Chicago Festivals

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The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events produces and promotes festivals along the lakefront, the downtown area, and throughout the city. Major Festivals draw millions of people each year to Chicago.

The following festivals are presented by the City of Chicago:

 

Chicago Air and Water Show

Chicago Air and Water ShowThe Chicago Air and Water Show is the the largest FREE show of its kind in the United States. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.

 

 

 

Chicago Blues Festival

Chicago Blues FestivalThe Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world and remains the largest of Chicago's Music Festivals. During three days, more than half a million blues fans prove that Chicago is the "Blues Capital of the World."

 

 

 

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

Chicago Gospel Music FestivalThe Chicago Gospel Music Festival has welcomed such performers as Grammy Award Winners - Queen of Gospel Music - Albertina Walker and Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker, Byron Cage, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, The Rance Allen Group, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Clark Sisters, Donald Lawrence and Company, Tye Tribbett & G.A., Marvin Sapp, CeCe Winans, The Williams Brothers, Mary Mary, dozens of Chicagoland artists and so many more.

 

 

Chicago House Music Festival and Conference

Chicago House Music FestivalChicago House Music Festival and Conference will present DJs and panel discussions, highlighting key industry topics and the various sounds and styles of House Music, the genre born in Chicago that has gone on to revolutionize dance music internationally.

 

 

 

Chicago Jazz Festival

Crowd enjoying a performance at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park For more than 40 years, the Chicago Jazz Festival has been a Labor Day weekend tradition. Know for its artistic creativity, the Chicago Jazz Festival showcases Chicago’s vast jazz talent alongside national and international jazz artists.

 

 

 

Chicago SummerDance

Family dancing at Chicago SummerDance in Grant ParkOne of Chicago’s most popular summer events, the annual Chicago SummerDance is a free festival featuring one‑hour dance lessons by professional instructors, followed by two hours of live music and dancing. Chicago SummerDance highlights many different types of dance, including Latin, swing and steppin’, and ballroom/big band.

 

 

Taste of Chicago

Taste of Chicago is the Family enjoying the food at a neighborhood Taste of Chicagonation's premier outdoor food festival showcasing the diversity of Chicago's dining community. The delicious array of food served at Taste of Chicago is complemented by music and exciting activities for the entire family.

 

 

 

World Music Festival Chicago

Ragamala concert of Indian classical music in Preston Bradley Hall of the Chicago Cultural CenterThe annual World Music Festival Chicago features dozens of free and ticketed concerts with international and local artists performing music from all over the globe at venues throughout the city, including the Chicago Cultural Center.

 

 

 

Request For Proposals (RFP) for Rental of Stage Lighting Equipment

The City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events seeks proposals from qualified firms to provide stage lighting rental services.