Those sweet summer days we’ve waited for all year long are flying by. In the spirit of squeezing all we can from Chicago’s most spectacular season, we’ve compiled the best things to do in Chicago and the suburbs this August.
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All Month
Dino’s Alive
Travel back to the Jurassic in a thematic park full of realistic dinosaurs — see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Come face to face with over 80 specimens of life-sized, moving replicas: T-rex, Stegosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Velociraptors and many more. Visit the Dinos Alive! website for details and tickets.
2367 W. Logan Blvd.
Bouncy Games
This 10,000-square-foot inflatable indoor obstacle course is one of the largest in the country and you can experience it now in Chicago! With sky-high slides and challenging obstacle courses, Bouncy Games is a fun summer activity for all ages. Visit Bouncy Games online for more information.
Tuesdays on the Terrace
Summer Tuesdays come alive on the MCA terrace with free concerts highlighting artists from Chicago’s internationally renowned music community. Enjoy live music while relaxing on the lawn with your own picnic, or savor snacks and drinks available for purchase. Then head inside to catch the MCA’s summer exhibitions. This series runs until August 27. Visit Tuesdays on the Terrace online for more details.
220 E. Chicago Ave.
Movies at the Parks
The beautiful Chicago Parks system is in full use this summer with a number of outdoor events all over the city. But none bring in a more steady crowd than the Movies in the Parks series, a part of the city’s larger Night Out in the Parks initiative. Enjoy family-friendly movies that range from newer releases to kid favorites, all while reclining on the lawn of your local park. Head over to the Chicago Park District online for dates, locations and movie lineups.
Christina Ramberg: A Retrospective
Christina Ramberg was an influential member of Chicago’s contemporary art scene in the ’70s and ’80s. While best known for her paintings of fragmented female bodies, throughout her career she vacillated between the depiction of various figural elements while also creating abstracted forms that emphasize structure and surface. View her exhibit at the Art Institute now through August 11 — reserve your chance to see it by visiting Christina Ramberg: A Retrospective online.
111 S. Michigan Ave.
007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond
Through October 27, The Museum of Science and Industry wants to welcome guests to the first-ever “official exhibition to focus on the science and technology behind the world’s longest-running movie franchise” — 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond. From iconic cars and gadgets to props from the James Bond film series, this exhibit has it all. Go behind the scenes to learn how the production team pulled off the marvel that is the James Bond series. All exhibit logistics and tickets can be found online at 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond.
5700 South Lake Shore Dr.
August 2-4: Fiesta Italiana
All things Italian are happening in Naperville this August as they celebrate the Festa Italiana. Authentic food, beautiful music, and Italian spirit will be alive at the fest that is welcome to all. Spend the day absorbing the culture and spend the night dancing away to tunes from the old country. Ticket prices vary, more information can be found on the Festa Italiana event page.
523 S. Webster St., Naperville
August 2-4: Dancing In The Streets
Over in West Town, the vast beer scene mixed with a little live music, dancing, food from local vendors and more has all combined to become “Dancing In The Streets.” The event is named after a popular Grateful Dead song, and was specifically hosted to coincide with the week dedicated to celebrating the memory of Jerry Garcia. While it is specifically suited for Dead Heads, lovers of good music and good beer will be just as pleased. Visit West Town’s site for entry specifics and updates.
Hubbard Street between Paulina and Wood
August 3-6: Lollapalooza
Live music lovers from near and far know that summertime in Chicago also means Lollapalooza, the epic, 4-day festival that draws thousands to Grant Park every year. Headliners this year include Megan Thee Stallion, Hozier, Blink-182 and so many more talented acts. All ticket packages — from single day tickets to 4-day passes — are still available on the Lollapalooza website. What else can we even say to convince you? Secure your tickets now!
August 5-10: Titan Walls Mural Festival
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Returning for its 6th year, the Titan Walls Mural Festival will wow attendees with a collection of murals from globally renowned and emerging muralists. The fest, known as Chicago’s largest mural festival, will be held at District Brew Yards — presented by art activation agency Muros. But folks aren’t coming out for the art alone, enjoy music, food, drinks, sponsored events, family-friendly fun and way more while you’re there. Details and tickets can be found on the Titan Walls website.
August 6-10: World’s Fair Money
Explore rare coins and currency worth over $100 million at the family-friendly Chicago World’s Fair of Money® in Rosemont. Join educational activities and meet historical reenactors. Check out the World’s Fair Money website for details about admission.
August 7: Chicago Ducky Derby
Locals and tourists alike can agree that an adorably yellow addition to the Chicago River is an annual treat for all to see. We’re talking about the Chicago Ducky Derby, of course! Every year, the city dumps thousands of toy duckies into the river — and with the sponsorship of Special Olympics Illinois, proceeds go to their organization. Want to get involved? Besides heading downtown to watch the event, guests can also purchase and donate their own ducks to be set free during the event — helping them get all the closer to their goal of 100,000 ducks. Head over to Chicago Ducky Derby online to be part of the fun!
Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave.
August 7: 2nd Annual Taste of Ravinia Farmers Market
National Farmers Market Week is August 4-10, and Ravinia Farmers Market is celebrating with the 2nd Annual Taste of Ravinia Farmers Market on Wednesday, August 7. This free all-day event, 7am-8pm, features cooking demos, samples, recipes with ingredients from market vendors, live music, family-friendly activities and more!
August 9-11: Retro on Roscoe
What has been dubbed a “Generation X haven” will include a weekend of classic tunes from various bands; some great food and drink; a classic car and motorcycle show; art vendors; and so much more. Get groovy with your community at this fest that takes up six blocks of Roscoe Village with three concert stages. Additional information can be found on the Retro on Roscoe event page.
2000 W. Roscoe St.
August 10: 95th Annual Bud Billiken Parade
For 95 incredible years, the Bud Billiken Parade has proudly marched down King Drive as “a commemoration of our past and a celebration of our future.” Since 1929, the parade has served as a space for Black Chicagoans to “openly and emphatically praise the historic roots that plant us into the South Side of Chicago.” The community-focused event will also include music, dance, food and more! Visit Bud Billiken Parade online for event and route details.
August 10: Posted at John’s: PostBoy x John’s Food & Wine Pop-Up
The crew at MICHELIN-recognized John’s Food & Wine will welcome in restaurateur Ben Holland and Chef James Galbraith of PostBoy, the buzzy dining destination set to open in New Buffalo later this summer, for a lunchtime pop-up. The joint menu will be available from 12pm – 3pm while supplies last. Hit up PostBoy x John’s Food & Wine Pop-Up online for logistics.
August 10-11: Chicago Air & Water Show
The beauty of Chicago’s blue skies meeting the clear waters of Lake Michigan at the horizon creates a picturesque scene from the shore. Hundreds flock every year to share in the beauty of our city, even if just as a backdrop to the excitement of the annual Air & Water Show. While there, expect air crafts and water-bound vessels to display their majesty to the crowds gathered on the shore. Well-known for being a beloved family outing, the Air & Water Show is a spectacular, free way to spend the weekend outdoors. Event details can be located on the Chicago Air & Water Show page.
Fullerton to Oak Street
August 10-11: The Great American Lobster Fest
A nice lobster roll and a cool beverage on a summer day, doesn’t that sound wonderful? Well it can be your reality this month at The Great American Lobster Fest held at Navy Pier. This two-day, day-long fest devoted to the delicacy that is lobster will have shell-fish fans ecstatic and may even convert new-comers. A meal ticket gets you quite the spread, all of which includes access to live music and purchasable crafts from vendors, as well as fireworks on Saturday. This event is 21+ and perfect for a group outing! Visit The Great American Lobster Fest to save your spot.
800 E. Grand Ave.
August 10-11: Northalsted Market Days
Celebrating its 42nd consecutive year in what is formerly Boystown, the Northalsted Market Days is a weekend filled with live music, drag performances, endless vendors, food and drinks. In Chicago’s most queer-friendly neighborhood, don’t miss the chance to publicly celebrate your Pride outside of June. All ages are welcome to this event. There is a suggested $20 donation fee for entry, more information can be found on the Northalsted Market Days website.
On Halsted, from Addison to Belmont
August 11: Vintage Car Show Returns to The Lot
The Vintage Car Show is Sunday, August 11, from 12-4 PM. Up to 200 classic & custom vehicles will be displayed at The Lot in downtown Highland Park. Peruse a variety of vintage cars while enjoying a live radio remote with Star 105.5 and Star 96.7, bites, and beverages.
August 14: 13th Annual Garlic Fest
Celebrate Highwood’s 13th annual Garlic Fest is back on Wednesday, August 14th from 4:30-9:30 PM in Everts Park (111 North Avenue). Held in conjunction with Highwood’s Evening Gourmet Market, this foodie fest showcases a plethora of garlic dishes, garlic trivia contest, live music and plenty of family-friendly activities.
August 16-18: 46th Annual Mid-America Bonsai Exhibition
Join the Midwest Bonsai Society’s 46th August Exhibition at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Featuring over 150 world-class bonsai trees, vendors, workshops, and family activities!
August 17: Paddle 101
Want to enjoy the river while summer is still here? Come out and join Friends of the Chicago River to learn the basics of paddling and take your first glide across the water with water safety monitoring from Friends. While there, you’ll learn about the work the organization has done to “install native plants along riverbanks to create healthy homes for animals, stabilize river shoreline, and protect the river from the impacts of climate change.” Visit Friends of the Chicago River online to learn more.
August 16-18: 2024 Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival
Annually for more than 20 years, over a hundred artists, studios and makers gather for the weekend-long Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest. During the fest, attendees can view and purchase handmade artwork, jam out to free live music and art demonstrations, as well as sample street food and craft beer from local vendors in the historic Rogers Park neighborhood. Sure sounds like a can’t-fail outing to us! Check out the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest website for more.
Glenwood Ave. and Morse Ave.
August 18: Andersonville Vintage Market
If you fancy a vintage find, head to the Andersonville Vintage Market, which will include more than 20 vendor stalls showcasing their antique goods over the course of the weekend. There are only a few dates left this summer, so don’t miss your chance. See the lineup of participating stores on the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce website.
1500 W Catalpa, between Clark and Ashland
August 18: Bloody Mary Fest
Do you like your Bloody Mary spicy or mild? How about piled high with endless garnishes? No matter how you take it, you’ll find something worth sipping on at the Bloody Mary Fest in Highwood. This year’s participants are planning all kinds of twists to the classic tomato cocktail, and a contest for the most-voted, fan-favorite vendor will take place as well. Want to have a say in who takes home the hardware? Visit the festival yourself, but not before visiting the Bloody Mary Fest website for more details.
Everts Park, 111 North Ave.
August 18: PorchFest Roscoe Village
Calling all music lovers, the Roscoe Village neighborhood is hosting a PorchFest concert series, wherein local musicians from different genres set up on the porches of some of the neighborhood’s favorite houses and play their tunes from 1-5pm. Be sure not to miss this unique, musical event where community connection meets artistic expression. Program specifics can be found on the Lakeview Roscoe Village website where tickets can also be purchased.
Between Addison to Wellington and Ravenswood Ave. to Western Ave.
August 23-25: Skokie’s Backlot Bash
A carnival, 5K race, live music, bingo, plenty of refreshing food and drinks — this and more attendees can expect from Skokie’s Backlot Bash. The bash is meant as a celebration of all things uniquely Skokie, and therefore highlights local musicians and community-based vendors. Want to get your groove on alongside your community? Check out Skokie’s Backlot Bash for details.
Downtown Skokie
August 24: Student Discount Day at Buffalo Exchange
Calling all students! Get set for the new semester with 15% OFF at the Wicker Park and Andersonville Buffalo Exchange stores on Sat, 8/24. Plus, enjoy raffles, giveaways & more!
August 29: Chicago Jazz Festival
All throughout Chicago, the city is flowing over with talented musicians. Countless outdoor festivals cater to a plethora of genres, but few do justice to jazz music like the Chicago Jazz Festival held at Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center every summer. This multi-day fest actually spills over into September, but real fans know the event kicks off at the end of this month. If you fancy jazz music and want to feel one with your community, there is no better place than the Chicago Jazz Festival — visit their website for entry details.
August 30: Anime Magic! 2024
Anime Magic! returns for 2024 — bigger and better! Fan-run event with classic con activities & unique surprises, fun for veterans and first-timers. Visit Anime Magic! 2024 online for details about this unique event.
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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.
