The Peshtigo. At the center of a cultural mélange.

There’s not a season in Chicago that’s wanting in exciting cultural possibilities. Here are just a few of the events that will tempt you away from home.

Around The Coyote Arts Festival

The city's largest art event, this annual studio walk and exhibition, features works by hundreds of visual, film, video and performances artists in locations throughout Wicker Park and Bucktown.

Bash on Wabash

A celebration of cultural diversity features local artwork, signature fare from area restaurants, live music and kids's activities.

Book Festival

A city that loves to read pays its respects to local and national literary greats.

Celtic Fest

A celebration of traditional music, dance and culture for all.

Chicago International Film Festival

Regarded as on of the finest international festivals in the world.

Chicago Marathon

A full 26.2 mile run through the city with wide-spread participation from runners and watchers.

Halloween Tent in Millennium Park

Special shows for different ages and fright levels!

Fashion Focus Chicago

Discover the best designers and the driving trends this season.

"The Climate of Concern"

Hear composer Max Eastley's stirring Arctic Symphony played over the state-of-the-art sound system of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Caroling at Cloud Gate

A variety of choral groups lead the holiday sing-along in Millennium Park on Friday nights.

Chicago Auto Show

One of the biggest car shows on the planet is held each year at McCormick Center.

Chicago Boat Show

Prepare for the lake to thaw with a look at this season’s cruisers and yachts.

Free Ice Skating at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Skate rentals are available for a small fee. This popular rink hosts more than 100,000 skaters annually.

Gene Siskel Film Center

Presentation of new American and foreign films, revivals of classics, retrospectives, independent productions and festivals of international scope. Events year round.

Magnificent Mile Holiday Light Show

Up and down Michigan Avenue, the lights will dazzle as much as the shop windows.

Polar Bears Swim

The legend continues with initiates ready to take the icy plunge each New Year’s Day.

SOFA Chicago

Sculpture and Functional Art star in this international show of the best.

Winter Wonderfest

A celebration of all things brisk, snowy and cozy.

Zoo Lights

Lincoln Park takes on a dazzling dimension in clever light sculptures.

Architectural Tours

Cruise the Chicago River, showcasing over 40 landmarks of modern architecture. Begins late March.

ART Chicago

An annual contemporary and modern art fair, featuring the world’s leading galleries and designers. April 25-28, 2008.

Chicago Cultural Center

From art and architecture, to lectures and literary programs, there is something sure to inspire almost every night of the week. Events year round.

Great Chicago Places and Spaces Architecture

The city that invented the skyscraper has many stories to tell.

Half-Price Tix

Spontaneous discounts on the city's hottest shows are just around the corner from here. Locations at 72 E. Randolph and 163 E. Pearson. Events year round.

Museum of Contemporary Arts

Parties every first Friday of the month, celebrating new exhibits and art-lovers. Check MCA calendar.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The river is green and so are many Chicagoans in this annual celebration.

Air & Water Show

One of the most impressive shows of its kind in the world. Totally super sonic.

Bash on Wabash

A celebration of cultural diversity features local artwork, signature fare from area restaurants, live music and kids' activities. With live music.

Bike Chicago

Annual two-day event that brings more than 10,000 bicyclists together for an overnight 25 mile ride through Chicago's neighborhoods and lakefront.

Blues Festival

The musical style synonymous with Chicago gets a full-on annual fest.

Chicago Air and Water Show

The largest two-day spectator event in the United States features amazing planes, boats and more.

Fireworks

Watch this spectacular show throughout the summer. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9pm, Memorial Day thru Labor Day.

Gold Coast Art Fair

A Chicago tradition for more than 50 years, see the best galleries and artists at this annual event.

Gospel Music Festival

Clap your hands and sing out in this annual music event.

Hideout Block Party

Outdoor music fest showcasing local, national and international acts.

Outdoor Film Festival

Grant Park. Tuesday nights watch classic movies for free under the stars.

SummerDance

Grant Park. 12th annual, 11-week festival of live music and dancing.

Taste of Chicago (first week in July)

A massive tour de food, folks and festivities. Not for the weak of stomach.

Venetian Night

The longest running event produced by the City of Chicago. Artistically decorated boats parade down a mile stretch of Chicago's lakefront with a grand finale of fireworks.

Windy City Wine Festival

Includes wine tastings and cooking demonstrations with chefs. Also includes food, a souvenir wine glass and live music.

30th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival

This three-day event showcases the best in local and international jazz musicians.