April 2026 Events in Chicago Concerts, Sports, Theater

April 2026 is one of the best months to experience the excitement of Chicago events. The city comes alive with a mix of live concerts in Chicago, major league sports, Broadway shows, comedy tours, and cultural performances.

From the MLB season openers at Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field to headline concerts at United Center and Allstate Arena, Chicago offers endless entertainment opportunities for visitors.

Top Reasons to Explore Chicago in April 2026:

• Live music and concerts – Enjoy performances by world-renowned artists at Chicago’s iconic music venues.
• Sports excitement – Catch MLB, NBA, and NHL games that draw fans from across the country.
• Theater and Broadway productions – Chicago theaters host new premieres and popular touring Broadway shows.
• Comedy and family-friendly shows – From stand-up comedy tours to interactive family events, there’s something for everyone.
• Action-packed weekends – Each weekend is filled with must-see events, making April a perfect time to visit.

Plan your trip to Chicago this April and experience the vibrant energy of live events, concerts, and sports in Chicago 2026 for an unforgettable spring getaway.

April marks the true beginning of Chicago’s live-event season. Baseball returns, NBA and NHL seasons heat up, and touring artists launch major North American runs.

Why April is special in Chicago:

• MLB Chicago Cubs & White Sox home games
• NBA Chicago Bulls late-season matchups
• NHL Chicago Blackhawks action
• Broadway hits like Hamilton, The Wiz, and The Great Gatsby
• Arena concerts, indie shows, metal tours, and K-pop superstars
• Comfortable spring weather for downtown and lakefront venues

Chicago is a top sports city, and April brings elite matchups across baseball, basketball, hockey, and soccer.

⚾ Chicago Cubs – Wrigley FieldLos Angeles Angels at Chicago Cubs

• Wed, Apr 01 • 1:00 PM | Wrigley Field
• Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs
• Sat, Apr 11 • 1:00 PM | Wrigley Field

• New York Mets at Chicago Cubs
• Sun, Apr 19 • 1:00 PM | Wrigley Field

• Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs
• Tue, Apr 21 • 1:00 PM | Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field in April is a bucket-list experience, combining historic atmosphere with Opening Series energy.

⚾ Chicago White Sox – Rate Field

• Toronto Blue Jays at Chicago White Sox (Home Opener)
• Thu, Apr 02 • 3:10 PM | Rate Field

• Toronto Blue Jays at Chicago White Sox
• Sat, Apr 04 • 1:10 PM | Rate Field

• Toronto Blue Jays at Chicago White Sox
• Sun, Apr 05 • 1:10 PM | Rate Field

• Baltimore Orioles at Chicago White Sox
• Mon, Apr 06 • 6:40 PM | Rate Field

🏀 Chicago Bulls – United Center

• Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls
• Wed, Apr 01 • 7:00 PM

• Phoenix Suns at Chicago Bulls
• Sun, Apr 05 • 2:30 PM

• Orlando Magic at Chicago Bulls
• Fri, Apr 10 • 7:00 PM

🏒 Chicago Blackhawks – United Center

• Carolina Hurricanes at Chicago Blackhawks
• Thu, Apr 09 • 7:30 PM

• St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks
• Sat, Apr 11 • 4:00 PM

⚽ Soccer in Chicago

Atlanta United FC at Chicago Fire

• Sat, Apr 11 • 7:30 PM | Soldier Field

April 2026 brings global artists across pop, rock, K-pop, Latin, indie, electronic, jazz, and metal.

🎤 Arena & Major Venue Concerts

• Romeo Santos – Thu, Apr 02 • 8:00 PM | Allstate Arena
• TWICE – Mon, Apr 06 • 8:00 PM | United Center
• Florence + The Machine – Fri, Apr 10 • 7:30 PM | Allstate Arena
• Alejandro Sanz – Thu, Apr 09 • 8:00 PM | Rosemont Theatre
• Lewis Capaldi – Sat, Apr 25 • 7:30 PM | United Center
• Zoé – Sat, Apr 25 • 8:00 PM | Rosemont Theatre

🎶 Indie, Alternative & Rock Shows

• The Last Dinner Party – Sat, Apr 04 • 7:30 PM | The Salt Shed
• The Growlers – Fri, Apr 24 • 8:00 PM | Vic Theatre
• Barns Courtney – Fri, Apr 24 • 8:00 PM | SPACE Evanston
• Stephen Wilson Jr. – Sat, Apr 25 • 7:30 PM | Riviera Theatre
• Brigitte Calls Me Baby – Thu, Apr 16 • 7:30 PM | Thalia Hall
• Hunter Hayes – Sat, Apr 11 • 6:00 PM | House of Blues Chicago

🔥 Metal, Electronic & Hard Music

Slaughter To Prevail (with Whitechapel & Attila)
Mon, Apr 20 • 7:30 PM | Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

HEALTH x Carpenter Brut
Sat, Apr 11 • 7:30 PM | The Salt Shed

Seven Lions
Sat, Apr 04 • 10:00 PM | Radius Chicago

🌍 International & Genre-Defying Artists

• Jackson Wang – Wed, Apr 08 • 8:00 PM | Allstate Arena
• Masayoshi Takanaka – Tue, Apr 07 • 8:00 PM | Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
• Joe Hisaishi – Fri, Apr 24 • 7:30 PM | Symphony Center
• Jorma Kaukonen – Sat, Apr 18 • 8:00 PM | Garcia’s Chicago

Chicago’s theater scene shines with Broadway tours and classic productions.

• Hamilton – CIBC Theatre

Apr 01–05, 2026 | CIBC Theatre, Chicago, IL
Experience the critically acclaimed Broadway musical Hamilton at the historic CIBC Theatre. Don’t miss your chance to see this groundbreaking show in Chicago.

• The Wiz – James M. Nederlander Theatre

Apr 04–05, 2026 | James M. Nederlander Theatre, Chicago, IL
Enjoy the classic musical The Wiz, bringing magic and unforgettable performances to the stage.

• The Great Gatsby – Cadillac Palace Theatre

Fri, Apr 24 • 7:00 PM | Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago, IL
Step into the roaring twenties with The Great Gatsby, a stunning theatrical adaptation.

• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater – Auditorium Theatre

Sat, Apr 25, 2026 | The Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, IL
Witness the iconic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performing breathtaking modern dance at the historic Auditorium Theatre.

• Pat Metheny – Symphony Center

Fri, Apr 17 • 8:00 PM | Symphony Center, Chicago, IL
Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy Pat Metheny live at the Symphony Center. Don’t miss this unique concert experience.

Chicago is a hub for live comedy shows, featuring top comedians, stand-up events, and legendary performances throughout April 2026. Here’s a curated list of must-see comedy events in the city:

• Chelsea Handler – The Chicago Theatre

Fri, Apr 10 • 8:00 PM | The Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL
Catch Chelsea Handler live for a night of hilarious stand-up and storytelling at the iconic Chicago Theatre.

• Michael McIntyre – The Chicago Theatre

Fri, Apr 17 • 8:00 PM | The Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL
Enjoy the witty and observational humor of Michael McIntyre in Chicago. Don’t miss this unforgettable comedy experience.

• Felipe Esparza – Rosemont Theatre

Sat, Apr 18 • 7:00 PM | Rosemont Theatre, Rosemont, IL
Experience Felipe Esparza live at Rosemont Theatre, delivering sharp humor and crowd interaction.

• Akaash Singh – The Chicago Theatre

Fri, Apr 24 • 7:00 PM | The Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL
See rising comedy star Akaash Singh perform at Chicago Theatre, featuring stand-up with cultural insights and laughter-filled stories.

• Legends Of Laughter – Arie Crown Theater

Sat, Apr 04 • 8:00 PM | Arie Crown Theater, Chicago, IL
The Legends Of Laughter tour brings multiple legendary comedians to one stage at Arie Crown Theater. Don’t miss this special comedy showcase.

• Zarna Garg – Riviera Theatre

Sat, Apr 25 • 7:30 PM | Riviera Theatre, Chicago, IL
Enjoy Zarna Garg live at Riviera Theatre, delivering unique stand-up with relatable humor and storytelling.

Attending Chicago events in April 2026 can be an unforgettable experience if you plan ahead. From concerts and comedy shows to theater performances and sports events, here are essential tips to make the most of your visit:

1. Plan Ahead and Book Early
Check the venue schedules in Chicago and secure your tickets early, especially for popular events like Hamilton at CIBC Theatre, Chelsea Handler at Chicago Theatre, or Lollapalooza pre-events. Early booking ensures the best seats and avoids last-minute sold-out situations.

2. Transportation Tips
Chicago has excellent public transit options. Use CTA trains and buses to reach venues like United Center or Auditorium Theatre quickly. For those driving, park in nearby garages or use rideshare services for a stress-free arrival and departure.

3. Choose Your Seating Wisely
Many venues offer a variety of seating options: VIP packages, lower bowl, upper bowl, or general admission. Consider the type of event—sports, concert, or theater—to select the best view and experience. Check each venue’s official seating map before booking.

4. Food and Drinks
Most Chicago venues provide a wide range of food and beverage options, from standard concessions to premium dining experiences. Venues like Symphony Center or Moody Center offer upscale dining packages for a more comfortable event experience.

5. Accessibility
Chicago venues are equipped with wheelchair-accessible seating, elevators, and ramps. Visitors with mobility needs should check each venue’s accessibility page to ensure a comfortable experience.

6. Explore Nearby Attractions
Make the most of your visit by combining events with sightseeing. Attractions near major venues include:

• Grant Park – outdoor concerts and scenic walks
• Navy Pier – dining, river cruises, and entertainment
• Museum Campus – Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium

7. Check Event-Specific Guidelines
Some venues may have bag policies, COVID-19 protocols, or age restrictions. Always review the venue’s guidelines before attending to avoid delays or denied entry.

What are the biggest Chicago events in April 2026?

Top events include TWICE, Florence + The Machine, Lewis Capaldi, Chicago Cubs home games, Bulls matchups, Hamilton, and The Wiz.

Where can I buy tickets for Chicago April 2026 events?

Tickets are available online for concerts, sports, theater, and comedy shows across all major Chicago venues.

Are there MLB home openers in Chicago in April 2026?

Yes. Both the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox host home games in early April.

Which venues host the most events in April?

Top venues include United Center, Wrigley Field, Rate Field, Allstate Arena, The Chicago Theatre, and The Salt Shed.

Is April a good time to visit Chicago for concerts?

Absolutely. April combines major tours, sports seasons, and milder weather before peak summer crowds.