Looking for Summer Activities in Chicago? Look No Further.

WBC’s Summer Communications Intern Outlines Her Top Summer Activities

In our opinion, Chicago is a great city regardless of the season, but we especially enjoy Chicago in the summer because there is so much to do! WBC’s Communications Intern, Marissa Johnson outlined a few of her top summer activities in Chicago, so pull out your planner and get ready for summer fun in the sun!

Visit one of Chicago’s 50+ Outdoor Farmers Markets!

Did you know that there are more than 50 outdoor farmers markets within the city of Chicago? With so many markets to choose from, it can be overwhelming to choose just one to visit. And while you can’t go wrong, I’ve outlined my three top choices to move to the top of your market list.

• Logan Square: In 2017, USA Today honored the Logan Square Farmers Market as the best in Illinois, and I agree. The Logan Square Farmers’ Market features fresh local food and produce, outdoor music from local residents, yoga on the lawn, and community tents. The Logan Square Farmers Market runs outdoors every Sunday through October 27 rain or shine. The Outdoor Market is along Logan Blvd. between Milwaukee and Whipple, running from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• 61st Street: From fresh produce, meat, cheese and eggs to delicious baked goods, the 61st Street outdoor market is one you don’t want to miss. Located at 6100 S. Blackstone Ave, it straddles the Hyde Park and Woodlawn neighborhoods. This market also features chef demos and a “Market School” series, where a weekly expert shares knowledge about food sustainability! You won’t want to miss this market, open every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM until October 26th.
• South Loop: In it’s 5^th season, the South Loop Farmers Market aims to make delicious, healthy food easily available. Apart from the delicious produce, the market features a kids corner, emerging artists and bands as well as fantastic views of the city’s architecture. The South Loop Market is located at 1936 S. Michigan Ave, and runs every Thursday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM until September 26th.

Prepare your Taste buds for the Taste of Chicago & Windy City Rib Fest!

Take a break from your busy summer schedule and pencil in some food fun in Chicago in July. Windy City Rib Fest kicks off, July 4 – 6 in Uptown Chicago! Each year there is live music, an area for kids and lots of tasty BBQ ribs to enjoy. The event goes from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Lawrence & Broadway. But, if you’re not sold on ribs, you can always go to Taste of Chicago July 10 – 14. The Taste of Chicago is the largest food festival in the world, and will have multiple stages with live music. At this food festival you will be surrounded by cuisine that showcases the diversity of Chicago through its dinning. This 5-day festival will be at Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St.

Chicago Pride Events!

Chicago is full of pride all year around, but especially in June! Chicago hosts both a Pride Parade and a Pride Fest to celebrate love and acceptance in Chicago. The Annual Chicago Pride Parade will take place on Sunday, June 30! Since the first pride parade in Chicago in 1970 the Parade has steadily grown each year. Additionally, in 2015, the year the Supreme Court passed marriage equality, more than a million people went to the parade in Chicago. Pick out your rainbow outfit and plan where you’ll be watching this year!

Earlier this month, there was also a Pride Fest. Pride Fest is a pre-celebration the week before the Chicago Pride Parade on the June 22 – 23 with live music, multiple vendors and delicious food.

I hope this list of my top summer activities has been helpful. If you don’t see anything of interest to you, I encourage you to do a little research yourself. There is always something going on in Chicago, especially in the Summer!