This summer is shaping up to be one for the books in Chicago. From historic openings to exciting new attractions, there’s won’t be a shortage of things to see and do in Chicago this summer.
But don’t just take our word for it. Frommer’s, the renowned travel publication, recently named Chicago one of the best places to go in 2026. The recognition comes on the heels of Chicago being voted the Best Big City in the U.S. for a historic ninth year in a row.
Whether you’re traveling to the U.S. for this year’s soccer action or just dreaming about your summer getaway, we’ve got everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable summer trip to Chicago.
Top Chicago events for summer 2026
Obama Presidential Center
Obama Presidential Center, a lively community hub on the city’s South Side, will be opening its doors to the public by early summer 2026. The highly anticipated space, located in historic Jackson Park, will include an NBA-sized basketball court, a community garden, auditorium, and more. Visitors can expect a dynamic array of community events, exhibits, performances, workshops, talks, and more.
The Hand & The Eye
Set to open in spring 2026, The Hand & The Eye is a new immersive experience that will transform the historic McCormick Mansion into the largest magic venue in the world. Guests can wander through the downtown mansion’s multiple floors and dozens of rooms, encountering live performances, artifacts from magic history, and so much more.
America 250
America 250 is a nationwide celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, kicking off on July 4, 2026. Chicago will mark the occasion with an array of exhibits, concerts, performances, and more delving into the rich history of our city, state, and nation.
Route 66 Centennial
Next year marks the 100th anniversary of America’s most iconic road trip in Chicago. As the official starting point for the route, Chicago will be celebrating the Route 66 Centennial with events and activations throughout 2026.
Explore more: Start planning your only-in-Chicago experience with our guide to summer in Chicago.
2026 WNBA All-Star Game
The United Center, home to the legendary Chicago Bulls, will host the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game on July 25, 2026. Expect a multi-day lineup of events and activations throughout the city, including skills challenges and an interactive fan festival featuring the league’s top talent.
Chicago Pride Parade & Fest
Chicago’s annual Pride celebrations are a can’t-miss experience. The 55th annual Chicago Pride Parade will attract more than one million spectators as it marches through Chicago’s historic Northalsted neighborhood on Sunday, June 28, 2026. The weekend before, the annual Chicago Pride Fest brings together live music, local vendors, and more to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and history.
Chicago Blues Fest
A legendary Chicago event since 1984, the Chicago Blues Fest is the world’s largest free blues festival. The event kicks off summer festival season with free performances from some of the genre’s most revered musicians at downtown Millennium Park.
James Beard Awards
These prestigious culinary awards bring the best and brightest chefs from around the country to Chicago. The James Beard Awards weekend includes unique dining events, celebrations, and the highly anticipated awards ceremony and after-party gala on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Old Town Art Fair
The 75th annual Old Town Art Fair will take over the streets of this historic neighborhood on June 13 and 14, 2026. A long-standing staple of Chicago’s festival scene, this outdoor market showcases more than 200 visual artists from around the country.
Chosen Few Picnic
The nation’s longest-running house music celebration, the Chosen Few Picnic brings house music fans from Chicago and beyond to lakefront Jackson Park for a day of fun, food, and dancing with the city’s top DJs.
Explore more: Mark your calendars for Chicago’s iconic music festivals and beloved neighborhood fests and events happening this summer 2026.
Windy City Smokeout
This popular Chicago music festival is like a weekend-long tailgate each July, with a star-studded lineup of country stars and some of the country’s best barbecue pitmasters. The 2026 Windy City Smokeout headliners include Hootie & The Blowfish, Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, and more.
Tacos y Tamales
Taste your way through Chicago’s vibrant Pilsen neighborhood, a hub for Hispanic cuisine and culture, during Tacos y Tamales. Enjoy authentic street food, live music, dance performances, a variety of vendors, art, and more at this popular summer food festival.
African/Caribbean International Festival of Life
Cultural celebrations take center stage at this Washington Park festival dedicated to the music, cuisine, and traditions of African and Caribbean nations. Held in July, the African/Caribbean International Festival of Life has been a Chicago tradition for more than 30 years.
Korean National Treasures: 2,000 Years of Art
Korean National Treasures: 2,000 Years of Art is a groundbreaking exhibit that will showcase never-before-seen works at the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the nation’s oldest and largest art museums. This exhibition marks the first time an array of Korean artworks will be on public display, after a momentous private donation.
Broadway in Chicago
Chicago’s bustling downtown theatre district will be filled with blockbuster shows this summer, courtesy of Broadway in Chicago. Catch limited-run productions of Kinky Boots, Water for Elephants, Suffs, The Notebook, and more.
More reasons to visit Chicago this summer:
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.choosechicago.com ’
