With long days and warm nights, summer weekends are made for exploring. Whether you’re staying local or venturing out, here are a few events worth adding to your calendar.
Experience We Are Carried
A cappella gets a fresh spin at withonevoice’s third summer concert season. This Chicago-based vocal collective is known for pairing classical works with new, genre-crossing pieces that highlight the full range of the human voice. This year’s program features multiple world premieres, including compositions by local standout Alex Berko and Canadian composer Katerina Gimon.
Date: July 24
Time: 7:30PM-9PM
Cost: $25 Suggested Donation
Location: COFAC Recital Hall, 1 University Circle, Macomb
More Info: zeffy.com
Sip and Stroll at Uncorked
Raise a glass to warm nights at Uncorked, the Oak Park Conservatory’s signature summer series. Grab a friend and sip your way through the lush Rubinstein Garden. Your ticket includes two drink pours, light bites, and a chance to explore the Conservatory’s tropical and desert showrooms after hours. An easy, elegant way to unwind, and maybe discover your new favorite vintage.
Date: July 25
Time: 6PM-8PM
Cost: $25
Location: Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St, Oak Park
More Info: pdop.org
Find Hidden Gems at Garage Sale
This isn’t your average driveway affair. Head to the annual Garage Sale to dig for deals, chat with neighbors, and maybe clear out some clutter of your own. Shoppers can score vintage finds, household goods, and a few unexpected treasures while sellers enjoy steady foot traffic in a friendly community setting.
Date: July 26
Time: 9AM-12PM
Cost: Free to Attend; $10 to Participate
Location: Recreation Center Parking Lot, 536 East Ave, La Grange
More Info: pdlg.org
Rock Out at Wicker Park Fest
Park Fest returns with three days of local and national acts (50+ bands!), sidewalk art installations, global dance performances, and a deep bench of neighborhood food and drink. Browse vintage shops, pop into record stores, and sample bites from some of the city’s buzziest restaurants without leaving Milwaukee Avenue.
Date: July 25-27
Time: 12PM-10PM
Cost: $10 Suggested Donation
Location: 1346 N Paulina St
More Info: wickerparkbucktown.com
Celebrate Culture at Chinatown Summer Fair
There’s no better way to dive into Chicago’s Far East side than the Chinatown Summer Fair. The 46th annual fest draws tens of thousands for a weekend of lion dances, martial arts demos, Asian pop performances, and food stalls hawking everything from dumplings to bubble tea. Kids can get crafty in the children’s area while grown-ups shop for souvenirs and watch the dragon procession.
Date: July 26-27
Time: Sat 11AM-10PM; Sun 10AM-7PM
Cost: Free
Location: 23rd St and Wentworth Ave
More Info: ccc-foundation.org
Raise a Glass at Summer Wine Fest
Sip pinot among the peacocks. This annual 21+ garden party lets you sample more than 50 wines from 20 wineries while you stroll Lincoln Park Zoo after hours. Grab a souvenir tasting cup, hop on the Endangered Species Carousel, and join a guided tour of the zoo’s lush gardens. Lawn games, live music, and plenty of photo ops round out the summer evening.
Date: July 25
Time: 7PM-10PM
Cost: $57+
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St
More Info: lpzoo.org
Give Cheers at Chicago Summer Tequila Tasting Festival
Galeria Chicago hosts the city’s last tequila tasting of the season, featuring 20+ pours of craft and small-batch tequilas and mezcals. Expect DJ beats, brand ambassadors ready to talk agave, and special deals on food pairings. A portion of proceeds benefits pediatric cancer research, so you can feel good about every sip.
Date: July 26
Time: 2:30PM-6PM
Cost: $22+
Location: Galeria Chicago, 9 W Division St
More Info: eventbrite.com
Light Up the Night at Water Lantern Festival
Wind down summer by lighting up the lakefront. The Water Lantern Festival invites you to design your own floating lantern and release it at dusk, creating a sea of soft lights reflecting on the water. Bring a blanket and a picnic or grab bites from food trucks on site.
Date: July 26
Time: 5:30PM-9:30PM
Cost: $38+
Location: Humboldt Park, 1301 N Humboldt Dr
More Info: waterlanternfestival.com
