Thu Nov 26, 2026Free

Life Time Turkey Trot Chicago

Lincoln ParkThu Nov 26, 2026$60 (5K); $65 (8K); $25 (Kids Race)

5K Turkey Trot Family Tradition (Elmwood Park)

Healthy Happy Body, 7503 W. Diversey Ave.Thu Nov 26, 2026~$40–50 (5K, price rises closer to race day); separate Kids 5K & 1-Mile Family Walk options — confirm exact price at registration

Edison Park Turkey Trot

Northwest Hwy & Oshkosh Ave.Thu Nov 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day)~$20–35 depending on race and registration date (sources disagree — confirm before registering)

Woodstock Lighting of the Square

Woodstock SquareExpected Fri Nov 27, 2026 (the Friday after Thanksgiving, following a consistent multi-year pattern; exact 2026 date not yet published)Free

Lake Forest Tree Lighting at Market Square

Market SquareExpected Fri Nov 27, 2026 (the day-after-Thanksgiving slot has held for the 2023 and 2025 editions; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Park Ridge Winterfest

Hodges Park, 101 Courtland Ave.Expected Fri Nov 27, 2026 (the day-after-Thanksgiving slot has held since at least 2019; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Glencoe Light the Lights

Downtown Glencoe & Wyman GreenExpected Fri Nov 27, 2026 (the day-after-Thanksgiving slot has held for the 2019 and 2025 editions; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Downers Grove Main Street Tree Lighting

Main Street Train StationFri Nov 27, 2026Free

Schaumburg Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Jack Siegel Memorial PlazaExpected Fri Nov 27, 2026 (the day-after-Thanksgiving slot has held for the 2023 and 2024 editions; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Arlington Heights Holiday Tree Lighting at North School Park

North School ParkExpected Fri Nov 27, 2026 (the Park District states this runs the Friday after Thanksgiving each year; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Libertyville Tree Lighting at Cook Park

Cook Park, Milwaukee Ave.Expected Fri Nov 27, 2026 (2024 ran Fri Nov 29, 2025 ran Fri Nov 28 — both the day after Thanksgiving; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Elk Grove Village Holiday Tree Lighting

Village GreenFri Nov 27, 2026Free

Light Up the Holidays (Joliet)

Downtown JolietFri Nov 27, 2026Free

Flossmoor Tree Lighting

Flossmoor ParkExpected Sat Nov 28, 2026 (the Saturday after Thanksgiving has held for the 2024 and 2025 editions; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Beverly Hills Turkey Trot 5K

Christ the King School Gymnasium, 9225 S Hamilton Ave.Sat Nov 28, 2026$32.80–38.10

Vernon Hills Holiday Light Celebration

Century Park, Lakeview & Hawthorn Pkwy.Expected Sat Nov 28, 2026 (the Saturday-after-Thanksgiving slot has held across 2023–2025, though 2025's was storm-rescheduled to the following Friday; exact 2026 date and venue not yet announced — recent editions have alternated between Century Park and the Vernon Hills Golf Course)Free

Lake Villa Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

Downtown, 65 Cedar Ave. (parade); Lehmann Park (tree lighting)Sat Nov 28, 2026 (confirmed on the village's own event calendar)Free

Lincoln Square Tree Lighting

Giddings Plaza, 4731 N Lincoln AveSat Nov 28, 2026Free to attend (confirm with organizer)

Bronzeville Small Business Saturday

King Drive, near 35th & King Dr.Expected Sat Nov 28, 2026 (the 10th annual ran Sat Nov 29, 2025; the 9th annual ran Sat Nov 30, 2024 — both the Saturday after Thanksgiving; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Orland Park Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting & Festival

Village Center, 14700 S Ravinia Ave.Expected Sun Nov 29, 2026 (the Sunday after Thanksgiving has held for the 2024 and 2025 editions; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Christmas in the Park (Cicero)

Cicero Community Park, Bobby Hull Ice RinkExpected Sun Nov 29, 2026 (2024 ran Sun Dec 1, 2025 ran Sun Nov 30 — both the Sunday after Thanksgiving weekend; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Tree Lighting in Wilder Park (Elmhurst)

Wilder Park, 175 S Prospect Ave.Thu Dec 3, 2026Free

Old Town Holiday Tree Lighting

Burton Place Plaza, 1447 N Wells StThu Dec 3, 2026Free to attend (confirm with organizer)

Winnetka Tree Lighting at Dwyer Park

Dwyer Park, 521 Birch St.Expected Fri Dec 4, 2026 (recent editions have run the first Friday of December; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Hinsdale Christmas Walk

Memorial BuildingExpected Fri Dec 4, 2026 (the first Friday of December has held for the 2022–2025 editions; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Des Plaines Holiday Tree Lighting

Metropolitan Square, Lee St.Fri Dec 4, 2026Free

Winter Walk on Wilson

Wilson Ave. corridor (Broadway/Clark)Expected Fri Dec 4, 2026 (the first Friday of December has held every year 2021–2025; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Lincolnshire Lights

Village Green, 1 Olde Half Day Rd.Fri Dec 4, 2026 (per Lake County's tourism calendar listing)Free

Andersonville Holiday Tree Lighting & Menorah Lighting

Andersonville business district (exact spot not yet posted)Fri Dec 4, 2026Free to attend (confirm with organizer)

Holiday Tree Lighting at West Lawn Park

West Lawn Park, 4233 W. 65th St.Fri Dec 4, 2026Free

Grand Menorah Lighting

Daley PlazaExpected Sat Dec 5, 2026 (2nd night of Hanukkah — city hasn't formally confirmed the 2026 date yet)Free

Downtown Evanston Holiday Light Celebration

Fountain SquareSat Dec 5 or 6, 2026 (sources disagree on the exact date)Free

Holiday Open House with Santa at Barrington's White House

Barrington's White HouseExpected Sat Dec 5, 2026 (recent editions ran the first Saturday of December; registration required, and the 2024 edition sold out — confirm and register early)Free (registration required)

Winter Wonderland at Tower Green

Tower Green, 914 Hillgrove Ave.Expected Sat Dec 5, 2026 (recent editions ran the first Saturday of December; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Wilmette Holiday Happenings & Tree Lighting

Village Hall GreenExpected Sat Dec 5, 2026 (the first Saturday of December has held for the 2022 and 2023 editions; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Santa on the Green (Oak Lawn)

Village Green, 94th & Cook Ave. (behind the Oak Lawn Public Library)Expected Sat Dec 5, 2026 (2025 ran Sat Dec 6, the first Saturday of the month; exact 2026 date not yet announced, and sources disagreed on the exact 2025 lighting time — confirm before planning)Free

Ravenswood Light Up Nights Festival + Holiday Market

Wilson Ave between Ravenswood & HermitageSat Dec 5, 2026Free

Andersonville Holiday Trolley

Clark Street business districtSun Dec 6, 2026Free to attend (confirm with organizer)

Winter Wonderfest at Dvorak Park

Dvorak (Anton) Park, 1119 W. Cullerton St.Fri Dec 11, 2026Free

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage

Auditorium TheatreSat Dec 12, 2026Not listed — confirm with venue

MCA Family Day

Museum of Contemporary Art ChicagoSat Dec 12, 2026 and Sat Jan 9, 2027 (monthly, Oct–May season)Free

Weihnachtsmarkt (DANK Haus Indoor Christmas Market)

DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N Western Ave.Expected Sat Dec 12 – Sun Dec 13, 2026 (the second weekend of December has held for 2024 and 2025; exact 2026 dates not yet announced)Suggested $5 donation

Cocoa, Cookies, & Carols at Berger Park

Berger (Albert) Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd.Sat Dec 12, 2026Free

Cocoa with Santa at Brands Park

Brands Park, 3285 N. Elston Ave.Sat Dec 12, 2026Free

Santa & S'mores at Commercial Club Playground

Commercial Club Playground of Chicago, 1845 W. Rice St.Sat Dec 12, 2026Free

Holiday Xplosion Showcase at Hamilton Park

Hamilton (Alexander) Park, 513 W. 72nd St.Sat Dec 12, 2026Free

St. Lucia Celebration (Swedish American Museum)

Swedish American Museum, 5211 N Clark St.Sun Dec 13, 2026Free

Pullman Candlelight House Tour

Historic Pullman, 11141 S Cottage Grove Ave.Sun Dec 13, 2026$50 advance / $60 at the door

Low-Sensory Morning at MSI

Griffin Museum of Science and IndustrySun Dec 13, 2026$11 adults, $6.50 kids 3–11, free for Griffin MSI members

Jingle Ball at Lincoln Park Cultural Center

Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park WestWed Dec 16, 2026Free

Holiday Celebration at Franklin Park

Franklin (Benjamin) Park, 4320 W. 15th St.Sat Dec 19, 2026Free

Holiday with a Passion at Ogden Park

Ogden (William) Park, 6500 S. Racine Ave.Sat Dec 19, 2026Free

Hot Chocolate with Santa at Bell Park

Bell (George, Jr.) Park, 3020 N. Oak Park Ave.Sat Dec 19, 2026Free

Hot Cocoa & Toy Giveaway at LeClaire-Hearst Park

LeClaire-Hearst Park, 5120 W. 44th St.Sat Dec 19, 2026Free

Englewood with Santa at Sherwood Park

Sherwood (Jesse) Park, 5701 S. Shields Ave.Sat Dec 19, 2026Free

6th Ward Winter Wonderland at Hamilton Park

Hamilton (Alexander) Park, 513 W. 72nd St.Sat Dec 19, 2026Free

Swim with Santa at Mann Park

Mann (James) Park, 3035 E. 130th St.Tue Dec 22, 2026Free

Kwanzaa Celebration & Marketplace at Malcolm X College

Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.Sat Dec 26, 2026 – Fri Jan 1, 2027 (Kwanzaa is always Dec. 26–Jan. 1; the college has run this free celebration the same week for several years)Free

Navy Pier New Year's Eve Fireworks

Navy PierWed Dec 31, 2026 (into Thu Jan 1, 2027)Free

New Year's ReZoolutions at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St.Sat Jan 2, 2027Free to attend (confirm with organizer)

Three Kings Day Celebration at La Casita de Don Pedro y Doña Lolita

La Casita de Don Pedro y Doña LolitaWed Jan 6, 2027 (Three Kings Day/Día de Los Reyes is always Jan. 6; exact 2027 program hours not yet announced)Free

MLK Jr. Open Mic and Poetry Contest

Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted St.Fri Jan 15, 2027Free

Winter Blizzard Competition

Skatium Ice ArenaSun Jan 17, 2027Free (spectators)

Disney On Ice: Spotlight Magic!

United CenterThu Jan 28 – Sun Jan 31, 2027Historically from ~$15–25 (2027 pricing not yet posted)

Hustle Chicago (Stair Climb)

875 N. Michigan Ave. (former Hancock Center)Sun Feb 21, 2027 (confirmed by organizers; traditionally the last Sunday in February)$55 registration + $150 fundraising minimum (2026 pricing; confirm before registering)

Monster Jam

Allstate ArenaFri–Sun March 5–7, 2027From $35

Polar Plunge Chicago

North Avenue BeachSun March 7, 2027~$100 registration + $200 fundraising minimum (2026 figures; 2027 not yet announced)

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle

Grant ParkSun Mar 21, 2027From $51 (8K), price rises closer to race day

Spring Egg-Stravaganza at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park ZooSat March 27, 2027~$25–26/person (2025-26 pricing; confirm before buying)

McKinley Park Memorial Day Parade

McKinley Park branch library area, 35th St. (staging point in recent years)Expected Mon May 31, 2027 (Memorial Day; 2026's edition ran Mon May 25, gathering ~9:30 AM for a 10 AM step-off at the McKinley Park library on 35th St. — exact 2027 date/time not yet published)Free

Norwood Park Memorial Day Parade

Along Northwest Highway (a 2015 route ran Onahan Elementary to Taft HS)Expected Mon May 31, 2027 (Memorial Day; 2026's edition ran Mon May 25; a 2015 route ran Onahan Elementary to Taft HS with an 11 AM step-off — exact 2027 date/time/route not yet published)Free

A Day in Our Village

Scoville ParkSat Jun 6, 2027 (confirmed; 2026 ran Sun Jun 7)Free

DuSable Black History Museum Juneteenth Celebration

DuSable Black History Museum, 740 E. 56th Pl.Expected Jun 19, 2027 (2026 ran Fri Jun 19; exact 2027 hours not yet announced)Free

Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Days

Chicago History Museum2026 dates were Jul 4, Jul 15, Aug 13, Aug 27, Sep 7, Sep 24; 2027 schedule not yet announcedFree (Illinois residents, photo ID required)

Evanston Fourth of July

Various sites citywide (games), Central St. (parade), Dawes Park (concert & fireworks)Expected Jul 4, 2027 (2026 ran Sat Jul 4 with the full day's schedule confirmed; exact 2027 times not yet announced)Free

National Night Out (Chicago)

Neighborhood sites citywide (varies by police district)Expected Tue Aug 3, 2027 (the national observance's first-Tuesday-in-August rule; 2026 events ran Aug 4; exact Chicago district sites not yet announced)Free

Chicago Marathon

Grant Park (start/finish), 26.2-mile route through 29 neighborhoodsSun Oct 10, 2027 (confirmed by organizers as the 49th running, though still marked 'anticipated' until fully finalized)Free to spectate (runner entry via lottery/fee)

1865 Fest (Garfield Park Juneteenth)

Garfield Park Gold Dome & Music Court Circle, 100 N. Central Park Ave.Expected mid-June 2027 (2025 ran a flag raising Wed Jun 18 plus festival days Thu–Fri Jun 19–20; 2024 ran a 3-day Jun 14–16 format; the exact length and dates have varied year to year, confirm before planning)Free

35th Street Tree Lighting Ceremony

3500 S. King Dr.Expected early Dec 2026 (a Saturday in early Dec each year — the 4th annual ran Sat Dec 6, 2025, 5–6 PM; exact 2026 date not yet officially announced)Free

Art Institute of Chicago Third Thursdays

Art Institute of ChicagoMonthly, third Thursday (2026 program began Apr 16; summer 2026 added free Thursdays Jun 11–Sep 17; confirm the 2027 calendar before planning)Free (Illinois residents, reservation or proof of residency required)

Austin Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade

5701 W. Madison St. (15th District Police Station)Expected early December 2026 (2025's 21st annual ran Fri Dec 5, 5:00 PM; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Berwyn Tree Lighting Ceremony

Berwyn City Hall, 6700 W. 26th St.Expected early Dec 2026 (2023 ran Tue Dec 5 as the 2nd annual, 2024 ran Wed Dec 4 as the 3rd annual; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Bike the Drive

DuSable Lake Shore Drive (Butler Field start)Expected early Sept 2027 (2026 ran Sun Sep 6; 2025 ran Sun Aug 31 — both around Labor Day weekend; exact 2027 date not yet announced)Registration fee required (benefits Active Transportation Alliance)

Broadway in Your Backyard

Neighborhood parks citywide, finale at Navy PierExpected Jul–Sept 2027 (2026 season ran Jul 6–Sep 19; exact 2027 schedule not yet announced)Free

Bronzeville Juneteenth Community Celebration

35th & King Dr.Expected mid-to-late June 2027, likely Father's Day weekend (2026 ran Sat Jun 20, 2025 ran Sat Jun 14; exact 2027 date not yet announced)Free

Bronzeville Small Business Saturday on King Drive

Absolutely Anything Essential, 3521 S. King Dr.Expected late Nov 2026 (the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year — the 10th annual ran Sat Nov 29, 2025, 8 AM–5 PM; exact 2026 date not yet officially announced)Free

Brookfield Zoo Winter Free Days

Brookfield Zoo ChicagoExpected Jan–Feb 2027, select Mondays/Tuesdays (2026 ran Mondays & Tuesdays Jan 5–Feb 28, with 2 exceptions; 2025's pattern was different — Tue/Thu in Oct–Nov, Mon/Tue in Dec; exact 2027 schedule not yet announced)Free (parking/attractions extra)

Buckingham Fountain Water & Light Shows

Buckingham Fountain, Grant ParkExpected early May–mid-Oct 2027 (season typically runs May through Halloween, weather permitting; exact 2027 start/end not yet announced)Free

CTA Holiday Train

Rotates across all 8 CTA rail linesExpected late Nov – late Dec 2026 (2025 ran Nov 28–Dec 22 — exact 2026 dates not yet announced)Regular CTA fare (kids under 7 free)

Castle (Chicago Children's Museum)

Chicago Children's MuseumThrough Jan 10, 2027~$14–15 general admission (free Thursdays 5–8 PM)

Chicago Air and Water Show

North Avenue Beach (Fullerton Ave. to Oak St.)Expected mid-Aug 2027 (2026 ran Sat–Sun, Aug 15–16, 10:30 AM–3 PM; exact 2027 dates not yet announced, and the schedule has shifted in past years around other city events)Free

Chicago SummerDance

Spirit of Music Garden, 112 E. Balbo Dr. (plus select neighborhood parks)Expected Aug 2027 (2025 ran Thu–Sat, Aug 7–23; exact 2027 dates not yet announced)Free

Children's Fair of Winnetka

Winnetka Village GreenExpected early June 2027 (pattern: typically coincides with the last Friday of Winnetka public schools; 2023's 76th ran Jun 9–10; exact 2027 date not yet announced)Free admission (rides/games/food sold separately)

Christmas Candlelight Tours at Glessner House

Glessner House, 1800 S Prairie Ave.Expected weekends in mid-to-late Dec 2026 (2025's edition ran Dec 13–14 & 20–21; 2022's ran a single weekend, Dec 17–18; exact 2026 dates not yet announced)$16–20

Clarendon Hills Holiday Walk & Market

Downtown business district & Village HallExpected early Dec 2026 (2024 ran Fri Dec 6, 2025 ran Sat Dec 6 — both early December; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Concerts in the Park (Oak Park)

Scoville ParkExpected Jun–Aug 2027, Sundays (2026 ran Jun 14–Aug 30, Sun 6–7:30 PM; exact 2027 schedule not yet announced)Free

Deerfield Winter Celebration

Village Hall, 850 Waukegan Rd. (Winter Market venue varies by year)Expected early Dec 2026 (running annually since at least 2019; 2024's Friday evening was Dec 6 at Village Hall, 2025's Saturday Winter Market moved to the Patty Turner Center; exact 2026 date and venue not yet announced)Free

Downtown Wheaton Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade

Adams Park & downtown pavilion (Liberty Dr. & Main St.)Expected last Friday of Nov 2026 (2025 ran Fri Nov 28; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Drie-cember Holiday Market at the Driehaus Museum

Driehaus Museum, Murphy AuditoriumExpected throughout Dec 2026 (Drie-cember has run as a monthlong December program for multiple years; exact 2026 dates not yet announced)Free (market); museum galleries ticketed separately

DuSable Museum Free Wednesdays

DuSable Black History MuseumWeekly Wednesdays (confirmed running through at least Sept 2026; ongoing policy, confirm before visiting)Free (Illinois residents, Wednesdays)

Earth Day in the Parks

140+ parks citywideExpected Sat mid-to-late April 2027 (2026 ran Sat Apr 18 as the 41st annual citywide cleanup; exact 2027 date not yet announced)Free

Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park ZooWeekends, Sept 25 – Nov 1, 2026Free admission; ticketed add-ons (slide, Ferris wheel, bounce house)

Family Fest (Barrington)

Citizens ParkExpected mid-Aug 2027 (2026 ran Sat Aug 15, noon–4 PM; exact 2027 dates not yet announced)Free

Field Museum Illinois Free Wednesdays

Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.Wednesdays, Oct 28, 2026 – Mar 31, 2027Free general admission for Illinois residents

Fourth Fridays Summer Concert Series

Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave.Expected Jun–Sept 2027, fourth Fridays (2026 remaining dates were Jul 24, Aug 28 & Sep 25; exact 2027 schedule not yet announced)Free

Go Run Chicago (free 5K/1-mile series)

Rotates: Humboldt Park, Warren Park, Washington ParkSaturdays, Sept 24 – Nov 12, 2026Free (registration required)

Happy Holiday Railway (Illinois Railway Museum)

Illinois Railway MuseumNov 27 – Dec 21, 2026 (Nov 27–29; Dec 5–6, 12–13, 19–20 & 21)$30 adults, $25 kids (everyone 2 and up needs a ticket)

Hoffman Estates Friendship Tree Lighting

Village Hall, 1900 Hassell Rd.Expected late Nov 2026 (a Saturday in mid/late Nov each year — 2024 ran Nov 23, 2025 ran Nov 22; exact 2026 date not yet officially announced)Free

Holiday Happenings at Harmony Square

Harmony Square, 6700 North St.Expected tree lighting late Nov 2026, market & parade first weekend of Dec 2026 (2025 ran lighting Fri Nov 21, market/parade Sat–Sun Dec 6–7; exact 2026 dates not yet announced)Free (ice rink admission separate)

Holiday Lights at Irwin Park (Homewood)

Irwin Park, 18120 Highland Ave.Expected early Dec 2026 (2023 edition ran Dec 5; exact 2026 date not yet announced — don't confuse with the similarly-named Homewood, Alabama event of the same name)Free

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo ChicagoNov 19, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027From $29.95; free for members

Holiday Road (Western Avenue, Beverly/Morgan Park)

Western Ave., 99th–115th St. & Church 103Expected first Saturday of Dec 2026 (2025 ran Sat Dec 6; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free (optional $10 trolley pass)

Holidays @ Skydeck

Skydeck Chicago, Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Dr.Nov 13, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027 (Santa Photo Sessions Nov 14–Dec 24 daily except Thanksgiving; holiday market Dec 8–10; all 2026 dates/times marked tentative on the attraction's own site)Standard Skydeck admission applies (holiday programming not separately priced)

Hometown Holiday (La Grange)

Downtown La Grange & Village HallExpected first Saturday of Dec 2026 (recent editions have run the first Saturday of December; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Hyde Park Garden Fair

Kimbark Plaza, 53rd St. & S. Kimbark Ave.Expected mid-May 2027 (the 66th annual spring sale ran Sat–Sun, May 16–17, 2026; a smaller fall bulb/mum sale also ran Sept 19, 2026; exact 2027 dates not yet announced)Free

Hyde Park Holly-Day

Throughout Hyde ParkExpected early Dec 2026 (2025 ran Sat Dec 6; 2026 date not yet confirmed)Free

Ice Skating at Millennium Park

McCormick Tribune Ice RinkExpected late Nov 2026 – early Feb 2027 (exact 2026-27 dates not yet announced)Free (reservation required)

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum

The Morton ArboretumSat Nov 14, 2026 – Sat Jan 2, 2027Tickets typically $21–34; 2026-27 pricing not yet announced

Kohlights (Kohl Children's Museum)

Kohl Children's MuseumExpected Thanksgiving weekend through late Dec 2026, select weekends (2025 ran Nov 28–Dec 21; exact 2026 dates not yet announced)$16–28 depending on member status/session (2025 pricing — confirm current price at registration)

La Grange Pet Parade

Main St. (downtown La Grange)Expected late May 2027 (2026 ran Sat May 30; exact 2027 date not yet announced)Free

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago Botanic GardenNov 13, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 (select dates)Timed tickets, under $30 on off-peak dates — rises with demand

Lincoln Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show

Lincoln Park ConservatoryExpected mid-Feb–early May 2027 (2026's 'Jewels of Spring' ran Feb 14–May 10, Wed–Sun; exact 2027 dates and theme not yet announced)Free (reservation/timed-entry ticket required)

Lincoln Park Conservatory Winter Flower Show

Lincoln Park ConservatoryExpected late Nov 2026–early Jan 2027 (2025's 'Fireside' show ran Nov 26, 2025–Jan 4, 2026; exact 2026-27 dates and theme not yet announced)Free (reservation required)

Lincoln Park ZooLights

Lincoln Park ZooNov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027$7–10; free on select Mondays (tickets still required)

MSI Illinois Resident Free Days

Museum of Science and IndustryExpected scattered dates throughout 2027, typically Wednesdays (2025's dates included Jan 29 and Feb 26; exact 2027 calendar not yet announced)Free (Illinois residents, proof of residency required)

Macy's Great Tree & Walnut Room Holiday Season

Macy's on State Street (111 N. State St.)Expected early Nov 2026 – early Jan 2027 (2024 ran Nov 2 – Jan 12; exact 2026 dates not yet announced)Free to view; Walnut Room dining by reservation

Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon

Maggie Daley ParkExpected mid-to-late Nov 2026 – early March 2027 (2025-26 season ran Nov 14 – Mar 8; exact 2026-27 dates not yet announced)Free with your own skates (weekdays + early weekend sessions); $17–23 with skate rental

Menorah Lighting at Westfield Old Orchard

Westfield Old OrchardExpected nightly Fri Dec 4 – Fri Dec 11, 2026 (Hanukkah's 8 nights; the mall has hosted nightly lightings with Chabad of Skokie the past 2 years, exact 2026 confirmation not yet posted)Free

Movies in the Parks

90+ parks citywideExpected June–Sept 2027 (2026's 22nd season ran through Sept 11 with 90+ screenings; exact 2027 schedule not yet announced)Free

Naper Lights

Naperville RiverwalkNov 26 – Dec 31, 2026Free

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks

Navy PierExpected late May–early Sept 2027 (2026 season ran May 23–Sep 5; exact 2027 dates not yet announced)Free

North Riverside Winterfest & Tree Lighting

Village Commons, 2401 Desplaines Ave.Expected early Dec 2026 (recent editions ran Dec 1–4; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Once Upon a Symphony: Stone Soup

Symphony Center (Buntrock Hall)Dec 5, 2026 – Feb 13, 2027 (individual performance dates vary — check cso.org)Around $10 per ticket (based on prior seasons — confirm current price)

One Book, One Chicago 2026: Orbital

Chicago Public Library (all branches)Sept 23 – Nov 19, 2026Free

Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd.Feb 6 – March 21, 2027 (“Orchids in Orbit”)Included with general admission/parking fee (not a standalone free event)

Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine Arts & Music Festival

Bowen ParkExpected Aug 2027 (2026 ran Aug 22; exact 2027 date not yet announced)Free

Rev. Robin Hood's Back to School Community Fest

Independence Blvd (Harrison to Polk)Expected late Aug 2027 (traditionally the Sunday before CPS's first day; exact 2027 date not yet announced)Free

Ridge Run & Memorial Day Parade

Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr.Expected Mon Memorial Day 2027 (2026 was the 100th annual, ran Mon May 25 — the parade stepped off around 10:30 AM after the morning races; exact 2027 date follows the holiday, not yet separately announced)Race registration paid; parade free to watch

Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Days

Shedd AquariumExpected scattered dates across 2027 (2026 confirmed dates ran Jan-Feb and Tue evenings Mar-Jun, 5-9 PM; exact full 2027 calendar not yet announced)Free (Illinois residents, advance reservation required)

Shedd Aquarium: Immersion Theater 4D Experiences

Shedd Aquarium (Phelps Auditorium)Now open$5.95 add-on ($2.95 members)

Simbang Gabi (Archdiocese of Chicago Filipino Novena)

55 parishes across the Archdiocese of ChicagoExpected Tue Dec 15 – Wed Dec 23, 2026 (the Archdiocese has run this exact 9-day window in both 2024 and 2025; exact 2026 dates not yet announced)Free

South Shore Summer Festival

South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr.Expected mid-Aug 2027 (the 12th annual ran Sun Aug 16, 2026; exact 2027 date not yet announced)Free

Spring Flower Show (Garfield Park Conservatory)

Garfield Park ConservatoryExpected mid-Feb through early May 2027 (2026 ran Feb 14 – May 10, themed 'Showers of Flowers' with 80+ hanging baskets; exact 2027 dates and theme not yet announced)Free for Chicago residents with reservation

Summer Nights in Edgewater

Edgewater Historical Society Museum garden, 5358 N. Ashland Ave.Expected Jul–Aug 2027 (2026 ran weekly Wednesdays, Jul 8–Aug 19, 6–8 PM; exact 2027 dates not yet announced)Free

Summer Sounds on the Green (Hoffman Estates)

Village GreenExpected Jun–Aug 2027, Thursdays (2026 ran Jun 11–Aug 20, 7 PM; exact 2027 dates not yet announced)Free

Summer at CPL

Chicago Public Library (all 82 branches)Expected June–Aug 2027 (2026 ran June 6–Aug 2; exact 2027 dates not yet announced)Free

Taste of Chicago

Grant ParkExpected a July 2027 date (2026 ran Jul 8–12 after 3 years in September due to the Chicago Street Race; the city's cultural affairs commissioner said as of 2026 the future slot – July, the Fourth of July weekend, or another date – was still being decided, so 2027's date isn't locked in yet)Free admission (food & drink a la carte)

Westside Winter Wonderland

Gold Dome Basketball Courts, 100 N. Central Park Ave.Expected mid-December 2026 (2025 ran Sat Dec 13, 1:30–4:30 PM; exact 2026 date not yet announced)Free

Willow Hill Lights

Willow Hill Golf Course, 1350 Willow Rd.Expected mid-Nov 2026 – early Jan 2027 (2025 season ran Nov 14, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026; exact 2026-27 dates not yet announced)$40/car (2025 pricing; confirm before buying)

Winnetka Menorah Lighting

Station Park, 754 Elm St.Expected early Dec 2026 (Hanukkah begins at sundown Fri Dec 4, 2026; the 2025 edition ran Sun Dec 14; exact 2026 date not yet officially announced)Free (giveaways; general admission not stated)

Winter Flower Show

Garfield Park ConservatoryNov 25, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027Free (reservation required)

Winter at the Adler

Adler PlanetariumExpected late Nov 2026 – early Jan 2027 (2025's edition ran Nov 28–Jan 4; exact 2026 dates not yet announced)Included with museum admission

Wintrust Winter WonderFest

Navy Pier (Festival Hall)Fri Nov 27, 2026 – Sun Jan 3, 2027$27 advance / $32 at door; kids 2 & under free

World Music Wednesday (Old Town School of Folk Music)

Old Town School of Folk Music (Maurer Concert Hall)Wednesdays, 8 PM — ongoing weekly seriesFree (suggested $10 donation)