We might have horrible winters, but we do have some pretty glorious summers. If you’re on the lookout for things to do in Chicago this summer, here’s my round up of things not to miss.
1:: LakeShake - June 21-23
This three-day country music festival is celebrating its 5th year in Chicago. The jam-packed line-up includes heavy hitters like Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, and Luke Bryan, as well as personal favorites like Hardy, Mitchell Tenpenny, Clint Black, Brett Young and Maren Morris! You can still snag single-day and weekend passes. I’ll be there this year with my boots on! If you see me, say HI!
2:: Cirque de Soleil’s Volta - Now through July 6
If you have never seen a Cirque de Soleil performance it is worth all the hype. I got the chance to see Volta under the big top several weeks ago and am still amazed at the strength and talent of the performers. If you want to be amazed by the stunts and the raw talent of people, this is certainly something to check out!
3:: The Taste of Chicago - July 10-14
If you want to try a smattering of many local Chicago food favorites, this is the place to do it. The Taste takes over Grant Park for a long weekend. The area is free to enter, but to sample the food you’ll need to purchase tickets. There is also live music, activations and demonstrations to take part in. A Chicago tradition, this is worth checking out if you haven’t attended before.
4:: Windy City Smokeout - July 12-14
What could be better than BBQ and country music? I went for the first time a couple years ago and had the most amazing time! The food was beyond delicious and the country music was excellent too. This year’s line-up includes Chris Young, Old Dominion, Eli Young Band, Devin Dawson, and Cole Swindell, to name a few. I saw Old Dominion the last time they performed here and they are AMAZING!! I’m so bummed I am out of town this weekend and unable to attend.
5:: Air and Water Show - August 17-18
Another traditional summer event in Chicago. You can see most of this from anywhere along the water’s edge that weekend. I’d recommend packing your picnic basket and planning to spend the whole day just chilling on the beach and watching the show unfold! Even being in the the city the day before, as they practice, is fun to see.
6:: IL Brewery Runs - July 13, 14, 28, August 10, September 8, 15, 28, 29
A little fitness, a little craft brew - sounds like the makings of a great day to me. If you are a fan of craft beer this is a fun running series to check out. The courses are 5k-ish in length, without any stress about whether you walk or run it, and they all start at and end at a local craft brewery. You get to sample the beers when you complete your run. I’m booking a couple runs for later in the summer.
7:: Chicago Museum Free Days - dates vary based on the museum
Check the Do312 website for all the latest, or go directly to the website of the museum of your choice. Note: these are free to Chicago or IL residents, not to anyone and everyone. Make sure to read the fine print.
8:: Baseball Game (Cubs or White Sox) - all summer long
What could be more American, and more summer than a baseball game on a sunny summer day? Personally, I’m a Cubs fan, so catching a game in the bleachers with a cold beer in hand and maybe a Chicago-style hot dog is the perfect summer moment.
9:: Lincoln Park Zoo - all summer long
While not as big as the Brookfield Zoo, the Lincoln Park zoo is free and has some great views of the city. It’s worth exploring the zoo and surrounding areas on a pleasant summer day. Make sure to ride the carousel - always a crowd favorite.
10:: Bobby’s Bike Hike - all summer long
See the city and taste some of its food offerings with this Bobby’s Bike Hike Chicago. I tried this out last weekend and was impressed. The 4 hour Bikes, Bites, and Brews tour wound 14 miles around the city and included classic food such as Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs as well as several great local beers. Don’t let the 14 miles scare you. That distance is spread out over 4 hours and Chicago is flat so it is totally doable no matter your level of fitness.
11:: Watson Adventures - all summer long
This company offers a variety of Chicago-based adventures that will give you a chance to explore the city and have fun in the process. Several weeks ago I tried out the Art Museum adventure and found it a great way to see the museum in a creative way. Watson Adventures also has scavenger hunts at the Field Museum, along Michigan Avenue, and in the Loop.
12:: Chicago Architectural Boat Tour - all summer long
This is my favorite way to get a glimpse of the city. I’ve probably done this Chicago Architecture Foundation tour 4 times in my life, and each time I learn something new. The tour lasts 90 minutes are explores both branches of the Chicago river and heads out into Lake Michigan briefly. A little on the pricey side, this is still a really great way to see the city if you are new to Chicago or looking to expand your knowledge of the city you call home.
13:: Chicago Fireworks - Every Wednesday and Saturday night
What could be more summer-like than fireworks? Chicago shoots off fireworks twice a week during the summer months close to Navy Pier. Your best bet to seeing them would be to locate yourself at Navy Pier or along the lake North of Navy Pier.
14:: Chicago Movies in the Park - all summer long
If you live near a Chicago park, chances are there will be movies there this summer. Check out the park near you to see what’s showing and when. Or head to one of the bigger parks - like Grant Park or the Museum of Science and Industry park - and catch a movie there.
15:: Concerts at Millennium Park - all summer long
Grab a blanket and a picnic basket and enjoy some live music in Millennium Park through the summer months! You can check out the full line-up of concerts here.
16:: Chicago Gourmet - September 24-29
While this one is technically more in the ‘fall’ months, this is one of my favorite Chicago events. Foodies of the city, and the world, come together to try all sorts of delicious food at this event in Millennium Park. Sip choice liquors, eat local favorites, try so many new-to-you menu items. It takes at least a full day to get through every booth and try everything available. Fingers crossed this year it doesn’t rain like it did last year!
