voco Chicago Downtown - Riverwalk Local Attractions and Events in Chicago

Every summer, downtown and the lakefront resonate with live music, as the city hosts free festivals in Millennium Park. Celebrating its musical heritage and showcasing local talent, experience a variety of genres from renowned performers.

Chicago boasts a rich cinematic legacy with landmarks like Essanay Studios and films ranging from classics like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to modern hits such as The Dark Knight and Public Enemies. The city hosts prestigious film festivals year-round, including the renowned Chicago International Film Festival, showcasing its vibrant film culture.

Each summer, Millennium Park hosts free movie screenings at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, featuring a lineup curated by top film festivals in Chicago. Audiences enjoy blockbusters, award winners, family classics, and cult favorites against the backdrop of the city’s iconic skyline during Millennium Park’s 20th Anniversary Summer Season.

Chicago's SummerDance festival invites everyone to dance under the open sky in scenic parks like Grant Park and various neighborhood locations, offering free lessons and live music spanning a wide array of dance styles from waltz and tango to salsa and flamenco throughout the summer.

Ravinia Festival is an outdoor concert series that takes place in Highland Park. Visit their website to see this year’s schedule and performers.

Northalsted Market Days® spans a vibrant weekend, transforming the streets of Chicago's iconic Northalsted/Lakeview district into a celebration of community. Stretching over half a mile, this summer festival boasts continuous live music across five stages, a marketplace hosting over 250 vendors, a diverse array of food and beverages, dance showcases, drag performances, and more!

View Chicago by bus, boat, train, or on foot on one of our city’s famous architecture tours. Let experts show the way through behind-the-scenes stories. 

Explore Chicago's diverse dining scene through its lively food festivals, offering everything from barbecue to international cuisine and iconic Chicago-style hot dogs. Don't miss events like Taste of Chicago and Chicago Gourmet, as well as neighborhood food fests, for a true taste of the city's culinary delights.

Since its inception in 1959, the Chicago Air and Water Show has become the largest free exhibition in the U.S., attracting over two million spectators to Lake Michigan. Held over two days at North Avenue Beach, the event features exciting aerial and aquatic performances by military and civilian teams, creating a memorable experience with roaring jet engines and lake breezes.

The Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade is a nearly 90-year tradition that kicks off the holiday season downtown with a lively procession along State Street. Named the #2 Thanksgiving Parade in the U.S. by TimeOut Magazine, it features marching bands, festive floats, cultural performances, and iconic helium balloons, celebrating community spirit and history.