Raw States

Chicago International Film Festival

Chicago, IL · Arts & Culture

When

October 18–25, 2026

Where

AMC River East 21 · Chicago · IL

Cost

Not confirmed

Status

Confirmed from the organizer's published schedule

Founded in 1965, the Chicago International Film Festival is one of the oldest competitive film festivals in North America, screening features and shorts from around the world at venues across the city. The 62nd edition runs October 18 through 25, 2026, anchored by AMC River East 21.

The history within reach

• Chicago International Film Festival0.1 mi

  The Chicago International Film Festival screens more than 150 films from around the world over twelve days each October, centered at AMC River East 21.

• First televised presidential debate0.2 mi

  Kennedy and Nixon met before the cameras in Chicago on September 26, 1960, the broadcast that put television at the center of American politics..

• Du Sable establishes trading post0.3 mi

  Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a trader of African and French descent, established the permanent settlement at the river's mouth around 1780.

• Battle of Fort Dearborn0.4 mi

  Potawatomi forces attacked the evacuating garrison on August 15, 1812, killing more than fifty soldiers and settlers.

• Magnificent Mile Lights Festival0.4 mi

  Evening tree-lighting procession along North Michigan Avenue.