Summertime Chi is finally upon us! Now that the weather is warming up, there’s a good chance you’re in need of some fun things to do.
Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun on the perfect outdoor patio, or catch a movie under the stars, we’ve got the ultimate Chicago summer bucketlist for you.
Hit up a summer street festival
Summertime in Chicago means street festivals galore!
From the Millennium Art Festival and Taste of Chicago, to Wicker Park fest and Logan Square Arts Fest, there’s something every weekend.
Check out our full roundup of all the best summer street fests in Chicago.
Vibe out at this local lakefront music festival
The Lincoln Park shoreline is transforming into a high-energy EDM music festival for two days this summer, June 19–20!
The Lakeshore Arts & Music Festival promises a full weekend of full-throttle electronic music from more than 20 internationally recognized DJs.
Headliners include Elderbrook, Arlo, and Mindchatter.
Click here to grab your tickets!
Take a riverboat cruise
There’s no better summertime activity in Chicago than taking a riverboat cruise.
Whether it’s an architecture tour aboard the First Lady, or one of the city’s several other downtown cruises, there’s no shortage of experiences to suit your fancy.
First Lady cruises just launched its 2026 schedule, including themed events and fireworks shows. Click here to view the full lineup and schedule a trip.
The Chicago Park District is bringing back its beloved Movies in the Parks programming for summer 2026.
From classic flicks like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Goonies, to modern blockbusters like The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Wicked: For Good.
The Air & Water Show is a classic Chicago summer event, and it’s back this August for two days of epic showmanship.
While the official lineup is yet to drop, you’ll want to have this event on your radar!
Visit a local fruit festival
It’s officially fruit festival season in Chicagloand.
This summer’s fruit-themed food fest lineup is stacked with events like the Long Grove Strawberry Fest and Peach Fest at Windy Acres Farm!
Take a daytrip to a regional beach or waterpark
Sometimes you just need to get out of the city for a breath of fresh air, and luckily for Chicagoans there’s tons of amazing summer daytrip locations within hours of the city.
Maybe you want to check out the largest waterpark in Illinois, or a 6,000-square-foot swimming quarry. Whichever destination you have in mind, we’ve got all the details!
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is bringing back its wildly popular Escape the Museum series beginning this summer!
The exclusive escape room experience challenges players to embark on a scavenger hunt through the museum, collecting clues and connecting the dots in an interactive adventure.
Tickets are on sale now and going fast, so be sure to claim yours here.
Rise Pilates has officially launched the 2026 edition of its viral free waterfront pilates series.
Head to Oak Street beach on Friday mornings this summer for a relaxing lakeside pilates sesh lead by guru Olivia Santelli, followed by an immersive soundbath.
Register for your next class here.
Take a stroll at a city farmers market
Summertime Chi means farmers markets are back citywide.
Popular markets include the Logan Square Farmers Market and the Lincoln Park Farmers Market.
Whether you’re shopping for organic produce, local honey, fresh flowers, or vintage clothing, there’s something for everybody.
Check out our full list of city farmers markets here.
