Events held in Chicago unless indicated otherwise.

JANUARY

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Celebrations throughout Chicago; http://www.king-raleigh.org/natlevent/body.cfm

Chicago Music Awards
Annual awards honors Chicago's best musicians in R&B, Pop, Blues, Jazz, Reggae, Gospel, Hip Hop, Rap and more; Park West; http://www.martinsinterculture.com

FEBRUARY

African American Heritage Month
A variety of cultural events celebrating our heritage; Chicago; http://www.choosechicago.com

MARCH

International Reggae & World Music Awards
Annual program honoring the best in reggae and world beat music; Columbia University; http://internationalmusicawards.com

MAY

Gospel Festival
One of the world's largest free outdoor gospel festivals; over 200,000 adoring fans come to see the best Gospel artists and choirs in the world; Grant Park; http://www.choosechicago.com

JUNE

Chicago Caribbean JerkFest
June - various dates; http://www.chitownjerkfest.com

Blues Festival
Given that Chicago is where the Blues matured commercially, its no surprise that this world famous event attracts over 600,000 fans; Grant Park; http://www.choosechicago.com or http://www.cityofchicago.org

Juneteenth Celebration
Cultural celebrations held throughout the Chicago community;  http://www.juneteenth.com

Real Men Cook
Annual family and community fundraising event; Chicago; http://www.realmencook.com

Taste of Chicago
Amazing range of cuisine is mind-boggling and delicious to the nearly 2 million visitors; the barbecue is often spectacular; Grant Park; http://www.choosechicago.com or http://www.cityofchicago.org

Annual 43rd Street Blues Festival
King Center Plaza; http://www.choosechicago.com

AUGUST

Caribbean/African International Festival of Life
Family festival featuring music, food, children's activities and more; festival attracts 50,000 people; North side of Chicago; http://www.martinsinterculture.com

Bud Billiken Parade
One of the oldest African American parades and the largest of its type in the nation; has been held 2nd Saturday of August since 1945; parade begins at 39th Street and King Drive; attracts over one million spectators and 150,000 parade participants; the parade celebrates children and the return to school; http://www.budbillikenparade.com

Chicago Carifete
Caribbean Festival sponsored by the United Caribbean National Organization; Midway Plaisance, Hyde Park; http://www.chicagocarifete.com

Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival
Featuring Latin food, music, clothing, artwork and jewelry; Grant Park; http://www.choosechicago.com or http://www.cityofchicago.org

African Festival of the Arts
Festival attracts 100,000 people; get there early for parking or take a taxi; features food, music and art exhibits; Washington Park; http://www.africainternationalhouse.org

SEPTEMBER

Chicago Jazz Festival
Jazz festival attracting 60,000 people over two days; South Shore Cultural Center; website

World Music Festival
Music festival featuring artistic groups from 25 countries; held at various Chicago locations; http://www.worldmusicfestivalchicago.org

DECEMBER

 
Kwanzaa Festival
Begins 12/26; annual 7-day celebration of the African American culture at various venues; Chicago; http://www.soulofamerica.com/kwanzaa-celebrations.phtml