Chicago festivals 2026: See list of summer events in city, suburbs

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Looking for things to do in Chicago this summer? Here are some free and paid events happening across the city.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

May

-Citywide Chicago Farmers Markets begin in May. To see detailed list, click here.

-Millennium Park Summer Workouts at Great Lawn begin on Saturday, May 16.

-Sueños Chicago will take place May 23 and 24 in Grant Park. Click here to see the full lineup.

June

-Chicago Blues Festival at the Ramova Theatre and Millennium Park will be held from Thursday, June 4 to Sunday the 7th.

-Milwaukee's three-weekend festival Summerfest begins June 16 and ends on July 4th.

-Millennium Park Summer Music Series at Jay Pritzker Pavilion begins on June 15. The nine concerts will be held most Mondays and Thursdays.

-Millennium Park Summer Film Series at Jay Pritzker Pavilion begin June 30 and are held every Tuesday through August 18.

July

-Taste of Chicago at Grant Park will be held on Wednesday, July 8 through Sunday, July 12.

-Windy City Smokeout returns for the 13th year outside the United Center from July 8-12. Click here to see the full lineup.

-Chicago Gospel Music Festival at Jay Pritzker Pavilion will be on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25.

-Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park from July 30 through August 2. Click here to see the full lineup.

August

-Ravinia Music Festival returns August 1 through Sept. 19. Click here to see the full lineup.

-Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach will be held the weekend of August 15.

-Chicago House Music Festival and Conference at the Cultural Center and Millennium Park will be held Thursday, August 27 through Sunday the 30th.

September

-Chicago Jazz Festival will be held Thursday September 3 through Sunday the 6.

To learn more about events organized by Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, click here.