Chicago is a vibrant and diverse city with something to offer every visitor. Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, music, or food, you’ll find it all in Chicago. The city is also home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Willis Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Millennium Park.
If you’re planning a trip to Chicago in 2024, you’ll want to make sure you visit during one of the best times of year. Here are 10 of the best times to visit Chicago in 2024:
1. January: Chicago Theatre Week
Chicago Theatre Week is a two-week long event that offers discounted tickets to some of the city’s best theater productions. This is a great time to see a Broadway show or a world-class performance at a fraction of the usual price.
Nearby transportation: The Loop CTA station is located within walking distance of many of the theaters participating in Chicago Theatre Week.
Accommodation options: There are a variety of hotels located near the Loop, including the Palmer House Hilton, the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, and the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
2. February: Chinese New Year
Chicago’s Chinatown is one of the largest and most vibrant in the United States. Chinese New Year is a major celebration in Chinatown, and it’s a great time to experience the city’s Asian culture.
Nearby transportation: The Cermak-Chinatown CTA station is located in the heart of Chinatown.
Accommodation options: There are a number of hotels located near Chinatown, including the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago Chinatown, the Best Western Chinatown Hotel, and the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Chinatown.
3. March: St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is a huge celebration in Chicago. The city hosts a massive parade, and the river is dyed green. It’s a great time to experience the city’s Irish culture.
Nearby transportation: The CTA Green, Orange, Blue, Brown, Purple, and Pink lines all stop near the parade route.
Accommodation options: There are a variety of hotels located near the parade route, including the Palmer House Hilton, the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, and the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
4. April: Spring Awakening Music Festival
Spring Awakening Music Festival is one of the largest electronic dance music festivals in the United States. The festival is held in Chicago’s Union Park, and it features a lineup of world-renowned DJs.
Nearby transportation: The CTA Blue Line stops near Union Park.
Accommodation options: There are a number of hotels located near Union Park, including the Hotel Felix, the Ace Hotel Chicago, and the Hoxton, Chicago.
5. May: Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood is home to a large Mexican population, and it hosts a vibrant Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Nearby transportation: The CTA Pink Line stops near the Pilsen neighborhood.
Accommodation options: There are a number of hotels located near the Pilsen neighborhood, including the Holiday Inn Express Chicago – Magnificent Mile, the Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago – Downtown, and the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile.
6. June: Pride Month
June is Pride Month in Chicago. The city hosts a number of events to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, including a parade, a festival, and a march.
Nearby transportation: The CTA Red, Blue, Orange, Brown, and Purple lines all stop near the Pride parade route.
Accommodation options: There are a variety of hotels located near the Pride parade route, including the Palmer House Hilton, the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, and the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
7. July: Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza is one of the largest music festivals in the world. The festival is held in Chicago’s Grant Park, and it features a lineup of some of the biggest names in music.
Nearby transportation: The CTA Green, Orange, Red, and Brown lines all stop near Grant Park.
Accommodation options: There are a number of hotels located near Grant Park, including the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, the Park Hyatt Chicago, and the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
8. August: Chicago Air & Water Show
The Chicago Air & Water Show is the largest free air and water show in the United States. The show features a variety of aircraft, from fighter jets to vintage planes, and it also includes water stunts and fireworks.
Nearby transportation: The CTA Red, Green, and Blue lines all stop near the show venue.
Accommodation options: There are a number of hotels located near the show venue, including the Hilton Chicago, the Hyatt Regency Chicago, and the Swissotel Chicago.
9. September: Chicago Fashion Week
Chicago Fashion Week is a biannual event that showcases the latest collections from some of the world’s top designers. The event is held at the Navy Pier, and it features runway shows, exhibitions, and parties.
Nearby transportation: The CTA Red Line stops at the Navy Pier.
Accommodation options: There are a number of hotels located near the Navy Pier, including the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, and the Hilton Chicago.
10. October: Chicago International Film Festival
The Chicago International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the world. The festival screens a variety of films from around the globe, including independent films, documentaries, and foreign films.
Nearby transportation: The CTA Red Line stops near the festival venue.
Accommodation options: There are a number of hotels located near the festival venue, including the Palmer House Hilton, the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, and the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
These are just a few of the best times to visit Chicago in 2024. No matter what time of year you visit, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in this vibrant and dynamic city.
