Best events in
Des Plaines

For events and things to do in Des Plaines, IL, the city offers a welcoming, community-focused scene. The historic Des Plaines Theatre anchors the downtown entertainment district, while neighborhood pubs and parks host more casual gatherings. Annual street festivals and outdoor concert series reflect the city's deep suburban roots and working-town atmosphere.

Downtown Des Plaines provides a classic night out, often centered on a performance at the Des Plaines Theatre followed by drinks at the Bourbon 'N Brass speakeasy.
Local neighborhood spots like The Beacon Tap and Illusion Café are mainstays for catching live music or watching a game in a sociable setting.
Large-scale community celebrations bring the city together, including the annual Taste of Des Plaines, Fall Fest at Lake Park, and the summer Food Truck Round Up series.

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Popular in Des Plaines

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Veteran Social Club-Salute to Military Families Wolves Game

Sun, Nov 1 • 3:00 PM

Allstate Arena

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Finding Yourself Again as a Working Mom | Wine Wednesday

Wed, Nov 4 • 4:00 PM

Le Village Cowork Des Plaines

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Friendsgiving with a purpose

Sat, Nov 14 • 12:00 PM

Hatty's Club

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Belizean Tea Party

Sun, Nov 15 • 4:00 PM

Manzo's Banquets & Catering

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A Night Out in Des Plaines | Dinner with New Friends: Small Town Edition

Wed, Nov 18 • 7:00 PM + 1 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Evanston/North Shore Branch NAACP 62nd Annual Freedom Fund Banquet

Sat, Nov 21 • 6:00 PM

Fountain Blue Banquets & Conference Center

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DREAM HOME SHOW

Fri, Dec 4 • 5:00 PM

1350 E Touhy Ave

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Veteran Social Club-Salute to Military Families Wolves Game

Sun, Nov 1 • 3:00 PM

Allstate Arena

Check ticket price on event

Finding Yourself Again as a Working Mom | Wine Wednesday

Wed, Nov 4 • 4:00 PM

Le Village Cowork Des Plaines

Check ticket price on event

Friendsgiving with a purpose

Sat, Nov 14 • 12:00 PM

Hatty's Club

Check ticket price on event

Belizean Tea Party

Sun, Nov 15 • 4:00 PM

Manzo's Banquets & Catering

Check ticket price on event

A Night Out in Des Plaines | Dinner with New Friends: Small Town Edition

Wed, Nov 18 • 7:00 PM + 1 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Evanston/North Shore Branch NAACP 62nd Annual Freedom Fund Banquet

Sat, Nov 21 • 6:00 PM

Fountain Blue Banquets & Conference Center

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DREAM HOME SHOW

Fri, Dec 4 • 5:00 PM

1350 E Touhy Ave

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tuesday • 11:30 AM EDT

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Better Landscapes: Essential Camera Skills in the Field with Adam Edwards

Wed, Nov 11 • 6:30 PM GMT+11

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tuesday • 11:30 AM EDT

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Better Landscapes: Essential Camera Skills in the Field with Adam Edwards

Wed, Nov 11 • 6:30 PM GMT+11

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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HEX AND THE CITY: MARKET AND PARTY

Thursday • 7:00 PM

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Wrigleyville Halloween Crawl - Chicago's BIGGEST Halloween Party

Sat, Oct 31 • 5:00 PM

Wrigleyville's Best Bars (full list in event details)

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Chicago Northside Halloween Bar Crawl | 18 Bars, Old Town + Lincoln Park

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Afrobeats Saturdayz: Halloween costume party (Up to $1000 in prizes)

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

Masada

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It’s Bussin’ Halloween Costume Party Juke Vs Hip Hop (Chicago) Hubbard Inn

Sat, Oct 31 • 8:00 PM

Hubbard Inn

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Meet IRL x Feather & Tail: Singles Only Social (30+) ~Ladies tix sold out~

Thu, Nov 5 • 7:00 PM

Feather & Tail

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November 28, 2026 TCG Tradezone Chicago O'Hare Marriott

Sat, Nov 28 • 11:00 AM

Marriott Chicago O’Hare

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Free events

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Veteran Social Club-Salute to Military Families Wolves Game

Sun, Nov 1 • 3:00 PM

Allstate Arena

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Finding Yourself Again as a Working Mom | Wine Wednesday

Wed, Nov 4 • 4:00 PM

Le Village Cowork Des Plaines

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Chicago Area Job Fair - Powered by ITServe Alliance

Thu, Nov 19 • 10:00 AM

Sheraton Suites Chicago O'Hare

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DREAM HOME SHOW

Fri, Dec 4 • 5:00 PM

1350 E Touhy Ave

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Veteran Social Club-Salute to Military Families Wolves Game

Sun, Nov 1 • 3:00 PM

Allstate Arena

Check ticket price on event

Finding Yourself Again as a Working Mom | Wine Wednesday

Wed, Nov 4 • 4:00 PM

Le Village Cowork Des Plaines

Check ticket price on event

Chicago Area Job Fair - Powered by ITServe Alliance

Thu, Nov 19 • 10:00 AM

Sheraton Suites Chicago O'Hare

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DREAM HOME SHOW

Fri, Dec 4 • 5:00 PM

1350 E Touhy Ave

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Frequently asked questions about Des Plaines

Where can I find live music events in Des Plaines?

The Des Plaines Theatre hosts major concerts, while its upstairs speakeasy, Bourbon 'N Brass, offers weekly jazz and blues nights. For a more laid-back vibe, neighborhood spots like The Beacon Tap and Illusion Café regularly feature local performers and bands.

What are some date night ideas in Des Plaines?

A classic date night could involve a show at the Des Plaines Theatre followed by cocktails at the intimate Bourbon 'N Brass speakeasy. For a more casual evening, consider attending the summer Food Truck Round Up for varied cuisines and live music.

Are there family-friendly events in Des Plaines?

Yes, Des Plaines hosts many events for all ages, particularly at Lake Park. The park is home to the annual Fall Fest, the Independence Day Parade and Fireworks, and the Live at the Lake summer concert series, which are all popular with families.

Where's the best nightlife in Des Plaines?

Downtown Des Plaines is the main hub for evening entertainment, centered around the Des Plaines Theatre and its Bourbon 'N Brass speakeasy. Other neighborhood bars like The Beacon Tap also offer a lively atmosphere with live music and social events.

What kind of outdoor events happen in Des Plaines?

Lake Park is the center for major outdoor community events in Des Plaines. It hosts the annual Fall Fest and the Live at the Lake concert series at its bandshell. The downtown area also comes alive for the annual Taste of Des Plaines street festival.

How can I find free events in Des Plaines?

Many of Des Plaines' popular community gatherings offer free admission. The Live at the Lake summer concert series is free to attend, as are the annual Fall Fest concerts, the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the Independence Day Parade.

What is the event scene like in downtown Des Plaines?

The downtown scene is anchored by the Des Plaines Theatre, which brings in concerts and comedy shows. The area is very walkable, with nearby options like the Bourbon 'N Brass speakeasy for after-show drinks and annual street events like the Taste of Des Plaines.

Are there any notable food and drink events in Des Plaines?

The city's largest food event is the annual Taste of Des Plaines, a summer festival featuring local vendors. Throughout the warmer months, the Food Truck Round Up series also offers a variety of food options alongside live entertainment for a perfect evening out.