June in Chicago delivers a full spectrum of experiences — from neighborhood festivals and blockbuster exhibits to outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and landmark cultural events. This month also brings opportunities for celebration and reflection with Pride Month, Juneteenth, and Father’s Day all on the calendar. Whether you’re looking to soak up some sun, support local artists, or catch a world-premiere performance, our curated list of the best things to do in Chicago and beyond will help you make the most of the season.
Tag us in your summer adventures on Instagram @makeitbetter_foundation — we’d love to see where the month takes you.
All Month
Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris: A Friendship with Mary Reynolds
Experience Africa Fashion, a one-of-a-kind exhibition celebrating the dynamic voices transforming African style. With over 180 works, including haute couture, ready-to-wear, and multimedia displays, discover how African designers are shaping global fashion. Check out this exhibit while it’s open through June 29 — tickets are available on the Field Museum website.
En el principio / In the beginning: Juliana Góngora Rojas, Matías Quintero Sepúlveda, Juven Piranga Valencia, and Yinela Piranga Valencia
This installation marks the first solo exhibition of Colombian sculptor Juliana Góngora at a major museum in the United States. Working primarily with organic matter—soil, salt, stones, spider threads—Góngora highlights the transformative potential of everyday actions and materials, and the innate ties between human beings and nature. You can see the exhibit until July 28.
Free Summer Screenings
Summer Screenings return with “Summer of Love,” featuring 21 free films from 21 countries about the ways love manifests in our lives. Held at the Chicago Cultural Center on Mondays and the Chicago History Museum on Wednesdays, each film will spotlight a different country’s national cinema all summer long. Catch this series through August 20.
The Color Purple at the Goodman
Twenty years since its Broadway musical debut, The Color Purple is reborn in Lili-Anne Brown’s revelatory production. The musical stage adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize- and National Book Award-winning novel is a heart-rending and joyous story of a young woman’s perilous journey of personal awakening in the American South. See the run from June 21-July 27.
Lines of Connection: Drawing and Printmaking
Held at the Art Institute, this is the first exhibition ever to focus on the multiple connections between drawing and printmaking, this presentation brings together around 90 works on paper by some of the greatest artists in the Western tradition to uncover their creative process and offer new ways to think about the links between the mediums. Running until June 1, 2025.
Africa Fashion
Drawing upon the Mary Reynolds Collection at the Art Institute and extraordinary Kahlo loans from public and private collections in the US, Mexico, and Europe, the exhibition recounts the legacies of Kahlo and Reynolds as they navigated Surrealism, identity, and cross-cultural exchange on the eve of World War II. See it before it closes on July 13.
42 BALLOONS
Inspired by the unbelievable true story of “Law Chair Larry” Walters, 42 BALLOONS is a soaringly original musical from the award-winning producers of SIX. Featuring an ’80s pop score, this funny, moving, and thrillingly staged new musical asks: How far would you go for your dream?
Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection
Beginning in 2020, a series of exhibitions across Europe have brought selected highlights of the Torlonia Collection to public display. Myth and Marble debuts these masterpieces to a North American audience, presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience these exceptional ancient sculptures and explore the fascinating stories they reveal. This exhibit is already open and runs through June 29.
The Antiquities
A “brilliantly imagined drama” for anyone whose computer has asked them to prove that they’re a human. Which is to say, everyone. At the Museum of Late Human Antiquities, curators are fiercely committed to bringing a lost civilization to life again: What were humans like? What did they wear, what did they eat, how did they die out? This play gives us a view of the present, analog past, and post-human future. Catch it through June 1.
Andersonville Farmers Market
Want to feel the pulse of the city again and get some local goodies, too? Enjoy one of the city’s first outdoor markets of the season, the Andersonville Farmers Market — held at a new location this year. Join vendors every Wednesday at 3-7pm for anything from local produce and honey to candles and tea, from May 14 until October 22. Check out the Andersonville Farmers Market website for a full list of participating businesses and what else to expect when you shop.
1500 West Winona St.
TeaLula Expands After 17 Years
After 17 years of serving premium loose-leaf teas, TeaLula has expanded its offerings to include a delightful lunch menu featuring homemade soups, fresh salads, and signature sandwiches. Additionally, our Afternoon Tea service, introduced May 2024, continues to provide a refined experience. Please contact TeaLula for additional information about this ongoing service.
June 1: Maifest Chicago
At this annual festival, German tradition is front and center. Enjoy good food, dancing and live music, and lots of delicious beer. Head over to Lincoln Square to enjoy this event which kicks off at the end of May. And visit the Maifest Chicago website for more details.
June 1: Do Division Street Fest
Though this annual bash kicks off on Friday, May 30, enjoy the fun as it rolls into June. While Do Division Street Fest has food vendors and live music — did you know they will also have a family fun fest and fashion runway supported by local boutiques? Plus an array of arts, entertainment and cuisine will also be present at this year’s fest. Leashed dogs are welcome, too, making it a great outing for families! Check out the Do Division Street Fest site for a full list of what to expect at this community get together.
Division Street between Damen and Leavitt
June 1: Windy City Hot Dog Fest
If there is one thing Chicagoans know, it’s that hot dogs are a delicacy here. And the vendors at the Windy City Hot Dog Fest know that, too, which is why some of the city’s best hot dog artisans are coming out for the droves of hungry attendees. From the end of May to June 1, each day, catch some delicious dogs in Portage Park, while also acting as a judge for best dog and enjoying live, local music. There’s a kids activity area too, making this a perfect event to feed the family and enjoy some time outside. Want to find out more? Visit Windy City Hot Dog Fest.
June 1: Porchfest Lakeview
Porchfest is a music festival that takes place on front porches in Lakeview. With neighbors hosting the concerts and local musicians performing, it captures the essence of the community. While you stroll, grab a few bites to eat and shop exclusive discounts. Get all the details on this fun event by visiting Porchfest Lakeview online.
June 5: Race Against Gun Violence
The 12th annual Race Against Gun Violence on Thursday, June 5th, in Grant Park brings together people of all ages for one important reason. This event also gathers over 60 grassroots organizations before National Gun Violence Awareness Day, highlighting community-led solutions in Chicago. The race offers multiple distances (8K, 5K, and 2-mile walk) and serves as both a public call to action and a celebration of local organizations making a difference. Find more details and registration on the Race Against Gun Violence site.
June 5-22: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
This June, the Joffrey Ballet becomes the first American company to stage Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, a whimsical and visually stunning production choreographed by two-time Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon. Making its Chicago premiere at the Lyric Opera House, the ballet runs June 5–22 and brings Lewis Carroll’s classic tale to the stage through a kaleidoscope of bold choreography, imaginative puppetry, and surreal stagecraft. Tickets and more information at joffrey.org.
June 5-8: Chicago Blues Festival
The present, past and future of Blues music will be represented and celebrated at this year’s Chicago Blues Festival in both The Loop and at venues throughout the city. Enjoy a lengthy line-up of musicians waiting to rock the city with shows playing all day long, featuring genres like soul, R&B and gospel. The fest is held at Millennium Park and admission is free — visit Chicago Blues Festival for additional information.
June 7-8: Gold Coast Art Fair
The Gold Coast Art Fair supports all kinds of artists and attracts all kinds of guests, which explains why they are successfully returning for their 67th summer this June. The fair joins together 200 juried artists from across the country to showcase their work to a crowd of thousands over the course of the two-day exhibit. While there, enjoy food, drink and live entertainment — all for an entry fee of $15. To continue supporting the arts in Chicago and for more details, visit the Gold Coast Art Fair.
S. Lake Shore Dr. & E. Monroe St.
June 9: Faure’s Requiem – Community Sing with CMS
Experience the joy and unity of ensemble singing! No rehearsal or advance preparation needed. Free admission. Bring a friend and make new ones as we join with members of Chicago Master Singers, Music Director John Hughes, Soprano Susan Nelson, and Baritone Nicholas Miguel for a community sing-along featuring Fauré’s Requiem.
June 7-8: Hyde Park’s 78th Annual 57th Street Art Fair
The 78th Annual 57th Street Art Fair in Hyde Park, June 7–8, features 165+ juried artists, live music, food trucks, kids’ activities, returning favorites, and exciting newcomers. Enjoy art, meet artists, explore Hyde Park’s cultural gems, and experience Chicago’s vibrant summer kickoff at this free, family-friendly event.
June 13-14: 2025 Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Chicagoland is home to the Midwest’s largest Scottish event, the annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games. This family-friendly festival will feature the largest bagpiping championship in North America; the iconic caber toss; highland dancing; a Scottish petting zoo; Scottish genealogy and history; a marketplace where you can buy nearly anything Scottish — the list goes on. Find all the details and how to secure your entry by visiting the 2023 Scottish Festival & Highland Games.
Hamilton Lakes, Park Blvd. & Pierce Road Itasca, Illinois
June 13-15: Andersonville Midsommar Fest
The Andersonville Midsommarfest is back in full swing with a plethora of goodies such as all-day music acts, diverse food vendors and even events for the kids. This Swedish tradition is in its 58th year here in the heart of Andersonville, and will do what it always does best: highlighting all of the gems the neighborhood has to offer. Admission is a $10 donation, and hours of operation vary per day though no doubt each day is packed with activities and goodies — visit the Andersonville Midsommarfest website for specifics.
From Foster to Gregory on Clark St.
June 13-15: Taste of Randolph
This one is for all you live music lovers! Taste of Randolph returns for their 28th anniversary this summer with a lineup of “delectable” restaurant vendors and a curated list of “the nation’s hottest up-and-coming bands and musicians and the biggest names in Chicago.” Entrance to any day of the event is a suggested $10 donation — visit Taste of Randolph for what to know before you go.
900 W. Randolph St.
June 13-18: National Epic Universe Portal Tour
Universal Orlando Resort’s National Epic Universe Portal Tour stops in Chicago June 13–18 at Pioneer Court, offering a preview of the newly opened Universal Epic Universe theme park. The traveling experience features a 30-foot-tall replica of the Chronos, the park’s main icon and the entrance to its central hub. In the actual park, guests pass through themed portals to enter each of the five immersive worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. The Chicago preview experience runs daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with nighttime visits enhanced with additional lights and music.
June 14: Bronzeville’s 2025 Juneteenth Celebration
The celebration’s theme is Honoring the Legacy of Freedom: Remembering the Past, Inspiring the Future — which calls on the community to come together. “Whether you stay for the entire event or stop by for just a moment, your presence matters. Juneteenth is more than a celebration — it’s a living legacy of resilience, resistance, and rising above.” Visit the Bronzeville’s 2025 Juneteenth Celebration website for more details about what to expect.
June 20-21: Taste of Highland Park
With festival season in full swing this free outdoor music and food fest invites the public to sample dishes from over a dozen local food and beverage vendors and get a taste of what sets Highland Park apart on the North Shore. This year’s entertainment will transport attendees back in time to relive favorite hits from the 60s through the early 2000s. Find more information on the Taste of Highland Park site.
June 20-22: Taste of Joliet
Before taking the Lyric Opera of Chicago stage this fall, Chicago music legend Billy Corgan is hitting the road with a new project this summer, A Return to Zero with Billy Corgan and The Machines of God, before heading to Europe and Asia on tour with the Smashing Pumpkins. Performing June 21 at the 2025 Taste of Joliet, the Pumpkins frontman, accompanied by guitarist Kiki Wong, drummer Jake Hayden, and bassist Kid Tigrrr (Jenna Fournier), will spotlight songs from Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, Machina/The Machines of God, Machina II, and the band’s latest album, Aghori Mhori Mei.
Taking the stage Saturday are country stars Brett Eldredge, Dylan Scott, and Gabby Barrett. The festival runs June 20–22 at Busey Bank Field at Joliet Memorial Stadium. Full schedule and ticketing info at tasteofjoliet.com.
June 21: Roaring Nights at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Join us for three unforgettable nights of music, fun, and celebration as Brookfield Zoo Chicago marks over 90 years of service, with Roaring Nights. Set against the backdrop of the Zoo’s landscapes and diverse wildlife, immerse yourself in the sounds of three incredible bands in June, July, and August. Find more details on the Brookfield Zoo Chicago site.
June 22: Lakeview Coffee Stroll
Grab your friends and join Lakeview for a fun morning of shopping and coffee tasting! Shop exclusive discounts at your favorite Lakeview retail locations while sampling coffee from different neighborhood cafes. Proceeds from this event support Friends of Lakeview, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports a resilient local economy and high quality of life for the benefit of businesses and residents in Chicago’s Lakeview community. Check
June 21-22: Chicago Pride Fest
In honor of Pride Month, one of the many celebrations and festivities planned to honor the LGBTQIA+ community is Chicago Pride Fest. Celebrated a week prior to the Pride Parade, Pride Fest will be an open space throughout Halsted — formerly Boystown — and features 150 food and merchandise vendors as well as three stages headlined by various entertainment, including drag performances and DJs. Get into the spirit and show your Pride all month long, visit the Chicago Pride website for all details.
June 29: Chicago Pride Parade
For the LGBTQIA+ community of Chicago, the event of the year is back in all its colorful glory. The 54th annual Pride Parade will make its way from Uptown, through Northalsted — formerly Boystown — and end in Lincoln Park, kicking off at 11am. So grab your friends and your flags and hit the streets to show some Pride this summer! Visit the Pride Parade website for the parade route, additional details and other ways to celebrate this month.
June 29: Wilmette Historic Housewalk
“Timeless Wilmette: Four Homes, Four Styles, Countless Stories” Join us for the highly anticipated return of the 2025 Historic Housewalk on June 29th and explore the stories, architecture, and charm of four unique Wilmette homes, each reflecting a different chapter of our Village’s past. Tickets can be purchased here.
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Margaret Smith is a Chicago-based writer and editor with a passion for socio-political storytelling about their community. They are a graduate of Columbia College Chicago.
