It’s almost June, which can only mean one thing—the gateway to summer is here! Memorial Day Weekend has come and gone, giving Chicago its first taste of summer festivities. There’s plenty more where that came from. From exhilarating interactive experiences to aquatic adventures, here are some of the best things to do in Chicago in June.
Celebrate Pride Month
First of all, this month is dedicated to celebrating our wonderful LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month is celebrated each year in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, a pivotal moment for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States.
Today, the country celebrates with pride parades, picnics, parties, concerts, and much more. Take time this June to explore all the amazing things the local LGBTQ+ community has done and continues to do throughout the month, and support them!
Catch a weekly Navy Pier firework show
One of the best things to do in Chicago in June is to watch the fireworks displays every Saturday at 10 p.m. and every Wednesday at 9 p.m. through Labor Day weekend. Onlookers can find a spot anywhere on the pier or nearby to take in the completely free dazzling display.
Read more about the weekly Navy Pier firework displays.
Kayak down the Chicago River
A truly unique June experience can be had by taking to the water in a kayak. After shutting down for the winter season, Urban Kayaks have reopened their Riverwalk and Lakefront locations.
Whether you’re down by the Chicago Riverwalk, flanked on either side by the city’s famous high-rise architecture, or taking in the skyline from the protected waters of Monroe Harbour, kayaking in Chicago is a magical and truly unforgettable activity.
Joffrey Ballet’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
The Joffrey Ballet concludes its 69th season with two-time Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s enchanting and family-friendly Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Set to Joby Talbot’s hallucinatory sound world of sweeping melodies and ticking clocks, the production features vibrant stagecraft and puppetry by Tony Award®-winning designer Bob Crowley, transforming Lewis Carroll’s classic tale with a modern twist.
Take to the water in an electric boat
With Chicago having emerged from winter, bridges are open, and the city’s waterways are returning to life. Along with kayaking experiences, boat rentals are returning, and Chicago Electric Boat Company, best known for its fleet of self-captained, eco-friendly vessels, has now reopened for the summer.
Chicago’s sublime Candlelight Concert series is providing an array of breathtaking spectacles, and one of the best things to do in Chicago in June is the Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings. Talented musicians will perform favorite melodies from Shondaland’s hit series.
SpaDerma’s June DIY Facial Bars
Join SpaDerma’s head trainer and expert aesthetician, Ashley Powers, on either June 4th or June 25th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at SpaDerma Wicker Park for a guided skincare experience. During this session, you will have the opportunity to self-apply a variety of aesthetician-approved skincare products, learn about the ingredients, and receive tips on proper application techniques, among other valuable insights.
This DIY Facial Bar is the perfect opportunity to enhance your skincare knowledge and help you achieve your beauty goals. Enjoy light bites and beverages, take advantage of same-day discounts, and leave with a surprise gift. Purchase tickets here.
Spend a Sunday at Maxwell Street Market
Talking of Sundays, while Sundays on State might be a relatively new Chicago event, Maxwell Street Market is the city’s longest-running open-air market, first debuting back in 1912. On June 8th, Maxwell Street Market will be offering handmade crafts and undetected treasures along with live music and sensational street food.
Head to a Local Farmers Market
Chicago’s city-run farmers markets are back this month, courtesy of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).
From May 17 through October 30, Chicagoans can shop locally sourced produce, street food, artisanal goods, and more at five farmers markets across the city.
Take part in the Windy City Hot Dog Fest
Portage Park is the place to be for the best hotdogs in Chicago. Local vendors from Chicago Doghouse to Byrons and more are coming out to win the fan-favorite frankfurter in a competition.
Complete with live entertainment, craft vendors, a hot dog eating competition, and even a parade, this hot dog-centric festival is a can’t-miss celebration of Chicago’s legendary food staple on the first weekend of June.
Attend the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash Music Festival
Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash Festival, which is the largest independent hip-hop festival in the country, is scheduled to return to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview this June. The festival boasts an exciting lineup of artists, and hip-hop fans are eagerly awaiting its return to Chicagoland for the chance to see their favorite artists perform live.
Sip on Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual festival
Another landmark offering something special this month is Lincoln Park Zoo. On June 17, guests can enjoy the 8th annual Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo and sample over 100 beers and ciders while wandering around the expansive zoo.
Spend an evening at Shedd Aquarium for free
From the sky to the sea, another of Chicago’s main attractions, the Shedd Aquarium, is offering free admission every Tuesday evening of spring through to the end of June, meaning that this month is the last opportunity to enjoy a free evening at the beloved aquarium.
Illinois Residents can enter for free every Tuesday of June from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Enjoy free admission to the Field Museum on a Wednesday
On Wednesdays, you’ll find free admission at Chicago’s Field Museum, which is offering free admission every Wednesday for the rest of 2025.
Browse some of the world’s most famous artworks for free
One of the best things to do in Chicago in June is to immerse yourself in the art scene! Illinois residents will be able to enter the Art Institute completely free on Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Watch the Art on theMART projections
While the Art Institute might be one of the largest art museums in the world, over on Chicago’s Riverwalk, the Merchandise Mart’s Art on the Mart projections hold the title of the largest permanent digital art projection in the world.
Chuckle away at Chicago comedy show
If you’re looking for more laughs, there’s no place better for that than at a Chicago comedy show. Famous for its production of funny guys and girls, Chicago has some of the best places to see a comedy show in the country.
At Laugh Factory Chicago, some of today’s biggest names and local comedians are delivering something for every taste and style throughout the year.
Grab tickets to a show at Laugh Factory Chicago.
Enjoy an open-air Billy Joel & Elton John tribute concert at the Aire Rooftop
Spend an evening under the stars at Aire in Chicago, and listen to the ultimate tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John! Complete with light bites and classic cocktails, the nostalgia-filled evening is the perfect kickoff to summer. Purchase tickets here.
Head to the movies to watch Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells’ new film on the big screen
An L.A. couple’s European babymoon takes a dark turn in a brand-new dark comedy featuring Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells. Aptly titled I Don’t Understand You, the film is filled with plenty of chaos, misunderstandings, and laugh-out-loud moments. Snag tickets here to be one of the first to catch the movie in theaters.