Chicago Events: Chicago Events Calendar

There’s always something to do in Chicago. Below is a list of the best events in Chicago.
Be sure to call ahead to confirm dates, times and other important information.

June 2005

20. Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2004. Mickey Mouse, in his tenth year as master of ceremonies, will illuminate over one million lights on 200 trees along Chicago ’s Magnificent Mile from Oak Street to the Chicago River . He will be joined by an exciting array of Disney characters. Michigan Ave. from Oak St. to Chicago River , Chicago Chicago , IL 60606 (312) 642-3570

20 - 21. Chevy Vette Fest. Car enthusiast of all ages will be revved up at the largest all indoor Chevrolet and Corvette car show. Take a look at the cars for sale or browse under the hood of both new and classic Chevrolets and Corvettes. $14; Free for kids under 12 Conventions/Shows McCormick Place 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60616 (312) 791-7000

23. Soldier Field Tours Soldier Field Tours offer both a historic and modern-day journey that includes the Cadillac Club and Colonnades, Sky Suites, Visitor’s Locker Room, and West Den. Tours are 45-minutes long and are by phone reservation only. $15 per adult, $7 per Senior Citizen and $4 per child 12 years and younger (children 3 and under are free) Sports Festival Soldier Field 1600 S. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60616 (312) 747-1285

25. Chicago Thanksgiving Parade More than 300,000 spectators are expected to line the parade route, cheering on more than 100 high-stepping marching bands, gigantic helium balloons, majestic equestrian units, fabulous floats and performance groups. Parade State St. from Congress Pkwy. to Randolph St. Chicago , IL 60606 (312) 781-5681

26 Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony 2004 Come sing along to the music of the season as carolers entertain the crowd until darkness arrives and Mayor Richard M. Daley officially lights the big holiday tree. Festivals/Fairs Daley Plaza , 50 W. Washington St. Chicago , IL 60606 (312) 744-3315

16 - 28 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baily Circus Welcome to an upside-down topsy-turvy world where everything you thought could never happen actually does! Children of all ages have the chance to meet human & animal performers, try on circus costumes, learn circus skills and participate in clown gags. Circus United Center 1901 W. Madison St. Chicago , IL 60612 (312) 455-4500

Nov. 26, 2004 - Jan. 2, 2005 ZooLights ZooLights is a free event that features more than one million holiday lights, a spectacular water laser show, live ice carving, Santa’s workshop and of course, zoo animals! Seasonal Events Lincoln Park Zoo Cannon Dr. at Fullerton Pkwy. Chicago , IL 60614 (312) 742-2000

Nov. 26, 2004 - Jan. 9, 2005 Holiday Flower Show This show houses over 1,000 poinsettias, consisting of 30 different varieties, including vibrant red, delicate pink and soft white colors. An additional 2,000 plants such as begonias and Alternanthera will join festively decorated Christmas trees. Seasonal Events Garfield Park Conservatory 300 N. Central Park Ave. Chicago , IL 60624 (312) 746-5100

December 2004

3 - 4 All That Glitters Bazaar 2004 Complete your holiday shopping and be entertained as well at the Chicago Cultural Center 's Holiday Bazaar - All That Glitters. Find unique items and one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones this holiday season. Free Seasonal Events Chicago Cultural Center 78 E. Washington St.
Chicago , IL 60602 (312) 744-6630

3 - 5 Chicago Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show Featuring hundreds of the countries finest exhibitors selling the latest jewelry collections, the most current fashion ideas and the hottest new accessories. Conventions/Shows Navy Pier 600 E. Grand Ave. Chicago , IL 60616 (312) 595-PIER

4 - 5 Julmarknad This annual Christmas Bazaar and shop for traditional Scandinavian and modern handicrafts features crafts, games, and a special visit from Santa. Entertainment for the whole family, kaffestuga, Lucia processions & folk dancers. Admission: $2 Festivals/Fairs Swedish American Museum Center 5211 N. Clark St. Chicago , IL 60640 (773) 728-8111

7 Soldier Field Tours Soldier Field Tours offer both a historic and modern-day journey that includes the Cadillac Club and Colonnades, Sky Suites, Visitor’s Locker Room, and West Den. Tours are 45-minutes long and are by phone reservation only. $15 per adult, $7 per Senior Citizen and $4 per child 12 years and younger (children 3 and under are free) Sports Festival Soldier Field 1600 S. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60616 (312) 747-1285

1 - 19 A Great View and Santa, Too! 2004 Visitors will experience wintry views spanning up to 80 miles and four states, a visit with the "real" Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a twelve-train, 1,400-square-foot holiday railroad exhibit! Visitors will also receive one photo/party with Santa! Seasonal Events The Hancock Observatory 875 N. Michigan Ave. 94th Floor Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 751-3680 (888) 875-view

21 Soldier Field Tours Soldier Field Tours offer both a historic and modern-day journey that includes the Cadillac Club and Colonnades, Sky Suites, Visitor’s Locker Room, and West Den. Tours are 45-minutes long and are by phone reservation only. $15 per adult, $7 per Senior Citizen and $4 per child 12 years and younger (children 3 and under are free) Sports Festival Soldier Field 1600 S. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60616 (312) 747-1285

1 - 22 Christkindlmarket Sample a slice of Europe at this holiday shopping heaven patterned after the famous outdoor markets to Germany , with bountiful gift ideas such as handmade glass ornaments, wooden toys and silver jewelry. Seasonal Events Daley Plaza Washington St. and Dearborn St. Chicago , IL 60601
(312) 744-3315

1 - 24 Santa House at Daley Plaza Visit Santa Claus and his friends at Santa’s House. Take your own pictures or purchase one for $4.00. (Note: Lines will be curtailed to accommodate hours.) Festivals/Fairs  
Daley Plaza , 50 W. Washington St. Chicago , IL 60606 (312) 744-3315

27- 29 Latin Jazz Children’s Festival Children and their families are invited to experience the rhythmic multicultural soundscapes of this genre through live performances featuring some of Chicago’s best Latin Jazz artists and educators. Free Festivals/Fairs Chicago Historical Society Clark St. at North Ave. Chicago , IL 60614 (312) 642-4600

27 - 29 Mayor Daley's Annual Holiday Sports Festival 2004 This sports festival is family friendly with tournaments for all ages. Tournaments in floor hockey, Nerf football, volleyball and soccer are featured along with many other "virtual sports." Festivals/Fairs McCormick Place 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago , IL 60616 (312) 791-7000

31 Chicago Celebrates New Year’s Eve 2005 Ring in the New Year as the City of Chicago lights up the lakefront with fireworks choreographed to music. The lighted fountain countdown to the New Year will surely get Chicago ready to turn another page in time. Free Seasonal Events Buckingham Fountain, Congress Pky. and Columbus Dr. Chicago , IL 60606 (312) 744-3315

Dec. 10, 2004 - Jan. 2, 2005 Winter Wonderfest 2004 Navy Pier will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring decorated trees, sparkling lights, a main town square and wintertime decorations. This festival includes: an ice skating and in-line skating rink and Santa Claus and his toy-making elves. Seasonal Events Navy Pier 600 E. Grand Ave. Chicago , IL 60616 (312) 595-PIER

Dec. 11, 2004 - Jan. 9, 2005 Winter Flower Show and Holiday Garden Railway Exhibition
Several model trains, including an old fashioned steam engine, circus train, freight train and trolley, will wind their way through a minature village set in a field of vibrant red, pink and white poinsettias. Conventions/Shows Lincoln Park Conservatory 2400 N. Stockton Dr. Chicago , IL 60614 (312) 742-7736

Dec. 30, 2004 - Mar. 1, 2005 Soldier Field Sledding Hill
The 30-foot Sledding Hill located on the Soldier Field Parkland is a fun, family friendly area. As with all areas in the Parkland , the Sledding Hill is free to the public. Free Seasonal Events  
Soldier Field Parkland, S. Museum Campus Drive (located adjacent to Burnham Harbor and the South Parking lot at Soldier’s Field) Chicago , IL 60616 (312) 742-PLAY

January 2005

Jan. 6, 2005 - Feb. 27, 2005 Chicago Winter Delights 2005 This winter festival offers the best in culture and entertainment, as well as special hotel rates, themed weekends and hospitality packages. Free and paid events Seasonal Events Chicago Cultural Center 78 E. Washington St. Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 744-6630
(877) 244-2246

Jan. 8, 2005 - Feb. 27, 2005 Light Nights on the Magnificent Mile 2005
Transform your winter ‘blahs’ into winter ‘ahhs!’ with Light Nights on The Magnificent Mile. Enjoy winter gardens transformed with illuminated orb sculptures, hand-painted by local artists. Seasonal Events  
Michigan Ave. , from Wacker Dr. to Oak St. Chicago , IL 60602 (312) 642-3570

Jan. 19, 2005 - Jan. 23, 2005 The Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show featuring Travel Show Chicago The largest event in the Midwest for recreational and leisure activities featuring more than 600 boats, 300 RVs and hundreds of booths filled with outfitters, charter boats, personal watercraft, fishing equipment, wakeboarding & marine accessories. Conventions/Shows McCormick Place 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago , IL 60616 (312) 791-7000

February 2005

Feb. 3, 2005 - Feb. 6, 2005 Strictly Sail Show
This annual show features accessories and equipment dealers to sailing schools, associations/clubs and exhibitors from every aspect of the world of sailing. Conventions/Shows Navy Pier 600 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago , IL 60616 (312) 595-PIER

Feb. 13, 2005 - Feb. 13, 2005 Chinese New Year Parade
Chinatown celebration welcoming the Lunar New Year. "Year of the Rooster, 4703" parade will include marching bands, floats, lion teams, 100' Mystical Dragon, Miss Chinatown and Miss Friendship Ambassador along with "fire Crackers" at individual stores. Free Parade  
Wentworth from Cermak to 24th St.
Chicago , IL 60616
(312) 225-0303

Feb. 11, 2005 - Feb. 20, 2005 Chicago Auto Show
Chicago showcases the entire spectrum of automobile manufacturer offerings on a single show floor in the magnificent McCormick Place . This show features more than 1,000 cars, trucks, SUVs and the always-ready-to-steal-the-show concepts. Conventions/Shows McCormick Place 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago , IL 60616 (312) 791-7000