Chicago's NPR News Source
summer guide header illustration.png

Summer Guide 2024

No city beats Chicago in summer activities. Here’s your guide to the best summer in the city, from food to concerts to nature. Illustration by Jazmin Rodriguez for WBEZ.

It’s a fact we Chicagoans hold dear: No city summers better than ours.

Our parks and waterways fill with revelers, streets close for all manner of festivals and a vibrancy and sense of joy hang in the air.

This year’s WBEZ Summer Guide covers not just the best events of the season, but also other activities that take advantage of glorious weather. Take to the water with our list of beaches, pools, splash pads and more. Or get your friends together to eat quintessential frozen treats or the hottest dishes debuting this summer.

However you want to make the most of this year’s Chicago summer, we have a guide for that. Check them out below.

Editing by Cassie Walker Burke, Bianca Cseke and Lauren Viera. Digital production by Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis. Design by Andjela Padejski. Copy editing by Bianca Cseke and Mendy Kong. Illustrations by Jazmin Rodriguez for WBEZ.

This summer, ditch the urban routines of Chicago for a slow-paced day trip or culture-rich overnight stay in the Midwest.
Yes, Chicago is always a food town. But summer brings forth a particularly glorious array of handhelds, frozen delights and seasonal specials.

Summer Guide Landing Page Headers

Get your fix of music, dance and theater on stages all around Chicago.


Summer Guide Landing Page Headers

From fried to frozen, here are some local bites to try.

Yes, Chicago is always a food town. But summer brings forth a particularly glorious array of handhelds, frozen delights and seasonal specials.
Mariscos San Pedro is the flashy newcomer opening up in Thalia Hall. But the chef behind it is a second generation Chicago food talent with a flair for experimentation.

Summer Guide Landing Page Headers

Whether it be kayaking or taking a swim, summer is the best time to explore area waterways.


Summer Guide Landing Page Headers

Chicago’s many neighborhoods each have their own flavors, traditions and celebrations.

Bachata. Swing dancing. Steppin’. Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a summer full of movement.
There’s a neighborhood festival every weekend. But these offer it all: neighborhood flavor, great tunes and stellar food.
WBEZ’s annual list of 80-plus markets across the metro Chicago area, including this season’s programming and available prepared food offerings.

Summer Guide Landing Page Headers

Here are the best ways to use your vacation days.

This summer, ditch the urban routines of Chicago for a slow-paced day trip or culture-rich overnight stay in the Midwest.

Summer Guide Landing Page Headers

Chicago offers plenty of natural wonders that offer respite from the hustle.

Got a bike? Hit up the path along Lake Michigan — and keep your eyes peeled for architectural gems and important historical markers from the South Side to downtown.
Looking for a retreat in or near the city? Here are 10 trails, parks, forest preserves, urban gardens and lesser-known spots to escape the hustle and hurry.

Summer Guide Landing Page Headers

Find new ways to work on your Goodreads challenge with our recommendations.

Parks, beaches, cafes, libraries — all you need to bring is your current book. Need a suggestion? We have those, too.
It is truly a year of phenomenal books, Nerdette’s Greta Johnsen says. Here are the ones you should take to the beach with you.