There’s so much to celebrate in Chicago this June — the start of summer in Chicago, Pride Month, Juneteenth, the James Beard Awards, and beyond. Of course, this means a jam-packed schedule of block parties, festivals, concerts, art exhibits, parades, tasting events, outdoor adventures, and more.
Check out these top picks for things to do in Chicago throughout June 2025.
Top events in Chicago this June
Do Division Street Fest (May 30 – June 1): Division Street transforms into one of the summer’s most beloved street fests, featuring two live music stages, food, drink, local vendors, and a multi-block family fun area.
Chicago Blues Festival (June 5 – 8): Blues lovers won’t want to miss this annual music fest taking over Millennium Park with free performances from newcomers and living legends alike.
Puerto Rican Festival Chicago (June 12 – 15): Head to Humboldt Park for a massive festival dedicated to Puerto Rican culture, featuring a parade, live music, carnival rides, and plenty of local food and drinks.
James Beard Awards (June 16): The culinary world’s highest honors are held in Chicago, featuring a star-studded awards gala and celebratory events leading up to the big night.
Midsommarfest (June 13 – 15): The Andersonville neighborhood’s Swedish roots are on full display at this summer festival, bringing live music performances, kids’ activities, food, drink, and more.
Bronzeville Juneteenth Celebration (June 14): This year’s Juneteenth celebration in Bronzeville will include live music and performances, food, art, family fun, and much more.
Old Town Art Fair (June 14 – 15): Over 300 nationally acclaimed artists will be showcasing their work at this annual summer fest, which also includes a garden walk, live music, and plenty of food and drink vendors.
Chicago Pride Fest (June 21 – June 22): The annual Chicago Pride Fest is an LGBTQ+ celebration like no other in the heart of the historic Northalsted neighborhood.
Chinatown Dragon Boat Race (June 21): Traditional Chinese Dragon Boats will take over riverfront Ping Tom Memorial Park for a family-friendly day of fun competition.
Malt Row on Damen Beer Stroll (June 25): Sample favorites from local breweries, distilleries, and wineries in Ravenswood’s famous Malt Row district.
Millennium Park Summer Music Series (starting June 26): Enjoy free outdoor concerts in downtown Chicago, showcasing a diverse range of established and emerging musicians in a spectacular setting.
Taste of Chicago in Marquette Park (June 28) The classic summer tradition stops by Marquette Park for a pop-up event showcasing some of Chicago’s favorite local eateries.
Chicago Pride Parade (June 29): The iconic Chicago Pride Parade is back for its 54th year, with more than a million revelers cheering on the parade as it moves across the city.
More events in Chicago this June
Art of Pride at Hyde Park Art Center (June 1): The Hyde Park Art Center kicks off Pride Month with an afternoon event celebrating LGBTQ+ artists, performers, and makers.
Porchfest Lakeview (June 1): This unique music festival showcases local artists that take the stage on various porches throughout the Lakeview neighborhood.
Physical Theater Festival (June 2 – 8): This year marks the 12th annual festival, showcasing international, contemporary, visual, and physical theater from around the world.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the Joffrey (June 5 – 22): The magical story of Alice in Wonderland is told by the acclaimed Joffrey Ballet for a limited run at the Lyric Opera House.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA (June 6): The Grand National Tour from Kendrick Lamar and SZA comes to Soldier Field for a one-night-only event.
Ribfest Chicago (June 6 – 8): Ribfest is celebrating its 25th year in the North Center neighborhood, bringing racks of ribs, whiskey and bourbon tastings, live music, and much more.
Lincoln Park Greek Festival (June 6 – 8): From traditional food to a live orchestra, the Lincoln Park Greek Festival honors Greek culture with a weekend full of fun.
Gold Coast Art Fair (June 7 – 8): Head to Grant Park to browse handmade goods and art from over 200 artists, offering a mix of painting, ceramics, jewelry, and much more.
57th Street Art Fair (June 7 – 8): Hyde Park will be bursting with artists for the 76th annual 57th Street Art Festival, showcasing local artists and their work, live music, food, family-friendly activities, and more.
Full Moon Jam at Foster Beach (June 11): Head to the beach for this free, family-friendly event, featuring an evening of fire-spinning, drumming, and more.
Taste of Randolph (June 13 – 15): Over a dozen Chicago restaurants will showcase their best bites at this popular West Loop street fest featuring live music from OK Go and Chromeo.
Ridge Park Art Fair and Uprising Solstice Market (June 14): Ridge Park in Beverly will host the Summer Solstice Uprising, a new event from the Beverly Arts Alliance.
Dim Sum & Drag (June 14): Furama Restaurant in Uptown hosts this “Really Gay Pride Brunch” as part of the popular dim sum and drag show series.
Wells Street Art Fest (June 14 – 15): Head to the charming Old Town neighborhood for the 50th annual summer art festival with thousands of artist booths, a variety of entertainment stages, and more.
Juneteenth Freedom Market (June 17): Shop 70+ local Black-owned businesses and creators at The Salt Shed during this Juneteenth marketplace.
Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash (June 20 – 22): Future and Young Thug are headlining this summertime music festival at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.
Bronzeville Art Trolley Tour (June 20): Art lovers won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit multiple galleries throughout the Bronzeville Art District during these free trolley tours.
The Magnificent Mile Arts Festival (June 21 – 22): Browse the work of over 60 unique artists, from jewelry and fashion to paintings and glass sculpture at this downtown art fair.
Tuesdays on the Terrace (starting June 24): The Museum of Contemporary Art’s free summer concert series kicks off in June, highlighting jazz, hip-hop, house music, blues, and more.
Summer Block Party at Navy Pier (June 25): Soak up all that summer has to offer at Navy Pier’s annual block party, featuring a day of live music, arts and crafts, spray paint murals, games, and a fireworks display.
Chicago Food Truck Festival (June 28): The South Loop will be hosting its annual food truck festival with a special twist this year: all trucks will be showcasing their own version of the iconic Chicago-style hot dog.
Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo (June 28): Enjoy an adults-only evening at the zoo with a craft beer festival highlighting over 100 craft beers and ciders.
Fireworks at Navy Pier (through June): Be dazzled by the free fireworks display at lakefront Navy Pier, held twice a week all summer long.
Movies at Gallagher Way (through June): Just outside Wrigley Field, these free movie nights feature family-friendly films, food and drink vendors, and plenty of outdoor fun.
Green City Market (through June): The popular farmers market returns to Lincoln Park, bringing together dozens of vendors, including local and Midwest farms, restaurants, bakeries, and more.
Adler at Night (through June): Every Wednesday evening, head to the Adler Planetarium for special late-night hours and enjoy hands-on activities and experiences all about our universe.
Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris (through June): The Art Institute’s latest blockbuster exhibit highlights the works of Frida Kahlo and the influence of her time spent in Europe.
Cheer on the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field (through June): Feel the thrill of live soccer as the Chicago Fire take the field at their home stadium on the lakefront.
Chicago Humanities Festival (through June): The Chicago Humanities Festival presents conversations and performances from an array of talent, including Alison Bechdel, Jeff Hiller, and Jacinda Ardern.
