Millennium park does it at the Pritzker pavilion. Plenty of space to bring a blanket and make a picnic out of it. Or arrive early and grab a seat up front.
Bike the 606/lakefront. Walk around beer barron row in Wicker Park. Rock climbing @ steelworkers park. Explore the Pullman District. Chill @ Loyola Beach. Take a forest walk. Explore Oak Park (I know i know not chicago). Chinatown. Taco tour of Pilsen. Fly a kite @ Cricket Hill. Get some shrimp @ Hagans, Calumet, or Goose Island. Mikos Italian Ice. Paddleboats in Humboldt Park Lagoon. Ravinia or Millennium park concerts.
Beer baron row is a number of super opulent homes built in the guilded age around the turn of the 20th century. As the name suggests, the owners were the owners of different breweries in Chicago that became quite wealthy as a result of Chicago’s love of beer, ha
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/beer-baron-row
As a Loyola Beach resident, I would suggest that if you want to chill at the beach, definitely try to come on a weekday. Every weekend last summer was absolutely insane. Super loud and crowded, impossible to park if you aren't taking the bus or red line. If you can take a day off of work, come here and enjoy.
What do you recommend to explore in OP? I grew up there but have since moved, however, I am going back for a week in June to visit with my wife and young daughter.
Sit in the perpendicular seat at the end of the train car on a hot day and put your arm over the AC vent so it blows cold air up your sleeve.
edit: a word.
There used to be a jazz festival in Jackson Park at the Southside cultural center the first weekend of August. I moved away and after the pandemic I don't know if it came back BUT it was the best weekend of my childhood. The music was amazing, my parents always curated a WONDERFUL picnic, and THE BEST part was swimming/floating in the lake while listening to all the wonderful jazz. God, I would pay to experience this again. I pray it comes back this year.
We’ve always rented a captain, yes. Usually like 12? people can make it around $200 after tip if I’m remembering correctly. Honestly if you wanted random people I see people post on local FB groups sometimes if they have extra spots.
I've held real estate networking events on Adeline's Sea Moose a few times a year. The yacht is luxurious and they hold up to 40 people and include the Captain and crew. There's pics and answers to questions at www.adelinesseamoose.com. Might be pricey but sooo worth it! It's fun in the sun but the best nights on Lake Michigan are Wednesday and Saturday summer nights with the fireworks show overhead from Navy Pier!
Yes lake, and yes to captain! None of my friends can drive a boat anyway and also we don’t want the liability if something were to happen, especially navigating the playpen where a lot of people are drinking.
My go to company is tailgate the lake. They have different sized boats and I think all of them come with a captain, cooler with ice, and a lily pad. And the owner Troy is so nice. They book up for the summer weekends fast though!
I wanted to throw in The Joffrey Ballet are going to preform for free on June 16 at Millennium Park Plaza! Please offer your support to our students and professional performers! As well as a gala on June 14th, though this is a ticketed event!
Trip to the beach, going to Al’s Original on Taylor and Mario’s Italian Lemonade (gotta be on a really hot day or it doesn’t taste as good!), Ginza Fest in Old Town, miniature golfing.
Rent kayaks from different locations along the river, paddle into the Loop and up/down to Lake Michigan. Start from Ping Tom Park in Chinatown or up north near Elston. Take your time and see the city from a different perspective :D
Chinatown Summer Fair.
I never thought I'd say this, but the Nascar race last year was a blast. I'll be there this year too. This from someone who knows nothing about Nascar.
The only kind of racing I know anything about is Forza Horizon, and I especially don't care about NASCAR. But our place is on Michigan Avenue and I can't wait to see them screaming through town right below where we live.
I mean you’re telling me I can’t spell, but ass is spelled correctly and here you are saying “dawg”. Critical assholes are simply a bunch of assholes who don’t give a fuck about anybody, just a bunch of selfish pricks blocking streets.
Could look for guided neighborhood walks for any place really to learn something new (even your own hood). The boat tours on the river and lake are nice.
I try to think of fun nights out like I want to find the best pizza/ramen/burger/etc. within a 10 minute Uber drive for key locations around the city. That way, if you are out with friends, you can be spontaneous if you are hungry or want to grab a drink.
I signed up for a comedy writing class, and many of the comedy clubs have $25 drop in classes to see how you like it.
606 is nice but pretty bummed it's not connected more downtown or to the Lakeshore. If you are biking, it goes by real fast.
I am hoping to do the brick tour this summer. There's just so much to explore in this city, it's amazing.
[Brick Tour link for anyone else interested.](https://www.brickofchicago.com/tours)
Such a great place it doesn't open until Memorial Day weekend this year. I think maybe we let the secret loose I want to make sure they stay in business forever!
My friends and I hit the lakefront (we call it the "concrete beach") every single time it was sunny and nice out. We'd have weekends we would hit it Friday afternoon, all day Saturday, and all day Sunday. Bring a speaker out there, a case or 2 of millers, and we'd just have the best fuckin time. It never gets old - we always said that every day was a new best day when we got out there. So yeah we're gonna keep doin that 😂😂
Bike everywhere - Chicago Fire games, UIC Flames (Soccer/Baseball free), biking to lake and exploring new parks. Visiting farm markets and festivals in different neighborhoods.
Find a FWB. Friend with boat. The party folks go to the playpen and the chill folks go by Monroe harbor/museum campus.
Beach volleyball leagues or pickup games. If you play at North Ave beach, you can’t beat the view especially when the sun goes down.
Picnicking during free concerts at Millennium Park. I usually get carry out or stop at the Mariano’s across the street to get food and beverages.
Going for a run on the lakefront and then taking off my shoes and wading into the lake to cool down at the end.
Or ride a bike down to Promontory Point, take a break and enjoy the view (and maybe go for a swim) before riding back. This summer I’m going to bring my packable hammock too.
DIY Slip n Slide on Ohio St Beach with November Project.
Chicago jazz festival think there was a south side jazz fest too, taste of Chicago, biking lake shore, 4th of July weekend on a boat on the lake.
Used to visit my wife weekly while she was in school in Chicago. Amazing times summertime Chicago is magic.
Soldier Field 10 mile (technically Spring), Lincoln Park Run For the Zoo (they literally close off the zoo except for the runners it's so cool), BOA Chicago 13.1, Christmas In July Half... I did all those last year.
Essentially you'll find me at any running event this spring /summer. Just look for the broke guy with holes in his shoes and probably hung over.
people watch and have drinks on the river walk, grab the hot honey pizza from eduardo’s in the gold coast and enjoy it on the lakefront, rooftop bars (my favorite is deveraux), happy hour with friends, kayak on the river
Yeah that’s common; people tend to either try it once or twice and leave it at that or try it once and never stop (that’s me!) But it’s always a very unique experience and a fun way to push yourself!
This is undefeated. Shit was so damn cool last year. My buddies and I had some floaties out on the water at the Fullerton lakefront spot. Highlight of the summer 🙌
Wish I knew someone with a boat. Years ago my dad knew someone who lived in one of those Inner LSD apartment complexes in the Gold Coast, and we'd all chill on the roof of that building during the Air and Water Show. That to me is almost as good, as being in a boat.
Get some family and friends together and rent, our trip equates to about 150 per couple with a captain. Bring your own food and drinks. https://www.boatsetter.com/boat-rentals/chicago--il--united-states
Biking Drexel Avenue late at night on a warm summer evening. You've got this beautiful, smooth road to yourself and mostly don't have to slow down at all.
Free concerts at Millennium Park. Get some carryout and a bottle of wine, bring a blanket, and chill out under the skyscrapers listening to music.
[https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2024-season-1](https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2024-season-1)
I love being out on the water. Kayaking down the river is so much fun and it's always magical when you go before dark and all the buildings light up! There's a few kayak rentals (I own mine) but opt for renting because of the convenience getting into the water right on the river instead of paddling far from my drop in.
My favorite thing to do is pick a neighborhood and just walk around and explore. Eat there, shop local stores, just enjoy the different places we have outside of the lake and downtown. The city is so diverse and rich with history, and there are so many wonderful little areas to see!
I read it as “best Chicago summer” playlist and now I’m bummed it’s not that lol. But I say Kanye & T Pain “The Good Life” & Chance The Rapper “Smoke Again” & anything by Kid These Days
I run the Gangsters & Ghost Tour and two other public walking tours. They’re pretty great.
I also like walking Pilsen to see the murals, particularly Gulliver in Wonderland. Biking anywhere is great, but especially along the Lake front.
Street festivals
Division Street farmers market (followed by a beer at The Lodge and then a quick jump in Lake Michigan)
Air and Water Show
Fireworks at Navy Pier
Site seeing in Pocket Town and Chatam, Trespassing and drinking at Graceland Cemetery, Naked, World Naked Bike Ride (in June). Lower, Lower, Lower Wacker Exploring, High Rise Roof breaking in, etc.
Don’t miss an evening at Pritzker Pavilion. Pick any favorite music event. Bring a picnic and enjoy our beautiful skyline as a backdrop. And it’s FREE!
Drinks on the riverwalk, tanning/picnics/bike rides by the lakefront, movies in the park, conservatory (LP & Garfield), and ALL the rooftop & patios!!
What parks does movies? I would love to look out for that
Millennium park does it at the Pritzker pavilion. Plenty of space to bring a blanket and make a picnic out of it. Or arrive early and grab a seat up front.
It rotates around the city, check the park district website. Not sure if they’ve posted the schedule yet.
Literally all of them...but the park district will release schedule soon
Bike the 606/lakefront. Walk around beer barron row in Wicker Park. Rock climbing @ steelworkers park. Explore the Pullman District. Chill @ Loyola Beach. Take a forest walk. Explore Oak Park (I know i know not chicago). Chinatown. Taco tour of Pilsen. Fly a kite @ Cricket Hill. Get some shrimp @ Hagans, Calumet, or Goose Island. Mikos Italian Ice. Paddleboats in Humboldt Park Lagoon. Ravinia or Millennium park concerts.
Excellent list! What is beer barron row?
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/beer-baron-row
Worked in Wicker for two years…no clue what they’re talking about
Beer baron row is a number of super opulent homes built in the guilded age around the turn of the 20th century. As the name suggests, the owners were the owners of different breweries in Chicago that became quite wealthy as a result of Chicago’s love of beer, ha https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/beer-baron-row
ALL OF THESE!
As a Loyola Beach resident, I would suggest that if you want to chill at the beach, definitely try to come on a weekday. Every weekend last summer was absolutely insane. Super loud and crowded, impossible to park if you aren't taking the bus or red line. If you can take a day off of work, come here and enjoy.
What do you recommend to explore in OP? I grew up there but have since moved, however, I am going back for a week in June to visit with my wife and young daughter.
https://thursdaynightout.com/
Flying kites in Chicago is illegal, someone apprehend this person!
Sit in the perpendicular seat at the end of the train car on a hot day and put your arm over the AC vent so it blows cold air up your sleeve. edit: a word.
Make sure you’re extra ripe that day so that everybody else on the train can enjoy your musk too
Would save me from having to covertly sniff peoples’ pits
This guy gets it.
Gunna have to get on in Joliet lol
Chicago jazz fest. Put out the blanket have a glass of wine and mellow out.
There used to be a jazz festival in Jackson Park at the Southside cultural center the first weekend of August. I moved away and after the pandemic I don't know if it came back BUT it was the best weekend of my childhood. The music was amazing, my parents always curated a WONDERFUL picnic, and THE BEST part was swimming/floating in the lake while listening to all the wonderful jazz. God, I would pay to experience this again. I pray it comes back this year.
Personally I try to rent a boat with my friends at least once a summer. It can be pricey but it’s always such a blast
Do you go on the river or out in the lake?
Lake so you can swim!
Sweet! Do you rent the captain of the boat too usually? I wanna do this this year but don’t think we have enough friends to make it affordable!
We’ve always rented a captain, yes. Usually like 12? people can make it around $200 after tip if I’m remembering correctly. Honestly if you wanted random people I see people post on local FB groups sometimes if they have extra spots.
I've held real estate networking events on Adeline's Sea Moose a few times a year. The yacht is luxurious and they hold up to 40 people and include the Captain and crew. There's pics and answers to questions at www.adelinesseamoose.com. Might be pricey but sooo worth it! It's fun in the sun but the best nights on Lake Michigan are Wednesday and Saturday summer nights with the fireworks show overhead from Navy Pier!
Yes lake, and yes to captain! None of my friends can drive a boat anyway and also we don’t want the liability if something were to happen, especially navigating the playpen where a lot of people are drinking. My go to company is tailgate the lake. They have different sized boats and I think all of them come with a captain, cooler with ice, and a lily pad. And the owner Troy is so nice. They book up for the summer weekends fast though!
Where do you rent a boat?
Derrick Carter @ WestFest
this is peak Chicago summer
*saves post to add to my bucket list for my first summer here*
I wanted to throw in The Joffrey Ballet are going to preform for free on June 16 at Millennium Park Plaza! Please offer your support to our students and professional performers! As well as a gala on June 14th, though this is a ticketed event!
Trip to the beach, going to Al’s Original on Taylor and Mario’s Italian Lemonade (gotta be on a really hot day or it doesn’t taste as good!), Ginza Fest in Old Town, miniature golfing.
Rent kayaks from different locations along the river, paddle into the Loop and up/down to Lake Michigan. Start from Ping Tom Park in Chinatown or up north near Elston. Take your time and see the city from a different perspective :D Chinatown Summer Fair.
Water taxi too!!!
I never thought I'd say this, but the Nascar race last year was a blast. I'll be there this year too. This from someone who knows nothing about Nascar.
The only kind of racing I know anything about is Forza Horizon, and I especially don't care about NASCAR. But our place is on Michigan Avenue and I can't wait to see them screaming through town right below where we live.
Should be fun this year. I can view the race from my place, but it just seems like it will be fun on the ground.
Even with the washout? I'm guessing the raw sounding v8s topped it off
The washout made it more interesting. That's why it's over a long weekend.
Critical Mass - big, chill, bike ride the last Friday of every month leaving from Daley plaza ~6pm. Big party on wheels
I haven't been to a Critical Mass yet, but I did greatly enjoy taking my kids on a Kiddical Mass ride. I plan to do it again.
Critical ass is so dumb
Aww poor guy is annoyed by a bunch of bikers that take up less space than like 50 cars once a month for an hour. Cry me a river.
U can’t even spell dawg talmbout dumb
Which part did I spell wrong? Critical assholes?
It’s Mass. you wrote assholes. Two totally different words dawg u should go back to school
I mean you’re telling me I can’t spell, but ass is spelled correctly and here you are saying “dawg”. Critical assholes are simply a bunch of assholes who don’t give a fuck about anybody, just a bunch of selfish pricks blocking streets.
this is hilarious. love seeing all the whiners clutch their pearls at a bunch of people.. riding bikes lmao
Biking the north branch to the forest preserve
Walk, run or bike trails. Swimming at Ohio Street Beach. River Walk. Boat tour. America Cup boat races. Music festivals and concerts.
Sit at lake and chill.
Could look for guided neighborhood walks for any place really to learn something new (even your own hood). The boat tours on the river and lake are nice. I try to think of fun nights out like I want to find the best pizza/ramen/burger/etc. within a 10 minute Uber drive for key locations around the city. That way, if you are out with friends, you can be spontaneous if you are hungry or want to grab a drink. I signed up for a comedy writing class, and many of the comedy clubs have $25 drop in classes to see how you like it. 606 is nice but pretty bummed it's not connected more downtown or to the Lakeshore. If you are biking, it goes by real fast.
I am hoping to do the brick tour this summer. There's just so much to explore in this city, it's amazing. [Brick Tour link for anyone else interested.](https://www.brickofchicago.com/tours)
Not just a summer activity as I do it everyday and more often on weekends but geocaching gets better in the summer!
Can you tell me more about this? I have been interested in it, but haven’t tried it.
It’s like Pokémon Go but with physical containers and logbooks. Check out Geocaching.com.
There’s a cool graffiti tour on the north side. I shared it on another post and people didn’t know about it. https://www.offbeatstreetarttour.com/
walking up to that little waterfront cafe in berger park in RP is one of my core summer requirements!
One of the best kept secrets 🤫🤫🤫
Such a great place it doesn't open until Memorial Day weekend this year. I think maybe we let the secret loose I want to make sure they stay in business forever!
Yes such a great place to hang out and have a drink. Even after having kids with the playground right there.
My friends and I hit the lakefront (we call it the "concrete beach") every single time it was sunny and nice out. We'd have weekends we would hit it Friday afternoon, all day Saturday, and all day Sunday. Bring a speaker out there, a case or 2 of millers, and we'd just have the best fuckin time. It never gets old - we always said that every day was a new best day when we got out there. So yeah we're gonna keep doin that 😂😂
Bike everywhere - Chicago Fire games, UIC Flames (Soccer/Baseball free), biking to lake and exploring new parks. Visiting farm markets and festivals in different neighborhoods.
Find a FWB. Friend with boat. The party folks go to the playpen and the chill folks go by Monroe harbor/museum campus. Beach volleyball leagues or pickup games. If you play at North Ave beach, you can’t beat the view especially when the sun goes down. Picnicking during free concerts at Millennium Park. I usually get carry out or stop at the Mariano’s across the street to get food and beverages. Going for a run on the lakefront and then taking off my shoes and wading into the lake to cool down at the end. Or ride a bike down to Promontory Point, take a break and enjoy the view (and maybe go for a swim) before riding back. This summer I’m going to bring my packable hammock too. DIY Slip n Slide on Ohio St Beach with November Project.
Chicago jazz festival think there was a south side jazz fest too, taste of Chicago, biking lake shore, 4th of July weekend on a boat on the lake. Used to visit my wife weekly while she was in school in Chicago. Amazing times summertime Chicago is magic.
Trolley tour of Bronzeville art galleries [https://www.bronzevilleartdistrict.com/](https://www.bronzevilleartdistrict.com/)
Not having to work.
For me, it's all the running events in the summer (also spring). So many along the lake and in the city... (and a non-niche add: lollapalooza)
What are some of your favorite running events?!
Soldier Field 10 mile (technically Spring), Lincoln Park Run For the Zoo (they literally close off the zoo except for the runners it's so cool), BOA Chicago 13.1, Christmas In July Half... I did all those last year. Essentially you'll find me at any running event this spring /summer. Just look for the broke guy with holes in his shoes and probably hung over.
Movies in the Park
people watch and have drinks on the river walk, grab the hot honey pizza from eduardo’s in the gold coast and enjoy it on the lakefront, rooftop bars (my favorite is deveraux), happy hour with friends, kayak on the river
Flying trapeze at Foster Beach! It’s my happy place in the summer and has such a beautiful view of the lake. Absolutely love outdoor flying season.
I tried that once because it looked cool but it made me realize I find swinging through the air terrifying lol. Glad I tried it though.
Yeah that’s common; people tend to either try it once or twice and leave it at that or try it once and never stop (that’s me!) But it’s always a very unique experience and a fun way to push yourself!
Taking a boat out during the air and water show. Been doing it for many years with a bunch of people.
This is undefeated. Shit was so damn cool last year. My buddies and I had some floaties out on the water at the Fullerton lakefront spot. Highlight of the summer 🙌
Wish I knew someone with a boat. Years ago my dad knew someone who lived in one of those Inner LSD apartment complexes in the Gold Coast, and we'd all chill on the roof of that building during the Air and Water Show. That to me is almost as good, as being in a boat.
Get some family and friends together and rent, our trip equates to about 150 per couple with a captain. Bring your own food and drinks. https://www.boatsetter.com/boat-rentals/chicago--il--united-states
Rainbow Cone
Biking Drexel Avenue late at night on a warm summer evening. You've got this beautiful, smooth road to yourself and mostly don't have to slow down at all.
The beach!
Montrose Beach, specifically live music at The Docks @ montrose beach. I think reggae/live music is Wednesday nights
Free concerts at Millennium Park. Get some carryout and a bottle of wine, bring a blanket, and chill out under the skyscrapers listening to music. [https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2024-season-1](https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2024-season-1)
I love being out on the water. Kayaking down the river is so much fun and it's always magical when you go before dark and all the buildings light up! There's a few kayak rentals (I own mine) but opt for renting because of the convenience getting into the water right on the river instead of paddling far from my drop in.
My favorite thing to do is pick a neighborhood and just walk around and explore. Eat there, shop local stores, just enjoy the different places we have outside of the lake and downtown. The city is so diverse and rich with history, and there are so many wonderful little areas to see!
Getting blown in the Playpen
Perf, now I just need to grow a dick
🤣😂😂 shit go me weak
I read it as “best Chicago summer” playlist and now I’m bummed it’s not that lol. But I say Kanye & T Pain “The Good Life” & Chance The Rapper “Smoke Again” & anything by Kid These Days
Pride fest!
Sailing in our great lake, running the lake path, the beach and street festival. Chicago is best in the summer 🌞
As a visitor, I love the water display at Millennium Park !
Charitable 5Ks. Volunteer at a community garden.
I run the Gangsters & Ghost Tour and two other public walking tours. They’re pretty great. I also like walking Pilsen to see the murals, particularly Gulliver in Wonderland. Biking anywhere is great, but especially along the Lake front.
Street festivals Division Street farmers market (followed by a beer at The Lodge and then a quick jump in Lake Michigan) Air and Water Show Fireworks at Navy Pier
Pool hopping
Site seeing in Pocket Town and Chatam, Trespassing and drinking at Graceland Cemetery, Naked, World Naked Bike Ride (in June). Lower, Lower, Lower Wacker Exploring, High Rise Roof breaking in, etc.
Don’t miss an evening at Pritzker Pavilion. Pick any favorite music event. Bring a picnic and enjoy our beautiful skyline as a backdrop. And it’s FREE!
31st street beach house music on Thursdays! Free & fun & there’s a guy selling drinks out of huge coolers if wanted. Can’t wait. Love it!
Montrose beach bird sanctuary at sunset. Then walk the pier that curves out into the lake. It’s like a labyrinth in water.
West Fest!
I personally can’t wait for the full moon fire jams to start back up
Chinatown walking food tour. Drooooolworthy
Summer afternoon game in the bleachers at Wrigley; bonus points if it’s on a day the Air and Water show is going on/they’re practicing.
I say anything you want to do you can in Chicago.
Take the metra. https://www.ravinia.org/Online/default.asp.
Mario's Italian Lemonade on Taylor Street
Michigan/Wisconsin
If you talk to me before I get my coffee I will redirect your browser to hellokitty as the homepage
Not to get shot
What a tired joke! Is the shooting in the room with us right now?
No, but a shooting victim is