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What to Do in Chicago in June

Updated: March 4, 2024
 By Mel

This post covers the best things to do in Chicago this June, including a top 10 list as well as family-friendly, nighttime activities, and free things to do, all updated for 2024.

Let's dive in!

Disclosure: While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.


TOP 10 ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS IN JUNE

If you're looking for the best things to do in June, take a look at our suggestions for the best activities here, which include sports, theatre, and festivals.

And for ideas on some of Chicago's most popular tourist activities, check out the following post:

Some of the things we've listed here are included in one of the available tourist attraction passes.

And be sure to check out our post on the weather in June in Chicago.


1. Attend a Concert

If you are a music lover or a fan, be sure to check out a concert while in Chicago.

There are many venues in the Chicago area, from giant spaces to intimate bars.

Rock/Pop Concerts

Opera/Classical Concerts

Music Festivals

Click here to see more Chicago-area concerts happening in June.


2. Go to a Sporting Event

Chicago is a big sports town no matter what season! If you are visiting and want to feel like a local- be sure to catch a game. 

In June, be sure to catch a ball game at Wrigley Field or U.S. Cellular Field (Comiskey Park if any locals are reading this.)

Basketball  

If you're in the mood for a dynamic and fast-paced basketball game, you can find that with the Chicago Sky and the Bulls.

If the Chicago Bulls have been performing very well in 2024, there's a chance you'll be able to catch some playoff games this month.

Baseball

To see Chicago's professional baseball teams in play, check out the Chicago Cubs or Chicago White Sox.

Soccer

To catch the most popular sport in the world, purchase soccer tickets for the Chicago Fire.

Look here for even more sporting events in June in Chicago.

Check out the rest of our family-friendly activities below. 


3. Go to the Theatre

Chicago is home to many regional theatres, small black box spaces, and Broadway Tour houses. 

As such, there will be plenty of great theatrical performances to see throughout the month of June.

Musicals/Plays

Dance/Performance Art

Family-Friendly

Check here for even more events in the Chicago area in June.

You might also enjoy our self-guided theatre tour which takes you past the exteriors of some of the oldest movie palaces in the downtown Loop.


4. Go on a Sightseeing Tour

Grab your sunscreen and water bottle and join a sightseeing tour!  We offer pay-what-you-like walking tours in Windy City. 

We have a variety of tour options for all types of travelers!  

If you’d prefer a bus tour, we have a great comparison of Chicago’s best. From hop-on-hop-off buses to dedicated tours, you’ll find one to suit you here.


5. Celebrate at Chicago Pride

Who doesn't enjoy a celebratory street festival and parade?

You can join the joyful crowds at the 23rd annual Pride Fest in the Northalsted neighborhood from June 22-23rd.

There will be music, drag performances, dance exhibitions, and loads of food and goods vendors.

The Chicago Pride Parade, which has taken place for over 50 years, is on June 30th.


6. See More with a Chicago City Pass

Many of Chicago's biggest attractions have entry fees.

While you do pay for a tourist attraction pass, it can give you savings and free admission into some interesting tours and museums, saving you up to 55%.

They can also save you time with skip-the-ticket-line privileges.

Each Chicago Tourist Attraction Pass includes a variety of fun family-friendly activities and attractions. 

Here are a few examples of what you can visit with a tourist pass, for a savings or for free.


7. Attend the Chicago Blues Festival

The annual Chicago Blues Festival, taking place June 6-9, 2024 is one of the largest blues festivals in the world.

Some of the most famous names in blues music have performed here, including BB King, Howlin' Wolf, and Muddy Waters.

It takes place in Grant Park, across multiple stages, and is *free* to attend!


8. Attend a Food or Art Festival

Once the weather starts to warm up, Chicagoans love to celebrate! There are usually many festivals in June. Below we list the best ones. 

Food Festivals

Greek Fest | For all things Greek head to Lincoln Park over May 31-June 2.

Midsommarfest | This beloved 58-year-old festival celebrating Swedish culture takes place in the Andersonville neighborhood June 7-9.

Do Division Street Fest | Live local music, food vendors, a Family Fun Fest, and a fashion show take place May 31st-June 2nd.

Taste of Randolph | This street festival has 6 blocks of food, drink, and music. Dates haven't yet been announced for 2024.

For one of the biggest June food festivals, see RibFest below.

Art Festivals

Wells Street Art Festival | 50,000 people attend this festival with music, performance artists, a children's play area, art, and more.

57th Street Art Fair | For 77 years (!) this free art fair in the Hyde Park neighborhood has taken place. Visit them June 1 and 2.


9. Ribfest

Ribs and rock’n’roll?  Yes, please! 

Each year in June there's a 3-day festival with food, drink, and music, all of it found at RibFest Chicago. 

Ribfest has been bringing BBQ to Chicago for 24 years. Think 50,000 lbs of pork and 60,000 attendees, and you'll understand how much this festival is loved.

Visit the Northcenter neighborhood for this huge festival June 14th-16th


10. See a Comedy or Improv Show

Chicago is well known for comedy and improv. Just ask Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, or Steve Carell.

If you attend one of the shows below you may be seeing seasoned Chicago improvisers or perhaps a group of students. But who knows? One of them could be the next Chris Farley.

Comedy Shows

Comedy Clubs

Improv

Check here for even more comedy shows taking place in Chicago in June



THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN JUNE

Many of our top ten activities are perfect for the evening hours, but below are some other suggestions to fill in your evenings during the month of June!

Read our post about the Top Ten Things to Do in Chicago at Night for more ideas. 


Take a Night Tour

For a lovely view, stroll along our  Twilight Chicago Riverwalk & History Tour which ends a 10-minute walk from Navy Pier. 

Looking to see a different side of Chicago? Take a walk with some spooky history on our evening Ghost Tour

You can expect to laugh more than you scream as you learn about past hauntings. 

You will also learn some of the dark histories of The White City.

Also, several bus tours operate night versions of their day tours.


Art on the Mart

Head the Riverwalk at sunset to see an amazing art projection called Art on the Mart on the Merchandise Mart Building (a building so large, it has its own zip code!)


Fireworks at Navy Pier

Navy Pier is the place to be in Chicago if you love fireworks! The summer firework season kicks off in Chicago on May 27th and runs to September.

The shows happen twice a week on Wednesdays at 9 pm and Saturdays at 10 pm.

If you really want to make a night of it, book tickets for one of the many boats that offer fireworks cruises. Click here for more details.


The Bridgeport Art Center

Located in the Bridgeport building which is a creative home for local artists and designers, there is an outdoor sculpture garden and three curated art galleries.  

On the 3rd Friday of each month between 7-10 pm, people are invited to see the painters, sculptors, photographers work.


FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN JUNE

Below you will find several great options to keep your children entertained this month, including parks, museums, and theater!

Check out our post about Family-Friendly Activities in Chicago for a more complete guide. 


Go to a Family-Friendly Improv Show

ComedySportz is known for being family-friendly! It is a game-inspired improv show similar to Who’s Line is it Anyway? 

If anyone on the team uses a curse word- they actually lose points! This means that this show is really made for all ages.


Go to a Park

Chicago is full of green grass and playgrounds for kids to get out their energy.

One of the best parks is nestled in-between downtown and Lake Michigan, Maggie Daley Park.

As one of our newest parks, it is also one of the best, with lots of different playgrounds for kids of all ages, a rock climbing wall, mini-golf, and tennis courts.

Read all about exploring the outdoors of Chicago in our blog post.


Go to the Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country, and one of the last few free zoos.

Home to over 1,000 animals, this is a great stop during your time in the city.

While you are in the area, you can also explore the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the park itself. 


Visit Maxwell Street Market

A fun street fair to enjoy is the Maxwell Street Market on Sunday mornings between 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

This has been a Chicago tradition for over 100 years!

Take in the bargains and culture at this year-round market. The market has free admission. For more details, see here.


FREE THINGS TO DO IN JUNE

There are many free activities to take advantage of in Chicago including walking tours, the zoo, and other attractions.

Check out our comprehensive post about the Top Free Things to Do in Chicago.


Attend the Old Town Art Fair

Voted America’s #1 Art Fair for the fourth year in a row!  You’ll walk along the tree-lined streets of Chicago’s historic Old Town Triangle District.

Experience 250 nationally acclaimed artists, a Garden Walk, Music, activities for children, food, and drinks.  

The fair is June 8th-9th, from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Click here for more information about the event.


Stroll the Riverwalk

With the warmer weather, it is the perfect time to explore the Riverwalk.

This beautiful stretch will bring you below the busy streets and right along the river’s edge, lined with restaurants, art, and fountains.

Learn more about the river and the riverwalk itself on our Riverwalk and History Tour


Under the Picasso

Daley Plaza offers free programming throughout the year Under the Picasso

There is music, festivals, markets, and interactive events. Check their calendar for updates.  

Daley Plaza and the Picasso are also sites to see on our Loop & Millennium Park Tour.


Visit a Free Museum

The Jane Addams Hull House is an incredible museum that is located in one of the original Hull House homes. 

The National Museum of Mexican Art is a donation-based museum for art lovers.

Another option is to go into the bottom of the Watertower for a small but mighty free art museum! 

If you are joining us on our pay-what-you-like Magnificent Mile walking tour you will enter this museum with your tour guide.


Explore the Farmers Market

Now that the weather is warming up, farmers' markets will begin to pop up across the city!

From produce to homemade crafts and baked goods, you will definitely find something interesting or delicious.

Find a list of the city's markets and their schedules here


Check Out the Chicago Cultural Center

This beautiful and historic building is free and open for the public to explore. 

Beyond the art that lines the walls, you will find free traveling films, lectures, and performances here. 

This is also a great place for children’s programming. They offer their own free tours every Thursday and Friday at 1:15 pm

Check out their calendar of events to see what is going on during your visit. 


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About The Author

Mel

Mel loves to be a tourist in her own city. With a background in performing arts, tourism, and photography, giving tours and being a story-teller comes naturally to her. She loves traveling, food, and theatre. Mel splits her time between Chicago and Los Angeles (#theatrelife) and leads tours and manages both cities!
Updated: March 4th, 2024
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