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Photograph: Kevin Serna

The best things to do this summer in Chicago

Experience the summer in Chicago you deserve with our guide to festivals, beaches, rooftops and more.

Emma Krupp
Jeffy Mai
Written by
Emma Krupp
&
Jeffy Mai
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Welcome to summer, Chicago! We've only got a few precious months of warm weather and long days to enjoy, so let us help you make the most of it with our guide to the city's best season. A few ideas: Maximize your time outside at rooftop bars and restaurants, catch outdoor movies in city parks, sample bites at a street festival and spend your weekends dancing to live tunes at the best summer music festivals in Chicago. And if you're looking for free things to do in Chicago, it's tough to beat a long day at the beach! Summer won't stick around forever—scroll through and get ready to explore the best of the city's warm weather offerings.

Time Out Chicago's Summer Challenge

It's hard to believe but summer will be over before we know it. That's why we've rounded up our favorite must-do summer activities (with a nifty badge to boot). Our challenge to you? Enjoy as many of these experiences as you can before the season ends. Game on.

Things to do in the summer in Chicago

Eat some ice cream

Eat some ice cream

There's only one thing that can truly cool you down on a scorching-hot summer day.

Dine by the water

Dine by the water

Snag food and drinks by the river or lake at these waterfront spots.