Summertime Chi isn’t like any other place—we say this often, but it’s a proven fact that few can refute. The sound of the city’s hustle and bustle reaches a high decibel of amplification when you add in jazz musicians on street corners, DJs at block parties, and that one guy blasting house music from his window. The smell of Italian beefs, Mexican food, jerk chicken, and pizza swirls through the air in a cacophony of aromas that somehow only makes sense here.
For every eye-tearing gust of wind we braved, every lawn chair placed to defend a parking spot, we’ve earned this.
We’ve made it. It’s Chicago.
Summertime Chi is here.
Fireworks at Navy Pier
Experience the magic of Chicago's summer nights with Navy Pier's free fireworks displays, running from May 24 through August 30, 2025.
Wednesdays at 9:00 PM
Saturdays at 10:00 PM
Each show lasts about 10 minutes, synchronized to music and visible along the lakefront. Whether you're on the pier, at a nearby beach, or relaxing on a rooftop, it’s a Chicago summer staple.
More info: https://navypier.org/summer-fireworks/
Major Summer Concerts
Kendrick Lamar & SZA – Grand National Tour
TONIGHT – Soldier Field
One night only. A major tour stop featuring two of today’s most influential artists.
Tickets: https://www.soldierfield.com/events/detail/grand-national-tour-kendrick-lamar-and-sza
John Legend – Get Lifted 20th Anniversary
August 23–24 – Ravinia
A full performance of his debut album.
Tickets: https://www.ravinia.org/events/detail/john-legend
Nas with the Chicago Philharmonic
July 2 – Ravinia
A symphonic performance of Illmatic.
Tickets: https://www.ravinia.org/events/detail/nas
R&B ONLY LIVE
August 15 – House of Blues
A party strictly for R&B lovers.
Tickets: https://www.houseofblues.com/chicago/EventDetail?tmeventid=vvG1fZ9r4nM3zW&offerid=0
Notable Black Performers at Ravinia
Grace Jones & Janelle Monáe – June 7
The Roots – June 27
Al Green & The O’Jays – June 28
Nas & Chicago Philharmonic – July 2
Earth, Wind & Fire – August 8
Cynthia Erivo – August 21
Lenny Kravitz – August 22
John Legend – August 23–24
Full schedule: https://www.ravinia.org/
City Winery Performances
Dwele – June 20
After 7 – June 27
Eric Roberson – July 24–27
Talib Kweli – August 10
Lyfe Jennings – August 14 & 15
Peabo Bryson – August 29
Lineup: https://citywinery.com/chicago/Online/default.asp
House Music Festivals and Events
Chosen Few Picnic & Festival
July 12 – Jackson Park
A family-friendly celebration of house.
Info & tickets: https://chosenfewdjs.com/
Chicago House Music Festival & Conference
August 21–24 – Pritzker Pavilion, Riverwalk, Cultural Center, Spirit of Music Garden
Panels, performances, and legacy.
Details: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_house_musicfestival.html
Chicago Gospel Fest
July 12 – Millennium Park
A showcase of faith and talent.
Schedule: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_gospel_musicfestival.html
Bud Billiken Parade
August 9 – King Drive to Washington Park
The nation's oldest and largest African American parade.
Parade info: https://www.budbillikenparade.org/
Black Wall Street Festival
September 13
Uplifting Black entrepreneurs and culture.
Website: https://www.blackwallstreetfestival.com/
Shop Black Fest
July 12 – Midway Plaisance
Marketplace and culture hub.
More info: https://www.shopblackfest.com/
Taste of Black Chicago
August 16 – Grand Crossing Park
Local chefs, diverse flavors.
Details: https://www.tasteofblackchicago.com/
Canboulay Music Festival
June 21 – 109th & Racine
A Caribbean cultural celebration.
Event page: https://www.canboulaymusicfestival.com/
Chicago SummerDance
June–September citywide; Aug 7–23 at Spirit of Music Garden
Dance styles from around the world.
Full schedule: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/summerdance.html
Millennium Park Summer Film Series
Tuesdays, July 1 – August 19
Movies under the stars.
Lineup: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park_summerfilmseries.html
Millennium Park Summer Workouts
Saturdays through August 30
Free morning workouts on the Great Lawn.
Details: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park_summerworkouts.html
NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend
July 5–6 – Grant Park & Downtown Loop
NASCAR returns to downtown Chicago for a high-octane takeover of the city streets. Over two days, the Loop transforms into a live racecourse featuring the Xfinity and Cup Series, alongside concerts, interactive fan zones, and a festival-style setup in Grant Park. With speculation that this could be the final year of NASCAR’s Chicago run, it’s a moment worth catching—on foot or from the bleachers.
More info: https://www.nascarchicago.com
Chicago Air & Water Show
August 16–17 – North Ave Beach
Planes, parachutes, and pilots.
Show info: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_air_andwatershow.html
Where to Eat and Try Something New
Taste of Chicago (Neighborhood Series)
June 28 – Marquette Park
July 19 – Pullman Park
August 9 – Albany Park
Full schedule: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/taste_of_chicago.html
Taste of Chicago (Main Event)
September 5–7 – Grant Park
The big one.
Main event details: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/taste_of_chicago.html
Taste of Black Chicago
August 16
Event info: https://www.tasteofblackchicago.com/
Chicago Food Truck Festival
June 28–29 – South Loop
Trucks from around the globe.
Details: https://www.chicagofoodtruckfestival.com/
Argyle Night Market
Thursdays, July–August – Uptown
Food, art, and performance.
Market info: https://exploreuptown.org/argyle-night-market/
Taste of River North
July 18–19
Live music and bites by the river.
Event info: https://www.tasteofrivernorth.com/
Chicago Gourmet
September 25–28 – Millennium Park Rooftop
Chefs, wines, and skyline views.
More details: https://www.chicagogourmet.org/
Find your sound, save your parking spot, and enjoy the ride.