Summmer 2025 Events Calendar

We’re kicking off the summer season with a calendar of events for you and your family to enjoy! View our full events guide below.

Vivid Creatures: Colorful Sculptures as Tall as Trees

Morton Arboretum | May 18–September 1 | Ticketed

Explore towering animal sculptures—ranging from 8 to 23 feet tall—set against the Arboretum’s scenic backdrop.

Festival music band. Hands playing on percussion instruments in city park . Drums with sticks closeup. Body part of male musicians. Sharpen is guitar and man hand.

Chicago Blues Festival

Millennium Park | June 5–8 | Free

The world’s largest free blues festival featuring top musicians in an outdoor setting.

Grant Park Music Festival

Millennium Park | June 11–August 16 | Free

A summer-long classical concert series under the stars.

Midsommar Fest

Andersonville | June 13–15 | Free Entry

Showcasing local artisans, food, and music in a neighborhood setting.

Rose Garden at Chicago Botanic Garden

Glencoe | June (Exact dates TBA) | Free Entry

Visit the Krasberg Rose Garden and enjoy over 5,000 roses in full bloom.

Taste of Glen Ellyn

Glen Ellyn | June (Exact dates TBA) | Free Entry

Family-friendly event featuring local food, live music, and carnival rides.

Two caucasian women dancing at the rooftop in summer day

Chicago SummerDance

Citywide | June–September | Free

Dance lessons and live music in Chicago parks throughout the summer.

See a Show at Ravinia

Highland Park | June–September | Ticketed

Enjoy music of all genres outdoors—bring a picnic or reserve a pavilion seat.

Swedish Days Festival

Geneva | June 18–22 | Free

A five-day celebration of Scandinavian culture with music, food, and parades.

PFL 7: Pettis vs. Stots

Chicago Venue TBA | June 27 | Ticketed

Watch top MMA athletes compete in this Professional Fighters League event.

Chicago Pride Parade

Boystown | June 29 | Free

One of the largest pride parades in the world, celebrating inclusion and community.

People enjoy artwork at an art festival in a downtown park in a blurry photo

Wells Street Art Festival

Old Town | June (Exact dates TBA) | Free Entry

Juried artwork, food vendors, and live music in a historic neighborhood.

Ribfest Chicago

North Center | June (Exact dates TBA) | Free Entry

A beloved summer tradition with BBQ ribs, live music, and local vendors.

Rendezvous: Splendor of Versailles

Cantigny Park | July 19 | Ticketed

Transport yourself to Versailles. A 21+ event featuring string music, aerialists, burlesque, a live band, and roaming performers in garden surroundings.

Ruido Fest

Addams/Medill Park | July (Exact dates TBA) | Ticketed

Latin alternative music festival spotlighting rock, electronic, and hip-hop.

Naperville Ale Fest – Summer Edition

Naperville | July (Exact date TBA) | Ticketed

Showcasing over 200 craft beers, food trucks, and live music in a lively outdoor setting.

A food truck serving ice cream with a long line of festival attendees

Arlington Heights Frontier Days

Arlington Heights | July 2–6 | Free Entry

A five-day festival with live entertainment, a carnival, food booths, and a Fourth of July parade.

NASCAR Chicago Street Race

Grant Park | July 5–6 | Ticketed

Downtown streets transform into a thrilling high-speed racecourse.

Chicago Sky Lantern Festival

Chicago Venue TBA | July (Exact date TBA) | Ticketed

An evening of glowing lanterns, live performances, and festive ambiance.

Lollapalooza

Grant Park | August 1–4 | Ticketed

Join one of the largest music festivals in the country in Grant Park, featuring a diverse lineup of over 170 bands and performers.

Wilmette Art Fair

Wilmette | August 2–3 | Free Entry

Local and national artists showcase work for viewing and purchase.

Marching band in a parade

Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic

Bronzeville to Washington Park | August 9 | Free

The nation’s largest African-American parade promoting youth and education.

Savannah Bananas World Tour

Guaranteed Rate Field | August 15–16 | Ticketed

A blend of baseball and performance, packed with fun for all ages.

Chicago Air & Water Show

Lakefront | August 16–17 | Free

Stunning aerial stunts and watercraft shows along the lakefront.

Sunflower Festival at Kuipers Family Farm

Maple Park | August 23–September 14 | Ticketed

Explore 7 acres of vibrant sunflower fields, enjoy live music, and pick fresh blooms.

Funny beautiful girl with stylish hairdo, hairband and blue bow in sunflower field. Childhood, nature, summer concept. Front view of cute child with yellow sun flowers

Oak Park Micro Brew Review

Oak Park | August 17 | Ticketed

Enjoy 200+ from more than 90 breweries. In addition to beer tastings, attendees can enjoy live music, food vendors, and games like giant Jenga and cornhole.

Delicious food truck feast urban street culinary experience vibe

Taste of Chicago

Grant Park | September 5–7 | Free Entry

Try dishes from top local eateries at this iconic food festival.

Chicago Gourmet

Millennium Park | September 25–28 | Ticketed

A top culinary event featuring gourmet tastings and chef demonstrations.

Bike the Drive

Lake Shore Drive | September (Exact date TBA) | Ticketed

Bike along a car-free Lake Shore Drive with scenic views of the lakefront.

Open House Chicago

Citywide | October 18–19 | Free

Get behind-the-scenes access to 170+ architectural sites across the city.