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August 2023 events calendar for Chicago

Plan your August in Chicago with our events calendar of the best things to do, including concerts and art exhibits

Jeffy Mai
Edited by
Jeffy Mai
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It's the last full month of summer in Chicago, but that doesn't mean the fun is stopping anytime soon! From the annual Chicago Air and Water Show along the lakefront and Bud Billiken Parade in Bronzeville to summer festivals like Lollapalooza, Ruido Fest and Ribfest Chicago, you'll find plenty of ways to keep busy in the hazy late summer heat. Plus, 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 fill your summer days? Scroll through our list of the best things to do in Chicago this August. 

RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2023

Featured events in August 2023

  • Museums
  • Museum Campus

Escape the planet with exhibits about the first lunar missions, the solar system and more, plus immersive shows in the dome theater. 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.

  • Things to do
  • Loop

Mercury Cruises’ beloved Canine Cruise is back for another season. Bring your four-legged best friend for a 90-minute ride, featuring lively narration on Chicago’s rich history and architectural marvels with dog-friendly highlights, such as dog parks, fire hydrants and dining hotspots. The tour offers unparalleled views of the city’s skyline and countless photo ops both for dogs and owners alike.

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  • Things to do
  • West Loop

Put on your best pink attire and let your nostalgia run wild at this pop-up inspired by the iconic doll. Fans will enjoy all-day brunch fare from Master Chef semi-finalist Becky Brown and sip on refreshing cocktails while hanging out on a breezy, beach-themed patio. There are plenty of photo ops—including a life-sized Barbie box—plus exclusive merch to pick up. You can even strap on roller skates and glide around an outdoor rink!

  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs
  • West Loop

Originally established in the late 1800s, the Maxwell Street Market brought vendors, musicians and cooks to an open-air flea market where shoppers could find just about anything they wanted. The market introduced the Maxwell Street Polish sausage, provided a venue for rising Chicago blues musicians and was immortalized in a scene in The Blues Brothers. These days, the market sets up on nearby Desplaines Street (between Roosevelt and Howard) on Sundays, where visitors will find vendors hawking their wares, an abundance of delicious Mexican food and occasional performances by local bands and dance troupes. Don't let the cold or wet weather scare you away—the Maxwell Street Market takes place from May through October.

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