Location events

Chicago, IL Events

Browse 28 upcoming events in Chicago, IL. Free event listings updated daily.

Upcoming events

Browse what is happening in and around Chicago, IL.

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

Mon, Jun 1, 2026 – Sun, Nov 22, 2026

Explore Chicago's architecture on a 90-minute river cruise aboard the First Lady boat. Learn from knowledgeable docents about over 50 iconic buildings shaping the city's skyline. Departing from the First Lady dock on the Chicago Riverwalk in the Loop. A perfect event for networking with professionals interested in architecture, urban planning, and related industries.

Obama Presidential Center Opening

Mon, Jun 1, 2026 – Tue, Sep 1, 2026

The Obama Presidential Center will open in summer 2026 in Chicago's Jackson Park. This significant new civic and cultural destination will feature a museum, auditorium, branch of the Chicago Public Library, community and athletic programming spaces, landscaped gardens, and year-round initiatives, providing excellent opportunities for professional networking and cultural enrichment.

Flyway City Exhibition

Thu, Jun 11, 2026 – Sun, Jan 3, 2027

Studio Gang co-curates the Flyway City exhibition about building healthier urban ecosystems that protect birds. This event offers insights and networking opportunities for professionals in architecture, urban planning, and environmental sciences.

SAW The Musical: The Unauthorized Parody of SAW

Fri, Jun 26, 2026 – Sun, Sep 6, 2026

An engaging theater show at The Den Theatre that offers creative entertainment and networking opportunities for professionals in the arts and entertainment industry.

Summer Leadership Academy

Wed, Jul 1, 2026 – Fri, Jul 31, 2026

A 2026 training event focused on leadership skills development for educators to make a difference in their schools, communities, and professional organizations. This event includes networking and professional growth opportunities.

2026 NCSL Legislative Summit

Mon, Jul 27, 2026 – Wed, Jul 29, 2026

The 2026 NCSL Legislative Summit is a key event for legislative professionals, policy makers, and government officials to engage in strategic discussions, professional development, and networking related to legislative and policy issues.

Empowerment Series Business Networking Lunch

Wed, Jul 29, 2026

Part of an empowerment series, this business networking lunch offers professionals a chance to connect and share insights in a relaxed setting.

The Data Science Conference® Chicago 2026

Sat, Aug 1, 2026

A unique vendor-free data science conference focused on knowledge exchange among IT and data professionals. Held at the University of Chicago's Gleacher Center, the event includes networking opportunities and insights into data integration, transformation processes, and analytics best practices for ETL specialists.

International Conference on Network Security and Cyber-Physical Systems

Mon, Aug 3, 2026

This Chicago-based conference covers cutting-edge topics in network security and cyber-physical systems, offering valuable discussions and networking for professionals.

Adult Services Managers of Larger-Sized Public Libraries Quarterly Meeting

Mon, Aug 3, 2026

Networking and discussion for managers, department heads, and supervisors of adult services units in public libraries with populations between 50,000 and 80,000+. Topics include management, innovative services, technology, patron education, strategic thinking, and more. Meetings are held quarterly both virtually and in-person at various libraries.

AI & Machine Learning Start-Ups, Professionals, Investors Networking

Tue, Aug 4, 2026

Networking event for AI & Machine Learning startups, professionals, and investors to explore new opportunities and partnerships in Chicago.

Webinar: The Ripple Effect - How Better Manager Hiring Lifts Your Entire Organization

Wed, Aug 5, 2026

This webinar explores strategies to improve manager hiring processes, demonstrating how better hiring decisions positively affect the overall organization. It focuses on leadership development and organizational capability enhancement.

Quarterly All For The Love of Chicago Roundtable Events

Thu, Aug 20, 2026

Marketing and communications leaders from Choose Chicago partner organizations align messaging, strengthen relationships, and elevate Chicago's narrative. Hosted at premier venues across the city.

Illinois Data Connect Summit 2026

Fri, Aug 21, 2026 – Sun, Aug 23, 2026

A technical conference focusing on data integration, ETL processes, and database management with workshops on modern ETL tools, cloud migration, and real-time data processing. Includes networking sessions, a job fair, and vendor demonstrations. Designed for data professionals in Chicago.

West Loop Art Festival

Sat, Aug 22, 2026

Experience the vibrant art walk through Chicago's dynamic West Loop neighborhood, featuring live music and the area's signature food scene. This festival offers networking opportunities for professionals in the arts and creative industries.

ACS Fall 2026 Conference

Sun, Aug 23, 2026 – Thu, Aug 27, 2026

Join the ACS Fall 2026 Conference in Chicago or online from August 23-27, 2026. Explore new research, attend workshops, keynote events, industry symposia, networking events, and career development workshops tailored for chemists and industry professionals. Connect with fellow professionals and expand your network in the global chemistry community.

Chicago House Music Festival & Conference 2026

Thu, Aug 27, 2026 – Sun, Aug 30, 2026

A professional music industry event featuring house music performances, panels, and networking opportunities for music professionals, artists, and industry insiders. Held at the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park from August 27 to August 30, 2026.

2026 IHCC Annual Business Conference and Expo

Thu, Aug 27, 2026

Join the 2026 IHCC Annual Business Conference and Expo at Aon Grand Ballroom Navy Pier. This event offers excellent opportunities for business networking and professional growth.

Annual Partner Showcase

Tue, Sep 1, 2026

New partners showcase their businesses in a trade show format, building awareness among Choose Chicago departments and industry professionals such as Destination Management Companies, local meeting and event planners, concierges, and key sales and marketing professionals.

2026 September PMI Chicagoland Chapter Monthly Dinner Meeting

Wed, Sep 9, 2026

Monthly dinner meeting for project management professionals to network and share insights in the Chicago metropolitan area.

ElixirConf US 2026

Wed, Sep 9, 2026 – Fri, Sep 11, 2026

Tech conference in Chicago, Illinois, United States, North America and Online for Elixir programming professionals.

IMTS 2026

Mon, Sep 14, 2026 – Sat, Sep 19, 2026

IMTS 2026 is one of the world's largest manufacturing technology shows, covering advanced machinery, CNC technology, smart factory solutions, additive manufacturing, metrology, quality inspection systems, and production technologies. It attracts over 100,000 attendees from global manufacturing companies looking to modernize their operations.

IMTS — International Manufacturing Technology Show

Mon, Sep 14, 2026 – Sat, Sep 19, 2026

The definitive manufacturing industry conference showcasing CNC machining, additive manufacturing, robotics, and metrology. Ideal for hardware founders and engineers seeking manufacturing partners and technology insights. Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago. Affordable registration, often under $100.

MoneyLIVE North America

Mon, Sep 14, 2026 – Wed, Sep 16, 2026

Leading banking and fintech conference in Chicago uniting financial institutions, fintech innovators, and digital transformation leaders. Discover innovations in digital banking, fintech collaboration, and future-focused strategies.

The Principal Dev - Masterclass for Tech Leads 2026

Tue, Sep 15, 2026 – Wed, Sep 16, 2026

A two-day certification masterclass for experienced software development leaders focusing on technical management and leadership skills relevant for data professionals managing teams and projects. Includes hands-on exercises and real-world case studies in Illinois.

International Conference on Internet of Things and Network Engineering Applications

Sat, Sep 19, 2026

Professionals in IoT and network engineering gather in Chicago for this conference to explore innovative applications and network for future collaborations.

AI Summit by the Executives' Club of Chicago

Sun, Sep 20, 2026

Fall event at MxD focusing on strategic leadership in human-AI collaboration and transformational digital leadership for decision-makers in industry. Provides immersive experiences and networking for AI executives and professionals.

New Member Orientation Q3

Tue, Sep 22, 2026

Join the West Central Association for our quarterly New Member Orientation, hosted at The Yard Signature coworking space. This session is designed to help you get the most value out of your WCA membership. The orientation includes networking opportunities with new members and the WCA Membership Committee to build meaningful connections.