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/23
Chicago Lakefront Beaches Season Opening
Through September 1. Take advantage of Chicago’s twenty-six miles of beachfront open for the summer. Swimming is permitted when lifeguards are on duty 11am-7pm daily, unless otherwise posted. cpdbeaches.com or (312)742-7529. 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
SAT/24
Chicago Memorial Day Parade
Honor the nation’s fallen soldiers with CIA Director General David H. Petraeus. State Street from Lake to Van Buren. 11am wreath-laying ceremony at Daley Plaza. Noon parade. 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.
Randolph Street Market Festival
May 24-25. 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/25
Bike the Drive
Grab your bike for the one-day-a-year Lake Shore Drive shuts down for cycling. Proceeds benefit the Active Transportation Alliance. Columbus and Jackson. 5:30am-9:45am. Register online: bikethedrive.org
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.
THU/29
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.
Loops and Variations: YACHT + Hauschka with Q Ensemble
Contemporary classical meets electronica. Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Maifest Chicago
May 29-June 1. Mayfest (Maifest in German) is the traditional German celebration of the arrival of spring. Food, dancing, live entertainment and German Gemutlichkeit. mayfestchicago.com. Lincoln and Leland Avenues. Thu 5pm-9:30pm, Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat noon-11pm, Sun noon-10pm.
FRI/30
Do-Division Street Fest and Sidewalk Sale
May 30-June 1. Shopping, fashion and live music (programmed by Empty Bottle Presents and Subterranean) in the open air along West Division. Division between Ashland and Leavitt. Fri, 5pm-10pm, Sat & Sun noon-1opm. (Family Fun Fest Sun noon-6pm). $5. do-divisionstreetfest.com
MON/2
Downtown Sound: Robbie Fulks + Funeral Bonsai Wedding
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
TUE/3
Rush Hour Concerts: Igor Stravinsky: L’Histoire du soldat
St. James Cathedral, 65 East Huron. 5:15pm, reception with artists, 5:45pm, half-hour concert. Free. rushhour.org
MCA Farmer’s Market
June 3 through October 28. European-style outdoor market. Museum of Contemporary Art Plaza, 220 East Chicago. 7am-3pm. Free.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Maggie Brown
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/5
Loops and Variations: Arca & Jesse Kanda + Civitas Ensemble
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/6
Andersonville Midsommarfest
June 6-8. Andersonville celebrates its Swedish heritage with international food, music, a festive dance around a Maypole and Nordic folk dancers. Friday, 5-10pm; Saturday & Sunday, 11am-10pm. Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa. $10.
57th Street Art Fair
June 7-8. Chicago’s oldest juried art fair, with work ranging from paintings to glass to jewelry to ceramics and photography. 57th between Kenwood and Woodlawn. Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm. Free. 57thstreetartfair.org
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.
Ribfest Chicago
June 6-8. Ribs and BBQ from dozens of restaurants; plus live music. Intersection of Lincoln, Irving Park and Damen. Friday 5pm-10pm, Saturday and Sunday noon-10pm. $5.
SAT/7
Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
June 7-8. Rock out in Lakeview with tribute bands. On Sheffield between Belmont and Roscoe. Noon-10pm. $5.
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.
Printers Row Lit Fest
June 7-8.Explore five blocks of book selling, poetry slams, writing workshops, readings and book signings featuring more than 200 authors. Dearborn from Congress to Polk. Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-6pm. Free.
Wells Street Art Festival
June 14-15. A juried fair with more than 250 artists, plus music. Wells between Division and North. 10am-10pm. $7-$25.
MON/9
Downtown Sound: Omar Souleyman + Joshua Abrams’ Natural Information Society
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
TUE/10
Rush Hour Concerts: Johannes Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major and Sonatensatz in C Minor
St. James Cathedral, 65 East Huron. 5:15pm, reception with artists, 5:45pm, half-hour concert. Free. rushhour.org
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Whirlpool
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/11
Grant Park Music Festival Opening Night: Tchaikovsky Extravaganza
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm-8pm. Free.
American Spanish Dance and Music Festival
Through June 22. Immerse yourself in the dance, culture and music of Spain as this festival celebrates its 38th year with classes, performances and exhibits kicking off tonight with Duende Flamenco Concert at the Old Town School of Folk Music at 8:30pm. For a full schedule, see ensembleespanol.org.
THU/12
Loops and Variations: Third Coast Percussion + Ghost Beach
Contemporary classical meets electronica. Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
FRI/13
Chicago Blues Festival
June 13-15. Carolina Chocolate Drops, Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Otis Taylor Band and a special celebration commemorating the centennial of John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson are among the headliners of the largest free blues festival in the world. Grant Park, Jackson and Columbus, (312)744-3316. 11am-9:30pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival: Berlioz Romeo and Juliet
June 13-14. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm Friday, 7:30pm Saturday. Free.
Spring Awakening Music Festival
June 13-15. Tiesto, Pretty Lights and Kaskade headline this EDM extravaganza with 100,000 fans. Local favorites include Derrick Carter and Green Velvet. Soldier Field. springawakeningfestival.com
Taste of Randolph Street
June 13-15. The restaurants of the West Loop come together for this culinary festival featuring cooking demonstrations, live entertainment and eclectic vendors. The music, programmed by Silver Wrapper, is several notches above most street festivals. Randolph between Peoria and Racine. Friday 5pm-10pm, Saturday noon-10pm, and Sunday noon-10pm. $10.
SAT/14
Old Town Art Fair
June 14-15. An independent jury of professional artists, curators, and gallery owners selects work from 250 artists to display. Also included is the garden walk through more than sixty urban home gardens. Lincoln and Wisconsin, (312)337-1938. 10am-6pm. $7.
Puerto Rican People’s Parade
Humboldt Park’s Puerto Rican community celebrates its heritage with the 46th annual parade. Division between Western and Sacramento. Free.
6 Corners BBQ Fest
June 14-15. Head to Portage Park for some BBQ and live music. 4000 North Milwaukee. Saturday noon-10pm, Sunday noon-9pm. $5. 6cornersbbqfest.com
MON/16
Downtown Sound: An evening with Richard Thompson and his Electric Trio
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free. After the show, stay for a screening of the 1998 film “Rushmore” as part of Chicago Bike Week, 8:30pm.
TUE/17
Rush Hour Concerts: Franz Schubert: Nocturne, Howard Frazin: Some Thoughts on Good and Evil
St. James Cathedral, 65 East Huron. 5:15pm, reception with artists, 5:45pm, half-hour concert. Free. rushhour.org
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Goran Ivanovic Trio
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/18
Grant Park Music Festival: Mozart and Dvorak
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm. Free.
Theater on the Lake: The Lockout: A Musical Book
Through June 22. Union Park, 1501 West Randolph, (312)742-7994. Wednesday-Saturday 7:30 pm, Sunday 6:30pm. $10. chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/theater-on-the-lake/
THU/19
Loops and Variations: eighth blackbird
Contemporary classical meets electronica. Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
FRI/20
Bike to Work Rally
Celebrate the benefits of bicycle commuting with your fellow cyclists. Daley Plaza, Washington and Dearborn. 7am-9am.
Scottish Festival and Highland Games
June 20-21. Now in its 28th year, the largest Scottish Festival in the Midwest, with exhibits, vendors and events celebrates Scottish culture and tradition. Proceeds benefit the Illinois Saint Andrew Society, the oldest nonprofit in the state. Hamilton Lakes, I-290 and Thorndale Avenue, Itasca, 4-10pm Friday and 8am-9pm. Adults, Friday $12, Saturday, $20.
“Flamenco Passion” at the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival
June 20-23. Take in the vibrant costumes and stage settings at this gala performance that fuses traditional folkloric Flamenco and dramatic theatrical production. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie, Skokie. For tickets call (847)673-6300 or visit northshorecenter.org. Friday and Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 3pm. $26-$46.
Grant Park Music Festival: Water Music
June 20-21. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm Friday, 7:30pm Saturday. Free.
SAT/21
Chicago Green Music Fest
June 21-22. Discover new ways to be environmentally conscious at the green-technology-themed festival while enjoying outdoor music from the likes of Guided by Voices, along with arts and crafts in Wicker Park. Damen between North and Schiller, (312)850-9390. Noon-10pm. $5.
Chicago Pride Fest
June 21-22. The weekend before Chicago’s iconic Pride Parade, highlights include performers like Jennifer Hudson and Thelma Houston, drag shows and a pet pride parade. Halsted and Waveland. Noon-1opm. $7.
Custer’s Last Stand Festival of the Arts
June 21-22. An Evanston tradition with 400 arts and crafts exhibitors, thirty restaurants represented, live music and performances. Chicago and Main, Evanston. 10am-9pm. Free. custerfair.com
L.A.T.E. Ride
Twenty-five-mile moonlight ride through Chicago’s neighborhoods and lakefront. Buckingham Fountain Plaza. Pre-ride party at 10:30pm (Saturday), ride at 1am (Sunday morning). $45-$75. lateride.org
Make Music Chicago
Celebrate the first official day of summer with a city-wide music festival. Performances from more than 100 musicians in different genres will occur beginning midmorning around the city. Grand finale at St. James Cathedral Commons, 65 E. Huron, (773)850-0662. makemusicchicago.com.
MON/23
Downtown Sound: Bob Mould + Split Single
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
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.
TUE/24
River North Challenge
Grab a team of four and explore River North by answering trivia and competing in physical challenges, then head to the after-party at Cantina Laredo. Register at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, 350 West Mart Center. 5:30pm-9:30pm. For questions, call (312)645-1047. Individual tickets $40, group of four, $150. Register online at rivernorthassociation.com
Rush Hour Concerts: Aaron Copland: Appalachian Spring
St. James Cathedral, 65 East Huron. 5:15pm, reception with artists, 5:45pm, half-hour concert. Free. rushhour.org
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Brent Kimbrough & Company
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/25
Grant Park Music Festival: Viva Mexico
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm. Free.
Theater on the Lake: First Class by UrbanTheater Company
Through June 28. 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/26
Loops and Variations: Oneohtrix Point Never: featuring video artist Nate Boyce + Spektral Quartet
Contemporary classical meets electronica. Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
FRI/27
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
June 27-29. Fri, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington, 11am-4pm. Sat & Sun, two days of spirited singing in the music genre’s Bronzeville birthplace. Ellis Park (37th and Cottage Grove), 11am-8pm. Free.
Chicago SummerDance: Rica Obsesion (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.
Grant Park Music Festival: Barber and Haydn
June 27-28. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm Friday, 7:30pm Saturday. Free.
SAT/28
Chicago SummerDance: Chicha Libre (Surf & Psychedelic Cumbia inspired by Peruvian Cumbia from the 1960s)
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.
Printers Ball: Chatter
A celebration of literary culture and printmaking, including performances, printmaking demos, exhibitions, food and drink tastings, outdoor entertainment, and a beer garden. And, of course, hundreds of free magazines and journals. Hubbard Street Lofts, 1821 West Hubbard, 4pm-9pm. Free.
Randolph Street Market Festival
June 28-29. 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/29
Chicago SummerDance: Steve Cooper 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.
Pride Parade
Join 850,000 or so revelers at one of the largest pride parades in the country in its forty-fifth year. Noon. Broadway from Montrose to North Halsted, then Halsted to Belmont, Belmont to Broadway, Broadway to Diversey, Diversey into Lincoln Park. chicagopridecalendar.org. Noon. Free.
MON/30
Downtown Sound: My Brightest Diamond + White Mystery
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
