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It's a block party on State Street with Sundays on State. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Loop Alliance
It's a block party on State Street with Sundays on State. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Loop Alliance
6/3/23 - By Siobhan Adcock

Free activities in Chicago keep kids busy and happy throughout the summer without taxing your wallet. And you just might be surprised at just how many family-friendly summer events in Chicago are totally FREE. Of course, the city's playgrounds and splash pads are always free, and there are free days at most museums. But in the summertime, the free events in Chicago really ramp up. 

As you can see from this bursting-at-the-seams list, there's literally something free and fun to do every single day of the summer—so there's no excuse for anybody to be bored. Outdoor movies, summer festivals and street fairs, concerts and performances, public art, cultural celebrations, and picnics–and you can leave your wallet at home for all of it! (In theory, at least. There's always ice cream to buy...)

Looking for more? Our list of 100 Things to Do With Chicago Kids Before They Grow Up will do the trick, and find all the summer fun in our Ultimate Chicago Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

More Free Summer Fun in Chicago

Free Concerts | Free Outdoor Movies

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Get your wiggles out with Wiggleworms. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
Get your wiggles out with Wiggleworms. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way

Free Things To Do in Chicago All Summer

Art on the Mart

Daily through July 5, 2023
River North
Families can watch as works of art are projected on The Merchandise Mart, while listening to a variety of unique music. The show is about 30 minutes long and repeats at 7:30 and 8pm each night. READ MORE

Naperville Concerts in Your Park

Sundays through July 30
Naperville
Family-friendly music plays at parks all around Naperville on Sunday nights throughout the summer. Families can bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy music in a different park each week. READ MORE

Water Flicks at Navy Pier

Mondays, July 10, 2023 through August 28, 2023
Navy Pier
Navy Pier hosts "Water Flicks"—free, outdoor screenings of favorite family movies in Polk Bros Park. August 28 will be a viewers choice week in which families vote on Instagram for which movie they would like to see. READ MORE

Kids Evening on the Riverwalk

Tuesdays, June 6, 2023 through August 8, 2023
Naperville
The Naperville Public Library and Naperville Park District present stories, songs, and a puppet show each Tuesday evening through August 8 at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. READ MORE

Picnic on the Riverwalk

Wednesdays, June 7, 2023 through August 11, 2023
Naperville
Enjoy an all-ages, family storytime and puppet show at the Riverwalk Amphitheater Wednesdays at 10:30am. Participants can bring lunch or a snack to enjoy during the show. READ MORE

Summer Fireworks Saturdays at Navy Pier

Saturdays, May 27, 2023- September 2, 2023
Navy Pier
Fireworks fans of all ages can enjoy a spectacular display, synchronized to music, for FREE every Saturday night at Navy Pier.  READ MORE

Grant Park Music Festival

Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from June 14, 2023- August 19, 2023
Grant Park
Chicagoans of all ages can enjoy the Grant Park Music Festival, a 10-week celebration featuring world-class classical music concerts and community engagement—a Chicago tradition for more than 80 years. READ MORE

Glen Ellyn Movies in the Park

May 31, 2023, June 14, 2023 and August 10, 2023
Glen Ellyn
Glen Ellyn Park District hosts a series of movies in various parks throughout the summer.   Movies begin between 8:30 and 9pm. READ MORE

Wednesday Nights Live

Wednesdays, June 7, 2023- August 9, 2023
Elmhurst
There's a block party every week in Elmhurst City Centre with a stage set up for local bands to play at North York Plaza. Cover bands will play tributes to the Rolling Stones, The Who, Foo Fighters, and John Mellencamp. READ MORE

Music at the Gazebo

June 8, 23, and 29, July 13 and 20, and August 3, 2023
Elmhurst
Families can bring lawn chairs and blankets to listen to music throughout the evening at the Gazebo at Spring Road and the Prairie Path. A different local band is featured each week. READ MORE

Sundays on State

July 16, 2023 and August 13, 2023
State Street
Chicago's State Street is closed from Madison to Lake for a block party full of surprises. Families can enjoy art, culture, active recreation, food, and specials from local retailers. READ MORE

Jazz in the Park

June 21, 2023, July 19, 2023 and August 16, 2023
Glen Ellyn
Music lovers can enjoy some free, outdoor big band tunes at various parks throughout Glen Ellyn over the summer. The Glen Ellyn Jazz Ensemble will perform at Maryknoll Park on June 21, at Lake Ellyn Park on July 19, and at Newton Park on August 16. Families are welcome to bring a picnic blanket and/or lawn chairs and a picnic dinner. READ MORE

Naperville Municipal Band Concerts

Thursdays, June 3, 2023 through August 11, 2023
Naperville
Families can enjoy concerts with a different theme each week, as well as take part in a raffle or buy treats from a bake sale sponsored by local charities and organizations. READ MORE

Movies in Cantigny Park

Fridays, June 2,2023- August 25, 2023
Wheaton
Cantigny Park hosts weekly movies at its bandshell every Friday at sunset throughout the summer. Seating is first come, first served and visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and bug spray. Concessions can be purchased at Mamie's Toffee and Treats. READ MORE

Rockin' in the Park in Rosemont

Thursdays, June 1, 2023- August 31, 2023
Rosemont
Listen to a different local band every Thursday and select holidays throughout the summer at Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont. Fireworks follow select shows. READ MORE

Cantigny Outdoor Concerts

Sundays, May 28, 2023- September 4, 2023
Wheaton
Families can enjoy a series of tribute bands, military music, and bluegrass groups at the bandshell at Cantigny every Sunday at 3pm. READ MORE

Naperville's A Night at the Movies

July 28, August 11 and 25, September 8 and 22, 2023
Naperville
Families can enjoy Friday night outdoor movies at alternating locations between Rotary Hill and 95th Street Community Plaza throughout the summer. When the movies are at Rotary Hill, the Riverwalk concession stand offers special movie snacks such as popcorn, hot dogs, pretzel bites, nachos, candy, and soda. READ MORE

Millennium Park Summer Music Series

Mondays and Thursdays, June 22, 2023- August 21, 2023
Millennium Park
The whole family can enjoy a free, world-class concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park! The music series features a wide variety of music from top local, national, and international artists. READ MORE

Sounds of Summer Concert Series

May 26, 2023, June 9 & 23, 2023, July 14, 2023, and August 18 & 25, 2023
Wood Dale
The City of Wood Dale listens for the sounds of summer at this annual concert series in Community Square. Families can bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets and baskets to hear Modern Day Romeos, Second Hand Soul, The Jolly Ringwalds, Dancing Queen, Hi Infidelity, and more! READ MORE

Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way

Tuesdays, May 30, 2023- September 26, 2023—Wrigleyville
Kids and parents can enjoy music together with a different teaching artist each week at Gallagher Way near Wrigley Field. Performances include original music, movement, and bubbles! READ MORE

Chicago SummerDance

Wednesdays, July 15, 2023- September 6, 2023—Parks Citywide
Grant Park hosts Chicago SummerDance, where kids of all ages can enjoy music in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park and dance to the sounds of different live bands and DJs all summer long!  READ MORE

Millennium Park Summer Film Series

Tuesdays, July 11, 2023- August 29, 2023—Downtown
Millennium Park hosts free movies in the park throughout July and August. Films are shown on a state-of-the-art 40-foot LED screen READ MORE
Celebrate Pride at the Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of navypier.org
Celebrate Pride at the Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of navypier.org

Free Things to Do in Chicago in June

Vintage Baseball Game

Sunday, June 4, 2023 — Elmhurst
Grandma and Grandpa may remember how baseball looked in 1958, but at this baseball game on the Elmhurst College Mall, families can see a game as it might have been played in 1858. Local celebrities will face off in this matchup that features vastly different rules and Victorian taunts and jeers from the crowd. Huzzah! READ MORE

57th Street Art Fair

Saturday, June 3, 2023-Sunday June 4, 2023—Hyde Park
The 57th Street Art Fair is a two-day outdoor celebration of the visual arts in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, featuring the work of up to 200 exhibitors. The 57th Street Art Fair provides a venue for creators of quality fine art and fine craft to meet with the art-buying public. Music, food, and children's activities return to the fair this year after a three-year hiatus. READ MORE

Chi Soul Fest

Saturday, June 10, 2023- Sunday, June 11, 2023 — Navy Pier
Navy Pier hosts Chi-Soul Fest, an intergenerational soul music festival in honor of Black Music Appreciation Month. Music fans of all ages can learn about Chicago’s rich history of soul and enjoy tributes to legendary soul artists throughout the decades. READ MORE

Make Music Chicago

Tuesday, June 21, 2023—Citywide
All Chicagoans can celebrate their ability to make music at venues throughout the city on June 21 every year. Visit parks, plazas and porches throughout the city to participate with friends and neighbors to create and/or listen to a variety of music from amateur to professional. READ MORE

Eldridge Adventure Day

Sunday, June 11, 2023—Elmhurst
Adventure-loving kids and their parents can participate in bug hunts, a fishing derby, nature bingo, and balloon twisting in Elmhurst's Eldridge Park. Food trucks will serve lunch and treats. READ MORE

LaGrange Carnival

June 3-5—LaGrange
Rides, games, LED light displays, and concessions are the highlights of this family-friendly weekend in LaGrange. Families can also a pet parade on the Sunday of the festival. READ MORE

Old Canal Days

Saturday, June 10, 2023- Sunday, June 11, 2023—Lockport
Families can celebrate Lockport's past and present at this annual festival. A carnival, museum exhibits, food court, live music, magic show, car show and duck races will entertain families and bring out the region's heritage. Antique appraisers will give families a chance to find out what their antiques are worth, or families can travel on a trolley or go on a cemetery tour to learn more of the town's history. READ MORE

Juneteenth BBQ at DuSable Museum

Monday, June 19, 2023—Hyde Park
Bring your own grill to the DuSable Museum of African American History to celebrate Juneteenth with a barbecue. The event will include food, vendors, live entertainment, a bouncy house, table games, and horseback riding. This year's celebration also celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip hop with music from Kool Mo Dee. READ MORE

Rotary Grove Fest

Thursday, June 22, 2023- Sunday, June 25, 2023 — Downers Grove
Downers Grove celebrates summer with live music and entertainment, a carnival, a food and business expo, craft beer fest, and car show in its downtown. The festival is free, but a $5 cover charge applies to those 16 and over entering the entertainment area. READ MORE

Dragon Boat Race for Literacy

Saturday, June 24, 2023 — Chinatown
The Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Dragon Boat Race for Literacy in Ping Tom Memorial Park, featuring a lion dance opening ceremony, dragon boat races, cultural performances, exhibition booths, and children's activities. READ MORE

Swedish Days

Wednesday, June 21, 2023- Sunday, June 25, 2023—Geneva
Geneva's "Swede" annual summer festival began in 1949. It includes music, food vendors, carnival rides, and a Swedish celebration called a Vast that hosts traditions such stories, dancing around the Maypole, and a festival queen. On Kids' Day, June 23, kids can watch a parade, play in a basketball or dodgeball tournament, participate in a music contest, and visit a display of fire trucks and ladders. READ MORE

Navy Pier Pride

Saturday, June 24, 2023 — Navy Pier
Everyone is welcome at Navy Pier Pride, featuring family-friendly festivities in honor of the LGBTQ+ community, such as story times with drag queens, DJs, dancing, and of course, fireworks!  READ MORE

Logan Square Arts Festival

June 23, 2023-June 26, 2023—Logan Square
The whole family can enjoy the Logan Square Arts Festival, a three-day celebration of the creativity, diversity, and vitality of Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, featuring two stages of live music, visual art, performance art, dance, and food and drinks from local vendors. READ MORE

Summer Fest Glenview

Saturday, June 24, 2023
Experience the best of summer in Glenview at this perennial favorite street festival. Families can enjoy live entertainment, a balloon artist, magician, bubble station, local artists, and food and drinks from local vendors. READ MORE

Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks

Saturday, June 24, 2023—Grayslake
Live music, local food vendors, and carnival rides lead up to the annual fireworks display in Grayslake. This kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks season in Chicago READ MORE

Villa Park Summerfest

Saturday, June 24, 2023—Villa Park
Family-friendly music, interactive activities, a bags tournament, face-painting, magic, and balloon animals provide entertainment for kids and families at this annual west suburban street festival. Families can also enjoy food and beverages from local vendors. READ MORE

Artists of the Wall Festival

Saturday, June 17, 2023—Loyola Beach
Watch as more than 150 artists paint sections of the 600-foot retaining wall along the lakefront from Farwell Avenue to Morse Avenue. Musical performances and food and drink vendors add to the family-friendly fun. In 2023 artists will paint works with the them of "Stories of the Wall." READ MORE
Free festivals in July for the win! Photo courtesy of Wicker Park Fest
Free festivals in July for the win! Photo courtesy of Wicker Park Fest

Free Things To Do in Chicago in July

Hometown Fest

June 30, 2023-Tuesday, July 4, 2023—Palatine
Palatine Jaycees hosts its annual Fourth of July festival with live bands, food vendors, carnival rides, a craft fair, and family days. Fireworks will light up the sky on July 3. READ MORE

Taste of Westmont

Friday, July 13, 2023 - Sunday, July 16, 2023
Westmont
West Suburban families don't have to travel to the city for the Taste as Westmont hosts its own Taste of Westmont event. Local food vendors sell treats while live music plays. Kids can enjoy a carnival with wristbands for unlimited rides for sale. READ MORE

Southport Art Festival

Saturday, June 9, 2023- Sunday, June 10, 2023
Southport
Visitors can peruse and purchase many various kinds of art on tree-lined Southport Avenue at this West Lakeview street festival. A kids' area includes interactive games and activities. READ MORE

Jazz Up Glen Ellyn

Saturday, July 15, 2023
Glen Ellyn
Musically inclined families can take to the streets of Glen Ellyn to enjoy live music and food from local vendors. Each family can reserve a socially distanced square and have food or goodies from local vendors delivered to their seats. READ MORE

Bucktown Neighborhood and Garden Walk

Saturday, July 15, 2023- Sunday July 16, 2023
Bucktown
Bring the family to Bucktown for the  annual garden walk and neighborhood celebration READ MORE

Fresh Fest!

Thursday, July 13, 2023 & Friday, July 15, 2023
Downtown
Youth performers play and sing music, dance, and perform spoken word art at Navy Pier's Wave Wall at this free two-day festival. READ MORE

Tacos y Tamales Festival

Friday, July 21, 2023 - Sunday, July 23, 2023
Pilsen
Families can enjoy some authentic Mexican food at the Annual Tacos y Tamales Festival, a street fair based on a traditional Mexican market known as the Tianguis. READ MORE

Butterfield Park District Family Fun Fest

Saturday, July 23, 2023
Lombard
Kids can set sail for some summer fun at this nautical-themed family party. Activities include games, crafts, raffles, giveaways, and food. Admission to the pool is free during the event.  READ MORE

Chicago Ridge Fest

Friday, July 28, 2023 - Sunday, July 30, 2023
Chicago Heights
Southside and South Suburban families can enjoy a carnival, restaurant row, merchant row, and live entertainment at this annual festival. Adult beverages are provided by Hayes Beer. READ MORE

Fiesta Del Sol

Thursday, July 27, 2023- Sunday, July 30, 2023
Pilsen
Fiesta del Sol is an annual family-friendly event to celebrate and support the Pilsen neighborhood, featuring live entertainment, local art, a variety of food, carnival rides, a designated children’s area, educational resources for parents and youth, soccer games, and more. READ MORE

Chinatown Summer Fair

Saturday, July 29, 2023- Sunday, July 30, 2023
Chinatown
The whole family can enjoy the annual Chinatown Summer Fair, featuring a Dragon & Lion Dance Procession, artisan booths, delicious neighborhood cuisine, and activities for families and children. READ MORE

Wicker Park Fest

Friday, July 21, 2023- Sunday, July 23, 2023—Wicker Park
The 17th annual Wicker Park Fest will take place along Milwaukee Avenue from North Avenue to Division Street, featuring restaurant vendors and musical entertainment for the whole family, including a dedicated "Kids Fest" stage and kids' activities on Saturday and Sunday, such as balloon animals, face painting, and games!  READ MORE
Anyone remember American Gladiators? Photo courtesy of Retro on Roscoe
Anyone remember American Gladiators? Photo courtesy of Retro on Roscoe

Free Things to Do in Chicago in August

Northbrook Days

Wednesday, August 2, 2023- Sunday, August 7, 2023
Northbrook
North Suburban residents and visitors can enjoy rides, games, live music, food, beer, and wine at this annual festival in Northbrook's Metra Commuter Lot West. Special Friends morning is Saturday, August 5, from 9:30- 11:30 a.m. READ MORE

Latinxt Music Festival at Navy Pier

Saturday, August 5, 2023- Sunday, August 6, 2023
Navy Pier hosts LatiNxt, a two-day Latin music and art festival featuring performances from Latin artists around the globe, as well as art, crafts, and plenty of dancing! READ MORE

Retro on Roscoe

Friday, August 11, 2023 - Sunday, August 13, 2023
Roscoe Village
Artisans, antique vendors, and merchants join three stages of entertainers at this North Side street festival. Local restaurants featuring street fest-friendly foods and classic cars round out the line-up for this old-fashioned family fun event. READ MORE

Edison Park Fest

Friday, August 11, 2023- Sunday, August 13, 2023
Edison Park
Since 1972, Chicago families have enjoyed shopping from local vendors at Edison Park Fest. Since then, the festival has grown to include music from local bands, street festival food, and kids' entertainment. READ MORE

Bud Billiken Parade

Saturday, August 12, 2023
South Side
The Bud Billiken Parade is the oldest and largest African American parade in the United States, and this year marks its 94th anniversary! Guests of all ages can enjoy a procession of bands, dance groups, and floats marching down King Drive, commemorating the community's past and celebrating its future. READ MORE

Air and Water Show

Saturday, August 19, 2023- Sunday, August 20, 2023
Lakeshore
Chicago hosts its annual Air and Water Show featuring the US Navy Blue Angels. This is the largest free show of its kind in the United States. The event is located at North Avenue Beach, but viewable all along the coast of Lake Michigan. READ MORE

Chalk Howard Street

Saturday, August 26, 2023—Rogers Park
Food, live music, outdoor chalk art gallery, and a creative space for aspiring chalk artists are all at Chalk Howard Street. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Naperville Parks
State Street from Madison to Lake
Naperville Community Concert Center
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Parks Citywide
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion & Great Lawn
DuSable Museum of African American History
Northbrook Metra Station Parking Lot