From neighborhood festivals and blockbuster exhibits to outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and landmark cultural events, June in Chicago has a little something for everyone. This month also brings opportunities for celebration and reflection with Pride Month, Juneteenth, and the highly anticipated opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. Whether you’re soaking up some sun, supporting local, exploring a new cultural destination, or looking for something new, our list of the best things to do in Chicago and the suburbs will help you make the most of the month.
Tag us in your adventures on Instagram @makeitbetter_foundation — we’d love to see where this summer takes you.
Ongoing
Pokémon Fossil Museum
Making its North American debut at the Field Museum, Pokémon Fossil Museum pairs beloved Pokémon with real-world paleontology in an exhibition that encourages visitors to see both through a new lens. Interactive displays compare fossil-inspired Pokémon such as Tyrantrum and Archeops with actual prehistoric specimens, including the museum’s iconic SUE the T. rex, highlighting the connections between science, discovery, and imagination. Developed in collaboration with Japan’s National Museum of Nature and Science and The Pokémon Company, the exhibition runs through April 11, 2027 and is expected to be one of Chicago’s most in-demand museum experiences of the year. Tickets are limited and subject to availability.
Brokeback Mountain at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents the North American premiere of Brokeback Mountain, playwright Ashley Robinson’s stage adaptation of the acclaimed Annie Proulx novella that inspired the Academy Award-winning film. Set in 1960s Wyoming, the production follows ranch hands Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist as a summer job on Brokeback Mountain evolves into a profound, decades-spanning love story shaped by the constraints of their time and place. Directed by Jonathan Butterell and featuring live country-western songs by composer Dan Gillespie Sells, the intimate production is staged in the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater, bringing the audience close to the emotion of the story. Get tickets for the production, on through June 28.
Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue
Making its Midwest debut at EXP Rosemont, Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue brings the video game into the real world in an escape-room-esque interactive attraction through seven Minecraft-inspired environments on a mission to save a village from a zombie attack. Using handheld interactive devices, participants collaborate to complete challenges, gather resources, and encounter iconic friends and foes from the game. Designed for players and non-players (a great crash course for unfamiliar parents), the limited-run experience combines immersive environments with the creativity and problem-solving that have made Minecraft the best-selling video game of all time. Learn more and get tickets.
Dinos!
Dinosaurs have taken over the Zoo! Get up-close with life-size dinosaurs, navigate a massive rib-cage tunnel, climb on a giant fossil, dig for ancient discoveries, and snap memorable photos. Even more fun and adventure are in store for parents and kids, and better yet, the Dinos! experience is free with Zoo entry. Find all the information you need at the Brookfield Zoo online.
Andersonville Farmers Market
Want to enjoy a day outside and get some local goodies? Visit one of the city’s first outdoor markets of the season, the Andersonville Farmers Market. Join vendors every Wednesday at 3-7pm and browse for anything from local produce and honey to candles and tea, from May 13 until October 21. Check out the Andersonville Farmers Market website for a full list of participating businesses and what else to expect when you shop.
Free Summer Screenings
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of Route 66, this year’s Summer Screenings program will pay homage to the classic “road movie,” in which these films explore what it means to “hit the road” in countries across the globe. Summer Screenings is Cinema/Chicago’s annual free film series that casts a spotlight on a different country’s national cinema each week all summer. Visit Cinema/Chicago — a 2026 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award Winner — online for the film lineup and free ticket information.
Theater of the Mind
Theater of the Mind, co-created by Academy, Grammy, and Tony Award–winning artist David Byrne and writer and investor Mala Gaonkar and directed by Andrew Scoville, is an immersive theatrical experience at Goodman Theatre that unfolds as a guided journey through a series of sensory environments. In groups of 16, audiences move through interconnected rooms over 75 minutes, engaging sight, sound, taste, and touch in experiences inspired by neuroscience that challenge how we perceive and construct reality. The run has been extended through July 12.
Learn more about Theater of the Mind in our interview with David Byrne.
Korean National Treasures: 2,000 Years of Art
From 6th-century gilt bronze Buddhist sculpture through Joseon dynasty painting and white porcelain and contemporary paintings of the late 20th century, the works of art in this exhibition demonstrate the artistic legacy produced on the Korean peninsula over millennia. See it for yourself, now through July 5, 2026 at the Art Institute of Chicago — a 2026 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award Winner.
Crafting Characters: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell
Now through September 7, to witness the craftsmanship and genius of costume designer Paul Tazewell, look no further than Chicago’s Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. This exhibit is “deeply inspiring, immersive, and invites you into the world of Paul Tazewell’s creative journey — tracing the artistry, imagination and craftsmanship that inspired the creation of iconic costumes from the blockbuster sensation Wicked to Broadway’s Hamilton to Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and more. Displays of his masterpieces combined with his narration and video, photos and sketches draw back the curtain to show how imagination becomes reality.” For tickets and more information, visit Crafting Characters: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell.
Second Saturdays at the Goodman
Saturdays at the Goodman are family-focused, intergenerational workshops centered on joy, creativity, and sharing space, held now through July 2026. Join them to participate in workshops facilitated by Goodman Teaching Artists as they celebrate creativity and the art of storytelling. Second Saturdays are ideal for littles (ages 4-10), and their families. Find more details online at Goodman Theatre — a 2026 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award Winner.
Lucas Samaras: Sitting, Standing, Walking, Looking
Lucas Samaras developed an utterly unique approach to art making. While he experimented with a range of materials, his body and belongings were the primary subject of his photographs, sculptures, and drawings. Witness Samaras’s creative, engaged, and focused life, built through transforming everyday objects and actions through ceaseless artistic exploration. See this exhibit now through July 20, 2026.
June 1: Register for Girl Scouts Summer Camp!
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) is inviting families to discover how camp helps girls unplug and thrive — building resilience, confidence, and lasting friendships. At camp, girls step into outdoor adventure, leadership, and play. Registration for Girl Scouts GCNWI summer camps are open!
June 1: Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color
Jazz, one of the most important artist books from the 20th century, includes 20 color plates and text by Matisse. This exhibition marks the first time Jazz has been on view in its entirety since acquisition, and includes more than 50 works by Matisse from across the Art Institute’s collection. See this exhibit through June 1, 2026.
June 1: Carroll Dunham: Drawings, 1974-2024
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago — a 2026 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award Winner — on June 1, 2026 for a chance to see a unique exhibit featuring the work of Carroll Dunham. Over the course of five decades, Dunham has engaged in wide-ranging formal and thematic experimentation across various media, yet his drawings represent a distinct, interconnected body of work. Grab your tickets and find information on the Art Institute website.
June 1-14: Job
“I had achieved the American Dream. I had gone viral.” This edge-of-your-seat thriller is about big tech and even bigger secrets that became last year’s Off-Broadway sensation. Catch this show at Writers Theatre — a 2026 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award Winner — through June 14.
June 4: Race Against Gun Violence
The annual Race Against Gun Violence in Grant Park brings together people of all ages for one important reason. This event also gathers many 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 4-7: Chicago Blues Festival
The present, past, and future of Blues music will be represented and celebrated at this year’s Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park and Ramova Theatre. Enjoy a lengthy line-up of musicians waiting to blow away the city with shows playing all day long, featuring genres like soul, R&B, and gospel. Admission is free — visit Chicago Blues Festival for additional information.
June 4-14: Eugene Onegin
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russian aristocracy, the cautionary tale centers on Eugene Onegin, an enigmatic and aloof aristocrat whose life is forever altered after his fateful encounter with the earnest Tatiana. Considered a classic work of literature, Eugene Onegin and its protagonist have served as models for literary heroes across time with a worldly and personal narrative style. TheJoffrey Ballet — a 2026 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award Winner — has additional details and ticket reservations available on their website.
June 5-7: Ribfest Chicago
Ribfest Chicago takes place every summer in the Northcenter neighborhood. This year, they are celebrating 26 years of BBQ, and still Ribfest Chicago continues to be Chicago’s most anticipated food festival. Live music, over 20 food vendors, and 3 days worth of fun, sounds like the perfect way to enjoy the cuisine and good vibes the city has to offer. Details online at Ribfest Chicago.
June 6-7: Hyde Park 57th Street Art Fair
The 79th Annual 57th Street Art Fair in Hyde Park features over one hundred juried artists, live music, food trucks, kids’ activities, returning favorite artists, 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. More details online at 57th Street Art Fair.
June 7: Roaring Nights at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Join us for three unforgettable nights of music, fun, and celebration at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, with Roaring Nights. Set against the backdrop of the Zoo’s landscapes and diverse wildlife, immerse yourself in the sounds of three incredible acts in June and July — this month, catch Melissa Etheridge. Find more details on the Brookfield Zoo Chicago site.
June 12-13: 2026 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 2026 Scottish Festival & Highland Games.
June 12-14: Andersonville Midsommarfest
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 celebrating its 60th 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 suggested donation, and hours of operation vary per day though no doubt each day is packed with summer fun and goodies — visit the Andersonville Midsommarfest website for specifics.
June 16: The 6th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Market
Kick off your Juneteenth celebration at the 6th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Market — a free, all-ages celebration of Black creativity and entrepreneurship. The market will feature 50+ local Black-owned businesses and vendors, selling everything from home goods and beauty products to one-of-a-kind fashions. As well as DJ sets, performances, flash tattoos, pop-up surprises, and more. More details on The 6th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Market website.
June 19-21: Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Weekend
The highly anticipated Obama Presidential Center officially opens on Juneteenth, June 19, adding a new global focus to Chicago’s cultural landscape. While the Center’s free Grand Opening Weekend celebration is currently sold out, visitors can now purchase timed-entry tickets for the new museum, which shares the story of President and Mrs. Obama’s lives, presidency, and enduring legacy.
The museum experience spans four floors of immersive exhibits, artifacts, multimedia installations, a full-scale Oval Office replica, and the Sky Room, all designed to inspire visitors to create positive change in their own communities. The broader campus also includes public gathering spaces, gardens, and community-focused programming that make the Center much more than a traditional presidential museum.
Museum tickets are available through Nov. 30, with Illinois residents eligible for free admission on select Tuesdays. Get tickets and learn more.
June 19: Thank You Chicago Juneteenth Market
The Thank You Chicago Juneteenth Market returns again this year to highlight Black-owned businesses across Chicago. Vendors are selling a range of items including fashion, beauty, art and home goods. Join the rest of the city in celebrating this holiday and showing appreciation to the Black artists and business owners who make Chicago what it is. More details on the Thank You Chicago Juneteenth Market site.
June 19-20: 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. Also enjoy the long lineup of live music entertainment, including this year’s headliner, Eve 6. Find more information on the Taste of Highland Park site.
June 19-21: Taste of Randolph
Taste of Randolph returns for their 29th 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.” Visit Taste of Randolph for what to know before you go.
June 20: R&B Music Experience: A Juneteenth Celebration
R&B powerhouses are headed to the Wintrust Arena this June with the return of the R&B Music Experience: A Juneteenth Celebration. The evening will feature Tyrese & Tank, with Tamar Braxton, Silk, and H-Town. Get ready for a night of legendary music and unforgettable energy. Check out more information at R&B Music Experience: A Juneteenth Celebration online.
June 20-21: 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 20-21: 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 still going strong over 60 years since the first fair. 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.
June 25 – July 10: King John
Justice has a price. Who pays it? Circuit Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s King John — running June 25 to July 10. Live storytelling, sharp politics, and massive questions about power and loyalty, this and more awaits audience members. Support local theatre and grab your tickets on the Circuit Theatre Company website.
June 28: Porchfest Roscoe Village
Porchfest is a music festival that takes place on front porches in Roscoe Village. 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 Roscoe Village online.
June 28: Chicago Pride Parade
For the LGBTQIA+ community of Chicago, the event of the year is back in all its colorful glory. The 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.
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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 Chicago.
