June 2024 events calendar for Chicago

Kick off the start of summer festival season at Do Division, the street shindig with live music booked by Empty Bottle and Subterranean in West Town. Catch performances at two stages—including acts like Divino Niño, Arm's Length, Susto and Avey Tare—and check out food trucks, a fashion show, vendors for shopping and a Family Fun Fest area with kids activities, among other attractions.

No, you haven’t stumbled into an early Oktoberfest—this is just how Lincoln Square welcomes street-festival season and the beginning of spring. Hoist a stein, grab a pretzel, watch some lederhosen- and dirndl-costumed dancers and embrace the neighborhood’s German heritage over the course of one fun-filled weekend.

The oldest juried craft fair in Hyde Park features paintings, sculptures, jewelry and ceramics from nearly 200 artists. The event also features blues and jazz acts, presented by Buddy Guy's Legends, as well as a family-friendly activity area and various food vendors. Attendees can shop for artwork created in a variety of mediums, including glass, jewelry, leather, photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, wood, ceramics or fiber.

This annual fest and conference celebrating the iconic dance music genre born in Chicago brings a full day of DJ sets to Millennium Park. Acts this year include Wayne Williams, Alan King, Farley Jackmaster Funk, Tony Touch, DJ Slugo and more. The live music will be preceded by and open house and panel discussions touching on key House topics at the Chicago Cultural Center. For a full list of programming, visit the DCASE Chicago House Music Festival and Conference website.

Whether you like your hot dogs dragged through the garden or topped with ketchup, this Portage Park fest has you covered. Local favorites, including Byron’s, Chicago Doghouse and Lola’s Coney Island, will compete to see who makes the best frankfurter, as voted on by fest-goers. In addition, there will be live entertainment, arts and craft vendors, a kids area, a top dog parade and a hot dog eating competition.

Electronic dance festival Beyond Wonderland makes its Chicago debut this summer at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. Held across two days, the fest will take attendees down the rabbit hole to discover multiple storybook-themed areas inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The music lineup is headlined by big name acts including Tiësto, Diplo, Benny Benassi, Kaskade and RL Grime.

The Chicago Gospel Music Festival will bring a roster of choirs and contemporary artists to Pritzker Pavilion for a day of family-friendly music. Highlights include performances from three-time Grammy winners The Clark Sisters, Chicago singer-songwriter Todd Dulaney, contemporary gospel artist Chandler Moore and global recording artist Anita Wilson—for a full lineup, visit the festival's website.

The street in front of St. George Greek Orthodox Church hosts three days of gyros, spicy feta spread, dancing, traditional music and more during Lincoln Park's annual celebration of Hellenic culture. Show up to feast on Greek delicacies, shop for gifts at the craft fair or catch some live music.

Curious Theatre Branch's Rhinoceros Theatre Festival, which bills itself as Chicago's longest-running fringe festival, returns for its 35th outing with a slate of new theater, music performances, art and more. Visit rhinofest.com for the complete schedule.

The oldest music festival in North America plays host to more than 100 shows throughout summer, featuring big-name headliners like James Taylor, Violent Femmes, Ben Platt and Samara Joy. Check out the full schedule of artists coming to Highland Park this year and don't forget to pack a picnic.

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 schedule.

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—from classic rock cover bands like Dancing Queen (ABBA), Ticket to the Moon (Electric Light Orchestra) and Elton Rohn (Elton John, obviously), 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. 

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.

Chicago honors its legacy as a city of 12-bar melodies and wailing guitar solos by hosting this annual blues music festival, bringing living legends and local players to Millennium Park for four days of electrifying performances. This year's lineup includes headlining sets from soul and Americana singer Shemekia Copeland, “The Mississippi Blues Child,” Mr. Sipp, and Memphis soul and roots band Southern Avenue. When you need to refuel, head to Wally's BBQ Pit to feast on delicious barbecue in between acts.

Andersonville's beloved summer street fest returns to Clark Street for its 58th year of Swedish-themed festivities. Catch live entertainment across five stages from dozens of musical and entertainment acts. Plus, shop local vendors for gifts and food. And of course, don't miss out on Swedish heritage activities, including a traditional dance around the Midsommar Maypole.

Celebrate Humboldt Park's vibrant Puerto Rican culture and history at this annual fest, which returns to the park of the same name this year with music, food, carnival rides and other community-centric festivities. You'll find attractions like a dominoes tournament, music stage, merengue dance performances, a shopping market, street food stands and more; plus, don't miss the 46th annual Puerto Rican People's Parade Day along Division Street on Saturday. PSA: Tickets are free for community day on Thursday. 

See the work of more than 200 juried artists and purchase original photography, paintings, jewelry and more at this two-day fest in Old Town. Food options include fare from local restaurants, and live entertainment from 16 Candles, Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press and more will play throughout the weekend.

Take a stroll and browse the work of more than 200 artists on the streets of Old Town at this annual two-day art fair. Attendees can also take a self-guided tour of more than 50 local gardens, enjoy live music from local performers and explore a selection of food and drinks provided by area restaurants and vendors. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild curates the lineup of this beer fest taking place at Gallagher Way. The evening, which is split into two sessions, welcomes more than 35 local breweries, accompanied by food and live music. A tasting pass gets you 20 sample pours from favorites like Begyle, Burning Bush, Spiteful Brewing, Maplewood and more.

For classical music lovers who enjoy taking in a show set beneath Chicago's skyline, the annual Grant Park Music Festival is perennial favorite summer event. This year's series of classical concerts runs from June 12–August 17 with performances ranging from world premiere works and performances of symphonies by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Shostakovich 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.

Local hip-hop blog and music video production house Lyrical Lemonade brings its Summer Smash festival back to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview for another year, hosting a lineup of both established and rising rappers. Cactus Jack (Travis Scott), Playboi Carti and Chief Keef headline the fest. Other highlights on the lineup include Big Sean, Kodak Black, Denzel Curry and Lil Yachty. As usual, the undercard is filled with rising acts—for those looking for a glimpse of the future of hip-hop, you'll probably see it at the Summer Smash.

Taking place on the same street occupied by some of Chicago's best-known restaurants, this West Loop fest boasts six blocks of food, drinks and music. You'll find bites from more than 16 restaurants (on Randolph Street and beyond) as well as two stages packed with performances throughout the day. This year's lineup includes Local H, Lucky Boys Confusion, Ramona Flowers, Phantom Planet and more. Proceeds from the festival support the West Loop Community Organization.

Head to North Center to dig into more than 50,000 pounds of ribs and barbecue across the streets of Lincoln, Damen and Irving Park. The annual celebration of saucy pork brings together more than 20 vendors, lounges where you can sit down to eat and live music to keep you entertained while you're digesting your second rack of ribs. New this year is a whiskey tasting, where guests can sample sample up to 16 local and international spirits.

Grant Park's Bulter Field hosts one of the biggest art fairs of the summer, with 250 juried artists show off paintings, ceramics, jewelry, sculptures and more in tents set up throughout the park. Plus, curious art enthusiasts can make their own masterpieces during live painting classes.

The Back of the Yards neighborhood knows how to throw a party, shutting down two blocks to make room for carnival rides, games, food vendors and live music. Head down to 47th Street and Ashland if you want to eat a taco, take a ride on a Ferris wheel and win a gigantic stuffed animal.

Celebrate Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., with a free family-friendly festival hosted by It Takes A Village Family of Schools at Douglass Park. The day will be filled with games, rides, delicious food and live performances from India Arie, Dead Prez and Domani.

With performances taking place in the Navy Pier Beer Garden and at Polk Bros Park, the Chi-Soul Fest returns to the lakefront for two days of free music. The lineup includes artists that embrace classic and contemporary interpretations of soul music, including Ariel Posen, New Black Renaissance, Meagan McNeal and more.

The ninth annual Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo invites guests to sample more than 100 beers and ciders while wandering around the premises after hours. You'll get to see amazing animals, listen to music, play lawn games and purchase delectable bites to complement the alcohol. General admission includes tickets for 20 three-ounce tastings and a souvenir glass.

Pack a picnic and head to the Great Lawn of Millennium Park for a day of free performances courtesy of the Joffrey Ballet. The program will showcase pioneering choreographers from around the globe, including Cathy Marston, Justin Peck, Yuri Possokhov, Christopher Wheeldon and 2024 Winning Works Choreographer Manoela Gonçalves. Arrive early at 4:15pm for free family-friendly movement classes.

Sundays on State—which shuts down a strip of State Street spanning from Adams to Lake Streets for activations, performances, food and shopping—brings thousands of visitors downtown to check out everything from outdoor dining and browsing opportunities to pop-up karaoke and barre fitness classes. The event returns on two Sundays this year by popular demand. For a full schedule of vendors and events, check out Chicago Loop Alliance's website.

Head to TAO Chicago for a Swedish Midsummer Party. The River North restaurant and club will transform into a midsummer dream, complete with dinner, dancing and live entertainment by DJ James Hype. An all-white attire is required, and an a la carte menu and bottle list will be offered. Tickets include entry into the nightclub and the price goes toward your final bill.

The Chicago Pride Parade is set to return to the streets of Lakeview this June. Chicago's LGTBQ+ community and its allies will gather along the new route: Winding south from Sheridan and Broadway via Halsted and Broadway before ending at Cannon Drive. The parade typically attracts more than one million attendees—plan on staking out your spot along the route early if you can. 

Chicago Pride Fest brings two days of music, drag, vendors and LGBTQ-friendly event to Northalsted in celebration of Chicago Pride Month. Swing by to catch headlining sets from Natasha Bedingfield, JoJo Siwa, Kaleena Zanders, Amber Riley and more. Plus, browse arts and crafts from more than 150 vendors and don't miss out on the Proud Pet Parade at noon on Sunday. Once you've had your fill, head to one of the best gay bars in Chicago to keep the party going.

Dragon boat teams paddling to the beat of a drum face off against one another on the South Branch of the Chicago River at this annual event, racing all afternoon to raise money for local schools and literacy organizations. Back on land, attendees can watch the races, visit vendor booths and take in live entertainment (including dancers and musicians) throughout the afternoon.

The sixth annual beer stroll along Damen Avenue, between Wilson Avenue and Argyle Street, brings together local businesses and breweries for an evening of sipping and shopping around Ravenswood. Participants include Begyle Brewing, Cultivate by Forbidden Root, Dovetail Brewery, Half Acre Beer Company, KOVAL Distillery and more. Tickets will come with a punch card for ten tasting pours, a tasting glass, a coozie/lanyard combo and swag bag filled with goodies.

Over 15 restaurants and bars in Chicago's hottest culinary neighborhood will come together at Morgan’s on Fulton for an evening of delicious food and drinks to benefit Kitchen Possible. You’ll sample bites across three floors from vendors like Avli, Carnivale, Blind Barber, Adalina Prime, The Oakville Grill & Cellar and more, as well as have access to an open bar.

SAUCED returns to WNDR Museum for its summer night market, where over 50 local vendors will be selling handmade goods, jewelry, vintage clothing, prints and more treasures. Need to refuel? Snag food from local eateries like Birria TaTaTacos, Funeral Potatoes, Onigiri Kororin and Mochinut, or bust some moves to live beats from DJ Johnny Walker.

An array of paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography and furniture go on display along a portion of Lake Street in the Loop during the annual Millennium Art Festival. Guests can browse the offerings, speak with more than 100 artists, listen to live music and make purchases during the three-day event—no reservations are required to attend and walk-ups are welcome throughout the weekend.

Stages, tents and food trucks will once again spring up around the Illinois Centennial Monument this year for the annual Logan Square Arts Festival. The beloved community fest celebrates local art, food, beer and music—while raising money for neighborhood non-profits.

Vegandale returns to Chicago this summer with over 100 vendors from around the world. Check out over-the-top plant-based eats—including products not yet available in stores—as well as interactive art installations, free samples and performances by 2 Chainz, Saweetie and more.

Make your way to Harper Court in Hyde Park on four Thursdays throughout the summer for free outdoor concerts. This year's lineup stars DJ Eric "ET" Taylor, Funkadesi, Sam Thousand & The Soul Vortex and an open mic night.

The South Side Jazz Coalition hosts a series of free monthly jazz performances every summer on the steps of St. Moses the Black Parish in Greater Grand Crossing. Bring a lawn chair, some snacks and prepare to hear some top-notch music from the Chicago jazz community—plus, every performance ends with a jam session. 

Tuesdays on the Terrace returns to the Museum of Contemporary Art's Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden this summer for free weekly concerts. This year's series again expands beyond jazz to include house, Guatamalan marimba, electro-pop and more. Grab a cocktail or a glass of wine from a bar on the museum's upper terrace and hear tunes from artists like Maggie Brown, The Aggregation featuring Justin Dillard, and Alexis Lombre, plus tons of others from the local community.

Escape the planet with exhibits about the first lunar missions, the solar system and more, plus immersive shows in the dome theater. 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.

During the summer, one of the best aerial displays you'll find in Chicago originates from Navy Pier. The Chicago attraction hosts twice-weekly fireworks shows (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with stunning views available from across the pier's public spaces. Of course, you can also take in the show from nearby beaches or while cruising along the Lakefront Trail.

The JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival returns this year with in-person screenings for the first time since the pandemic. The new lineup features 23 documentaries, dramas and comedies from around the world that explore Jewish identity and experience. Spread across three weeks, the showings will take place at Wayfarer in Highland Park, The Gene Siskel Film Center in downtown Chicago and Landmark Century Centre in Chicago, alongside a special premiere of 999: The Forgotten Girls at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie.

Wrigley Field-adjacent plaza Gallagher Way is once again showing free outdoor movie screenings this summer. Admission is free and attendees are welcome to bring their own food, enjoy on-site concessions or snag a meal from nearby restaurants like Big Star and Smoke Daddy. VIP seating is also available for $33—check out the Gallagher Way website for more details. Gates open at 6pm for each screening and the movies start at 7:30pm.

Rooftop Cinema Club, the open-air theater perched atop The Emily Hotel, is back for another season. Guests can catch showings of hand-picked classics, cult films and recent releases while also enjoying sweeping views of the skyline and craft beverages. It’s the perfect summer cinema experience. Check the official website for the full schedule and lineup.

Sportsman's Club's backyard BBQ series is back for another year, bringing local restaurants to the bar's patio to cook a meal that's usually paired with a beverage. For the uninitiated, the takeovers are first-come, first-served, with the featured chef holding court over the bar's grill and menu. Food is priced a la carte.

Based on the family-favorite board game, this immersive and interactive experience puts guests into the roles of beloved CLUE characters as they try to solve the murder of estate owner Boden "Boddy" Black. The mystery starts at Block 37, where detectives are greeted by the Butler before being sent on their way to gather clues from popular Chicago sites and shops. You’ll be tasked with finding long-lost antiques and figuring out who did it, where and with what.

The musical adaptation of Robert Zemeckis’ 1992 cult classic Death Becomes Her gets its pre-Broadway premiere in Chicago. Running through June 2, the hilarious production stars Tony Award nominees Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard, and is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli. The plot follows two women as they fight for the affections of the same man and drink a magic potion that promises eternal youth.

Fans of the hit show will enjoy this theatrical rendition from Robert Leleux and director Eric Swanson, who together consider what Miami’s iconic quartet would be up to nowadays. Grab some friends for a night of throwbacks and laughs.

Navy Pier, in partnership with the Design Museum of Chicago and The Vintage House Show Collective, presents a new exhibit exploring the history of the home-grown artists, clubs and labels that have built House music. The exhibit will be open and free to the public during all Pier operating hours through the end of October.

The Museum of Science and Industry debuts a new exhibit dedicated to the science and technology behind the world’s longest-running film franchise, James Bond. Fans can check out 13 vehicles and over 90 additional artifacts, including the prototype jetpack used in Thunderball, an MI6 Retina Scanner from GoldenEye and the Parahawk snowmobile hybrid from The World Is Not Enough. You’ll also be able to step into a lab space inspired by “Q” and test your skills developing the perfect vehicle for spy activities, designing stunts and more.

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition makes its way to Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie, giving fans an opportunity to step into the world of the hit series. The immersive experience showcases the elaborate sets, detailed costumes and luxurious jewelry of Downton Abbey’s high society inhabitants, and transport visitors to the grand home of the Crawleys and those who served them. From Mrs. Patmore’s hectic kitchen and Carson’s office to the family’s glamorous dining room, the exhibition provides a fascinating look into the post-Edwardian period.

The largest and most immersive touring Titanic exhibition comes to Westfield Old Orchard mall in Skokie. Visitors will experience a narrative journey that brings to light the fates of the passengers and crew aboard the famous ship. Marvel at hundreds of artifacts that survived the sinking, plus props and costumes featured in James Cameron’s blockbuster film Titanic. Music from the era will play as patrons walk through detailed recreations of the ship’s interiors, including the grand staircase, while the Discovery Gallery will simulate what discovery teams saw during dives to the Titanic’s wreckage site.

This annual festival assembles luminaries from the fields of politics, journalism and the arts for a multi-week series of programming across the city, with events ranging from lectures and discussions to screenings and musical performances. Not sure which events to hit? Some of the fest’s biggest speakers this season include former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, architect Jeanne Gang, musician Kathleen Hanna and comedian Reggie Watts. You can see a full schedule of programming on the Chicago Humanities Festival website.

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 nearby Desplaines Street (between Roosevelt and Howard) 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. Don't let the cold or wet weather scare you away—the Maxwell Street Market takes place from May through October. This year, the market returns to its original home on Maxwell Street, between South Halsted Street and South Union Avenue, and on South Union Avenue between West Rochford Street and West Liberty Street.

If you can withstand the roar of O'Hare traffic and incoming 747s (plus, you know, the trek on Chicago's most horrible freeway), you'll find some of the best deals in greater Chicagoland at this flea market outside Allstate Arena. Pick up odd trinkets or bulk candy and potato chips, plus clothing, housewares, furniture, jewelry and collectibles. Boasting over 700 sellers, this flea market is a favorite of vintage buyers themselves, so you know there are some great finds to be had at the fraction of city prices. Bring your best bargaining skills.

Navy Pier’s newest attraction is here, transporting guests to some of Chicago’s most epic places via exhilarating flights. The multi-sensory experience incorporates drone technologies with aerial shots and first-person views to showcase the city like never before. Guests will swoop, dip and turn in motion seats as they climb up skyscrapers, check out iconic landmarks, float through fireworks and more.

Sony Pictures Entertainment has brought its first immersive entertainment destination to Oakbrook Center, inviting guests to enter the worlds of popular franchises like Uncharted, Ghostbusters, Jumanji, Bad Boys, Zombieland and more. The 45,000-square-foot space is home to a variety of activities, ranging from escape rooms to virtual reality and racing simulators to bumper cars. When you need to refuel, drop into the Commissary Restaurant for a full menu of food, desserts and cocktails. Entry to Wonderverse is free, with attractions priced separately.

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. It’s best viewed from the section of the Chicago Riverwalk between Wells Street and Franklin Street.

Bounce The City, an immersive family attraction featuring four interactive inflatables, will be popping up at Orland Square in Orland Park for a three-week run. Little ones and little ones at heart will be able to jump, slide and bounce their way through a 600-foot-long obstacle course, a skyscraper slide, a silent disco dome and more. Tickets start at $24 for a 90-minute pass.

One of Chicago's most popular farmer's markets, Green City Market welcomes vendors selling regional produce to the south end of Lincoln Park (between Clark Street and Stockton Drive) on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Amid the rows, you’ll find farm-fresh eggs from Michigan, cheese from Wisconsin and scrumptious pies baked by Chicago’s own Hoosier Mama Pie Co.