Throughout the year, Uptown United and the Uptown Chamber of Commerce plan and execute numerous events that draw tens of thousands of locals and visitors. These events celebrate Uptown’s diversity and help reinforce its vibrancy by promoting Uptown as an excellent place to visit and shop, while providing Uptown residents with additional cultural amenities—often at no cost. These events are opportunities for local businesses to engage with attendees via promotions or through sponsorship.
Lunar New Year Parade
January/February
The annual Argyle Lunar New Year Parade is a decades-old 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.
Chicago Pride Parade
Late-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 redeem your pride flag for perks and discounts at local businesses. For more information on the parade, visit chicagopridecalendar.org
Casino Uptown
October/November
Casino Uptown features a variety of casino games, food from Uptown restaurants, libations, prizes, and live jazz performances—all at the historic Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom. This annual fundraiser benefits Uptown United & the Uptown Chamber of Commerce.
Toast of Uptown
April
The Toast of Uptown features an afternoon of strolling and sipping in beautiful Buena and Sheridan Park. This wine walk will take you on a tour through the many businesses that call Buena and Sheridan Park home while you enjoy wine tastes and small bites at each stop along the route.
Argyle Night Market
July/August
The 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. Part market, part festival, this award-winning event is located on the city’s first shared street.
Winter Walk on Wilson
December
This free event invites guests to stroll along Wilson Avenue during the holidays to get to know the business community. Each business provides a holiday treat, menu sample, or activity for the public to enjoy while musicians can be heard spreading holiday cheer.
Uptown Art Walk
Early-June
The annual Uptown Art Walk showcases Uptown’s public art scene and features new murals, art exhibits being hosted by local businesses, live paintings, and interactive art activities for all ages. You can use the Uptown Public Art interactive map to do a self-guided tour around Uptown!
Taste of Uptown
September/October
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 along two different routes.
Uptown Walking Tours
Summer
Explore Uptown’s many landmarks, historic districts, and rich history through free seasonal Uptown walking tours. These hour-long tours of Uptown Square and Buena Park are led by knowledgeable local docents from Choose Chicago’s Greeter Program.