#1 Art & Architecture Event
Registration rose 6 percent this year at the event, which is billed as North America’s largest commercial interiors show. Some 53,000 international guests attended the three-day function, which was the first to take place in the newly remodeled Merchandise Mart. Next: June 12-14, 2017
#2 Art & Architecture Event
The event—which was featured in national magazines including W—had a record attendance of more than 38,000 visitors, an increase from 35,000 in 2015. Held annually on Navy Pier, Expo Chicago also featured more galleries this year: 145 were represented in 2016, while 140 participated last year. Next: September 13-17, 2017
#3 Art & Architecture Event
An acronym for “Sculptural Objects and Functional Art,” the event showcases paintings, textiles, jewelry, and more from some 70 galleries. It takes place annually at Navy Pier; in 2015, the fair had an updated floor plan. It drew some 36,000 guests—including curators, art collectors, and museum reps—and had a number of special exhibits. Next: November 4-6, 2016
#4 Art & Architecture Event
Hosted by Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, the showcase of tabletop trends is held at the Merchandise Mart. The event features work from big-name interior designers, artists, and architects. This year, the event will feature a cocktail reception and chefs tasting, followed by a day for community viewing and a gala dinner. Next: November 2-3, 2016
#5 Art & Architecture Event
The 67th annual event drew some 30,000 art-lovers this year. Around 250 artists—selected by an independent art jury—showcased works that included paintings and photography. The event also includes a Garden Walk through more than 50 homes. Next: June 2017
#6 Art & Architecture Event
In 2017, the event, known as the oldest art fair with a jury in the Midwest, will celebrate its 70th anniversary. This year, the Hyde Park fair drew some 15,000 guests—despite drizzly weather—and showcased 30 area nonprofits in addition to artwork. Next: June 3-4, 2017
#7 Art & Architecture Event (new to the list)
Billed as the Midwest’s largest interior design event, Design Chicago is now in its sixth year. Last year, the attraction—which features panel discussions, cocktail mixers, demonstrations, and more—drew some 2,000 guests. This year, attendance grew considerably: Some 3,000 industry-pros made it out to the event. Organizers credit the event’s growing recognition and high-profile speakers for the high turnout. Next: Fall 2017
#8 Art & Architecture Event
The 62nd annual event returned to Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom this year, offering a night of cocktails, dinner, and awards. Doled out in categories such as “Interior Architecture” and “Regional and Urban Design,” the awards recognize outstanding achievement in work from Chicago architecture firms. The evening typically draws some 1,000 guests. Next: Fall 2017
#9 Art & Architecture Event
The glitzy event drew some 500 design-industry professionals to the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, this year. The evening’s centerpiece is an awards program, which recognizes the winners of the annual Interior Design Competition and the Will Ching Design Competition. According to organizers, the two competitions are regarded as the most prestigious in the interior-design profession. Next: June 11, 2017
#10 Art & Architecture Event
The industry function celebrates eco-friendly building practitioners, business leaders, and government officials. This year, the gathering took place at the Chicago Cultural Center and drew some 400 guests.  The evening also served as an introduction to the council’s new “Epic Challenge,” which will implement carbon draw-down strategies to improve sustainability in Chicago neighborhoods. Next: Summer 2017
