Lollapalooza 2025
Photograph: Courtesy Chad Wadsworth/Lollapalooza | Lollapalooza 2025
Photograph: Courtesy Chad Wadsworth/Lollapalooza

July 2026 events calendar for Chicago

Make the most of your summer with our picks for the best events, festivals, concerts and more this month.

Lauren Brocato
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Summer in Chicago hits its peak during July, when some of the city's biggest festivals and events return to town and bring enough live music, incredible food and general outdoor merrymaking to fill every weekend (and probably a good amount of weekdays, too).

Kick off the month with Fourth of July celebrations, highlighted by sparkling fireworks shows across the city and suburbs. From there, take a deep dive into the heart of summer festival season at events like Lollapalooza, Windy City Smokeout and Wicker Park Fest.

For even more ways to keep busy on long summer days and nights, check out our curated guide to the best things to do in Chicago this July.

RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2026

The best events in Chicago this July

  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • Jefferson Park
  • Recommended

The first-ever Italian Beef Fest is coming to Jefferson Park for three days this summer. Local restaurants like Chicago Dog House and Genoa Italian Concessions will be serving their takes on the iconic dish, and one of them will be voted the Best Italian Beef Sandwich. There will also be live music across two stages, a kids zone and local vendors on-site. 

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  • Things to do
  • Woodlawn
  • Recommended

The newly opened Obama Presidential Center is celebrating the country's 250th anniversary with its inaugural "You Are America" series this summer. The series kicks off on July 4 with The People's Fourth, a free event featuring live music, self-guided tours and other family-friendly activations across the campus. Other series highlights include House Music on the Plaza, Garden Gatherings and an Art in Action talk with Obama Presidential Center-commissioned artist Mark Bradford. Check out the full schedule of You Are America events here.

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  • Sports and fitness
  • Baseball & softball
  • Wrigleyville

The Savannah Bananas, a theatrical exhibition baseball team taking the world by storm, are swinging through Chicago next year alongside their Banana Ball Championship League brethren. After selling out two back-to-back games at Comiskey last year—or, if we must, Rate Field—the purveyors of “Banana Ball” are returning in 2026 for a three-night residency at Wrigley Field.

  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Museum Campus

Whether you’re parenting a pint-sized Pokémon devotee or a nostalgic millennial still clinging to a holographic Charizard card for its “possible resale value” (guilty), the Pokémon Fossil Museum is designed to surprise and delight. Making its U.S. debut at the Field Museum in spring 2026, the international exhibition invites visitors to compare Fossil Pokémon like Tyrantrum and Archeops with real-world fossils—including SUE the T. rex. Expect Pokémon models, real fossil excavation tools and immersive soundscapes throughout.

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  • Music
  • Classical and opera
  • Millennium Park
  • Recommended

For classical music lovers who enjoy taking in a show set beneath Chicago's skyline, the annual Grant Park Music Festival is a perennial favorite summer event. This year's series of classical concerts runs through August 15 with performances ranging from symphonies by Mozart and Brahms to an evening of classic Broadway arrangements and the annual Independence Day salute. Take a look at the complete schedule of events below and find more information on the Grant Park Music Festival website.

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  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Grant Park

“Willem de Kooning Drawing” is the first exhibition to explore the full scope of the artist's drawing practice, framing it as the foundation of his boundary-breaking career. Featuring more than 200 artworks—including rarely seen drawings alongside paintings, sculptures and prints—this exhibition offers an unprecedented opportunity to experience seven decades of his graphic production while shedding light on his constant experimentation with various materials, tools and techniques.

  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs
  • Streeterville
  • Recommended

The producers behind South Loop Farmers Market are bringing a new shopping experience to the Water Tower Place. On Thursdays from July 9 through September 24, head to the fourth floor to shop vintage treasures, artisan goods and farmers market finds, and enjoy live music and local food. 

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  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • Wicker Park
  • Recommended

When it comes to street festivals, the annual Wicker Park Fest is usually one of the season's largest (and most crowded) events, attracting thousands of people to a stretch of Milwaukee Avenue that's crowded with bars, chain restaurants, boutiques and shoe stores. Jam out to live music—you'll also find plenty of food from local vendors, well-stocked beer tents, sales at surrounding shops and a dedicated kids area.

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  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • River West/West Town
  • Recommended

West Town's rollicking street festival returns to Chicago Avenue for three days of music, food and shopping from local vendors. Empty Bottle Presents will curate West Fest's musical lineup, and you can also catch jockeys spinning vinyl on the Bass By the Pound DJ Stage. Plus, browse tons of local vendors and don't miss the Pet Fest area, which features charming attractions like a dog obstacle course and pet painting.

  • Things to do
  • South Lawndale
  • Recommended

Red Bull is leveling up Battle of the Bands at the second annual Banda Choque this summer. Four on-the-rise bands from Chicago and California will compete with live performances at Plaza Garibaldi in Little Village. Each round challenges the bands to perform with a different theme, from reinterpreting Mexican classics to debuting original tracks.

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  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • North Center
  • Recommended

It's no secret that we unabashedly love burgers, so you can imagine how much we're anticipating Roscoe Village's annual celebration of succulent, beef patty cuisine. Loosen your belt and prepare to taste grilled creations from local restaurants while enjoying live music and ample libations. Don't forget to vote for your favorite—the most popular burger of the weekend earns the visitors' choice award.

  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • Armour Square
  • Recommended

Chinatown celebrates the arrival of summer at this annual event—featuring food, art and music—which became a two-day fest beginning in 2021. The festival opens with a traditional lion dance procession and continues with performances (including a K-pop breakdance competition), kung fu demonstrations, arts and craft exhibits and cuisine from Chinatown restaurants. 

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  • Things to do
  • River North

Get the summer bod you desire at this two-day festival that bills itself as the “Lollapalooza of Fitness.” Some of Chicago’s best workout studios and instructors (such as solidcore, Ritual Hot Yoga, Rumble, Barry’s and many more) will come together in one location in River North for unparalleled, immersive classes outside. This year’s headliners include Olympic icon Simone Biles, former Chicago Bear Israel Idonije and multiple Peloton instructors.

  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Hyde Park

This immersive exhibition recreates the Secret Annex where Anne Frank, her family and four others hid during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Chicago is only the second U.S. city—and the first in the Midwest—to host the experience, which includes rarely seen artifacts from Frank’s life. Visitors can walk through the reconstructed hiding place while learning about Anne’s childhood, the rise of Nazi Germany and the Frank family’s years in Amsterdam. The exhibition offers a powerful look at the risks, courage and daily realities of those who lived in hiding.

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  • Music
  • Jazz
  • Museum Campus
  • Recommended
The Shedd Aquarium's weekly summer concert series presents a rotating lineup of jazz bands on its scenic lakeside terrace, where attendees can dance, have a drink and get a great view of the Navy Pier fireworks. Guests also get access to the Shedd's exhibitions, meaning that you can gaze at the creatures that inhabit the Caribbean Reef, snap a picture of a cute sea otter or touch a sea star.
  • Sports and fitness
  • Basketball
  • Recommended

For the second time in the league's 30-year history, Chicago is hosting the WNBA All-Star Game this summer. In addition to the big game at the United Center on Saturday, the weekend is packed with activations like a 3-point contest at Wintrust Arena and the WBNA Live fan fest, featuring player appearances and live performances.

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  • Things to do
  • Avondale

Every local thrifter worth one's salt knows that Vintage House Chicago is a treasure trove holding some of the city's best secondhand scores. The bimonthly vintage and handmade market showcases local makers and curators at rotating venues throughout the city. Each market features a new lineup, so you can plan on finding something new every time.

  • Art
  • Lower West Side
  • Recommended

Explore three millennia of Mexican spiritual beliefs and sacred rituals at the (free) National Museum of Mexican Art's exhibition, Images of Faith: 3000 Years of Spiritual Expressions in Mexico, the revamped rendition of the museum's inaugural exhibit, which debuted in 1987. This version of Images of Faith traces ancient traditions and explores Catholic traditions and spiritual principles of ancient Mesoamerican societies and modern Indigenous communities.

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  • Things to do
  • Festivals
Taste of River North
Taste of River North

River North is home to a diverse collection of restaurants—and you'll be able to try a lot of it at this tasty neighborhood gathering. While you're digesting, enjoy tunes from local cover bands and plenty of beverages. This year's event will also feature a wine tasting on Friday, and a dog parade on Saturday.

  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs
  • Little Italy, UIC

Originally established in the late 1800s, the Maxwell Street Market brought vendors, musicians and cooks to an open-air flea market where shoppers could find just about anything they wanted. The market introduced the Maxwell Street Polish sausage, provided a venue for rising Chicago blues musicians and was immortalized in a scene in The Blues Brothers. These days, the market sets up on Maxwell Street, between South Halsted Street and South Union Avenue on Sundays, where visitors will find vendors hawking their wares, an abundance of delicious Mexican food and occasional performances by local bands and dance troupes. 

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  • Sports and fitness
  • Millennium Park

Spin classes and weight lifting can wait for the winter. This summer, jump start your weekend with free cardio kickboxing, yoga, pilates and Zumba classes on Millennium Park’s Great Lawn and in Wrigley Square every Saturday from May through August.

  • Movies
  • Recommended

From June through September, more than 90 movies will screen in parks across Chicago as part of the Park District's annual Movies in the Parks program. From recent blockbusters like Zootopia 2 and Freakier Friday to classics like Back to the Future and Jumangi, you're sure to find something good to watch (for free!) beneath the stars this summer. Screenings typically begin at 8:45pm, or dusk, each evening. Take a look at the full list of movies and participating parks.

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  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs
  • Recommended

Renegade Craft Fair returns just in time for the holiday shopping sprint, taking over Morgan MFG's industrial digs. Attendees will be able to shop the handmade wares of more than 170 vendor booths, selling everything from candles and screenprints to jewelry and pottery. The fair also boasts food and drink from local restaurants, so you won't have to go hungry (or thirsty) while you shop.

  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • Lake View
  • Recommended

The stretch of Ravenswood Avenue between Berteau and Belle Plaine that's dubbed "Malt Row" hosts this annual festival, which features drinks provided by the neighborhood's diverse craft brewing scene alongside bites from local restaurants, shopping vendors, axe-throwing and live music. The two-day event spotlights beers from Half Acre, Cultivate by Forbidden Root, Dovetail, Is/Was Brewing, Demo Brewing and more, plus cocktails from KOVAL Distillery—hop heads will want to try some of the special tappings.

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  • Things to do
  • Film events
  • Streeterville
  • Recommended

Free outdoor film series Movies at the Pier is back at Polk Bros Park this summer. Head to the park near Navy Pier on Monday nights through August to catch a flick at 6pm. From family favorites like Lilo & Stitch to cult classics like Mean Girls, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, viewers can cast their votes on Instagram for the series' final film.

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  • Things to do
  • Streeterville
  • Recommended

Navy Pier's former Crystal Gardens space transforms into a retro roller skating rink this summer. Grab your skates (or borrow a pair; they're included with your ticket) and hit the rink for old-school fun, plus an arcade, photo booth, drinks and groovy disco tunes. At night, the Skate After Dark party turns up the energy for the 21+ crowd with DJ sets on select nights throughout the summer.

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  • Movies
  • Millennium Park
  • Recommended

Pack your own popcorn, bring a blanket and enjoy another season of free outdoor movie screenings during the Millennium Park Summer Film Series. You can grab a seat in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or spread out on the Great Lawn as you watch flicks on a 40-foot LED screen. This year's lineup is to-be-announced. For the full schedule, check the official site.

  • Things to do
  • Suburbs

Just when you thought the state's largest mall couldn't surprise you anymore, Woodfield Mall announces WONDRA, a sprawling new immersive experience. Inside, you’ll wander through enchanted meadows that respond to the sound of your voice, stumble across bioluminescent landscapes and drift into crystal caves and celestial gardens that blur the line between digital spectacle and raw wonder. Every corner is crafted to ignite curiosity and inspire a sense of awe we, whether you’re a kid seeing it all for the first time or an adult who forgot what it feels like to play.

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  • Art
  • Film and video
  • Recommended

Displaying a 25-story-tall video installation on the side of THE MART, ART on THE MART is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, with programming that changes seasonally. ART on THE MART's array of 34 digital projectors show the creations after dusk every evening. Running Thursdays through Saturdays beginning at 7:30pm, it’s best viewed from the section of the Chicago Riverwalk between Wells Street and Franklin Street.

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  • Comedy
  • Uptown
  • Recommended

This weekly “live magazine” is a cavalcade of culture, politics and wit featuring journalists, actors, comedians and musicians offering idiosyncratic reports on the news of the day. Head to Uptown’s iconic Green Mill for drinks, hot takes and laughs; the longstanding Saturday afternoon edition tends to run about two and a half hours.

  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • Albany Park
  • Recommended

The 10th edition of this annual fundraiser to support sustainability in Horner Park will bring together over 40 local breweries in the North Side park. Sample craft beer and cider, grab a bite from a food truck and enjoy live music from Soul Daddy while helping to save the planet. Tickets ($50) include a tasting glass for four hours of sampling. Those who don't plan on drinking can get in with a Designated Driver ticket ($15).

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  • Things to do
  • Suburbs
  • Recommended

The third annual ChiTown Exotic Car Show is coming back to Sonny Acres Farm in West Chicago. Visitors can get an up-close look at dozens of vehicles, from supercars to race cars. After checking out the car show, take advantage of the farm's rides, self-feed petting zoo, and grab a bite at the outdoor restaurant.

  • Things to do
  • Markets and fairs
  • Andersonville
  • Recommended

Find the perfect vintage piece for your collection at this Andersonville market, where you can shop antiques, home decor, jewelry, clothing and other trinkets from over 30 vendors on six different dates throughout the summer. Participating businesses include Antiqueandmod, J-Bird Clay, Scal's Vintage, The Paper Archive and many more.

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  • Museums
  • Museum Campus

Escape the planet with exhibits about the first lunar missions, the solar system and more, plus immersive shows in the dome theater. Stationed just a stone's throw away from the Adler, the Doane Observatory is also home to the largest public telescope in the area and gathers 7,000 times more light than the human eye. Every Wednesday, the Adler stays open late from 4pm-10pm so that folks can visit after work or school. And best of all, admission is free on those nights for Illinois residents.

  • Things to do
  • Film events

The Midwest Film Festival proudly presents its 2026 season, “Midwest Royale,” an expansive celebration of cinema, culture and community. This landmark year honors more than two decades of the festival’s commitment to championing regional storytelling and elevating local creative talent. The season officially launches on May 31 at the Chicago Cultural Center with the Midwest Film Fair and the Best of the Midwest Winners Showcase. This opening event will feature screenings of the 2025 award-winning films alongside the highly anticipated announcement of the 2026 Best of the Midwest Awards (BMA) nominees.

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  • Sports and fitness
  • Loop
  • Recommended

Head to Big City Pickle in Fulton Market to compete in a pickleball tournament to support the Alzheimer's Association. The fifth annual Purple Pickle Party raises funds for Alzheimer's research, care and local support services for the Association's Illinois chapter. Players of all levels are welcome to join the tournament and enjoy live music, lawn games, food and drinks, and a silent auction.

  • Things to do
  • Walks and tours
  • Loop
  • Recommended

Ready to explore Chicago's amazing architecture while floating on the river? The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise takes place aboard a First Lady boat, transporting guests on a 90-minute tour that traverses three branches of the Chicago River and explores the stories behind more than 50 buildings that make up the city's iconic skyline.

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  • Things to do
  • Fireworks
  • Streeterville
  • Recommended

During the summer, the Chicago attraction hosts twice-weekly fireworks shows (on Wednesdays at 9pm and Saturdays at 10pm) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with stunning views available from across the pier's public spaces. During the winter months, the pyrotechnics return for a much-needed encore. If you're feeling weary of crowds, you can also take in the show from nearby beaches or while cruising along the Lakefront Trail.

  • Art
  • Performance art
  • Rush & Division
  • Recommended

The Newberry Library is celebrating its recent acquisition of the Marc Kelly Smith Poetry Slam Collection, an archive of documents on the artform's history, and the 40th anniversary of slam poetry with an afternoon of performances at the Newberry Library. See slam poetry heavyweights take the stage to deliver powerful spoken-word performances and browse memorabilia from the library's collection.

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  • Music
  • Latin and world
  • Lincoln Square

Every Wednesday, the Old Town School of Folk Music hosts a showcase of world music and dance. Featuring both local and touring talent, you're sure to hear something new and exciting at this long-running series. Before the show, be sure to peruse the Old Town School of Folk Music Store, where you can rent instruments, learn about lessons and peruse a wide selection of books.

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  • Art
  • River West/West Town

Intuit Art Museum joins the national Handwork 2026 celebration with an exhibition investigating Henry Darger’s relationship to traditional American paper crafts. Drawing on research by art historian Dr. Mary Trent, the exhibition demonstrates how Darger adapted common practices—such as making paper dolls and scrapbooks—into a complex, mixed-media narrative style. By showcasing Darger’s source materials alongside his final works, the exhibition highlights how he reclaimed these institutionalized hobbies to express the interior lives and struggles of the marginalized.

  • Music
  • Latin and world
  • North Center

Mandala South Asian Performing Arts—a bridge connecting audiences to the vibrant colors and rich traditions of South Asian heritage—returns with the annual Mandala Makers Festival. This multidisciplinary platform, which supports a diverse array of South Asian performing artists, kicked off its season on April 15. The festivities continue through October, offering a continuous showcase of immersive music and dance events. Visit the Mandala Makers Festival website for a complete schedule of performances.

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  • Sports and fitness
  • Yoga & Pilates
  • Streeterville
  • Recommended

Head to 360 Chicago on Saturdays for yoga with a killer view. Instructor Britta Eumann will lead an hour-long class on the 94th floor of 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly the John Hancock Center) that’s suitable for all ages and skill levelsyou just need to bring your own mat and arrived properly dressed. Registration is $55 and includes a cocktail or coffee, plus admission to the observation deck so you can stick around and snap some photos after you're done striking poses on the mat.

  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Streeterville

This first-of-its-kind exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago explores the visual, political and spiritual histories of dancehall and reggaetón through contemporary art. Once grassroots scenes, both genres have become globally influential movements tied closely to sexual and political liberation. The show features works by more than 35 artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Edra Soto, supakid and Lee “Scratch” Perry.

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  • Experimental
  • Uptown

For more than 30 years, the Neo-Futurists have been delighting late-night crowds with performances that pack 30 miniature plays into a 60-minute show. The company's signature show is more unpredictable than ever these days, with a handful of compact new plays premiering every week. Within the span of 10 minutes, you may be treated to a poignant monologue about everyday life or an irreverent diatribe delivered by a pantsless member of the cast—all inspired by the experiences of the performers on stage. Always changing and evolving, it's the rare show that truly offers something different everytime you show up to see it.

  • Things to do
West Town First Fridays
West Town First Fridays

Explore a host of galleries and programming at this monthly event that showcases West Town’s dynamic arts community. On the first Friday of every month, galleries and arts-based businesses stay open until 8pm.

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  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • River North
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Part art installation, part psychological gauntlet, Theater of the Mind is David Byrne and Mala Gaonkar’s newest exploration of the self. Tucked inside a 15,000-square-foot office, the experience invites small groups of 16 or less to navigate a sensory-bending labyrinth. But the real variable isn't the set design; it’s the audience. Group participation is a central element of the show, which can be exhilarating but also sometimes awkward; the instructions are sometimes muddled, and the responses of the group can affect the narrative in ways that don’t always cohere. Ultimately, your enjoyment of Theater of the Mind may hinge on the group you’re there with—and on your own state of mind.

  • Kids
  • Lincoln Park

Find your flow with the whole family in the cozy confines of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum at a Brain to Belly Kids Yoga session! This creative class flows through several fun poses, each one complementing the month's children's story. Children (ages two to eight) and their grown-ups will enjoy moving, breathing and connecting together while bringing the story's plot to life. Bonus: Your ticket includes full access to all museum exhibits, so stick around after class!

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  • Things to do
  • Performances
  • Loop

You’ve probably seen a Shakespeare play before, but never like this. Five professional actors come together for each performance of Drunk Shakespeare. The twist? One of them has had five shots before the show and is trying to stay on track while the other four actors do their best to hold the performance together.

  • Things to do
  • Streeterville

Enjoy outdoor live music all summer long at the Navy Pier Beer Garden. The free series will feature local, regional and national acts performing countless genres and musical styles every weekend. Check the official Navy Pier website for the full lineup and schedule.

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  • Things to do
  • Literary events
  • Logan Square

The Whistler’s monthly lit series pops up on the second Wednesday of every month, bringing an evening of readings, workshopping and discussion to the Logan Square cocktail bar. Each show is followed by an installment of the Relax Attack Jazz Series, a free event with a constantly rotating bill.

  • Art
  • River North

As the Driehaus Museum’s first artist-in-residence, Brendan Fernandes will transform the Murphy Auditorium into a dynamic site for sculpture, movement and sound. Inspired by the Judson Dance Theater, Fernandes’ Scores for the Murphy Auditorium will unfold as an episodic residency throughout 2026, with performances and public programs announced over time.

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  • Things to do
  • Markets and fairs
  • Suburbs
  • Recommended

Highland Park's summertime tradition Food Truck Thursdays is back at the Ravinia District. From June 4 through September 3, more than a dozen local food trucks will set up on Thursday nights on Dean Avenue and at Jens Jensen Park. Bring the whole family (plus your own blankets and lawn chairs), and enjoy food, drinks, live performances and themed events on select nights. 

  • Things to do
  • Pullman

Calling all train enthusiasts! Immerse yourself in locomotive history at the Historic Pullman Foundation's two-day Pullman Railroad Days event, which brings three historic Pullman Cars to the 111th Street/Pullman Metra Electric station along with a host of other train-related activities over the course of a single weekend. Visitors can explore the 1950 Pullman Sleeper-Observation Blue Ridge Club, the 1934 Sleeper-Lounge Dover Harbor and the 1957 Art Deco beauty, Hollywood Beach. Plus, don't miss guided tours, music a vendor fair and family-friendly activities.

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  • Things to do
  • Conventions
  • Recommended

Head to Rosemont for the 46th annual National Sports Collectors Convention. Collectors and dealers of trading cards, autographs and other sports memorabilia will be on hand, so if you’re looking for that rare piece to complete your set, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here.

  • Art
  • River West/West Town

Experience Chicago through the eyes of artist Marvin Young at Intuit Art Museum’s latest exhibition. Since joining the Arts of Life studio in 2024, the lifelong South Sider has used vibrant mixed media to capture both imagined and remembered urban scenes. From large-scale portraits to detailed architectural landscapes, Young’s work brings the city to life with vintage walk-ups, classic cars and the energy of the streets. 

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  • Things to do
  • Film events
  • Wrigleyville
  • Recommended

Gallagher Way is showing free outdoor movies on select Wednesday nights through September. From family flicks like Zootopia 2 and High School Musical to classics like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Matilda, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or purchase a VIP or Premier ticket, which includes a reserved seat, snacks and other goodies.

  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Lincoln Park

This sweeping exhibition examines the long legacy of dispossession across the Americas, tracking colonial conquest up to the present day. Bringing together more than 40 works by 36 artists from across Latin America, the show explores how land, culture and identity have been shaped by centuries of extraction and resistance. Organized around themes of Territory, Body and Cultural Heritage, the exhibition spans photography, sculpture, installation and video.

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  • Things to do
  • Wicker Park

If dozens of vendors aren't enough of a draw for you to come to the lively Sunday market at this West Town neighborhood’s namesake park, maybe the weekly complimentary market programming—which includes free yoga, meditation and storytime for kids—will be. The market is also committed to sustainability, with plastic-free vendors and composting.

  • Museums
  • History
  • Loop
  • Recommended

In honor of America's 250th anniversary, the American Writers Museum presents a pop-up exhibition titled "Declarations: 250 Years of Writing Toward Independence." An 1832 William Stone print of the Declaration of Independence, a 1776 British edition of Thomas Paine's Common Sense, which advocated for the independence of U.S. colonies, and more artifacts will be on view. Visitors can also explore works related to the Declaration by Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and other historical figures, as well as edit the document into their own words through interactive activations.

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  • Things to do
  • Games and hobbies
  • Wrigleyville
  • Recommended

Test your music knowledge on select Tuesday nights with free music bingo at Gallagher Way this summer. Each game covers a different genre, from country and 90s pop to EDM and Broadway. Team sign-up starts at 5:30pm, before the game kicks off at 6pm.

  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Avondale

With soundstage-sized pieces like horned sculptures emitting soap bubbles, inflated spheres bedecked in abstract squiggles and surreal faceless figures hovering in space, “EmotionAir” reimagines the humble balloon as any other artistic medium—a conduit for creativity and emotion. 

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  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Loop

"Flyway City: Architecture for a Flourishing Ecosystem," designed by Studio Gang and led by world-renowned architect Jeanne Gang, explores solutions to prevent the estimated one billion annual bird-glass collisions in the U.S. Through a variety of architectural models, interactive media and local artifacts, the exhibition demonstrates how urban design can coexist harmoniously with nature. 

  • Sports and fitness
  • Exercise classes
  • Wrigleyville
  • Recommended

Head to Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville on select Monday evenings throughout the summer to join a free Movement Monday class. This year's lineup includes dance classes, self-defense, yoga and more. Classes are free to attend, but you'll need to reserve a spot in advance.

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  • Circuses & magic
  • Streeterville
  • Recommended

Chicago's opulent new magic lounge, The Hand & The Eye, is introducing a limited-edition series dubbed Summer Friday Magic. Through Labor Day, a limited number of guests can enjoy a truncated, 45-minute show in the venue's Vault Theatre without having to commit to the typical full evening of programming.

  • Music
  • Music festivals

Looking for free concerts near Chicago? Hop on the Blue Line to Rosemont's Parkway Bank Park for Thursday night performances—with a few holiday and weekend dates sprinkled through the summer—including performances by Atomic Punks, Live the Who and Rhythm of the Rocketman, complete with a fireworks show at the end of the night. Beverage tents will be located on site, but we won't fault you if you prefer to pre-game with a fishbowl-sized spiked punch from nearby Sugar Factory. For a full schedule of shows, visit the Parkway Bank Park website

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  • Comedy
  • Stand-up
  • Recommended

Located inside The Den, a 1920s greystone-turned-hotel in Lakeview, the Blind Wolf Speakeasy is an intimate, approachable bar, event venue and home to a free weekly comedy show. Blind Wolf Comedy hosts a rotating roster of Chicago comics each Wednesday at 8pm, as well as open mic nights on Thursdays at 7:30pm. There's no cost to attend, but you can reserve a seat through their Instagram page.

  • Museums
  • History
  • Rush & Division
  • Recommended

The Newberry Library explores the origins of the nation's inception in "Free and Independent: The Declaration of Independence and the Words That Made the United States." The free exhibition features a rare early copy of the Declaration of Independence and invites visitors to ponder its meaning 250 years after America's founding.

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  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Loop

Spanning two distinct periods of Alberto Aguilar’s career, “I just really want to tell you this one thing” explores the delicate themes of communication and translation. Rather than a static display, the exhibition serves as a collective offering by Aguilar and his collaborators for viewers seeking an active creative conversation. Mirroring Aguilar’s broader practice, this collection prioritizes the unique meaning that emerges only through exchange. 

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