Things to Do in Chicago

Discover attractions, events, museums, dining, and entertainment across Chicago.

Updated: August 29, 2026
142 Venues

Looking for things to do in Chicago? Explore concerts, sports, theatre, museums, parks, attractions, festivals, neighborhoods, family activities, nightlife, and seasonal events. Find ideas for today, this weekend, or any time of year.

3,902
Upcoming Events
Aug 29
Next Event
$34
Lowest Price
$52
Average Price
Next event starts in:
Bright Star Circus
Aug 29 · 12:00 PM · Chicago, IL
View Tickets
On this page:
Featured Things to Do
Events Calendar
Planning Guide
About Things to Do
Things to Do FAQ

Featured Things to Do

Top attractions and experiences across Chicago
CONCERTS
2,101 Upcoming Events
Musicals & Plays
1,007 Upcoming Events
COMEDY
635 Upcoming Events
SPORTS
445 Upcoming Events
BALLET
75 Upcoming Events
Music Festivals
40 Upcoming Events
CIRCUS
34 Upcoming Events
ADULT
16 Upcoming Events
Family
9 Upcoming Events
MAGIC SHOWS
8 Upcoming Events
Museum & Exhibition
5 Upcoming Events
FAIRS / FESTIVALS
Events Coming Soon

Events Calendar

Discover what's happening today and upcoming events
Select dates...
Upcoming Events: 3,893
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    12:00 PM
    Sat
    CIRCUS
    Weekend Event
    Bright Star Circus
    Stars and Garters Theater
    Stars and Garters Theater
    location60613, 3914 North Clark Street  Chicago, ILlocation60613, 3914 North Clark Street Chicago, IL, US
    From $44Avg. price ~ $52Tickets Available: 34
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    Time TBA
    College (Div I-A and Div I-AA) FOOTBALL
    Weekend Event
    Chicago State Cougars vs. Roosevelt Lakers
    SeatGeek Stadium • 28,000 seats
    SeatGeek Stadium
    location60455, 7000 S. Harlem Ave.  Bridgeview, ILlocation60455, 7000 S. Harlem Ave. Bridgeview, IL, US
    From $42Avg. price ~ $6726 tickets remaining!
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    1:20 PM
    Sat
    Professional (MLB)
    High Demand
    Weekend Event
    Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds
    Wrigley Field • 41,268 seats
    Wrigley Field
    location60613, 1060 West Addison Street  Chicago, ILlocation60613, 1060 West Addison Street Chicago, IL, US
    From $76Avg. price ~ $367Tickets Available: 1248
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    2:00 PM
    Sat
    MUSICAL / PLAY
    Weekend Event
    West Side Story
    George Van Dusen Theatre At North Shore Center For The Performing Arts • 867 seats
    George Van Dusen Theatre At North Shore Center For The Performing Arts
    location60077, 9501 North Skokie Boulevard  Skokie, ILlocation60077, 9501 North Skokie Boulevard Skokie, IL, US
    From $60Avg. price ~ $138Tickets Available: 362
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    2:30 PM
    Sat
    MUSICAL / PLAY
    Weekend Event
    Vape! The Grease Parody
    Apollo Theater Main Stage - Chicago • 450 seats
    Apollo Theater Main Stage - Chicago
    location60614, 2540 N Lincoln  Chicago, ILlocation60614, 2540 N Lincoln Chicago, IL, US
    From $50Avg. price ~ $99Tickets Available: 440
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    5:00 PM
    Sat
    TECHNO / ELECTRONIC
    Weekend Event
    Le Youth
    Recess - Chicago
    Recess - Chicago
    location60607, 838 W Kinzie Street  Chicago, ILlocation60607, 838 W Kinzie Street Chicago, IL, US
    From $53Avg. price ~ $508 tickets remaining!
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    5:00 PM
    Sat
    R&B / SOUL
    Weekend Event
    Goapele
    City Winery - Chicago
    City Winery - Chicago
    location60607, 1200 W. Randolph St.  Chicago, ILlocation60607, 1200 W. Randolph St. Chicago, IL, US
    From $98Avg. price ~ $13818 tickets remaining!
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    5:00 PM
    Sat
    MUSICAL / PLAY
    Weekend Event
    SAW The Musical
    Heath Mainstage At The Den Theatre • 302 seats
    Heath Mainstage At The Den Theatre
    location60622, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave  Chicago, ILlocation60622, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL, US
    From $160Avg. price ~ $24514 tickets remaining!
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    6:45 PM
    Sat
    POP / ROCK
    Best Value
    Weekend Event
    The Fray & Dashboard Confessional
    Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island • 36,000 seats
    Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
    location60605, 1300 S. Linn White Drive  Chicago, ILlocation60605, 1300 S. Linn White Drive Chicago, IL, US
    From $34Avg. price ~ $104Tickets Available: 909
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    7:00 PM
    Sat
    Concert
    Best Value
    Weekend Event
    Ten - Pearl Jam Tribute
    House Of Blues - Chicago • 1,300 seats
    House Of Blues - Chicago
    location60654, 329 N Dearborn St  Chicago, ILlocation60654, 329 N Dearborn St Chicago, IL, US
    From $34Avg. price ~ $4623 tickets remaining!
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    7:30 PM
    Sat
    Concert
    Weekend Event
    Revelator - Tribute to Tedeschi Trucks Band
    North Theatre At North Shore Center For The Performing Arts • 318 seats
    North Theatre At North Shore Center For The Performing Arts
    location60077, 9501 Skokie Blvd.  Skokie, ILlocation60077, 9501 Skokie Blvd. Skokie, IL, US
    From $61Avg. price ~ $90Tickets Available: 226
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    7:30 PM
    Sat
    MUSICAL / PLAY
    Weekend Event
    West Side Story
    George Van Dusen Theatre At North Shore Center For The Performing Arts • 867 seats
    George Van Dusen Theatre At North Shore Center For The Performing Arts
    location60077, 9501 North Skokie Boulevard  Skokie, ILlocation60077, 9501 North Skokie Boulevard Skokie, IL, US
    From $60Avg. price ~ $142Tickets Available: 420
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    7:30 PM
    Sat
    MUSICAL / PLAY
    Weekend Event
    Vape! The Grease Parody
    Apollo Theater Main Stage - Chicago • 450 seats
    Apollo Theater Main Stage - Chicago
    location60614, 2540 N Lincoln  Chicago, ILlocation60614, 2540 N Lincoln Chicago, IL, US
    From $50Avg. price ~ $98Tickets Available: 482
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    8:00 PM
    Sat
    Concert
    Weekend Event
    Ravefurrest
    Outset
    Outset
    location60642, 1675 North Elston Avenue  Chicago, ILlocation60642, 1675 North Elston Avenue Chicago, IL, US
    From $48Avg. price ~ $72Tickets Available: 32
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    8:00 PM
    Sat
    ALTERNATIVE
    Weekend Event
    Peter Hook and The Light
    Peter Hook and The Light
    Metro Chicago • 1,100 seats
    Metro Chicago
    location60613, 3730 N Clark St.  Chicago, ILlocation60613, 3730 N Clark St. Chicago, IL, US
    From $118Avg. price ~ $24314 tickets remaining!
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    8:00 PM
    Sat
    LATIN
    High Demand
    Weekend Event
    Jorge Medina
    Rosemont Theatre • 4,400 seats
    Rosemont Theatre
    location60018, 5400 North River Road  Rosemont, ILlocation60018, 5400 North River Road Rosemont, IL, US
    From $88Avg. price ~ $335Tickets Available: 491
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    8:00 PM
    Sat
    POP / ROCK
    Weekend Event
    Robert Lester Folsom & Corey Parsons
    Robert Lester Folsom & Corey Parsons
    Evanston Space • 250 seats
    Evanston Space
    location60202, 1245 Chicago Avenue  Evanston, ILlocation60202, 1245 Chicago Avenue Evanston, IL, US
    From $53Avg. price ~ $75Tickets Available: 30
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    8:30 PM
    Sat
    R&B / SOUL
    Weekend Event
    Goapele
    City Winery - Chicago
    City Winery - Chicago
    location60607, 1200 W. Randolph St.  Chicago, ILlocation60607, 1200 W. Randolph St. Chicago, IL, US
    From $96Avg. price ~ $132Tickets Available: 30
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    8:30 PM
    Sat
    MUSICAL / PLAY
    Weekend Event
    SAW The Musical
    Heath Mainstage At The Den Theatre • 302 seats
    Heath Mainstage At The Den Theatre
    location60622, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave  Chicago, ILlocation60622, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL, US
    From $160Avg. price ~ $24518 tickets remaining!
    View Tickets
  • Aug
    29
    2026
    9:00 PM
    Sat
    Concert
    Best Value
    Weekend Event
    Bop To The Top
    Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom • 4,500 seats
    Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
    location60640, 1106 West Lawrence Avenue  Chicago, ILlocation60640, 1106 West Lawrence Avenue Chicago, IL, US
    From $34Avg. price ~ $72Tickets Available: 170
    View Tickets
Load More Events

Planning Guide

Discover attractions, entertainment, outdoor adventures, dining, shopping, and seasonal experiences.
Live Events
Concerts, sports, theatre, comedy shows
Family
Zoos, aquariums, children's museums
Attractions
Museums, landmarks, observation decks
Fairs & Festivals
Discover fairs, festivals, cultural celebrations, food festivals
Nightlife
Bars, clubs, live music venues
Dining
Restaurants, food halls, breweries

About Things to Do

Explore Chicago throughout the year

Discover activities across Chicago and nearby areas, from live entertainment and sporting events to museums, outdoor adventures, festivals, neighborhoods, dining, and cultural attractions. Browse experiences by season, category, or date to plan your next outing.

Things to Do FAQ

Frequently asked questions about activities in Chicago

What are the best things to do in Chicago?

Browse concerts, sports, theatre, museums, attractions, festivals, parks, dining, nightlife, and seasonal events taking place throughout Chicago and nearby areas.

What can I do in Chicago today?

Check the daily events calendar for concerts, sports, theatre performances, comedy shows, festivals, exhibitions, family activities, and special events happening today.

What are the best family activities?

Families can enjoy zoos, aquariums, children's museums, parks, interactive attractions, seasonal festivals, educational exhibits, and live entertainment.

Are there free things to do?

Many parks, public beaches, walking trails, neighborhood festivals, public art installations, outdoor concerts, and community events are free throughout the year.

What are the best nightlife activities?

Popular nightlife includes rooftop bars, live music venues, comedy clubs, theatres, breweries, cocktail lounges, restaurants, and entertainment districts.

When is the best time to visit Chicago?

Every season offers something different, including outdoor activities, festivals, sporting events, concerts, theatre performances, holiday celebrations, and cultural attractions.

Are activities available year-round?

Yes. Live entertainment, museums, attractions, restaurants, sports, theatre, parks, and seasonal festivals take place throughout the year.

How do I find upcoming events?

Browse the regularly updated events calendar to discover concerts, sports, theatre, comedy, festivals, attractions, and family-friendly activities by date, category, or location.