High on the extensive list of reasons why summer in Chicago is the best is the urgency with which Chicagoans go outside. There’s so much to do and so many people craving the sun that the city feels uniquely alive and present. To help prepare for the season, we’ve curated a master list of the best happenings around Chicago this summer. Activities are organized by month. You can find the full list with breakouts for each event linked here. The list will be updated with new events throughout the season.
June
Do Division Fest: 5/30 – 6/1
Blues Fest 6/5 – 6/8
Ribfest: 6/6 – 6/8
57th Street Art Fair: 6/7 – 6/8
Puerto Rican Fest & Parade: 6/12 – 6/15
Andersonville Midsommarfest: 6/13 – 6/15
Wells Street Art Fest: 6/14 – 6/15
Old Town Art Fair: 6/14 – 6/15
Summer Smash: 6/20 – 6/22
Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo: 6/28
Chicago Pride Parade: 6/29
July
Windy City Smokeout: 7/10
African/Caribbean Fest: 7/11 – 7/13
Chosen Few House Picnic: 7/12
Bucktown Neighborhood and Garden Walk: 7/12 – 7/13
Taste of River North: 7/18 – 7/19
Tacos y Tamales: 7/18 – 7/20
Wicker Park Fest: 7/25 – 7/27
Taste of Lincoln Ave: 7/25 – 7/26
Chinatown Summer Fair: 7/26 – 7/27
August
Lollapalooza: 7/31 – 8/3
Market days – 8/8 – 8/10
Bud Biliken Parade: 8/9
Great American Lobster Fest: 8/16 – 8/17
House Music Fest: 8/22 – 8/23
Jazz Fest – 8/28 – 8/31