Searching for what there is to do in Chicago in the summer? Below are the best things to do in Chicago in the summer from a local.
Summertime is one of the best times of the year to visit Chicago – and the most popular! Both locals and visitors are happy to be outdoors enjoying the weather. In addition to the top tourist attractions that you can see year round, there are many more fun events, festivals, activities and things to do in Chicago during the summer.
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I will be updating it regularly with new summer events and activities.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you make a booking using my links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What to Pack for Chicago in the Summer
Summers in Chicago are usually hot although you might need a light sweater on a cooler day or at night. Here are some things to pack if you are visiting Chicago in the summer for the first time:
• Comfortable walking shoes – Chicago is a very walkable city so you will do a lot of walking
• Reusable water bottle – It can get hot and humid so it is important to stay hydrated
• Sunglasses
• A hat
• A travel umbrella – It does occasionally rain in the summer
• Light sweater (and scarf) – For cooler days, lake cruises, indoor places with frigid AC
• Waterproof case – For your phone if you plan to go kayaking
• External battery for your phone – to recharge your phone’s battery when you are outdoors
• Mosquito repellent – If you plan to be outside around dusk and in the evening.
• Sunscreen – a must if spending a lot of time outdoors in the summer
• Bathing suit and other beach essentials (if you are planning to spend time at the beach)
If you forget to bring something essential, don’t worry. There are many drugstores located close to the popular tourist attractions if you need to pick something up.
Things to Do in Chicago in the Summer
Take an Architecture River Cruise
Chicago has amazing architecture and the best way enjoy it is by going on an architecture river cruise.
Take a Lake Cruise
If you enjoy being on the water, a lake cruise is one of the best summer activities in Chicago. While you don’t get to see the buildings up close like on a architecture river cruise, you do get to enjoy skyline views. Summer is the best season for a lake cruise as the cool breeze on the water is refreshing on a hot day. If your time is short, you can do a combination river and lake cruise. Lake cruises depart from Navy Pier or the Michigan Avenue bridge.
Listen to Concerts Under The Stars
Enjoy music concerts on a rooftop with the Concerts Under The Stars series which pays tribute to the iconic performers. Upcoming Concerts Under The Stars this summer include:
Sinatra Under the Stars at AIRE
Beyoncé & More Under the Stars at AIRE
Amy Winehouse: Jazz Under the Stars
You can find the full list of Concerts Under The Stars here.
Watch Free Fireworks
Navy Pier puts on a free fireworks show every Wednesday night (at 9:00 PM) and Saturday night (at 10:00 PM) in the summer. While you can watch the fireworks show from Navy Pier, you can also watch it from various spots along the lakefront and some restaurants and bars.
My favorite place to watch the fireworks is a fireworks lake or river cruise which will stop on the water for passengers to enjoy the show.
You can also see the fireworks on a fireworks kayak tour or fireworks segway tour.
Have Fun at Navy Pier
Navy Pier can be somewhat of a tourist trap but it is a must do if you are visiting Chicago with toddlers or kids. There are fun attractions at Navy Pier including a large Ferris wheel (click here to purchase a fast pass ticket and skip the long line), rides and games, restaurants, shops and the Chicago Children’s Museum.
As mentioned above, Navy Pier puts on a free fireworks show every Wednesday and Saturday night from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Until September 10, Navy Pier is also home to Pixar Putt, a pop-up, open-air 18-hole mini-golf course featuring characters from some of Pixar’s most beloved films including Toy Story, The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, Coco, A Bug’s Life, Wall-E, and Inside Out.
Hang Out on the Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is one of the best spots in Chicago for boat and people watching. There are also restaurants, bars, shops and spots to sit and relax along the way. You can also hop on a water taxi here.
Where: Along the south bank of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago from Lake Michigan to west of Franklin Street. You can see a map of attractions on the Riverwalk here.
See Digital Art Projections at Art on the Mart
Art on theMART is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, projecting contemporary artwork across the 2.5-acre river-façade of theMART.
When: Twice nightly
Where: The Merchandise Mart, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654. Spectators can watch the show from the jetty section of the Chicago Riverwalk on Wacker Drive between Wells Street and Franklin Street.
Cost: Free.
Go Kayaking in the River or Lake Michigan
A kayaking tour is a great outdoor thing to do in Chicago for those looking for something more active.
There are several companies that offer kayaking tours including Urban Kayaks, Kayak Chicago and Wateriders. There are also evening tours including sunset and fireworks tours if it is too hot to kayak in the daytime.
Please note that you will get a little wet on a kayaking tour so bring a waterproof case for your phone and water-resistant or quick-drying clothing.
You can also rent kayaks at Ohio Street Beach.
Explore the Lakefront
Chicago’s Lakefront Trail is a paved path on a 18-mile-long stretch along Lake Michigan. In the summer and especially on weekends, the lakefront is packed with locals and visitors walking, running and riding bikes. Walking or biking all or part of the trail is a great way to see the Chicago skyline, people watch and get some exercise. Here is a map of the trail as well as its access points.
Spend Time at the Beach
Most people don’t think of Chicago as a beach destination but Chicago has many beaches on Lake Michigan. Oak Street Beach and Ohio Street Beach are conveniently located close to the major tourist attractions. North Avenue Beach, located close to Lincoln Park, is more of a party beach and has amazing skyline views of Chicago.
If you are thinking getting in the water to cool down, you can check the swimming conditions here.
If you enjoy being active you can rent SUP paddle boards at North Avenue Beach and kayaks at Ohio Street Beach.
Look for Street Art
Chicago is full of street art and there are always new murals popping up. One of the most famous Chicago murals is “Moose Bubblegum Bubble” (pictured above) by Jacob Watts which located at 33 E. Congress. It is part of the Wabash Arts Corridor which is walking distance to Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and other well known tourist attractions. You can find more detailed mural walks in the Loop here.
Another famous mural is The Greetings From Chicago Mural at 2226 N Milwaukee Ave, in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. You can see this mural and other street art in Logan Square and Wicker Park on this street art tour.
Watch the Water Displays at Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain, a well known Chicago landmark in the center of Grant Park, is one of the largest fountains in the world.
When the water is turned on, it produces a major water display for 20 minutes every hour with a center jet shoots water to a height of 150 feet into the air. Beginning at dusk, a spectacular light and music display accompanies the major water display.
Take Photos at The Bean
If you have seen photos of Chicago on social media, chances are you have seen photos of Cloud Gate (also called The Bean), the famous mirrored sculpture in Millennium Park.
Although The Bean is very very touristy, don’t skip it. It is a great photo spot and a must on any Chicago bucket list.
Splash in Crown Fountain
On hot summer days, kids (and some adults) love to splash in the water from the Crown Fountain (which is also located in Millennium Park).
Play at Maggie Daley Park
If you are visiting Chicago with kids, head to Maggie Daley Park, a large public park connected to Millennium Park. The park has play areas for kids of various ages as well as a climbing wall, tennis courts and pickleball courts and a 18-hole miniature golf course.
Watch a Baseball Game
Chicago is known for their love of their sports teams, so if you are visiting during the summer you might want to attend a baseball game. To those unfamiliar, historic Wrigley Field is home to one of the city’s baseball teams – the Cubs. Whether a fan of the Cubs, baseball in general or just a fun atmosphere, a day at the 100 year old ballpark is a must for locals and tourists alike. You don’t need to enjoy baseball to enjoy a Cubs game – it is fun to just soak in the atmosphere. You can find their schedule here.
Listen to Free Live Music at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tuesdays on the Terrace
The Museum of Contemporary Art hosts the popular Tuesdays on the Terrace in the summer. Enjoy free music highlighting artists from Chicago’s internationally renowned jazz community at at MCA’s Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden. For the first time, Tuesdays on the Terrace expands beyond its jazz focus to include more diverse genres and styles that have unique Chicago roots. This year’s series includes hip-hop, house, blues, bomba, and more, while maintaining a set of jazz performances. Light refreshments and a full bar with cold beverages, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase on the upper terrace. Book in advance – reservations are limited.
When: Every Tuesday until August 29
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Jazzin’ at the Shedd
Listen to live jazz music at the Shedd Aquarium in the summer. The popular midweek Jazzin’ at the Shedd series combines Jazz music, the city skyline, fireworks and animals. Relax with a drink on the breezy terrace and take in their unbeatable city view or stroll the aquarium.
When: Every Wednesday evening until August 30
Where: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Cost: Price varies by date.
Chicago Food Truck Festival
The popular Chi Food Truck Fest features a rotating selection of food trucks from around the city and is a great opportunity to support small businesses while bringing new and diverse lunch options to Chicago’s Loop. Residents and visitors can enjoy comforting classics, tasty treats, and mouthwatering fusion cuisine all in one location. The changing list of weekly participants are shared on BACP’s social media accounts – @ChicagoBACP.
When: 11am – 3pm every Friday through October 6
Where: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington Street
Visit Local Farmers Markets
From May through October, you can find many farmers markets around Chicago. These markets are a great place to buy healthy, local, farm-fresh foods from local farms.
Two of the best farmers markets in Chicago are the Green City Market in Lincoln Park and the Logan Square Farmers Market.
You can see the list and schedule of all Chicago farmers markets here.
Walk the 606
The 606 is Chicago’s version of The Highline in NYC, an elevated trail goes through 2.7 miles of the city’s northwest side neighborhoods: Wicker Park, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square. It is a bit off the beaten tourist path but it great place to walk, run or bike. There are several access points so you can get off the trail to explore the various neighborhoods.
Listen to Free Music in Millennium Park
A great Chicago activity in the summer is listening to free concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.
The annual Grant Park Music Festival is the only free outdoor classical-music concert series in the US. It features the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra and Grant Park Chorus along with guest performers and conductors. You can see the full schedule here.
The Millennium Park Summer Music Series (on Mondays and Thursdays through August 21) features a wide variety of genre-defying music from established and emerging artists.
Join Free Outdoor Summer Workouts
Want to join free yoga (and other exercise classes) while also spending time outside?
The Millennium Park Summer Workouts program offers free Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates and Zumba classes on Saturday mornings at Millennium Park Great Lawn.
Watch Free Movies Outside
You can watch also free movies every Tuesday evening near The Bean at Millennium Park on the state-of- the-art, 40-foot LED screen.
There are several more places you can watch free outdoor movies on select dates in the summer including Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville, The Green at 320 and various Chicago public parks.
Watch Movies on a Rooftop
Want to watch classic movies against the backdrop of the Chicago skyline? You can watch movies outdoors Rooftop Cinema Club, a rooftop located in Fulton Market.
Rooftop Cinema Club is located on the fifth floor terrace of The Emily Hotel (311 N Morgan St). This is a high end movie experience complete with tropical decor, lawn games, state-of-the-art LED screens, individual wireless headphones and a range of seating options including lounge chairs and loveseats. Guests can also order drinks and snacks.
Eat or Drink on a Rooftop
Chicago has several rooftop bars and restaurants with amazing views of Chicago. Here are some of the best rooftops in Chicago:
Cindy’s (12 S Michigan Ave) – Restaurant and bar on the rooftop of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel located across Millennium Park which offers panoramic instagram worthy views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. This is a popular spot and the wait for the elevator can be long but if you visit around the time it opens you can enjoy the great views without the crowds.
LH ON 22 (85 East Wacker Drive) – Enjoy classic cocktails and small bites from the outdoor LH terrace of LondonHouse Chicago which offers great views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile.
The J. Parker (1816 N Clark St) on the rooftop of the Hotel Lincoln with great views of Lincoln Park.
Kennedy Rooftop (1551 W North Ave) on top of the Hyatt Place Wicker Park, has amazing skyline views.
Attend an Outdoor Festival
Summer is busy season for outdoor festivals and events – with at least one or more festivals taking place every weekend. Some Chicago festivals and events are very well known and attract thousands of visitors, but there are many neighborhood festivals and events in Chicago where you will mostly find locals.
Some of the best festivals taking place in the summer include: Andersonville Midsommarfest, Old Town Art Fair, Wells Street Art Festival, Chicago Pride Fest, Roscoe Village Burger Fest,Southport Art Fest, Windy City Smokeout, Pitchfork Music Festival, Fiesta del Sol, Chinatown Summer Fair, Lollapalooza Festival, Northalsted Market Days and Bucktown Arts Fest (August 26-27).
If you enjoy food, music and people watching, you can find more summer festivals and events here.
So far I have covered outdoor activities and attractions but there are also plenty of indoor attractions and activities if you need a break from the heat and sun.
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. In addition to its large permanent collection of art from around the world, you can see rotating exhibitions. It is conveniently located on 111 S Michigan Avenue right next to Millennium Park.
Click here to buy a skip the line ticket if you want to avoid long lines.
Enjoy the Views from 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
360 CHICAGO, the observatory on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Building, has one of the best views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
(Click here to buy a skip the line ticket).
Where: 875 North Michigan Avenue, 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
Attend a Candlelight Concert
Chicago’s Candlelight Concerts is a series of special classical music concerts that take place in beautiful venues bathed in candlelight. Concerts taking place this summer include:
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele
Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay
Candlelight: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Candlelight: From Bach to The Beatles
You can find the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago here.
Visit the Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream is one of Chicago’s newest attractions. Step into an ice cream wonderland that is bound to ignite your senses through a theatrical experience with unlimited ice cream treats as you journey through 14 installations. Ride on the pink Sprink-L line, put your golf skills to the test on the Putt-Putt course, or take a dip in a pool filled with millions of sprinkles.
Where: Tribune Tower, 435 North Michigan Ave
Cost: You can see full prices and purchase tickets in advance here.
Watch Free Films During the Cinema/Chicago’s Summer Screenings
Summer Screenings is Cinema/Chicago’s annual free film series that casts a spotlight on a different country’s national cinema each week all summer. Free tickets are available to reserve beginning 16 days in advance and are also available in-person at the screening, based on availability.
Where: Chicago History Museum, McCormick Theater (1601 N Clark St) and Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theater (78 E Washington St)
When: 6:30pm every Wednesday from May 24 – September 20
As you can see there are many things to do in Chicago this summer.
If you have extra time in Chicago and want to explore more of the Midwest, here are the best day trips from Chicago.
Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:
