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.
TUE/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.
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.
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: Handel: Passacaglia, Erno Dohnányi: Serenade for String Trio
St. James Cathedral, 65 East Huron. 5:15pm, reception with artists, 5:45pm, half-hour concert. Free. rushhour.org
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Fred Lonberg-Holm
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/2
Grant Park Music Festival: Saint Saens Cello Concerto
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm. Free.
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.
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.
THU/3
African Caribbean Festival of Life
July 3-6. Reggae, soul, blues and gospel entertainers perform at this festival of food, music, arts and crafts. Union Park, 1501 West Randolph (312)427-0266. $15, festival pass, $55. martinsinterculture.com
Loops and Variations: Alarm Will Sound + Dream Koala
Contemporary classical meets electronica. Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. 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
FRI/4
Chicago SummerDance: Chicago Catz (R&B, Soul 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.
Grant Park Music Festival: Independence Day Salute
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm. Free.
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/5
Chicago SummerDance: National Steppers Society (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.
The Chosen Few Old School Reunion Picnic
What started as a little get-together among house heads now attracts 30,000 fans to one of the largest house music festivals in the world. Chosen Few DJs Wayne Williams, Jesse Saunders, Alan King, Andre Hatchett, Tony Hatchett, Terry Hunter and Mike Dunn, along with many special guests. Jackson Park, 63rd and Hayes Drive. 7am-8pm. Advance tickets $20; various VIP and tent packages. chosenfewdjs.com
Grant Park Music Festival: Portland Youth Philharmonic
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm Friday, 7:30pm Saturday. 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.
SUN/6
ROOF Sundays
A daytime party with live music, DJs, dancers and performers. 201 North State. 2pm-9pm. roofonthewit.com
Chicago SummerDance: Alan Gresik Swing Shift Orchestra (Vintage Big Band)
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.
MON/7
Downtown Sound: Joe Pug + Hurray for the Riff Raff
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
TUE/8
Rush Hour Concerts: Handel: La Lucrezia, There in Myrtle Shades (from Hercules), and Lascia Ch’io Pianga (from Rinaldo)
St. James Cathedral, 65 East Huron. 5:15pm, reception with artists, 5:45pm, half-hour concert. Free. rushhour.org
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Corey Wilkes 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/9
Grant Park Music Festival: Ella, Louis and All That Jazz
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 8pm. Free.
Taste of Chicago
July 9-July 13. Sample food along the lakefront, from the celebrity chef du jour, the pop-up vendors, the food trucks and the other vendors while enjoying music from the likes of Jeff Tweedy and Janelle Manae at the world’s largest outdoor food festival. Grant Park. 11am-9pm; 10am-9pm Sat and Sun. Free to attend, but food and concerts cost.
Theater on the Lake: A Day in the Death of Joe Egg by Stage Left
Through July 13. 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/
FRI/11
Chicago SummerDance: Emeline Michel (Haitian Compas and Rara with Jazz, Pop, Bossa nova and Samba)
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 Tribune North Michigan Avenue Art Festival
July 11-13. Pioneer Court on Michigan next to the Tribune Tower, alongside the Chicago River. Friday and Saturday, 10am-6pm, Sunday, 10am-5pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival: Holst the Planets
July 11-12. Friday, South Shore Cultural Center, 6:30pm. Saturday, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 8pm. Free.
Square Roots Chicago
July 11-13. Old Town School of Music’s summer festival featuring original music in the alt-country, Americana, indie rock, world music, soul and kids genres. Lincoln Avenue, between Montrose and Wilson, (773)728-3890. squareroots.org $10 adults.
SAT/12
Chicago SummerDance: Jaojoby with Razia Said (Malagasy Salegy Dance Music)
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.
Tour de Fat: Chicago
A bicycle celebration and parade. The bike parade begins at 11am at Palmer Square, but be there early to register. Stay after for beer, music and theatrics. Palmer Square, near the corner of North Kedzie and West Palmer. 10am-5pm. Free.
West Fest
July 12-13. Music-oriented neighborhood festival with exploding attendance features the usual assortment of shops, food and beer, with two music stages—a rock stage programmed by Empty Bottle and a house-music oriented stage with the likes of Derrick Carter and Mark Farina. Chicago Avenue between Damen and Wood. Noon-10pm. $5.
SUN/13
Chicago SummerDance: Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys (Cajun, Zydeco)
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.
MON/14
Downtown Sound: Noura Mint Seymali + Ted Sirota’s Heavyweight Dub
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
TUE/15
Rush Hour Concerts: Bach Double-Header
St. James Cathedral, 65 East Huron. 5:15pm, reception with artists, 5:45pm, half-hour concert. Free. rushhour.org
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Jazz Links: Ryan Nyther 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.
Grant Park Music Festival: The Blue Planet in Concert
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm. Free.
THU/17
Grant Park Chorus: Choral Splendor
South Shore Cultural Center. 7pm. Free.
FRI/18
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
Chicago SummerDance: Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca (Congalese Soukous & Rumba, Cuban Son & 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.
Taste of River North
July 18-20. River North cuisine, art, music, shopping and music. Ward Park, 630 North Kingsbury (Kingsbury and Erie), (312)633-2600. Fri 5pm-10pm, Sat noon-10pm, Sun 11am-8pm.
Grant Park Music Festival: Dvorak and Beethoven
July 18-19. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm; Saturday 7:30pm. Free.
Pitchfork Music Festival
July 18-20. Headliners for this three-day music festival include Beck, Neutral Milk Hotel and Kendrick Lamar. Union Park, 1501 West Randolph. Single-day tickets $60. pitchforkmusicfestival.com.
SAT/19
Chicago SummerDance: Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience (Zydeco)
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.
Sheffield Garden Walk & Festival
July 19-20. The garden celebrates its forty-sixth year with self-guided tours of eighty gardens, guided architectural tours, live music, activities for the kids and food. Webster and Sheffield, (773)929-9255. Noon-10pm. $7; $10 after 3pm. sheffieldgardenwalk.com.
SUN/20
Chicago SummerDance: Cheick Hamala Diabate and His Band (Malian Ngoni Music)
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.
Dearborn Garden Walk
Admission includes access to more than twenty rear gardens, narrated architectural walking tour of historic Dearborn Street and live jazz and classical performances in select gardens. Entry at The Latin Middle School, 45 W. North. Noon-5pm. $30-$35. dearborngardenwalk.com
Grant Park Chorus: Choral Splendor
Columbus Park Refectory. 3pm. Free.
MON/21
Downtown Sound: TBA + Pillars & Tongues
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
TUE/22
Fashion Focus Chicago Sidewalk Sale
July 22-23. Forty Chicago jewelry, accessory and apparel designers, along with independent boutiques will be offering their wares in this seventh annual event. Daley Plaza, 50 West Washington. 9am-3pm. Free.
Rush Hour Concerts: Ludwig van Beethoven: Cello Sonata in D major
St. James Cathedral, 65 East Huron. 5:15pm, reception with artists, 5:45pm, half-hour concert. Free. rushhour.org
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Tomeika Reid
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/23
Grant Park Music Festival: Musical Thrills
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm. Free.
Theater on the Lake: A Cole Porter Songbook by Theo Ubique
Through July 27. 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/24
Made in Chicago World Class Jazz: The Poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar: Milton Suggs Big Band
Millennium Park, near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
FRI/25
Chicago SummerDance: SoundMinas Quintet (Brazilian Samba)
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: Slatkin Conducts Shostakovich
July 25-26. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm; Saturday 7:30pm. Free.
SAT/26
Chicago Scene Boat Party
Usually in Chicago’s “Play Pen” on Lake Michigan, between Ohio Street Beach and Chicago Avenue but check the web site to be sure. Noon-6pm. Free, but you need a boat to ride on. chicagosceneboatparty.com
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.
Randolph Street Market Festival
July 26-27. 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.
Wicker Park Fest
July 26-27. Music-oriented street festival featuring local food and drink. Headliners include Owls and RJD2. Milwaukee between North and Paulina. Noon-10pm. $5. wickerparkfest.com
SUN/27
Chicago SummerDance: Chicago Barn Dance Company (Country and Square Dance)
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.
MON/28
Grant Park Music Festival: National Youth Orchestra
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm. Free.
TUE/29
Rush Hour Concerts: Lyric Shorts: Mozart’s Don Giovanni
Singers from the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago St. James Cathedral, 65 East Huron. 5:15pm, reception with artists, 5:45pm, half-hour concert. Free. rushhour.org
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Dee Alexander
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/30
Grant Park Music Festival: Symphonie Espangnole
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm. 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/
THU/31
Made in Chicago World Class Jazz: The Hal Russell Story
Millennium Park, near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
