Want to know what’s happening this weekend in Chicago? Look no further. There’s a whole calendar of exciting events, exhibits, and activities taking place all over the city this month in Chicago.
This summer weekend in Chicago is jam-packed with iconic events like the Chicago Air and Water Show, top neighborhood festivals, artisan markets, jaw-dropping art exhibits, riveting live theatre, family-friendly fun, exciting cultural events, and so much more.
Check out just a few of the top things to do this weekend in Chicago, Aug. 15 – 17, 2025.
Chicago Air and Water Show
The Chicago Air and Water Show presented by the City of Chicago is the largest FREE show of its kind in the United States. The…
Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest 2025
For over two decades, the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest (GAAF) has been a beacon of artistic celebration, embodying the grassroots spirit and volunteer-driven ethos of…
Great American Lobster Fest 2025
Get ready for the Great American Lobster Fest - the ultimate seafood celebration on Chicago's iconic Navy Pier, held the same weekend as the impressive…
The Flaming Lips & Modest Mouse
The Flaming Lips & Modest Mouse will perform live at The Salt Shed Outdoors on Aug. 16, 2025.
XL FEST 25
Our annual Film Festival and Summit brings together industry professionals, providing an immersive experience for audiences. From thought-provoking panels to film showcases we aim to…
Taylor Street Little Italy Festival
Join us August 14-17! Taylor Street is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Chicago. From the late 1800s to about the 1950s, this area…
Roaring Nights at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Better Than Ezra & Tonic
Create your ultimate summer evenings at Roaring Nights, Brookfield Zoo Chicago's premier summer concert series! Get ready to turn up the volume for unforgettable nights…
SAUCED Summer Night Market
Small businesses make Chicago shine, and there has never been a more important time to support small businesses than right now. The SAUCED Summer Night…
Taste of Black Chicago
The Taste of Black Chicago is a one day festival scheduled to take place at Greater Grand Crossing Park. The event will feature food vendors,…
Chicago Mural Festival
The Chicago Mural Festival is a citywide celebration dedicated to transforming public spaces through large-scale murals, live art installations, and cultural experiences. Showcasing both local…
SporcleCon 2025
Get ready to test your trivia prowess at SporcleCon 2025, the ultimate gathering for quiz enthusiasts! This August 15-17 in Chicago, IL, we’re dialing up…
Escape the Museum at Griffin MSI
Escape the Museum is back and better than ever. After a sold-out weekend in 2024, Griffin MSI is hosting 12 nights of "The Wandering Alchemist."…
Guardians of the Earth and Sky
Come on an adventure with the Four Celestial Guardians: the White Tiger of the West, the Black Tortoise of the North, the Azure Dragon of…
Parade
Winner of the 2023 Tony Award® for Best Revival of a Musical, PARADE has been proclaimed as “a work of art! As commanding as any musical revival…
The Cosmic Underground Show
The Cosmic Underground Show is a 90-minute, fast-paced, and hilariously mind-bending experience that blends cutting-edge magic with retro-futuristic flair. Set inside the recently unearthed Cosmic…
Living in the Shade: Open Space and Public Housing
This exhibition at the National Public Housing Museum explores the role of open space—large lawns and tenant gardens, paved paths and play spaces, shady seating…
The Messi Experience Chicago
The Messi Experience is an immersive and interactive multimedia exhibition inspired by the life and career of Lionel Messi. As part of its world tour,…
Taste of Africa 2025: Afro-Fusion on the Beach
Have you ever heard of the World's Fair? Well, if you haven't, you are in for something as we strive to rebrand the African continent…
Millennium Park Summer Workouts
The workout program takes place on the Great Lawn in Millennium Park on Saturdays, May 17 to August 30, 8-11:45 a.m. with a series of…
Chicago Greeter InstaGreeter Walks of the Riverwalk
Explore the Chicago Riverwalk with our knowledgeable volunteers! InstaGreeter walks take you on a free hour-long guided walk of the Riverwalk, without the need to…
Chicago Greeter InstaGreeter Walks of the Loop
InstaGreeter Downtown walks Looking for a quick and easy way to see downtown Chicago's top sights? Let InstaGreeter take you on a free hour-long guided…
Big Bus Tours’ Sunset Live Tour
Big Bus Tours, the global leader in open-top bus sightseeing, invites visitors to experience the enhanced Sunset Live Tour in Chicago. Available May 8 through…
Explore our events calendar for more Chicago events and happenings.
Please note that all events are subject to change.
