Family events in Chicago, IL

Enjoy a free outdoor jazz performance from Julian Davis Reid’s Circle of Trust, presented as part of a series sponsored by the University of Chicago. The music will fill Harper Court in Hyde Park, creating a lively setting for an afternoon outside. Seating is limited, so bringing a personal chair is recommended, and saving seats is not permitted. The Harper Court parking structure offers a limited number of free spaces, with standard rates applying at other times. Plenty of dining is close at hand, including Daisy’s Po-Boy & Tavern, Ja’ Grill, Chipotle, Deep Purpl, Roti Modern Mediterranean, Stan’s Donuts & Coffee, and Strugglebeard Bakery, along with other neighborhood options. Local shopping includes Recycled Modern and Suuri Design in Harper Court and The Silver Room nearby. Please note that smoking is not allowed at the venue, including cigars, cigarettes, pipes, and vapes.

A beach wrestling gathering for all ages, welcoming both participants and spectators. Step onto the sand for matches or enjoy watching the action, then linger and make it a full day at the beach.

The neighborhood marks the launch of two local markets as the new Midway Retail Market opens alongside the Garfield Ridge Farmers Market, creating a welcoming, community focused setting. Visitors can explore offerings from local small businesses, enjoy fresh baked goods with coffee, and discover classic farmers market staples as well as handmade, one of a kind items. The season begins with a small group of vendors and will expand over time, giving shoppers a chance to support them from the very start. Stroll the stalls with a friend, savor a coffee, and uncover unique finds while every purchase contributes to local dreams.

The 61st Street Farmers Market is back outdoors with more than 30 vendors offering farm fresh produce, baked treats, ready to eat dishes, and locally made goods. Each week features engaging, educational activities for all ages, including a chef cooking demonstration, Market School, the kid friendly Sprout Station, and Blackstone Bicycle Works’ Open Shop. Shoppers who use SNAP can pay with their benefits and receive a dollar for dollar match through Link Match. Look for the red tent in the center of the market to use SNAP and get matching dollars for fresh fruits and vegetables.

An annual back to school backpack giveaway takes place in the Kennedy High School parking lot, offering a family friendly community gathering that helps local students gear up for the new year. Free backpacks filled with school supplies will be available for students. The event also includes activities for all ages and access to community resources. Support from sponsors and community partners makes it possible, and volunteer opportunities are available to assist with the effort.

This summer, the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and Minh Hearing Solutions present the inaugural Ravenswood Feel Good Fest, an outdoor block party style micro‑festival that brings wellness, arts, sustainability, and community organizations together for an inclusive celebration open to all ages and abilities. Expect a day of live entertainment and movement, with family friendly music from Laura Doherty, an introduction to yoga with Chicago Hot Yoga, an intro to jazz with Joel Hall Dancers & Center, movement for every body with Bodi Shak, an intro to swing with Traffic Jam! Swing, and an Afro‑Colombian musical performance by Ecos del Pacífico Afrocolombia, plus curated playlists from Loud Pizza Records between sets. Local businesses and organizations will be on site, including Augustyn Family Services, Black Ensemble Theater, Bodi Shak, Dandelion Therapeutic Art Center, EmpowerFit Chicago, Haitian American Museum of Chicago, The Helpful Hummingbird, Joel Hall Dancers & Center, Minh Hearing Solutions, Muscle & Joint Physical Therapy, Ravenswood Neighbors Association, Smooth House Laser, StretchLab, Sunny Kids Land Early Learning Center, Tightrope Recording, Trading Post Pet Supplies, Turin Bicycle, and WasteNot Compost. Food and drink options feature 5411 Empanadas, Begyle Brewing, Mindful Baking, and more. A $5 suggested donation at the gates supports the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and the Ravenswood Community Council, which is raising funds for new greening and public art projects. The event is presented with support from Special Service Area #31, ChiroOne, Bannerville USA, Tightrope Recording, Chicago Magic Lounge, Colectivo Coffee, Traffic Jam! Swing, and Budrista Club.

Explore the connection between classic artworks and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on a 90 minute guided walking tour at the Art Institute of Chicago. The route covers three floors and highlights 16 pieces, with conversation about how each ties to the film’s characters and how the camera frames them. Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is not included.

Berwyn North School District presents a community back to school celebration welcoming both new and returning students. The event offers games for all ages, tasty food and snacks, opportunities to win prizes, and more. Families and friends can celebrate the start of the school year together in a fun, friendly setting.

An ice cream social celebrates the accomplishments of shelter dogs graduating from the Superstar Pup Academy. Attendees can watch training demonstrations as the canine students show what they have learned, see them receive their diplomas, meet the pups, and enjoy ice cream. Admission is free.

Catch the acclaimed illusion spectacular, Champions of Magic, brought to Chicago for a limited run. This high-energy, interactive show is designed as an immersive, theatre-wide experience with big, Broadway-scale illusions and audience-friendly humor. The production runs about 2 hours and 10 minutes including a 15-minute intermission and is recommended for ages 5 and up.

Families can enjoy a summertime celebration presented by Canine Therapy Corps, with activities for all ages. Look forward to chilled drinks and snacks, lawn games, a 50/50 raffle, face painting, visits with therapy dogs, and a performance by Jared the Juggler. The gathering is hosted at the organization’s Logan Square headquarters. Ticket sales and event proceeds help raise funds and awareness for Canine Therapy Corps and its animal-assisted services throughout the Chicagoland area. Sponsors include Bond Vet and Alice & Brad Geene.

Enjoy an outdoor live music day at Navy Pier’s lakeside setting. Live on the Lake brings a variety of Chicago bands plus regional and national acts, with performances across countless popular music styles. The event is free and drop-in, so you can stop by and enjoy the summer views. Please note the schedule is subject to change.

Enjoy Navy Pier’s fireworks from the best vantage point on a relaxing evening sail aboard the Tall Ship Windy. You’ll board for an approximately 90-minute cruise, grab a cool drink from the bar, and take in Chicago’s nighttime skyline as the fireworks light up the sky.

Reggies hosts Free Sox Sundays for fans getting ready for the Sox vs. Guardians game. Arrive by 10:00 AM for a chance to get free tickets and shuttle rides on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s also a $20 all-you-can-eat buffet, and doors open at 10:00 AM with shuttles starting to leave at noon. All ages are welcome with a parent or legal guardian.

NIU alumni, students, faculty and staff, plus families and friends, can take part in NIU Day as the Chicago White Sox play the Cleveland Guardians. Discounted seats are offered for NIU students, faculty, staff and alumni, and each ticket purchase includes a co-branded NIU and White Sox quarter-zip. Discounted pregame patio passes are also available, providing access to an all-you-can-eat buffet with BBQ ribs, fried chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, coleslaw, potato salad, and beer, wine and Coca-Cola products.

JoJo’s Party in the USA with Jewel-Osco turns one place into a coast to coast celebration. Take a playful tour from Florida to California to New York City, with themed moments that nod to gator showdowns, catching waves, and rolling into the big city as the festivities circle the nation. Enjoy tastes and sounds from across the country in a single spot, along with eats, giveaways, and plenty of photo-ready scenes. Entertainment welcomes all ages for a lively, nationwide party under one roof.

Knowledge on the Mind hosts a community day now in its second year, combining friendly softball games with a back to school drive that supports students for the year ahead. The event features music, food, a bounce house, a school supply giveaway, and a variety of community resources and vendors, all alongside action on the field. Location details are shared by direct message, and those interested in playing or entering a team can contact the organizer. Attendees are encouraged to bring new school supplies, and donations are also accepted through Zelle and Cash App.

Catch an immersive, high-energy magic show in Chicago featuring the Champions Of Magic team. Expect a theatre-wide, interactive experience with big, mind-bending illusions and humor, designed for all ages. The performance is about 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission, and is recommended for ages 5 and up.

A children's book swap will be held in the Beverly Library Meeting Room. Participants can bring gently used books, from board books to young adult, and exchange them for something new to read. Three attendees chosen at random will receive a Bookie's gift certificate.

This family-friendly bingo event pairs prizes and plenty of laughs with a spirit of community. Every round supports Nourishing Those in Need and its mission to provide food and essential items to neighbors in need. Bring family and friends to play for a cause and help make a difference, one game at a time.

Sixteen Candles brings an all-ages 1980s dance party to Northalsted Market Days on the Belmont Stage, with a suggested $20 donation at the gate. The festival fills Chicago’s Northalsted and Lakeview neighborhood with a weekend of live music across five stages, a half mile of activity, more than 250 vendors, food and drinks, dance showcases, drag performances, and plenty more, drawing huge crowds for a lively celebration. Since 2003, Sixteen Candles has toured internationally and kept the spirit of the 80s alive with a fully live show that skips backing tracks, delivering high energy, nostalgia, and the kind of onstage chemistry that gets everyone moving.

Live jazz fills Shedd Aquarium during the popular midweek Jazzin' at the Shedd series, blending music, mingling, and marine life. Stroll through the exhibits to jazz sounds from around the world while encountering animals from every corner of the map. Enjoy food and drinks and spend time with friends exploring the aquarium in the evening. Admission is $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for children ages 3 to 11, and $19.95 for members, with free entry for members on designated Members Jazzin' nights.

Step aboard a storied Chicago fireboat for an evening cruise that pairs sweeping skyline views with the excitement of Navy Pier’s fireworks. This 90 minute outing blends Chicago history, sightseeing, and a celebratory atmosphere on the water. Plan to board 15 minutes before departure. Cruises are offered during Navy Pier’s fireworks season, typically on summer weekends and select holidays.

Settle in for a family-friendly story time in the community garden hosted by the Riverside Library team. Bring a blanket, sunglasses, and a few snacks so you can relax while listening to the stories. Afterward, explore the whimsical fairy garden areas and take a look at what is growing in the beds. This relaxed outdoor gathering happens on select Thursdays throughout the summer.

Catch the acclaimed illusion spectacular, Champions Of Magic, coming to Chicago for a limited run. This high-energy, interactive, theatre-wide show features some of the team’s biggest illusions yet, mixing jaw-dropping magic with humor for an all-ages audience. Performances last about 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission, and there’s a recommended age guideline of 5 and up.

Stop by Water Tower Place for City Market IRL, a weekly summer night market. It runs on Thursdays from 4 to 8 PM on Level 4 and features live music, family-friendly programming, and local vendors with ready-to-eat dinner options, vintage and upcycled goods, and handcrafted gifts.

Little Italy Festa returns to Taylor Street for four days of music and celebration, presented by Onesti Entertainment and L.I.C.N.A. The Xplosive Sounds Entertainment DJ area will feature Italian classics and oldies during the day, then shift to nonstop dance music in the evening. Additional details will be announced.

Lincoln Square’s free summer concert series returns to Giddings Plaza for a limited run, featuring live performances by local Chicago musicians. Attendees can enjoy beer and wine available for purchase from local vendor Ricochet’s Tavern. All concerts are weather permitting, offering a relaxed neighborhood gathering centered around live music.