One of the city’s most beloved dance traditions, Chicago Summerdance, returns to the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park as well as neighborhood parks for open-air dancing, live music and dance lessons all summer long, through August 29, 2026. Every Wednesday through Saturday of each week, … [Read more...] about Chicago SummerDance
Entertainment
Northalsted Market Days
The largest street festival in the Midwest returns to the bustling Lakeview neighborhood for a three-day celebration of music, pride and community. Northalsted Market Days is scheduled for August 7-9, 2026. The 44th annual festival kicks off with over 250 vendors, five stages and all-day … [Read more...] about Northalsted Market Days
Free Obama Center Activities
The Obama Presidential Center has drawn visitors from all over the world who want to discover the history and legacy of the country's first Black President. The museum and its interactive exhibits capture a lot of attention but the campus also hosts free events open to the public. … [Read more...] about Free Obama Center Activities
Randolph Street Market Festival
One of the most beloved events of the early summer season is Chicago's signature open-air market, the Randolph Street Market Festival. Filled with vintage treasures, live bands, food and fun, the market opens on July 25- 26, 2026, in the West Loop. Celebrating 23 years, the Randolph Street … [Read more...] about Randolph Street Market Festival
Free Outdoor Movie Series at Navy Pier
Catch movies in the shadow of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier all summer long. The Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier will host a series of free, family-friendly movies throughout the Summer. Movies at the Pier will kick off every Monday at 6:00 pm through August 31, 2026. The Lake Stage in Polk Bros. … [Read more...] about Free Outdoor Movie Series at Navy Pier
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
One of Chicago's most beloved street fests, Taste of Lincoln Avenue, returns to thrill foodies and music lovers alike on July 24-26, 2026. Taking over the intersection of Fullerton and Lincoln Ave., the 42nd annual fest is one of the highlights of the Chicago summer season. Food, arts and … [Read more...] about Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Chinatown Summer Fair
The dynamic colors and traditions of Chinese culture will be the highlight of the Chinatown Summer Fair, scheduled for July 25-26, 2026. This free, family-friendly event offers food, arts and crafts and entertainment for everyone in the historic Chinatown neighborhood. The fair … [Read more...] about Chinatown Summer Fair
Fiesta Del Sol
The largest Latino fest in the country returns to the Pilsen neighborhood on July 23-26, 2026, with the highly anticipated Fiesta Del Sol. This year's festival commemorates 53 years of celebrating Latino art, music, food and traditions with a four-day, family-friendly event. You'll … [Read more...] about Fiesta Del Sol
Taste of River North
Sample a delicious selection of River North's popular restaurants, dance to live music and absorb the joys of summer at the annual Taste of River North on July 17-18, 2026. This two-day food fest supplies chances to try neighborhood eateries like Lure Fish Bar, Seoul Taco and ,Fogo de Chao, … [Read more...] about Taste of River North
Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour
From June through September, the historic Bronzeville neighborhood pulses with excitement during the annual Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour on the third Friday of every month. Art lovers hop double-decker buses to visit the community's three main galleries: Faie Afrikan Art, Gallery … [Read more...] about Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Enjoy the spirit-filled gospel music genre that was created in Chicago at the annual Gospel Music Festival on July 24-25, 2026, in Millennium Park. This beloved fest draws fans from all over the country to hear some of gospel's greatest voices at this free event. A cherished Chicago tradition … [Read more...] about Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Free Movies at Gallagher Way
Enjoy the fun of viewing movies al fresco during the Gallagher Way Movie Nights. The screenings will feature family-friendly themes and popular classics on Wednesday nights through September 30, 2026. The lineup of all-ages movies includes "Matilda," "Black Panther," and "High … [Read more...] about Free Movies at Gallagher Way
