How these listings work
We include mostly city events, with a few suburban highlights. One-of-a-kind events are listed by date. Unchanging summer-long events are listed each month by their first date. They are color-coded green for easy skimming. Many events start on Friday or Saturday and continue through the weekend, but we only list them opening day.
FRI/1
Chicago Park District’s Movies in the Parks
Through Aug 30. 250+ screenings in 150 city parks. Films begin at dusk. For a full schedule and locations, call (312)742-1134 or visit chicagoparkdistrict.com. Free.
Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks
July 18-Aug 17. Twenty-six free, open-air performances of Midsummer’s Night Dream across various city parks, presented by Chicago Shakespeare Theater. chicagoshakes.com/plays_and_events/parks2014
Circque Shanghai: Warriors
A summer-long showcase of Chinese acrobatics and martial arts. Skyline Stage at Navy Pier (600 East Grand). Wed-Sun. $15.50-$39.50. ticketmaster.com/shanghai
Family Fun Festival
Every day June 23 through Aug 24. Pop into the Family Fun Tent to entertain kids of all ages, with Wiggleworms music lessons from the Old Town School of Folk Music each day at 10am, a daily reading circle at 11am and concerts at 1pm, plus crafts and educational activities throughout the day. Chase Promenade North, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 10am-3pm. Free.
Low-Line Market
Thursdays through Oct 16. A market offering goods from local and regional farmers, sweets merchants and bread sellers, as well as ready-to-eat stuffs, taking place at the auxiliary exit of the CTA Brown Line Southport Station. 3pm-8pm till Sep 4, then 3pm-sunset thereafter. lowlinemarket.com
Grant Park Music Festival: Brahms Symphony No. 4
Aug 1-2. The festival ducks indoors during Lollapalooza. Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 East Randolph, (312)742-7638. 6:30pm Friday, 7:30pm Saturday. Free.
Theater on the Lake: Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind by The Neo-Futurists
Through August 3. Washington Park Refectory, 5531 South Russell, (312)742-7994. Wednesday-Saturday 7:30 pm, Sunday 6:30pm. $10. chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/theater-on-the-lake/
Lollapalooza
Aug 1-4. More than a quarter-million people snapped up tickets to see headliners Eminen, Outkast, Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys, Skrillex and Calvin Harris and hundreds more. Grant Park. Sold out. lollapalooza.com
Pedal Oak Park
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning at 9:30am through Sep. 28. Experience all twenty-two of Oak Park’s Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings on this two-hour bicycle tour. Bring your own bike, or one will be provided for you at no additional charge. Greenline Wheels, 105 South Marion. GoWright.org. $$30-$35.
SAT/2
Edge Fest
Aug 2-3. Beer, sangria, food, music. 5900 North Broadway at Thorndale, (773)665-4682.
Green City Market
Outdoors every Wednesday and Saturday through October 25. Shop where the chefs do at this organic, local, sustainable-production-focused market. Regular chef demonstrations as well. Located at the south end of Lincoln Park between Clark and Stockton, (approximately 1790 N. Clark), (773)880-1266. greencitymarket.org, 7am-1pm. Free.
Millennium Park Workouts
Saturday mornings June 7-Sep. 6. Start your weekend with free 45-minute exercise classes from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Tai Chi at 7am, Yoga at 8am, Pilates at 9am and Zumba at 10am. Great Lawn, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Free.
Sustainable Vows (Interactive Art, Sustainability & Urban Farming)
Featuring artists and sustainable organizations, produced by Artdepth.org in partnership with the Resource Center. artdepth.org City Farm, Division and Clybourn, 11am-4pm.
Wrigleyville Summerfest
Aug 2-3. With food, drinks, live music and kids activities and a community worship service on Sunday. 3300 N. Seminary. Saturday, noon-10pm. Sunday, noon-9pm. $5.
SUN/3
ROOF Sundays
A daytime party with live music, DJs, dancers and performers. 201 North State. 2pm-9pm. roofonthewit.com
Second City’s Old Town Neighborhood Tour
Sundays at 10:30am and Wednesdays at 4pm through Oct 30. This walking tour both entertains and informs by highlighting the architecture, history and development of Old Town as well as various Second City alumni haunts and the stories that go with them. Tour begins at the Second City Theatre, 1616 North Wells, (312)337-3992. $15.
MON/4
Downtown Sound: Maps & Atlases + Wooden Shjips
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
TUE/5
MCA Farmer’s Market
June 3 through October 28. European-style outdoor market. Museum of Contemporary Art Plaza, 220 East Chicago. 7am-3pm. Free.
Rush Hour Concerts: Poetry Foundation Open Door Encore
St. James Cathedral, 65 East Huron. 5:15pm, reception with artists, 5:45pm, half-hour concert. Free. rushhour.org
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Jason Stein Quartet
Live jazz on the MCA’s garden lawn. Lawn chairs available for rental for $5. Hotdogs and burgers from the grill, and locally grown cuisine from the MCA Farmer’s Market. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 East Chicago. 5:30pm-8pm, (312)397-4034 for dinner reservations. $25 dinner buffet available. Free.
WED/6
Grant Park Music Festival: Seven Deadly Sins
Storm Large of Pink Martini sings. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, (312)742-7638. 6:30pm. Free.
Theater on the Lake: Great Expectations by Strawdog Theatre
Through August 10. Berger Park Cultural Center, 6205 North Sheridan, (312)742-7994. Wednesday-Saturday 7:30 pm, Sunday 6:30pm. $10. chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/theater-on-the-lake/
THU/7
Made in Chicago World Class Jazz: John Moulder’s Earthborne Tales of Soul and Spirit
Millennium Park, near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
FRI/8
Chicago SummerDance: Mambo Express (Latin Big Band Mambo)
Fridays-Sundays, June 27-Sep 14. An hour of dance lessons led by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing in the largest outdoor live music and dancing series in the United States. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 South Michigan, (312)742-4007. 6pm-9:30pm; Sunday 4pm-7pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival: Northern Lights
Aug 8-9. Grant Park Music Festival, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, (312)742-7638. 7:30pm. Free.
Ginza Holiday Festival
Aug 8-10. The fifty-ninth annual festival, a large Japanese cultural celebration, includes stage performances, drumming, martial arts performances, and many more showcases. Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 West Menomonee, (312)943-7801. Friday, 5:30-9pm. Saturday, 11:30am-9:30pm. Sunday, 11:30am-6pm. Adults $7; Seniors/Students $6; under 12 years free. ginzachicago.com
SAT/9
Bud Billiken Parade
Robert S. Abbott started this parade in 1929 in appreciation of paper boys. Celebrities, entertainers, state bands, drill teams, car clubs, and many more activities at the picnic after the parade. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, from 35th to 55th. 10am-6pm. Free.
Chicago SummerDance: Chicago House Music Party
Fridays-Sundays, June 27-Sep 14. An hour of dance lessons led by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing in the largest outdoor live music and dancing series in the United States. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 South Michigan, (312)742-4007. 6pm-9:30pm; Sunday 4pm-7pm. Free.
Hot Dog Fest
Aug 9-10. Chicago History Museum stakes its claim on “Chicago Style” with music and kids stuff too. Sat 10-am-5pm, Sun noon-7pm. 1601 North Clark.
Northalsted Market Days
Aug 9-10. More than 150,000 folks are expected over two days, with more than 400 food, arts and craft vendors. Special events include a performance by Belinda Carlisle. 3656 North Halsted, (773) 584-6631. Saturday and Sunday 11am-10pm. $8.
Retro on Roscoe
Aug 9-10. Three main music stages plus an antique car show. Roscoe Village, 2000-2300 West Roscoe, Noon-10pm. $10.
SUN/10
Chicago SummerDance: Petra van Nuis Quintet (1920s, ‘30s & ‘40s Classic Swing)
Fridays-Sundays, June 27-Sep 14. An hour of dance lessons led by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing in the largest outdoor live music and dancing series in the United States. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 South Michigan, (312)742-4007. 6pm-9:30pm; Sunday 4pm-7pm. Free.
Ecuador Parade
Floats, Andean music and dancing celebrate Ecuadorian independence. On Montrose from California to Kimball. Noon. Free.
MON/11
Downtown Sound: Russian Circles + Colin Stetson
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
TUE/12
Rush Hour Concerts: Khachaturian: Trio for violin, clarinet, and piano in G minor, Béla Bartók: Contrasts
St. James Cathedral, 65 East Huron. 5:15pm, reception with artists, 5:45pm, half-hour concert. Free. rushhour.org
Tuesdays on the Terrace: The Chicago Reed Quartet
Live jazz on the MCA’s garden lawn. Lawn chairs available for rental for $5. Hotdogs and burgers from the grill, and locally grown cuisine from the MCA Farmer’s Market. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 East Chicago. 5:30pm-8pm, (312)397-4034 for dinner reservations. $25 dinner buffet available. Free.
WED/13
Grant Park Music Festival: Bolcom and Mozart
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, (312)742-7638. 6:30pm. Free.
THU/14
Made in Chicago World Class Jazz: Matana Roberts: Coin Coin Chapter Two: Mississippi Moonchile
Millennium Park, near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
FRI/15
Chicago SummerDance: The Fat Babies (1920s & ‘30s Jazz & Swing)
Fridays-Sundays, June 27-Sep 14. An hour of dance lessons led by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing in the largest outdoor live music and dancing series in the United States. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 South Michigan, (312)742-4007. 6pm-9:30pm; Sunday 4pm-7pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival Closing Night: Daphnis and Chloe
Aug 15-16. William Bolcom world premiere. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, (312)742-7638. 6:30pm, Friday, 7:30pm Saturday.
Edison Park Fest
Aug 15-17. Food, music, games, a parade, craft fair, dog show, other entertainment shows, and even live animals. Around Monument Park in Edison Park.
Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival
Aug 15-17. Hundreds of artists and open studios, with three outdoor stages. Glenwood between Lunt and Farwell, 6950 North Glenwood, (773)761-4477. Friday, 6pm-10pm, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-9pm.
SausageFest Chicago
August 15-17. Encased meats are celebrated, music is played, and a Sausage King of Chicago is crowned in Old Town. Fri 3pm-10pm, Sat & Sun noon-1opm. North & Cleveland. sausagekingchicago.com
SAT/16
Chicago Air and Water Show
Aug 16-17. The largest free show of its kind in the US, featuring the Blue Angels and many others. North Avenue Beach. 10am-3pm both days. Free.
Chicago SummerDance: Swing Nouveau (High-energy 1930s,’40s,’50s & ‘90s Jump Swing)
Fridays-Sundays, June 27-Sep 14. An hour of dance lessons led by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing in the largest outdoor live music and dancing series in the United States. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 South Michigan, (312)742-4007. 6pm-9:30pm; Sunday 4pm-7pm. Free.
India Independence Day Parade
Devon from Western to California. 11:30am. Free.
SUN/17
Chicago SummerDance: Willy Torres (Salsa Dura)
Fridays-Sundays, June 27-Sep 14. An hour of dance lessons led by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing in the largest outdoor live music and dancing series in the United States. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 South Michigan, (312)742-4007. 6pm-9:30pm; Sunday 4pm-7pm. Free.
TUE/19
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Tatsu Aoki, Miyumi Project
Live jazz on the MCA’s garden lawn. Lawn chairs available for rental for $5. Hotdogs and burgers from the grill, and locally grown cuisine from the MCA Farmer’s Market. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 East Chicago. 5:30pm-8pm, (312)397-4034 for dinner reservations. $25 dinner buffet available. Free.
Rush Hour Concerts: RHC 15th Anniversary Commission World Premiere
St. James Cathedral, 65 East Huron. 5:15pm, reception with artists, 5:45pm, half-hour concert. Free. rushhour.org
WED/20
Chicago Dancing Festival
Aug 20-23. Chicago’s singular four-day free showcase of world-class dance at various venues, culminating at Millennium Park. chicagodancingfestival.com
THU/21
Made in Chicago World Class Jazz: Fareed Haque – Chicago: Crossroads of the World
Millennium Park, near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
FRI/22
American Craft Exposition (ACE)
Aug 22-24. Thirtieth annual juried showcase of handmade jewelry and art objects. Henry Crown Sports Pavilion at Northwestern University, 2311 Campus Drive, Evanston. Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm. $15 for three-day pass.
Chicago SummerDance: DJ Calvin (Chicago Steppin’)
Fridays-Sundays, June 27-Sep 14. An hour of dance lessons led by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing in the largest outdoor live music and dancing series in the United States. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 South Michigan, (312)742-4007. 6pm-9:30pm; Sunday 4pm-7pm. Free.
SAT/23
Chicago SummerDance: Carpacho y Su Super Combo (Salsa)
Fridays-Sundays, June 27-Sep 14. An hour of dance lessons led by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing in the largest outdoor live music and dancing series in the United States. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 South Michigan, (312)742-4007. 6pm-9:30pm; Sunday 4pm-7pm. Free.
SUN/24
Chicago SummerDance: Tangata Ensemble & the Kaia String Quartet (Tango and Milonga)
Fridays-Sundays, June 27-Sep 14. An hour of dance lessons led by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing in the largest outdoor live music and dancing series in the United States. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 South Michigan, (312)742-4007. 6pm-9:30pm; Sunday 4pm-7pm. Free.
Chicago Triathlon
9,000 athletes compete in one of the world’s largest triathlons. chicagotriathlon.com
TUE/26
Rush Hour Concerts: Steve Reich: Sextet
St. James Cathedral, 65 East Huron. 5:15pm, reception with artists, 5:45pm, half-hour concert. Free. rushhour.org
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Mike Reed’s People, Places & Things
Live jazz on the MCA’s garden lawn. Lawn chairs available for rental for $5. Hotdogs and burgers from the grill, and locally grown cuisine from the MCA Farmer’s Market. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 East Chicago. 5:30pm-8pm, (312)397-4034 for dinner reservations. $25 dinner buffet available. Free.
THU/28
Chicago Jazz Festival
Aug 28-31. Four-day festival celebrates its thirty-sixth year with performances in the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington) and Millennium Park, including a hundredth birthday tribute to Sun Ra, Gary Burton and Terence Blanchard, near Michigan and Randolph. Free.
Made in Chicago World Class Jazz: Homage to Nelson Mandela: Ernest Dawkins’ Memory in the Center, an Afro Jazz Opera
Millennium Park, near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
FRI/29
Chicago SummerDance: Funkadesi (Bollywood, Bhangra, Reggae and Funk)
Fridays-Sundays, June 27-Sep 14. An hour of dance lessons led by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing in the largest outdoor live music and dancing series in the United States. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 South Michigan, (312)742-4007. 6pm-9:30pm; Sunday 4pm-7pm. Free.
North Coast Music Festival
Aug 29-31 Snoop Dogg, Kid Cudi, Bassnectar and STSS headline this self-described “Summer’s Last Stand.” Union Park, 1501 West Randolph. Three-day pass, $149 + fees. northcoastfestival.com
SAT/30
Chicago SummerDance: The Hoyle Brothers (Honky-Tonk Country)
Fridays-Sundays, June 27-Sep 14. An hour of dance lessons led by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing in the largest outdoor live music and dancing series in the United States. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 South Michigan, (312)742-4007. 6pm-9:30pm; Sunday 4pm-7pm. Free.
Randolph Street Market Festival
August 30-31. Check out antiques, local fashion, vintage furnishings and collectibles. 1350 West Washington. Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm. (312)666-1200. randolphstreetmarket.com $8 online, $10 at the gate, $5 student.
SUN/31
Chicago SummerDance: Steve Anthony Orchestra (Ballroom)
Fridays-Sundays, June 27-Sep 14. An hour of dance lessons led by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing in the largest outdoor live music and dancing series in the United States. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 South Michigan, (312)742-4007. 6pm-9:30pm; Sunday 4pm-7pm. Free.
