August in Chicago

Summer is hardly over, and there are so many amazing things happening around Chicago this time of year. August is a busy month for sure with festivals and exciting events spanning arts, culture, food, and entertainment. Whether you’re in the mood to get your groove on, eat til your heart’s content or hop on a Segway and see the sights, here are some excellent options to check out in the weeks ahead. 

Segway Tour

Enjoy views of Chicago architecture and famous landmarks from a unique vantage point by signing up for one of the tours offered by Bike and Roll, located at the Navy Pier and Maggie Daley Park. A great intro to the city for those visiting in August is the Amazing Lakefront Tour highlighting DuSable Harbor and Park, Monroe Harbor, the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and Soldier Field, to name a few.

Chicago SummerDance

No need for a nightclub when you can just show off your moves during Chicago SummerDance, a free outdoor dance event series taking over city parks through August 24, 2019. Wednesdays through Sundays, the Spirit of the Music Garden in Grant Park and other Chicago Park District locations transform into a lively urban dance floor with complete with live bands, DJs and lessons in everything from Brazilian zouk to Ballroom, Salsa, House, and East Coast Swing. So get your dancing shoes on, grab some friends and don’t be shy because dancers of all levels are welcome. Oh, and for a few extra hours of dancing, be sure to come out for the SummerDance Celebration Grand Finale in Millennium Park on Saturday, August 24, from 1 to 8 p.m.

Grant Park Music Festival

Unwind and enjoy classical music concerts performed by a world-class orchestra, chorus, and special guests during the Grant Park Festival. The summer music series has been going on for many years and has become a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. August features a lovely line-up with the Grant Park Orchestra and violinist Vadim Gluzman performing Mozart’s Prague Orchestra at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance August 2-3 2019; the Mambo Kings on August 7 and Mahler’s monumental Resurrection Symphony featuring the Grant Park Orchestra and internationally renowned vocalists Amanda Majeski and J’Nai Bridges at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Chicago Hot Dog Fest

It’s that time of year again when hundreds head to Lincoln Park at Stockton and LaSalle for the Chicago Hot Dog Fest presented by the Chicago History Museum. The picnic-style extravaganza goes down August 9-11, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday and will feature Vienna beef hot dogs prepared Chicago-style of course—and other ways, too. However, food isn’t the only thing on the menu with an exciting line-up of bands including the School of Rock, Bollywood Groove, Tributosaurus Becomes the Rolling Stones, to name a few, and fun family-friendly activities for all to enjoy. Don’t miss it!

Chicago Air & Water Show

Back by popular demand, the Chicago Air & Water Show presented by the City of Chicago and the largest free event of its kind in the country will return August 17-18, 2019. While the focal point happens above North Avenue Beach, people are still able to view all the action unfolding along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street. This year’s performances include a lofty lineup such as the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, the USMC Osprey Demo, among others.

Sangria Festival

The warm weather offers the perfect excuse to indulge in refreshing drinks from Spain during the Sangria Festival taking place August 17-18, 2019 at Humboldt Park. Art, music, and entertainment are all part of the festivities of this event that centers around hand-crafted cocktails from the city’s top mixologists. Other goodies include food stations serving small bites and more, and live music on the lawn from Spanish rock to reggae, salsa, and funk, as well as performances by flamenco dancers and more. Salud! Tickets start at $15.

As you can see, August is a fabulous time to get out and about in Chicago!

Leave a Comment