We are just under a month away from the official first day of summer, but the best summer events and experiences in Chicago are already announcing themselves.
Today’s thunderstorms and potential tornadoes might be a bit of a put-off but with the National Weather Service predicting unseasonably warm weather towards the end of the week it looks the perfect time to enjoy the array of activities taking place in Chicago this coming weekend.
In addition to the first of Navy Pier’s weekly summer firework shows and the return of summer markets like Maxwell Street Market, this weekend will see Chicago beaches reopen once again offering residents free access to swimming and outdoor activities all along the shores of Lake Michigan.
The Chicago Park District, which manages the city’s 26 miles of open and free lakefront, announced that beaches would open at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 24th for the start of the 2024 season.
The 2024 season will run through Labor Day weekend in Chicago with lifeguards on duty daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
What else to know about the opening of public beaches in Chicago?
- Swimming is only permitted during the given dates of the 2024 swimming season and while lifeguards are on duty.
- All Chicago beaches that are operated by the park district are free to the public.
- No smoking or alcohol consumption is permitted on Chicago Park District beaches.
- Dogs are only allowed on designated dog-friendly beaches.
- Beachgoers are not allowed to feed birds or wildlife in the area.
It is important to know that the Chicago Park District beaches operate with a color-coded flag warning system to inform beachgoers whether or not swimming is permitted.
This summer several Chicago Park District beaches are closed due to erosion. There are Fargo Beach, Howard Beach, Juneway Beach, and Rogers Beach.
More information can be found on the park district’s website.