#1 Art & Architecture Event
Held at the Mart, the commercial-design industry event saw a 7 percent spike in registration in 2017. The show featured 75 new exhibitors; there were also awards ceremonies, special events, and keynote speeches from the likes of Arianna Huffington. In 2018, the event will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Next: June 11-13, 2018
#2 Art & Architecture Event
The international exposition of contemporary and modern art saw record attendance in 2017. The event drew some 40,000 visitors, and galleries reported strong sales. The expo showcased work from 135 galleries representing 25 countries, and was the event’s most global iteration to date. Next: September 27-30, 2018
#3 Art & Architecture Event
Named after an acronym for Sculptural Objects and Functional Art, the event showcases everything from studio jewelry to fiber, metal, and paintings. In 2016, some 70 galleries were represented on site, and 32,000 guests attended the fair. Next: November 2-5, 2017
#4 Art & Architecture Event (new to the list)
The Chicago Architecture Foundation hosts the free public festival, which offers more than 200 architectural tours. Guests get a behind-the-scenes look at buildings that are rarely open to the public, including residential spaces and design studios. Other highlights include performances, discussions, and family-friendly activities. The festival draws some 100,000 guests from all over the world and generates an economic impact of $8 million. Next: Fall 2018
#5 Art & Architecture Event
Held in the Old Town Triangle Historic District, the fine-art fair features works from 250 national artists, and draws around 30,000 guests. The summery fest also offers live music, a garden walk, food vendors, and activities for children. The event is now in its 69th year. Next: June 2018
#6 Art & Architecture Event
Known as the oldest juried art fair in the Midwest, the fair celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2017. The event features booths devoted to photography, drawing, sculpture, and more; it also offers live music, a food court, and arty activities. Next: June 2-3, 2018
#7 Art & Architecture Event
The event is known as the largest residential design conference in the Midwest. Geared toward trade professionals and held at the Mart, the two-day event explores the future of design via 39 featured presentations. It also offers open houses and product launches. Next: Fall 2018
#8 Art & Architecture Event
The Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects hosts the prestigious night, which draws about 1,000 professionals each year. The night centers on the presentation of the Design Excellence awards, which recognize achievements in categories such as “Divine Detail” and “Interior Architecture.” Four juries, comprised of architects from around the country, select the winning projects. Fall 2018
#9 Art & Architecture Event
The gala, once again held at the Four Seasons Chicago Hotel, recognizes the winners of two prestigious competitions: the Interior Design Competition and the Will Ching Design Competition. The fete also offers dinner, dancing, and a champagne reception; it draws some 500 industry pros. Next: June 2018
#10 Art & Architecture Event (new to the list)
Some 500 prominent Chicagoans come out to the annual gala supporting the Hyde Park Art Center. In addition to dinner, dancing, and a speakeasy-theme after-party, the creative bash offers innovative “Artist Interventions.” This year, the interventions included an “Existential Coat Check” run by a performance artist, which asked guests to symbolically check their emotional baggage at the door. Next: Fall 2018
#11 Art & Architecture Event
The annual function took place at the Museum of Broadcast Communications this year, and drew more than 450 leaders in the sustainability field. The evening featured food, drinks, and networking opportunities. There’s also a celebration to honor the winners of the Emerald Awards, which recognize projects and pros that position Illinois as a national green building leader. Next: Spring 2018
