Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago is coming up, and we’re prepping for a big three-day weekend! To mark the unofficial start of summer while also remembering those who have fallen, we’re rounding up the best things to do in Chicago, from the sweltering summer activities to decadent brunches and more.
1. Head to Wrigley Field
Catching a Cubs game is the perfect way to kick off the start of summer—and something everyone should do at least once. The Cubs will be playing against the Reds this Memorial Day weekend in Chicago. Even if you’re not into baseball, you can still enjoy the harmonious atmosphere. Wrigley Field offers historic features such as the ivy-covered brick outfield wall, beer bats, the iconic red marquee over the main entrance, and the hand-turned scoreboard.
2. Check out the Bouncy Games and Dinos Alive this weekend at Exhibition Art Center!
Have the ultimate family fun day at the Exhibition Art Center in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, where two thrilling experiences have just opened at the same venue! Find the largest inflatable in the city at the Bouncy Games, offering over 10,000 square feet of fun. If you have any dinosaur lovers in the family, visit Dinos Alive, featuring over 80 full-size creatures, including a T-rex, Stegosaurus, and Ankylosaurus.
🤸♀️Grab tickets to the Bouncy Games here, and secure your spot for Dinos Alive here!
3. Munch on a Chicago-style French hot dog
Executive Chef Marcel Heiduk at the ritzy French brasserie, Venteux, located in Mag Mile, is putting a French twist on a classic summer staple—the humble hot dog, to honor Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer. The Chicago Style Toulouse Hotdog created by the Chef is a meaty Toulouse sausage served on a poppy seed bun, garnished with charred leek dijonaise, mustard, cornichon relish, and halved cherry tomatoes. It is served with a side of fries and priced at $22 per plate. This dish is an inspired homage to the beloved hotdog of Windy City—savory, salty, and just the right amount of elevated to make it memorable.
Dates: Saturday, May 25th – Monday, May 27th
4. Cruise into summer on Lake Michigan
Why not start the season in style by renting a boat from the Chicago Electric Boat Company? The company boasts a diverse fleet of mostly electric boats, catering to a wide range of cruising needs.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic double date on a charming Retro boat or a lively 20-person Cycleboat with lake access, there’s a boat perfectly suited to your party. All boats are equipped with Bluetooth speaker systems for your convenience, and they are also BYOB (food and drink) friendly, allowing you to personalize your cruise to your liking.
5. Aba and Campari’s Spritz Rooftop Party
Get ready to kick off Memorial Day weekend in Chicago with a bang on Aba’s iconic rooftop. Aba and Campari are teaming up to host an exhilarating Spritz Rooftop Party. You’ll indulge in delicious passed bites, hummus, and spreads and groove to the beats by DJ Marvin Mentor.
Capture the fun moments at the photo booth and participate in the raffle for a chance to win exciting Aperol swag, a dinner from Aba, and more. Tickets are priced at $49.95 per person and include a welcome Thirst Trap cocktail, an Aperol Spritz, passed and stationed appetizers, a live DJ, access to the photo booth, and raffle entry
Date: Friday, May 24: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
6. RPM Seafood’s Seafood Boil
Last on our list, celebrate Memorial Day weekend in Chicago on the riverfront with an all-you-can-enjoy RPM Seafood Boil event. Enjoy delicious canapes like Caviar Deviled Eggs, Mini Lobster Rolls, Tomato Burrata Tartlet, Old Bay Parkerhouse Rolls, and more. The seafood boil features Blue Crab, Snow Crab, Shrimp, Sliced Sausage, Roasted Corn, and Potatoes tossed in RPM’s house-made seafood boil rub.
End your experience with a delightful Lemon Semifreddo for a sweet treat! Tickets for this exclusive 21-and-above event are $175 per person. Upon arrival, you can choose from Limoncello Spritz or Aperol Spritz, and you can select white and rosé wines to flow throughout the event.
Date: Monday, May 27: 1:00 PM
7. Head to a rooftop pool
Rooftop pool season officially starts Memorial Day weekend in Chicago. However, there are only a few hotels in Chicago that have rooftop pools, and of those, only one is open to the public. You can visit the Cabana Club on the 6th floor of the art-deco boutique Robery Hotel for a wonderful rooftop and poolside experience. To make your visit even better, take advantage of their happy hour deals from Monday to Thursday, where you can enjoy frozen cocktails and small bites at an affordable price.
8. A Bodega Taqueria y Tequila Memorial Day Weekend
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila in West Loop is hosting an exciting event lineup over the Memorial Day weekend in Chicago. DJ SaviI will perform on Friday, May 24, 2024, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., followed by DJ Devin Lucien on Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. The festivities will conclude with a Baywatch-themed all-day party on Sunday, May 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The celebration will include food and drink specials, entertainment, and DJ sets by DJ Heavy from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Maximo from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
9. Rock N Roll Brunch at Old Town Pour House
On Memorial Day, May 27, Old Town Pour House will be serving its Rock N Roll Brunch at all locations from opening until 3 p.m. Old Town Pour House offers a lively atmosphere for friends and family to enjoy classic brunch favorites with a rock and roll twist. Brunch-goers can start with “Jon Bun Jovi” cinnamon rolls or “Donut Stop Believin'” doughnuts, and then enjoy mains like the indulgent “Sweet Child O’ Mine” French toast or the robust “The Boss” steak and eggs.
10. Head to Streeterville Social
Streeterville Social, the rooftop bar and lounge at the Loews Chicago Hotel, will open for the season on May 24, 2024, as the city celebrates the unofficial start of summer with Memorial Day weekend in Chicago. Executive Chef Trevor Hoyte and Chef de Cuisine Michael Schleyer will create a new menu.
The globally inspired menu aims to offer an elevated yet approachable experience, featuring a variety of savory options that blend local and international flavors. The cocktail menu will feature seasonal beverages perfect for summer sipping, as well as a selection of beer and wine. Additionally, a new free-spirited menu will offer handcrafted low- and no-ABV beverage options with local flavors.
11. Watch Navy Pier Fireworks
Memorial Day weekend in Chicago is synonymous with Navy Pier’s glittering summer program of events. This year, the first fireworks show will take place on Saturday, May 25th, at 10 p.m., followed by the first Wednesday show on May 29th at 9 p.m. Shows will then continue every Saturday and Wednesday in June, July, and August, with the final fireworks show at 10 p.m. on Saturday, August 31st.
12. Dine on the Chicago River
Even though we’re far from the ocean, we can still enjoy beautiful waterfront views. In addition to the lovely beaches, we have our famous riverwalk nearby. From bohemian hideouts by the river to beachy hangouts by the lake, these stunning Chicago riverwalk restaurants and bars are open for outdoor dining. They offer a beautiful spot for drinks or dinner.