Events & Entertainment
January
Gingerbread Fantasy Factory
Held through early January
Location: Chicago Children's
Museum
312-527-1000
Call for additional information
Join in as children of all ages "make", "bake" and decorate pretend gingerbread
creations as well as dress up to reenact the Gingerbread Man, catch their breath
to read the original story, or create scented gingerbread sculptures.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light 2004
Held through early January
Location: Museum of Science and
Industry
773-684-3323
Call for additional information
Experience a Chicago tradition
more than six decades old. Christmas Around the World features an enchanted
forest of glimmering trees, each decorated with meticulous care by one of
Chicago's ethnic communities.
Winter Flower Show and Holiday Garden Railway Exhibition
Held through early January
Location: Lincoln Park
Conservatory
312-742-7736
Call for additional information
Several model trains, including
an old fashioned steam engine, circus train, freight train and trolley, will
wind their way through a miniature village set in a field of vibrant red, pink
and white poinsettias.
Winter Wedding Faire & Fashion Show
Held in early January
Location: Oak Lawn
708-229-8850
Call for additional information
Plan every detail of the
perfect wedding and see the latest in bridal fashions presented during a
fabulous runway show.
SoxFest Annual White Sox Fan Convention
Held in mid January
Location: Hyatt Regency Chicago
312-674-1000
SoxFest offers fans the
opportunity to meet their favorite current and former Sox players. These players
participate in skills clinics, question-and-answer sessions and autograph
signings throughout the weekend.
The Chicagoland Outdoors Show
Held in mid January
Location: Donald E.
Stephens Convention Center
Call for additional
information
The Chicagoland Outdoors Show
is the largest consumer event of its kind in the greater Chicago area. People
come from Midwest states to view and purchase fishing and hunting products, plan
outdoor vacations, shop for boats, RV's, ATV's and 4WD's.
Winter Fest
Held in late January
Location: Centennial Ice Arena
847-433-6901
Call for additional information
Cross-country skiing, sledding,
ice skating, dog sled & ice sculpting demos. Food and fun for all to celebrate
winter!
The Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors
Show featuring Travel Show
Held in mid January
Location: McCormick Place
312-791-7000
Call for additional
information
One of the
largest events 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.
Annual Chicago Snow Sculpting Competition
Held in late January
Location: Rolling Meadows
847-394-8500
Call for additional information
At the Atrium Corporate Center
located on the north side of Golf Road and about a mile east of Woodfield Mall.
Enjoy viewing the work of a three person team that carves a six-foot by six-foot
by ten feet block of snow into a masterpiece.
Chicago Winter Delights
Held early January –
late February
Location: Chicago Cultural
Center
312-744-6630
Call for additional information
This winter festival offers the
best in culture and entertainment, as well as special hotel rates, themed
weekends and hospitality packages.
February
Strictly Sail Show
Held in early February
Location: Navy Pier
312-595-PIER
Call for additional information
This annual show features
accessories and equipment dealers to sailing schools, associations/clubs and
exhibitors from every aspect of the world of sailing.
Chinese New Year Parade
Held in mid February
Location: Wentworth from Cermak
to 24th Street
312-225-0303
Call for additional information
This Chinatown celebration
welcomes the Lunar New Year. The parade includes marching bands, floats, lion
teams, 100' Mystical Dragon, Miss Chinatown and Miss Friendship Ambassador along
with "fire Crackers" at individual stores.
Winter Carnival
Held in mid February
Location: Redmond Recreational
Complex
630-594-1190
Call for additional information
Weekend of fun on & off the
ice. Star studded ice skating show, with top talent at an affordable price!
Carvers compete for the National Ice Carver National Championship trophy. Hockey
games, ice games, chili cook-off, open skating and more.
The Chicago International Motorcycle Show
Held in mid February
Location: Donald E. Stephens
Convention Center, Rosemont
847-692-2220
Powersports enthusiasts from
across the country can see the latest and greatest innovations, products and
services, aftermarket products, as well as the hottest new motorcycles, ATVs,
scooters and more.
Annual Mardi Gras Competition
Held in mid February
Location: The Edge Ice Arena,
Bensenville
630-766-8888
Call for additional information
Figure skating competition for
individual skaters and synchronized skating teams from the Chicago area.
Chicago Auto Show
Held in mid February
Location: McCormick Place,
Chicago
312-791-7000
Call for additional information
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.
Chicago Winter Delights
Held early January – late February
Location: Chicago Cultural
Center
312-744-6630
Call for additional information
This winter festival offers
both culture and entertainment.
March
Naperville St. Patrick's Day
Parade
Held on March 17
Location: Spring Street in
Naperville
630-305-7701
Call for additional information
Featuring approximately 50 entries including Irish dancers, pipe bands and local
politicians and a color guard. Celebrate the day of the Irish in Naperville.
Annual Storytelling Festival
Held in mid March
Location: Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg
847-895-3600
Call for additional information
Bringing together nationally
renowned artists, this is a day of celebrating one of the most enduring art
forms.
Annual Fox Valley Spring
Antique Show
Held in mid March
Location: Kane County
Fairgrounds
815-838-0606
Call for additional information
Features antique dealers from
14 states.
Maple Sugaring Days
Held in mid March
Location: Naper Settlement,
Naperville
630-420-6010
Call for additional information
Observe costumed villages
tapping maple trees to collect the sap, which is boiled down to make maple syrup
and sugar.
Chicago Golf and Backyard Show
Held in mid March
Location: Donald E. Stephens
Convention Center, Rosemont
847-692-2222
Call for additional information
One of the oldest and largest
consumer golf show in the Midwest, and each year it attracts almost 20,000 avid
golfers who come to see what's new in golf.
Chicago Flower and Garden Show
Held in mid March
Location: Navy Pier, Chicago
312-595-PIER
Call for additional information
Heralding the promise of spring
with a burst of welcome color, warmth and cheer, the more than 25 themed gardens
brim over, featuring hourly educational lectures, hundreds of gardening
products, ongoing demonstrations and workshops.
April
Chicago Bike Show
Held in early April
Location: Navy Pier, Chicago
312-595-PIER
Call for additional information
From extreme stunt shows to the
latest products in the bicycling industry, this show brings together major
manufacturers, tour operators, local stores, clubs and other bike-related
organizations.
Greater Woodfield Annual
"Original" Chefs' Fest
Held in mid April
Location: Arlington Park,
Arlington Heights
847-490-1010
Call for additional information
Over 40 of the area's most
succulent restaurants all in one place! Cooking demonstrations, games & prizes,
silent auction. One low admission price lets visitors eat and drink all night
long.
Country Folk Art Festival
Held in mid April
Location: Kane County
Fairgrounds
630-858-1568
The country's top artisans and craftsmen offer for sale exacting reproductions
of antique American country and formal furniture and accessories, contemporary
folk art, and spectacular crafts.
Illinois State Scramble
Held in mid April
Location: Village Greens of
Woodridge Golf Course, Woodridge
630-985-3610
Call for additional information
The Annual Illinois State Scramble is a two person scramble format played at
scratch. Any amateur golfer is eligible to enter.
Antique Collectible Toy and
Doll World Show
Held in late April
Location: Kane County
Fairgrounds
773-736-5140
Call for additional information
1500 tables of antique and
collectible toys, dolls, playthings, and childhood memorabilia.
Annual Chicago Improv Festival
at Cultural Center
Held in late April
Location: Chicago Cultural
Center
312-744-6630
Call for additional information
The Chicago Cultural Center
hosts special events including a week of free performances from Chicago's top
improv troupes during the Lunchbreak series and Family Day events.
May
Annual REACH Duck Race
Held in early May
Location: Naperville Riverwalk
630-848-5000
Call for additional information
This event features plastic
ducks in a "float" race in the DuPage River along the Naperville Riverwalk,
beginning near the Riverwalk Rotary Hill. A pet parade is held in conjunction
with the event.
Bike Chicago
Held early May – late July
Location: Varies within Chicago
312-744-3315
Call for additional information
A three-month long celebration.
Various events include Bike to Work Day, LATE Ride and Bike Along Lake Shore
Drive and numerous workshops to promote health and the environmental benefits of
biking.
Blooming Fest
Held in mid May
Location: Wayne & Helen Fox
Community Center, West Chicago
630-593-0141
Call for additional information
West Chicago is blooming in
Spring! Held in conjunction with the Garden Club plant sale, Blooming Fest is an
outdoor gallery of children's art. Come see what the little Picasso's are
creating. An outdoor craft fair features Chicago artisans.
Railroad Daze in Franklin Park
Held in mid May
Location: Franklin Park
847-671-4800
Call for additional information
Exhibits of trains, engines,
and sleeping cars are featured. Additionally, there is great music (2 bands each
night - Country-Western & Contemporary Rock) as well as children's rides, food
vendors and more!
Civil War Days
Held in mid May
Location: Naper Settlement,
Naperville
630-420-6010
Call for additional information
Gun powder clouds the grounds,
shots ring out in the distance and the Civil War re-enactors have set up camp
once again.
June
Annual Matteson Festival
Held in mid June
Location: Memorial Park,
Matteson
708-748-1080
Call for additional information
Outdoor community festival
featuring live entertainment daily. Carnival rides, arts & crafts, food/beer
garden and much more. Free parking and admission to festival.
Naper Days Celebration
Held in mid June
Location: Naper Settlement,
Naperville
630-420-6010
Call for additional information
Celebrate the best Naperville
has to offer, from its past, present and future! Including multiple stages
featuring local musical entertainment, a "Taste of Naperville" hosting local
restaurants, a wide variety of family entertainment and much more.
Bike Chicago
Held early May – late July
Location: Varies within Chicago
312-744-3315
Call for additional information
A three-month long celebration.
Various events include Bike to Work Day, LATE Ride and Bike Along Lake Shore
Drive and numerous workshops to promote health and the environmental benefits of
biking.
Annual Auto Show
Held in late June
Location: 4101 West 183rd
Street, Country Club Hills
708-798-2616
One of the most popular auto
shows in the south suburbs featuring old cars, not-so-old cars, today's special
cars and motorcycles of all kinds
July
Tennisfest
Held in mid July
Location: 2920 West 183rd
Street, Homewood
708-799-1323
Call for additional information
A 12-day festival with free
tennis clinics, free USA 1-2-3 tennis lessons, tennis sculpture contest, famous
player pet contest, tournaments and much more.
Gospel Fest
Held in late July
Location: Sesto Park, Chicago
Heights
708-755-1351
Call for additional information
Annual Gospel Fest following
parade beginning at 10:30am at Wilson Elementary School. Singers, food, games
and fellowship.
Ridgefest
Held in late July
Location: Freedom Park, Chicago
Ridge
708-425-7700
Call for additional information
Annual festival with national
bands / acts. Diverse ethnic food vendors, huge carnival, arts/ crafts, special
guests and children's entertainment.
Bike Chicago
Held early May – late July
Location: Varies within Chicago
312-744-3315
Call for additional information
A three-month long celebration.
Various events include Bike to Work Day, LATE Ride and Bike Along Lake Shore
Drive and numerous workshops to promote health and the environmental benefits of
biking.
September
Frankfort Fall Festival
Held in early September
Location: Frankfort
815-469-3356
Call for additional information
An outdoor show of over 300
crafters and artisans offer an unmatched array of the finest handmade creations.
South Holland Heritage Festival
Held in early
September
Location: South Holland
708-210-2900
Call for additional information
5 days of different events you
can't miss. Gallery of Art, Annual Car Show/Swap Meet, One Book One Body Church
& Community, Heritage Paarlberg Fest and so much to see each day for all to
enjoy.
Lake Katherine’s Monarch
Butterfly Festival
Held in mid
September
Location: Palos Heights
708-361-1873
Call for additional information
Lake Katherine has one of the
oldest butterfly events in North America. Walk through the butterfly house.
Spider tent, insect exhibitors, crafters, canoes and hay rides, flood.
November
Gingerbread Fantasy Factory
Held November - early January
Location: Chicago Children's
Museum
312-527-1000
Call for additional information
Join in as children of all ages "make", "bake" and decorate pretend gingerbread
creations as well as dress up to reenact the Gingerbread Man, catch their breath
to read the original story, or create scented gingerbread sculptures.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Held through early January
Location: Museum of Science and
Industry
773-684-3323
Call for additional information
Experience a Chicago tradition
more than six decades old. Christmas Around the World features an enchanted
forest of glimmering trees, each decorated with meticulous care by one of
Chicago's ethnic communities.
Winter Flower Show and Holiday Garden Railway Exhibition
Held November - early January
Location: Lincoln Park
Conservatory
312-742-7736
Call for additional information
Several model trains, including
an old fashioned steam engine, circus train, freight train and trolley, will
wind their way through a miniature village set in a field of vibrant red, pink
and white poinsettias.
December
Gingerbread Fantasy Factory
Held November - early January
Location: Chicago Children's
Museum
312-527-1000
Call for additional information
Join in as children of all ages "make", "bake" and decorate pretend gingerbread
creations as well as dress up to reenact the Gingerbread Man, catch their breath
to read the original story, or create scented gingerbread sculptures.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Held through early January
Location: Museum of Science and
Industry
773-684-3323
Call for additional information
Experience a Chicago tradition
more than six decades old. Christmas Around the World features an enchanted
forest of glimmering trees, each decorated with meticulous care by one of
Chicago's ethnic communities.
Winter Flower Show and Holiday Garden Railway Exhibition
Held November - early January
Location: Lincoln Park
Conservatory
312-742-7736
Call for additional information
Several model trains, including
an old fashioned steam engine, circus train, freight train and trolley, will
wind their way through a miniature village set in a field of vibrant red, pink
and white poinsettias.
Entertainment:
Allstate Arena
6920 N. Mannheim
Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
847-635-6601
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 11am - 7pm,
Sat. 12 - 5pm; Closed Sunday, unless there is a scheduled event
Admission Charged for events
The Arena hosts more than 150
events annually, attracting an average of 1.5 million audience members to
witness some of the world's top musical performers, exciting sporting events and
fun-for-everyone family entertainment.
Rosemont Theatre
5400 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
847-671-5100
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 11am - 7pm, Sat. 12 - 5pm, closed Sunday, unless there is a
scheduled event
Admission Charged
The plush Rosemont Theatre is
the ticket to lavish Broadway musicals, full-scale productions and world class
entertainment.
Chicagoland Pops Orchestra
5400 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
847-825-7677
Performances held at the
Rosemont Theatre, call for schedule
The Chicagoland Pops Orchestra,
established by the Village of Rosemont, is a full symphonic ensemble which calls
the magnificent Rosemont Theatre home. The CPO presents an innovative blend of
popular music to give audiences a unique entertainment experience.
