Chicago’s Can’t Miss End of Summer Events
It’s hard to believe that we’re already nearing the end of summer, but if you’re anything like us, your summer bucket list is still in full swing! Take advantage of these final long summer days by experiencing the many exciting activities and events still happening in and around Chicagoland. From food and music festivals to air shows and even trips back in time, the city has plenty in store for your August adventures. So, mark your calendars, and don’t let the summertime fun slip away!
Lollapalooza
When: August 1st – 4th
Where: Grant Park
It’s finally that time again – Lollapalooza, the beast of a music festival, is taking over the fields of Grant Park! With an expected 100,000 attendees flocking to the stages, this year’s festival boasts such big headlining names as Twenty One Pilots, Ariana Grande, Childish Gambino, The Strokes, Tame Impala, and The Chainsmokers plus many, many more acts hitting the stages around Grant Park. From the music, to the food and drinks, you won’t want to miss this spectacle.
Chicago Hot Dog Fest
When: August 9th – 11th
Where: Stockton Dr. and LaSalle Dr., Loop
Everyone knows that a Chicago-style hot dog is a quintessential summer staple. In fact, they’re a part of Chicago’s very history, and so much so that the Chicago History Museum organizes the Chicago Hot Dog Fest in celebration of our city’s most famous dish. Attendees will find creative dogs from some of the favorite local stands. Plus, there’s live music to listen to while you enjoy a bite, or you can attend a lecture on the history of the Chicago-style hot dog.
Chicago Air and Water Show
When: August 17th – 18th
Where: North Avenue Beach, Lincoln Park
Spend these final summer days looking up into the clear blue sky and water as you check out the Chicago Air and Water Show. Event goers will take over North Beach and the surrounding areas to watch impressive air and watercraft demonstrations, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.
Mamby on the Beach
When: August 23rd – 24th
Where: Montrose Beach
Mamby is one of Chicago’s only remaining lakefront music festivals, and it’s moving to a new location this summer to Montrose Beach. This festival boasts three stages, all sorts of exciting beach games, and plenty of stunning views perfect for capturing those last summer selfies. There will also be live music with headlining sets from Brockhampton, Zhu, Troye Sivan, Porter Robinson’s Virtual Self, Sylvan Esso and Flying Lotus.
North Coast Music Festival
When: August 30th – 31st
Where: Huntington Bank Pavilion
This Labor Day weekend music festival, now in its 10th year, is changing things up this year by moving from Union Park to the Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island. There, they will host a two-day event with an impressive and diverse lineup that includes jams bands, indie rockers and hip-hop acts. Headliners include EDM titan Bassnectar and Diplo’s dancehall project Major Lazer.
Bristol Renaissance Faire
When: Until September 2nd
Where: 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha
Ready to travel back in time – way back in time? Then don’t miss out on this medieval adventure! The Bristol Renaissance Faire recreates a 16th-century port city where guests will find, jousting, knights in shining armor, archery, traditional fare, dress, and so much more.
Get out there, and make the most of these last summer days!
