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Photograph: Shutterstock
Photograph: Shutterstock

The best August 2026 events in Chicago

Plan your August in Chicago with our events calendar of the best things to do, including concerts, festivals and movies in parks.

Shannon Shreibak
Edited by Shannon Shreibak
Things to Do Editor, Chicago
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We may be savoring our last full month of summer in Chicago, but the fun is far from over. August brings with it some of Chicago’s best seasonal events, from Taste of Chicago and Bike the Drive to summer festivals like Lollapalooza, North Coast Music Festival and Riot Fest. Don't forget to plan a couple of languid afternoons at the best Chicago beaches—Lake Michigan's often frigid water is at its warmest this month. Looking for even more ways to make the most of the remaining summer days? Scroll through our list of the best things to do in Chicago this August.

RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2026

The best events in Chicago this August

Summer Skate at Navy Pier

  • Things to do
  • Streeterville
  • price 1 of 4
  • Recommended
Summer Skate at Navy Pier
Summer Skate at Navy Pier
Photograph: Shutterstock
Navy Pier's former Crystal Gardens space is transforming into a retro roller skating rink this summer. Grab your skates and hit the rink for some of the best views in the city, plus an arcade, drinks and groovy disco tunes. At night, the Skate After Dark party turns up the energy for the 21+ crowd with DJ sets on select nights throughout the summer.
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Jazzin’ at the Shedd

  • Music
  • Jazz
  • Museum Campus
  • price 2 of 4
  • Recommended
Jazzin’ at the Shedd
Jazzin’ at the Shedd
Photograph: Brenna Hernandez
The Shedd Aquarium's weekly summer concert series presents a rotating lineup of jazz bands on its scenic lakeside terrace, where attendees can dance, have a drink and get a great view of the Navy Pier fireworks. Guests also get access to the Shedd's exhibitions, meaning that you can gaze at the creatures that inhabit the Caribbean Reef, snap a picture of a cute sea otter or touch a sea star.
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Navy Pier Fireworks

  • Things to do
  • Fireworks
  • Streeterville
  • Recommended
Navy Pier Fireworks
Navy Pier Fireworks
Photograph: Neal O'Bryan
During the summer, the Chicago attraction hosts twice-weekly fireworks shows (on Wednesdays at 9pm and Saturdays at 10pm) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with stunning views available from across the pier's public spaces. During the winter months, the pyrotechnics return for a much-needed encore. If you're feeling weary of crowds, you can also take in the show from nearby beaches or while cruising along the Lakefront Trail.

Millennium Park Summer Film Series

  • Movies
  • Millennium Park
  • Recommended
Millennium Park Summer Film Series
Millennium Park Summer Film Series
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Pack your own popcorn, bring a blanket and enjoy another season of free outdoor movie screenings during the Millennium Park Summer Film Series. You can grab a seat in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or spread out on the Great Lawn as you watch flicks on a 40-foot LED screen. This year's lineup is to-be-announced. For the full schedule, check the official site.
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Grant Park Music Festival

  • Music
  • Classical and opera
  • Millennium Park
  • Recommended
Grant Park Music Festival
Grant Park Music Festival
Photograph: Shutterstock
For classical music lovers who enjoy taking in a show set beneath Chicago's skyline, the annual Grant Park Music Festival is a perennial favorite summer event. This year's series of classical concerts runs through August 15 with performances ranging from symphonies by Mozart and Brahms to an evening of classic Broadway arrangements and the annual Independence Day salute. Take a look at the complete schedule of events below and find more information on the Grant Park Music Festival website.

ART on THE MART

  • Art
  • Film and video
  • Recommended
ART on THE MART
ART on THE MART
Photograph: Courtesy of ART on THE MART
Displaying a 25-story-tall video installation on the side of THE MART, ART on THE MART is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, with programming that changes seasonally. ART on THE MART's array of 34 digital projectors show the creations after dusk every evening. Running Thursdays through Saturdays beginning at 7:30pm, it’s best viewed from the section of the Chicago Riverwalk between Wells Street and Franklin Street.
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Malört World Record Attempt

  • Things to do
  • Quirky events
  • River West/West Town
  • price 1 of 4
  • Recommended
Malört World Record Attempt
Malört World Record Attempt
Photograph: Courtesy Malört
Jeppson’s Malört is attempting to set the world record at its “Bad Decisions for Good Cause” event at Recess (838 W. Kinzie St.) on Sunday, August 30. The event kicks off at 5pm before the official attempt at 7:30pm. Malört will match $10 from every ticket sold to support Ravenswood Community Services, a nonprofit dedicated to providing food, housing and other supportive services to Chicagoans facing hunger and homelessness.
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Ravinia Festival

  • Things to do
  • Suburbs
Ravinia Festival
Ravinia Festival
Photograph: Russell Jenkins
The oldest music festival in North America plays host to more than 90 shows throughout summer, featuring big-name headliners like Paul Simon, Alabama Shakes and Chance the Rapper. Check out the full schedule of artists coming to Highland Park this year, and don't forget to pack a picnic.
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Adler at Night

  • Museums
  • Museum Campus
Adler at Night
Adler at Night
Photograph: Courtesy Adler Planetarium
Escape the planet with exhibits about the first lunar missions, the solar system and more, plus immersive shows in the dome theater. Stationed just a stone's throw away from the Adler, the Doane Observatory is also home to the largest public telescope in the area and gathers 7,000 times more light than the human eye. Every Wednesday, the Adler stays open late from 4pm-10pm so that folks can visit after work or school. And best of all, admission is free on those nights for Illinois residents.
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The Paper Machete

  • Comedy
  • Uptown
  • Recommended
The Paper Machete
The Paper Machete
Photograph: Sarah Larson
This weekly “live magazine” is a cavalcade of culture, politics and wit featuring journalists, actors, comedians and musicians offering idiosyncratic reports on the news of the day. Head to Uptown’s iconic Green Mill for drinks, hot takes and laughs; the longstanding Saturday afternoon edition tends to run about two and a half hours.
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