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 weekend marks the start of summer in Chicago, which means the city’s sandy beaches officially open to the public and festival season is in full swing.

Just a few of the Memorial Day weekend highlights include:

This weekend brings a ton of exciting happenings. Check out just a few of the events and happening in Chicago this Memorial Day weekend, May 22 – 25, 2026.

Sueños Music Festival 2026
May 23 – 24
Sueños Music Festival 2026

The Sueños Music Festival celebrates its fifth anniversary in Grant Park, Chicago, on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, 2026. This Memorial Day weekend…

Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24
Grant Park
337 E Randolph St
Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony & Parade
May 23
Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony & Parade

The City of Chicago will commemorate Memorial Day on Saturday, May 23, with a wreath laying ceremony at 11 a.m. at Richard J. Daley Center…

Saturday May 23, 2026
N Dearborn St & W Lake St
N Dearborn St & W Lake St
41st Annual Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest
May 22 – 24
41st Annual Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest

Kick-off Memorial Day Weekend at the 41st Annual Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest – May 22-24 Featuring National Tribute Bands and Local Entertainers CHICAGO (May 2026)—Celebrate the…

May 22 – 24, 2026
3200 N. Sheffield Ave.
3200 N. Sheffiled Ave.
Randolph Street Market
May 23 – 24
Randolph Street Market

Joining other world-class cities, including Paris, London, LA, and New York, Chicago’s Randolph Street Market is a key market event destination that locals and fans…

May 23 – 24, 2026
1341 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607
1341 W. Randolph Street
IPW_Navy_Pier-159
May 23
Memorial Day fireworks at Navy Pier

Navy Pier is known for its spectacular summer fireworks displays, which kick off on Memorial Day weekend. This year, the Memorial Day weekend fireworks show at Navy Pier will be held on Saturday, May 23 starting at 10 p.m.

Saturday May 23, 2026

Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave

Chicago Fire FC vs. Toronto FC
May 23
Saturday May 23, 2026
Soldier Field
1410 Special Olympics Drive
Chicago Cubs vs. Houston Astros
May 22 – 24
Friday, May 22 – Sunday, May 24
Wrigley Field
1060 West Addison Street
Chicago White Sox vs. Minnesota Twins
May 25
Monday May 25, 2026
Guaranteed Rate Field
333 W 35th St
Forever Mine Music Festival
May 23 – 24
Forever Mine Music Festival

A new Chicago festival celebrating early 2000s R&B and house music will be held at Union Park on Memorial Day weekend. The Forever Mine Music Festival…

May 23 – 24, 2026
Chicago’s Union Park
1501 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60606
Millennium Park Summer Workouts
May 23
Millennium Park Summer Workouts

Participants are asked to bring their own workout mat The workout program takes place on the Great Lawn and Wrigley Square in Millennium Park on…

May 23, 2026
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St
The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour
May 23
The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors and rich history of Chicago’s Chinatown on our top-rated TripAdvisor food and culture tour. Enjoy seated dining at five…

May 23, 2026
Triple Crown
2217 S Wentworth Ave,
Summer Kickoff at Lincoln Park Zoo
May 22 – 26
Summer Kickoff at Lincoln Park Zoo

Sunshine season starts here! Celebrate the start of warmer weather and sunnier days at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Summer Kickoff, a free and family-friendly celebration on…

Friday May 22, 2026 — Tuesday May 26, 2026
Wicker Park Farmers Market
May 24
Wicker Park Farmers Market

The Wicker Park Farmers Market will return on May 3 for its 26th outdoor season. The market will be open from 8 a.m. to 2…

May 24, 2026
Wicker Park
1425 N. Damen Ave.
Theater of the Mind
May 22 – 25
Theater of the Mind

Now through July 12, 2026 Multiple experiences per day at the Reid Murdoch Building, 333 N LaSalle Visit TheateroftheMindChicago.com for dates, times, and tickets Created…

May 15 – July 12, 2026
Reid Murdoch Building – 333 N LaSalle
333 N LaSalle
Les Misérables
May 22 – 24
Les Misérables

STILL THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR MUSICAL Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, makes a triumphant return…

May 14 – 24, 2026
Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W. Randolph St. , Chicago, IL, 60601
Matisse
May 22 – 25
Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

This exhibition marks the first time Matisse’s Jazz will be shown in its entirety at the Art Institute of Chicago. Jazz joins over 50 works from the museum’s renowned collection of paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, illustrated books, and textiles.

Saturday March 7, 2026 Monday June 1, 2026

Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Explore our events calendar for more Chicago events and happenings.

Please note that all events are subject to change.