Community Events
Uptown United, Business Partners, and many other local organizations host public events that enliven Uptown throughout the year. Visit exploreuptown.org for a full listing of neighborhood events.
Lunar New Year Parade
January/February
The annual Argyle Lunar New Year Parade is a decades-old local tradition that features a processional of local groups and floats starting at the Argyle “L” stop—all to celebrate the start of the new Lunar Year! Come for music, lion dances, and other celebrations of local Asian cultures.
Uptown Saturday Nights
Various Saturday nights from late spring to early fall
Uptown Saturday Nights showcases the Uptown Entertainment District with free performances on Saturdays. This seasonal event brings free entertainment to multiple venues and cultural hotspots around the neighborhood.
Chicago Pride Parade
Last Sunday in June
Each year, the annual Chicago Pride Parade kicks-off in Uptown! Look for rainbow “Uptown Proud” flags in Uptown businesses all month long, and be sure to check exploreuptown.org for ways to redeem your pride flag for perks and discounts at local businesses. For more information on the parade, visit chicagopridecalendar.org
Windy City RibFest
Late June/Early July
The Windy City RibFest features top local and national “ribbers” and brings in over 25,000 attendees each year. The fest also offers a lineup of musical acts featuring local and national rock/pop, classic, indie, and tribute bands. Ample stage time is reserved for Chicago-based artists, while specialty performers rove throughout the festival grounds.
Argyle Night Market
Thursday evenings in July and August
The popular Argyle Night Market features food from local restaurants plus live cultural and musical performances. This free event draws more than 3,000 people each week and continues to grow in popularity. Part market, part street festival, this vibrant and award-winning event is located on the city’s first and only shared street.
Taste of Uptown
Early Fall
The Taste of Uptown is the neighborhood’s restaurant stroll event. It is designed to showcase and support the diverse mix of locally owned restaurants. Guests are taken on a global, culinary adventure as they taste delicious samples from Uptown eateries.
Casino Uptown
November
Casino Uptown features a variety of casino games, food from Uptown restaurants, libations, prizes, and live jazz performances—all at the historic Aragon Ballroom. This annual fundraiser benefits Uptown United and Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown.
Winter Walk on Wilson
Early December
This free event invites guests to stroll along Wilson Avenue during the holidays to get to know the business community. Each business provides some type of holiday treat, menu sample, or activity for the public to enjoy. In addition, several musicians can be heard spreading holiday cheer as they stroll through the neighborhood.
Uptown Walking Tours
Summer
Explore Uptown’s many landmarks and rich history through the free seasonal Uptown walking tours. These hour-long tours are led by knowledgeable local docents from Choose Chicago’s Greeter Program.
Other Community Events
Uptown United sponsors summertime outdoor movies and live music in parks and public areas throughout the Uptown neighborhood. As the weather cools, community events include Halloween events and holiday pop-up markets. Visit exploreuptown.org for all current event information.
Business Events
Uptown United and Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown regularly host events geared towards resourcing and supporting neighborhood businesses and organizations. Visit exploreuptown.org to learn about upcoming business events.
State of Uptown
The annual State of Uptown luncheon gathers Uptown’s business, development, and nonprofit community to hear from city officials about how their work impacts our community.
Member Mixers
These regular networking events build community among Uptown businesses and nonprofits, strengthening Uptown’s local economy by facilitating strategic partnerships. Mixers are typically held in new or re-imagined businesses and feature local food and beverages.
Speed Networking
The Northside Networking Group is a partnership of five neighborhood economic development agencies from Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Rogers Park and West Ridge. The group coordinates and hosts five lunchtime speed networking events in each neighborhood throughout the year.
Seminars & Workshops
Business Partners and Uptown United regularly host educational events for local businesses and nonprofit organizations. Topics range from tourism and marketing to commercial leasing and business financing.