Chicago’s 2026 Festival Season: Official Dates and Lineup Revealed for the City’s Biggest Summer Events

Chicago’s 2026 lineup of festivals and events has been offically unveiled! Kicking off in May, the 2026 festival season features beloved classics alongside programs that invite both residents and visitors to experience the best of Chicago in music, food, art, and gatherings. The season will see the return of cherished events such as the Chicago Blues Festival, Taste of Chicago, and the Chicago Air and Water Show. Additionally, there will be citywide programs including Chicago SummerDance, farmers’ markets, and free outdoor concerts and films in Millennium Park. DCASE Acting Commissioner Kenya Merritt said: > This season’s lineup showcases world-class talent , supports small businesses and creates unforgettable experiences for all attendees. We’re proud to continue investing in free, inclusive programming that strengthens our neighborhoods and keeps Chicago at the center of global culture. 2026 Chicago festival calendar ---------------------------------- Chicago Farmers Markets (Citywide markets including Daley Plaza)— May through October; Division Street Farmers Market opens Saturday, May 16, and Daley Plaza Farmers Market opens Thursday, May 21 Maxwell Street Market (1330 S. Halsted) — Monthly, Sundays, May – October. Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony & Parade — Saturday, May 23 Millennium Park Summer Workouts (Great Lawn) — Saturdays, May 16 – September 5. Chicago Blues Festival (Ramova Theatre and Millennium Park) — Thursday through Sunday, June 4 – 7. Millennium Park Summer Music Series (Jay Pritzker Pavilion) — Nine concerts, most Mondays & Thursdays, June 15 – August 6. Millennium Park Summer Film Series (Jay Pritzker Pavilion) — Tuesdays, July 1 – August 19. Taste of Chicago (Grant Park) — Wednesday through Sunday, July 8–12. Chicago Gospel Music Festival (Jay Pritzker Pavilion) — Friday and Saturday, July 24 – 25. Chicago SummerDance (Citywide, including Night Out in the Parks pop-up events and Spirit of Music Garden) — July and August. Chicago Air and Water Show (North Avenue Beach) — Saturday and Sunday, August 15 – 16 (rehearsal Friday, August 14). Chicago House Music Festival & Conference (Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park) — Thursday through Sunday, August 27 – 30. Chicago Jazz Festival (Citywide, including Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park) — Thursday through Sunday, September 3 – 6. World Music Festival Chicago (Citywide) — Friday through Sunday, September 25 – October 4. Chicago Made Music Showcase Finale (Chicago Cultural Center) — Saturday, October 24. City Holiday Events (Millennium Park) — City of Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony (Friday, November 20); Holiday Market (Friday–Sunday, November 20 – 22); and Holiday Sing Along (Fridays, December 4, 11, 18). New Year’s Eve Celebration — Thursday, December 31. Source: https://secretchicago.com/chicago-festival-season-events-2026/