Festivals, Fairs & Special Events
Water Tower Place Hosting “City Market IRL” Weekly Summer Night Market Series July 23, 2026
Starting July 9, 2026, Water Tower Place will play host to City Market IRL, a new evening market experience that blends local food, artisan vendors, live music and community gathering.
Held weekly on Thursdays from 4-8 p.m. on Level 4 of the iconic Mag Mile shopping center, City Market IRL will feature live music and family-friendly community programming alongside more than 100 local vendors offering ready-to-eat dinner options, vintage and upcycled goods, and hand-crafted gifts.
City Market IRL builds on the success of the annual Water Tower Place indoor winter market. Created in partnership with the South Loop Farmers Market, City Market IRL moves beyond the traditional market experience to curate an inviting “third space,” where visitors can connect, explore and experience the magic of summer in Chicago – together.
“City Market IRL is about bringing people together through food, culture, creativity and shared experiences,” said Tina Feldstein, Co-Founder and Market Manager at the South Loop Farmers Market. “We’re creating a vibrant weekly gathering place where Chicagoans and visitors alike can spend an evening discovering local makers, enjoying great food and reconnecting with community.”
Like the winter market, City Market IRL will be both pet and family-friendly and will feature expanded seating and lounge-style gathering areas designed to encourage guests to relax, eat, connect and enjoy the atmosphere.
Additional vendor announcements, programming details and partnership information will be shared in the coming weeks. For more information, please visit: https://www.citymarketirl.com/
About Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place is a Chicago landmark on the Magnificent Mile, renowned for its vast selection of over 70 stores including American Girl Place, LEGO, Adidas, and many more. Beyond shopping, the eight-story center also hosts several entertainment options, including the 550-seat live theater venue Broadway in Chicago and the Chicago Sports Museum. As the center celebrates its 50th anniversary, Water Tower Place recently announced a $170 million redevelopment plan starting in 2027 that will create a modern, experiential destination for a new generation of shoppers, diners and visitors. Explore our directory for a complete list of stores, dining choices, and more unique offerings at: www.shopwatertower.com.
