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2025 promises a season packed with music, food, culture, and family fun across the City

CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced today the 2025 lineup of spring and summer festivals and events starting this May, showcasing the city's vibrant arts, culture and community spirit.

“From world-class music festivals to neighborhood celebrations, Chicago continues to be a premier destination for unforgettable experiences,” said Mayor Johnson. “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.”

Returning this year are world-renowned festivals and events such as the Chicago Blues Festival (June 5-8), Chicago Gospel Music Festival (July 12), Chicago Air and Water Show (August 16 & 17), Chicago Jazz Festival (August 28–31) and Taste of Chicago (September 5–7). In addition to these large, much-anticipated events, community and local favorites also return such as the Chicago Farmers Markets (May through October), the Millennium Park Summer Music Series (June 26 – August 7) and Millennium Park Summer Film Series (July 1 – August 26) and Chicago SummerDance (June through August) – in addition to many others.

"The amazing events and festivals organized each year by the dedicated team at DCASE truly energize Chicago every spring and summer," said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. "There's no better way to welcome the season of renewal and warmth than with festivities that bring everyone together to celebrate arts, culture, and entertainment in the way that our city does so uniquely."

Following are DCASE-produced spring and summer festival and event dates; information is subject to change.

• 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. ChicagoFarmersMarkets.us
• Maxwell Street (1330 S. Halsted) – Second Sundays, May through October. MaxwellStreetMarket.us
• Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony & Parade (Daley Plaza and State Street) – Saturday, May 24. Chicago.gov/DCASE
• Millennium Park Summer Workouts (Great Lawn) – Saturdays, May 17 – August 30. MillenniumPark.org
• Chicago Blues Festival (Ramova Theatre, Jay Pritzker Pavilion and throughout Millennium Park) – Thursday– Sunday, June 5 – 8. MillenniumPark.org and ChicagoBluesFestival.us
• Millennium Park Summer Music Series (Jay Pritzker Pavilion) – 10 concerts, most Mondays & Thursdays, June 26 – August 7. MillenniumPark.org
• Chicago Gospel Music Festival (Jay Pritzker Pavilion) – July 12. MillenniumPark.org and ChicagoGospelMusicFestival.us
• Millennium Park Summer Film Series (Jay Pritzker Pavilion) – Tuesdays, July 1 – August 26. MillenniumPark.org
• 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. ChicagoSummerDance.org
• Chicago Air and Water Show (North Avenue Beach & Lakefront) – August 16 –17, with a rehearsal on August 15. ChicagoAirandWaterShow.us
• 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. ChicagoHouseMusicFestival.us
• Chicago Jazz Festival (Citywide including the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park) – Thursday – Sunday, August 28 – 31. MillenniumPark.org and ChicagoJazzFestival.us.
• 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). TasteofChicago.us
• World Music Festival Chicago (Citywide including the Chicago Cultural Center) – Friday, September 26 – Sunday, October 5. WorldMusicFestivalChicago.org
• 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

Additionally, the Grant Park Music Festival (presented by the Grant Park Orchestral Association with support from the Chicago Park District and DCASE) takes place Wednesdays, Fridays and most Saturdays, June 11 – August 16 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Details at GPMF.org.

For full event details and updates, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE.

Follow @ChicagoDCASE on social media for the latest updates.

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city—to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city—serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.