Updated September 2026 for the 2027 Chicago Critics Film Festival.
The Chicago Critics Film Festival is one of Chicago’s most distinctive annual film events because its lineup is selected by working members of the Chicago Film Critics Association. The next festival is scheduled for April 30–May 6, 2027.
The 2027 lineup, ticket information and venue details have not yet been announced. This guide will be updated as those details are released.
Chicago Critics Film Festival 2027 at a Glance
- Dates: April 30–May 6, 2027
- Venue: To be announced; recent editions have been held at the Music Box Theatre
- 2027 Lineup: To be announced
- Tickets & Passes: To be announced
- Presented by: Chicago Film Critics Association
Visit the official Chicago Critics Film Festival website for the latest festival announcements, and check back here as the 2027 program develops.
About the Chicago Critics Film Festival
The Chicago Critics Film Festival was founded in 2013 and is presented by the Chicago Film Critics Association, a Chicago-area organization of professional film critics and journalists. What sets the festival apart is its programming model: films are selected by members of the critics association rather than by a single artistic director or commercial studio. In the fall, the city’s other major festival is the Chicago International Film Festival; for films set on home turf, see our best movies set in Chicago.
The festival has built its identity around independent films, festival discoveries, anticipated releases, repertory selections and special presentations. Screenings often include filmmaker appearances, introductions, conversations and post-film Q&As.
Past guests have included Aubrey Plaza, Bobcat Goldthwait, Paul Schrader, Sarah Polley, Lulu Wang and Ti West. More recent festival guests have included Olivia Wilde, Dawn Porter, Joe Swanberg and Cory Michael Smith.
2027 Lineup
The 2027 Chicago Critics Film Festival lineup has not yet been announced. When the program is released, this section will be updated with notable premieres, special presentations, visiting filmmakers and schedule highlights rather than reproducing the full festival calendar.
For complete schedules and the official archive, use the festival website.
Tickets & Passes
Ticket and pass information for 2027 has not yet been announced. Previous editions have offered individual screening tickets and festival passes, but pricing and policies can change from year to year.
When 2027 sales open, use the official Chicago Critics Film Festival website for current ticket availability and policies.
What to Expect at the Festival
The Chicago Critics Film Festival is designed for moviegoers who want to see films outside the normal theatrical release calendar. Some titles arrive before wider theatrical or streaming availability, while others are festival favorites, independent discoveries or special repertory presentations selected by critics who follow new releases year-round.
Depending on the program, screenings may include introductions, filmmaker appearances, Q&As or other special events. That makes the festival as much about the conversation around movies as the screenings themselves.
Is the Chicago Critics Film Festival Worth Attending?
For film fans who like discovering movies before their wider release, the festival offers something different from a standard multiplex schedule. Its strongest distinction is that the programming reflects the collective interests of working Chicago critics, giving audiences a chance to see films those critics believe deserve attention.
It is also a useful event for aspiring critics and serious filmgoers because it brings together screenings, filmmakers, journalists and an audience that is already engaged with film culture.
2026 Festival Highlights
The 2026 Chicago Critics Film Festival ran May 1–7 at the Music Box Theatre. The festival opened with A24’s The Invite, with director and star Olivia Wilde scheduled to attend.
The centerpiece presentation was When a Witness Recants, with filmmaker Dawn Porter, and the festival closed with Joe Swanberg’s The Sun Never Sets, with Swanberg and actor Cory Michael Smith scheduled to appear.
Rather than maintaining a year-by-year schedule on this page, readers interested in past programs can use the official festival archive.
Getting to the Festival
Recent editions have been held at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. The 2027 venue has not yet been formally announced, so verify the location before making travel plans.
If the festival returns to the Music Box, the Brown Line Southport station is about three blocks away. The Red Line Addison station is also within walking distance, and several CTA bus routes serve the surrounding area. Parking in the neighborhood can be limited, especially during busy evenings or nearby events, so allow extra time if driving.
Where to Eat Between Screenings
The Southport Corridor has numerous restaurants, cafes and bars within walking distance of the Music Box, which makes it relatively easy to take a break between screenings. If the 2027 festival returns to the same venue, plan meals around your screening schedule rather than assuming you will have enough time between tightly spaced films.
Tips for Your First Film Festival
- Check runtimes before booking consecutive films. A schedule that looks manageable on paper can become tiring quickly.
- Allow time for Q&As and guest appearances. Special events may extend beyond the listed film runtime.
- Prioritize harder-to-see titles. Films without immediate wide distribution can be the most rewarding festival discoveries.
- Leave some flexibility. You do not need to fill every available screening slot to have a good festival.
- Review ticket policies before arrival. Seating and entry procedures may change from year to year.
About the Chicago Film Critics Association
The Chicago Film Critics Association was founded in 1990 by film critic Sue Kiner and represents professional Chicago-area critics working across print, online, radio, television and other media. The organization presents the Chicago Critics Film Festival each spring and its annual film awards later in the year.
For more background, see our Chicago Film Critics Association guide. If you are interested in the profession itself, our How to Become a Movie Critic guide explains how critics build portfolios, cover festivals and develop professional experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2027 Chicago Critics Film Festival?
The 2027 Chicago Critics Film Festival is scheduled for April 30 through May 6, 2027.
Where is the Chicago Critics Film Festival held?
Recent editions have been held at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago. The 2027 venue has not yet been formally announced, so check the official festival website for confirmation.
Who chooses the films?
The festival is programmed by members of the Chicago Film Critics Association, which is what distinguishes it from many other film festivals.
When will the 2027 lineup be announced?
The 2027 lineup has not yet been announced. Follow the official festival site for the first schedule and guest announcements.
Can you buy tickets for individual movies?
Ticketing details for 2027 are still to be announced. Previous editions have offered individual tickets as well as passes, but the current year’s official policy should be checked before planning.
Last updated: September 2026.