The best August 2026 events in Chicago

Chicago's biggest music festival welcomes 400,000 attendees to Grant Park for a four-day music festival that's packed with some of the biggest names in pop, rock and hip-hop. 

Jeppson’s Malört is attempting to set the world record for the most people to take a shot of this polarizing drink at once 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.

Ariana Grande will headline the United Center this summer on her Eternal Sunshine tour. Expect arena-sized spectacle paired with Grande’s signature vocal fireworks, plus a setlist pulling from across her decade-long career, from Yours Truly to Eternal Sunshine.

The first-ever Italian Beef Fest is coming to Jefferson Park for three days this summer. Local restaurants like Chicago Dog House and Genoa Italian Concessions will be serving their takes on the iconic dish, and one of them will be voted the Best Italian Beef Sandwich. There will also be live music across two stages, a kids zone and local vendors on-site. 

Time to start training for the ultimate rock 'n roll marathon: Foo Fighters are embarking on their first stadium tour since 2023's raucous Everything or Nothing At All tour. This 2026 jaunt will see the Foos at—praise be—maximum volume. Making this a true blue rock 'n roll free for all: Queens of the Stone Age and Mannequin Pussy will be rounding out the bill.

Spin classes and weight lifting can wait for the winter. This summer, jump-start your weekend with free cardio kickboxing, yoga, pilates and Zumba classes on Millennium Park’s Great Lawn and in Wrigley Square on Saturdays from May through August.

Local no-kill animal shelter PAWS hosts its 26th annual 5K race at Montrose Harbor, where humans and dogs can make their way through a lakefront course while raising money to support the organization's work. Once you cross the finish line, you'll be able to enjoy live entertainment for humans and pups alike, including a dog agility course and a "doggy oasis" outfitted with pools for cooling off. Don't have a four-legged friend to bring along? Not to worry—there will be plenty of adoptable doggos for you to pet.

This annual fest and conference celebrating the iconic dance music genre born in Chicago brings a full day of DJ sets to Millennium Park. Acts this year are to-be-announced. The live music will be preceded by an open house and panel discussions, and the festival will wrap up with a chill-down session along the Riverwalk. For a full list of programming, visit the DCASE Chicago House Music Festival and Conference website.

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.

There's a new kid joining Chicago's street festival scene, and this one promises to be unlike anything else. Edgewater will be hosting over 35 musical acts—all curated by local promoter Kickstand Productions (known for booking music acts at Beat Kitchen, Subterranean, Bottom Lounge and more)—and 100 vendors for the inaugural Edgewater Music Fest. The fest is open to all ages, with a Kids' Zone activity area for the little ones.