Searching for what to do in Chicago in August? Here are the best things to do in Chicago in August (from a local!) – from fun outdoor activities and attractions to the best August events and festivals.
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I plan to update it regularly with new events and activities.
Chicago in August
August is a popular month to visit Chicago. The weather is hot and sunny and locals and visitors are happy to be outside enjoying summer fun.
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What to Pack for Chicago in August
For out of town visitors, please note that the weather in Chicago in August can get very hot and humid. Here are some things to pack if you are visiting Chicago in August for the first time:
• Comfortable walking shoes – Chicago is a very walkable city so you will do a lot of walking
• Reusable water bottle – It can get very hot so it is important to stay hydrated
• Sunglasses
• A hat
• A travel umbrella – It does occasionally rain in August
• Light sweater (and scarf) – For cooler nights and cold air conditioned places
• Waterproof case for your phone – if you plan to go kayaking
• External battery for your phone – it will be hard to find someplace to recharge your phone’s battery when you are outdoors
• Mosquito repellant- Mosquitos can be an issue if you are planning to be outside around dusk or in the evening especially at Navy Pier
• Sunscreen -Especially if you are planning to spend a lot of time outdoors
• Bathing suit and other beach essentials (if you are planning to spend time at the beach)
If you forget to bring something essential, don’t worry. There are many drugstores all over the city if you need to pick something up.
Things to Do in Chicago in August
Below are the best things to do in Chicago in August including all of the best August events and festivals.
Take an Architecture River Cruise
Chicago has amazing architecture and the best way enjoy it is by going on an architecture river cruise.
Take a Lake Cruise
August is one of the best months for a lake cruise as the cool breeze on the water is refreshing on a hot day. While you don’t get to see the buildings up close like on a architecture river cruise, you do get to enjoy skyline views especially around sunset.
If your time is short, you can do a combination river and lake cruise.
Watch Free Fireworks at Night
If you are looking for a fun thing to do in Chicago at night, Navy Pier puts on a free fireworks show on Wednesday and Saturday nights during the month of August.
While you can watch the fireworks show from Navy Pier, you can also watch the show from various spots along the Lakefront.
Another great option for watching the fireworks is a lake or river cruise which will stop on the water for passengers to enjoy the show.
Listen to Concerts Under The Stars
Enjoy a music concert on a beautiful rooftop with city views. Concerts Under The Stars taking place this August include:
Sinatra Under the Stars
Queen: Rock the Aire! at the Aire Rooftop
Piano Men: A Billy Joel & Elton John Tribute at the Aire Rooftop
You can find the full list of Concerts Under The Stars here.
Attend a Candlelight Concert
Chicago’s Candlelight Concerts is a series of special classical music concerts that take place in beautiful venues bathed in candlelight. Some of the concerts taking place this August include:
A Tribute to Coldplay on Strings
A Tribute to Beyoncé
Neo-Soul & Hip-Hop Favorites
You can find the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago here.
Hang out on the Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is one of the best spots in Chicago for boat and people watching. There are also restaurants, bars, shops and spots to sit and relax along the way.
Where: Along the south bank of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago from Lake Michigan to west of Franklin Street. You can see a map of attractions on the Riverwalk here.
Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Take a Kayak Tour
A fun way to explore the city is to go kayaking in the Chicago River. There are several companies that offer kayaking tours in Chicago including Urban Kayaks, Kayak Chicago and Wateriders.
Please note that you will get a little wet so bring a waterproof case for your phone and water-resistant or quick-drying clothing.
You can also rent kayaks at Ohio Street Beach.
Have Fun at Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a must do if you are visiting Chicago with toddlers or young kids.
Check out the new Flyover Chicago, an immersive flyover experience.
Other fun attractions at Navy Pier including a large Ferris wheel (click here to purchase a fast pass ticket and skip the long line), restaurants, shops and the Chicago Children’s Museum.
Make sure to come back or stay for the free fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday night.
In addition to Navy Pier’s attractions, visitors in the summer can enjoy free events and programs including Live on the Lake!, an outdoor live music series featuring free live music every weekend in the Navy Pier Beer Garden.
Listen to Free Music in Millennium Park
A great Chicago activity in August is listening to free concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.
The Millennium Park Summer Music Series (Mondays & Thursdays through August 8) features a wide variety of music from established and emerging artists at the iconic Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
The annual Grant Park Music Festival (through August 17) is the only free outdoor classical-music concert series in the US. It features the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra and Grant Park Chorus along with guest performers and conductors.
Watch Free Movies Outside at Various Parks
Watch free movies outside at Millennium Park presented on the state-of- the-art, 40-foot LED screen as part of the Millennium Park Summer Film Series every Tuesday through August 20. Guests can sit at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or lounge on the Great Lawn.
You can also watch free outdoor movies this summer at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville, Navy Pier and various public parks throughout the city.
See Famous Works of Art at the Art Institute of Chicago
Want to escape the heat and head indoors to cool off? The Art Institute of Chicago (111 S Michigan Ave) is one of best indoor attractions in Chicago. It is one of the largest art museums in the United States and is frequently found on lists of the top museums in the world. You must purchase your ticket online in advance.
Click here to buy a fast pass ticket if you want to avoid long lines.
Splash in Crown Fountain
On hot summer days, kids (and some adults) love to splash in the water from Crown Fountain (which is also located in Millennium Park).
Enjoy the Beach
Most people don’t think of Chicago as a beach destination but Chicago has many beaches on Lake Michigan. Oak Street Beach and Ohio Street Beach are conveniently located close to the major tourist attractions. North Avenue Beach is located close to Lincoln Park and has great skyline views of Chicago and but is also the most crowded.
You can rent kayaks at Ohio Street Beach here.
If you are thinking of getting in the water, make sure to check swimming conditions here.
Walk or Bike the Lakefront Trail
Chicago’s Lakefront Trail is a paved path on a 18-mile-long stretch along Lake Michigan. In the summer and especially on weekends, the lakefront is packed with locals and visitors walking, running and riding bikes. Walking or biking all or part of the trail is a great way to see Chicago skyline, people watch and get some exercise. Here is a map of the trail as well as its access points.
Look for Street Art
Chicago is full of street art and there are always new murals popping up. One of the most famous Chicago murals is “Moose Bubblegum Bubble” (pictured above) by Jacob Watts which located at 33 E. Ida B. Wells Drive (formerly 33 E. Congress Parkway). It is part of the Wabash Arts Corridor which is walking distance to Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and other well known tourist attractions. You can find more detailed mural walks in the Loop here.
Another famous mural is The Greetings From Chicago Mural at 2226 N Milwaukee Ave, in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. You can see this mural and more on this street art tour.
Walk the 606
The 606 is Chicago’s version of The Highline in NYC, an elevated trail goes through 2.7 miles of the city’s northwest side neighborhoods: Wicker Park, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square. It is a bit off the beaten tourist path but it is a great place to walk or ride a bike. There are several access points so you can get off the trail to explore the various neighborhoods.
Museum of Contemporary Art Tuesdays on the Terrace
The Museum of Contemporary Art hosts the popular Tuesdays on the Terrace this summer. Enjoy free music highlighting artists from Chicago’s internationally renowned jazz community at at MCA’s Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden. This year’s series includes house, Guatamalan marimba, electro-pop, and more, while maintaining a set of jazz performances.
When: Through August 27.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Cost: Free.
Jazzin’ at the Shedd
Listen to live jazz music at the Shedd Aquarium this summer until the end of August. The popular midweek Jazzin’ at the Shedd series combines great Jazz music, the city skyline, fireworks and animals. Relax with a drink on the breezy terrace and take in their unbeatable city view or stroll the aquarium.
When: 5 – 10 p.m. on Wednesdays through August 28.
Where: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Cost: Adult $39.95 ($19.95 for Chicago residents), Children (3-11) $29.95 ($14.95 for Chicago residents), Members $14.95
Watch a Baseball Game
Chicago is known for their love of their sports teams, so if you are visiting in August you might want to attend a baseball game. To those unfamiliar, historic Wrigley Field is home to one of the city’s baseball teams – the Cubs. Whether a fan of the Cubs, baseball in general or just a fun atmosphere, a day at the 100 year old ballpark is a must for locals and tourists alike. You don’t need to enjoy baseball to enjoy a Cubs game – it is fun to just soak in the atmosphere.
If you want to see both Chicago MLB teams in action, check out the 2nd installment of the Crosstown Classic on August 9-10.
You can find the Cubs schedule here and the Chicago White Sox schedule here.
Eat or Drink on a Rooftop
Chicago has several rooftop bars and restaurants with amazing views of Chicago. Here are some of the best rooftops in Chicago:
Cindy’s (12 S Michigan Ave) – Restaurant and bar on the rooftop of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel located across Millennium Park which offers panoramic instagram worthy views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. This is a popular spot and the wait for the elevator can be long but if you visit around the time it opens you can enjoy the great views without the crowds.
LH ON 22 (85 East Wacker Drive) – Enjoy classic cocktails and small bites from the outdoor LH terrace of LondonHouse Chicago which offers great views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile.
The J. Parker (1816 N Clark St) on the rooftop of the Hotel Lincoln with great views of Lincoln Park.
Kennedy Rooftop (1551 W North Ave) on top of the Hyatt Place Wicker Park, has amazing skyline views.
Attend an Outdoor Festival
Want to enjoy live music, food, drink and people watch? August is a popular month for outdoor festivals and events in Chicago. Outdoor festivals taking place in August include: Lollapalooza (August 1-4), Dancing In The Streets (West Town) (August 2-4), Edison Park Fest (August 2-4), Sabor Taco Y Tequila Fest (Pilsen) (August 2-4), Taylor Street Little Italy Festa (August 8-11), Retro on Roscoe (August 9-11), Northalsted Market Days (August 10-11), Printer’s Row Art Fest (August 10-11), Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival (August 16-18), Chalk Howard Street (August 24), Galewoodstock Music Festival (August 24), Bucktown Arts Fest (August 24-25), Chicago Romanian Food & Folk Festival (August 24-25), Chicago Jazz Festival (August 29-31), ARC Music Festival (August 30-31), North Coast Music Festival (August 29-30, 2025), West Loop Art Fest (August 30-31) and Taste of Polonia Festival (August 30-31).
See the Chicago Air & Water Show
The Chicago Air & Water Show takes place in Chicago every August and is the largest FREE show of its kind in the United States and one of Chicago’s most popular events. The show can be viewed for free along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.
Where: North Ave. Beach and along the Lakefront
More Chicago August Events
In addition to the activities and festivals mentioned above, other major Chicago August events include: Taste of Andersonville (August 7), Chicago Ducky Derby (August 8), Bud Billiken® Parade (August 10), Great American Lobster Fest (August 10-11), Sangria Festival (Humboldt Park) (August 17-18), Summer Whiskey Tasting Festival (August 24) and Life Time Chicago Triathlon (August 24-25).
For more events in August check out my post on the best things to do in Chicago this weekend which is updated weekly.
As you can see there are many things to do in Chicago in August.
If you are looking for more things to do in Chicago in August or the rest of the summer, see my list of the Best Things to do in Chicago in the Summer.
Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:
