June 2019
We recommend the best events, festivals, and fun things to do in Chicago, Illinois
Music on the lake
June 1 – Sept. 1, 2019
(Sat. & Sun.)
Hear live music at Live on the Lake in the beer garden at Navy Pier. Free for all ages.
Ravinia music festival
June 1 – Sept. 15, 2019
See nationally known performers at Ravinia Festival, billed as America’s oldest outdoor music festival at Ravinia Park in Highland Park.
Run at the zoo
June 2, 2019
Run for the Zoo is a popular 10K, 5K, and kids’ stampede in Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park.
Science-fiction films
June 2 – 3, 2019
See science-fiction and fantasy short films from around the world at Juggernaut Film Festival, an annual event at the swanky, art deco Music Box Theatre.
Movies in Millennium Park
June 4 – Aug. 20, 2019
Get a seat or sit on the lawn to see films on a 40-foot screen at Millennium Park Summer Film Series on Tuesdays. Free.
Swedish festival
June 7 – 9, 2019
Andersonville Midsommarfest is a street fair with lots of live music, dancing, crafts, a kids’ area, and ethnic food (like cevapi, glogg, and sangria). Donation.
Blues festival
June 7 – 9, 2019
World-famous Chicago Blues Festival brings top talent to Millennium Park, and music continues late into the night at city clubs. Free.
Electronic dance music festival
June 7 – 9, 2019
Spring Awakening Music Festival draws 85,000 to Addams/Medill Park to hear the best in electronic dance music (EDM) by some of the world’s top DJs, with food trucks available. Requires age 18+ ID.
Movies in the Parks
June 7 – Sept. 9, 2019
Watch 130 Movies in the Parks, beginning at dusk. Dates may change depending on the weather. Free.
Beach party
June 8, 2019
A ticket to Beach Slap Volleyball Tournament & Beach Party gets you six beer tickets, DJ music, and games to play in the sand at North Avenue Beach for age 21+.
Food truck fest
June 8 – 9, 2019
(noon to 10 p.m.)
Pilsen Food Truck Social has dozens of food trucks, local restaurants, live music, craft vendors, and kids’ activities on 18th Street (from Racine to Throop). Donation.
Classical music festival
June 12 – Aug. 17, 2019
Grant Park Music Festival is an outdoor classical music series at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The rear seats are free, or bring a blanket or lawn chairs.
Jazz at the aquarium
June 12 – Aug. 28, 2019
Hear musicians and vocalists, see views from the terrace, buy cocktails & food, and visit the aquarium at Jazzin’ at the Shedd at Shedd Aquarium.
Taste of Randolph
June 14 – 16, 2019
(opens 5 p.m. Fri.)
Popular Taste of Randolph Street offers three stages of music, 14 restaurant booths, and artisan vendors at Randolph Street & Peoria Street. Donation.
Pork ribs festival
June 14 – 16, 2019
Brave crowds, heat, and smoke in the quest for Chicago’s best BBQ from 13 Chicagoland restaurants at Ribfest Chicago, with 25 bands and a weekend kids’ area on Lincoln Avenue (from Irving Park Road to Berteau Avenue). Donation.
Tacos & tequila
June 15, 2019
The inaugural Chicago Taco & Tequila Fest promises “traditional and exotic ingredient-stuffed tortillas paired with tequila-infused cocktails” plus margarita flights and live bands at Lincoln Park for age 21+.
Ticket deal $8 (includes a drink)
Puerto Rican Parade
June 15, 2019
(2 p.m.)
The Puerto Rican People’s Parade is on Division Street from Western Avenue to Sacramento Avenue. Free.
Wine festival
June 15, 2019
(1 to 9 p.m.)
A ticket to Uncork Illinois includes 8 tasting tickets for any of the 150 wines from 15 wineries, with live jazz in Oak Park.
Alternative-rock concert
June 15, 2019
PIQNIQ is an all-star lineup of alternative-rock bands headlined by American band AWOLNATION at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park.
Country music festival
June 21 – 23, 2019
Hear 33 country artists, including Blake Shelton, at the all-ages Country LakeShake, with food, drinks, vendors, and games at Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island.
Dragon boat races
June 22, 2019
Watch teams compete in colorful boats on the river, hear music, see dance, shop vendors, and attend an awards ceremony at Dragon Boat Race for Literacy at Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 W 19th Street. Free.
Beer at the arboretum
June 22, 2019
(1 p.m., VIP noon)
Bring a chair or blanket to the Craft Beer Festival to taste beers from 45 breweries, buy food, and hear the band Euphoria in the green surroundings of The Morton Arboretum in Lisle for age 21+.
Monday movies on the lake
June 24 – Aug. 12, 2019
(Mondays 7 p.m.)
Watch 10 different movies “that are sure to get you singing, clapping, and dancing along” during Water Flicks at Polk Bros Park. Free.
Dance outdoors
June 27 – Aug. 24, 2019
Dance to live bands and DJs at Chicago Summer Dance in city parks, including a one-hour lesson and then a two-hour dance. See schedule. Free.
Pride parade
June 30, 2019
(noon)
Chicago Pride Parade for gay and lesbian pride has 150 floats, decorated vehicles, performers, and marching bands that go past 750,000 spectators on N. Broadway.
Music festival on the beach
June 2019
Mamby on the Beach is “an all-inclusive patchwork of diverse performances with artists representing every genre in the music spectrum” on Oakwood Beach. Free shuttle bus. Children age 10 and younger are free.
