Chicago Summer Activities 2024

Chicago Summer Activities 2024

Get ready to experience the vibrant energy of Chicago this summer! With its dynamic music festivals and world-class museums, the city offers a diverse range of activities to keep you and your family entertained. Use this guide to immerse yourself in the rich culture and lively atmosphere of the Windy City!

Music Festivals

Chicago Jazz Festival

The Chicago Jazz Festival is a free music festival held over Labor Day weekend from August 29 to September 1, 2024. The diverse lineup will perform at Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center. The weekend will feature jazz musicians from around the world and local talent. Bring your chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets, and enjoy a day with your family or friends! Alternatively, there will be great food options available for purchase at the event. Featuring today’s finest jazz musicians such as Ron Carter, Dianne Reeves, Brandee Younger and more,  nothing says summer like celebrating Chicago’s incredible jazz scene!

Lollapalooza Chicago

Are you ready to experience some of the coolest music acts of our time? Make sure to grab your tickets and head over to Lollapalooza in Grant Park! The festival offers 4-day, 2-day, and 1-day ticket options and will take place from August 1 to 4, 2024. This year’s headliners include The Killers, Future x Metro Boomin, SZA, and many more.

Pitchfork Music Festival

The Pitchfork Music Festival, set to take place at Chicago’s Union Park from July 19 to July 21, 2024, promises an exciting lineup of both established headliners and emerging indie artists. While renowned names like Alanis Morissette, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Brittany Howard will grace the stage, the festival also has up-and-coming artists who are sure to make their mark in the industry. Purchase a 3-day pass or 1-day pass with the option of a payment plan.

North Coast Music Festival

The North Coast Music Festival is back for its 14th year, billed as Chicagoland’s biggest Labor Day Weekend party. Located at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, just 30 minutes outside the city, the festival features over 100 artists and seven stages, predominantly showcasing EDM music.

Events

NASCAR Street Race

Get ready for an exhilarating street race as NASCAR makes its way to Chicago on July 6-7, 2024. The event will take place at Grant Park and promises two days of fun for the whole family. Attendees can look forward to performances by music sensations Keith Urban, The Chainsmokers, and The Black Keys. With a range of ticketing options available, including general admission and luxurious suites, there is something for everyone. Do not miss out on this thrilling event!

The Windy City Smokeout

You will not want to miss the amazing combination of barbecue and country music at The Windy City Smokeout! This year’s event will feature performances from Thomas Rhett and Carrie Underwood. Mark your calendars for July 11-14, 2024, and head to the United Center for a weekend of unforgettable fun. 4-day and 1-day wristbands are available for purchase now.

Navy Pier Fireworks

The Navy Pier will host a fireworks display every Wednesday night at 9pm and Saturday night at 10pm, starting from Memorial Day and continuing until Labor Day!

White Sox or Chicago Cubs Baseball Games

Watch a baseball game at Guaranteed Rate Field or Wrigley Field! It is a fantastic way to spend a summer day or evening with family and friends. Grab a hot dog or a dipped beef and enjoy America’s favorite pastime.

Kids Activities

Music Lessons

Make the most of your summer with music! Reach out to your local music school and inquire about their latest promotions. Chicago’s Flatts and Sharpe are offering a special summer package of 10 lessons at a discounted rate of $400. These lessons can be used anytime during the summer, allowing you to go forth with your travel plans! Flatts and Sharpe have two locations, one at Norwood Park and the other at Rogers Park. They offer a variety of private music lessons, including voice, guitar, piano, drums, violin, bass, and more. Additionally, they are a full-service retail store that provides instrument repairs and rentals. This summer, they are your one-stop shop for all things music!

Dance Camp

Keep your child active this summer with dance classes! Dance offers many health benefits, and what better time than summer for them to try a new dance style? Reach out to your local dance school to inquire about their dance camps.

Chicago Children’s Theater

The Chicago Children’s Theater has allowed children to participate in plays and stage productions for the last 20 years. This summer, they are hosting a camp for children aged 4-14, where they can develop their performance skills.

Chicago Children’s Museum

The Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier offers children a fun and educational experience through interactive exhibits and programs. The exhibits explore a wide range of topics including science, art, sports, and history. This summer, they will be hosting an art lab, Shakespeare story-time, and a soccer workshop. It is the ideal place for your child to explore and learn during the summer.

Sightseeing

Field Museum

Visit the Field Museum of Natural History. This museum opened in 1921 on the shore of Lake Michigan and is home to 40 million artifacts and specimens. Thanks to the contributions of 150 scientists and researchers, the museum provides insights into what the world once looked like. This would be a great way to spend a summer day! The basic admission fee is $30 for adults and $23 for children.

Art Institute of Chicago

Art enthusiasts should visit the Art Institute of Chicago for an exciting day! Established in 1879, this prestigious institute is one of the oldest in the United States. Located in Grant Park, this summer’s exhibition will feature Georgia O’Keeffe’s: “My New Yorks” and Ellsworth Kelly’s: Spectrum Colors Arranged by Chance. The admission fee is $32 for adults and free for children.

Architecture Boat Tour

The Chicago Architecture Boat Tour offers a fantastic way to explore the iconic skyline of the city. During this tour, you’ll cruise along the Chicago River, passing by the John Hancock Center and Willis Tower, while a knowledgeable tour guide shares stories about the rich history of the skyscrapers and structures. It is an informative and leisurely tour that lasts about an hour.

The Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo is a free, kid-friendly summer spot. Founded in 1868, it is one of the nation’s oldest zoos. It will give your child the opportunity to see lions, penguins, monkeys, and more. It is like a safari in the city!

This summer, Chicago has a vibrant array of activities to offer its residents and visitors. From lively music events and classes to unique art exhibitions and thrilling sports activities, there is something for everyone. Make the most of your time in the city by exploring these diverse and exciting options.