60 upcoming events near Chicago — concerts, theater, markets, library programs and more. Free to browse; each links to the source.
Music & concerts
June 5, 2026
Doors 5 p.m., show 8 p.m.
Epiphany Center for the Arts, Near West Side · Chicago, IL
Epiphany Center for the Arts, Near West Side
Catch a free Friday-night blues set in a beautifully restored former church on the Near West Side.
Music & concerts
June 5 to 7, 2026
Chicago, IL
The largest free blues festival in the world, held in Millennium Park in June, with several stages over a long weekend.
Food festivals
June 5 to 7, 2026
Daytime through evening
North Center, Chicago · Chicago, IL
North Center, Chicago
Dig into ribs from top pitmasters with two music stages, local beer, and bourbon tastings.
Community & civic
June 6, 2026
10:30 AM
Avalon · Chicago, IL
Avalon
The motto of the Avalon Spanish Study Group is, “We teach each other.” We welcome people who are at the basic beginner and advanced beginner level in learning the Spanish language. We teach each other grammar and pronunciation. We also learn how to read, write, listen and speak Spanish. We all work from one book; however, you can start in the book at the level you are comfortable with. We meet for two hours. The first hour is used for advanced beginner learning and the second hour is used to...
Classes & arts
June 6 to 7, 2026
Daytime
Hyde Park, Chicago · Chicago, IL
Hyde Park, Chicago
Browse work from over 200 artists at Chicago's oldest juried art fair, free to wander in Hyde Park.
Theater & film
June 9, 2026
2 PM
Chicago Bee · 2nd floor meeting room. · Chicago, IL
Chicago Bee · 2nd floor meeting room.
Image courtesy of: teachbesideme.com Come and join us at the Chicago Bee Library with facilitator eMadeline Morgan starting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 2pm to 3pm! Every Tuesday! Whether you’ve never touched a chess piece or you’ve loved the game for years, this hour is for you! We’ll learn together, practice together, and enjoy thoughtful play in a friendly, welcoming space. Chess is more than a game — it’s a way to slow down, think creatively, and connect with others. During the Hour Yo...
Community & civic
June 10, 2026
3 PM
Harold Washington Library Center · 8th Floor, Room 8S-14 & 15 · Chicago, IL
Harold Washington Library Center · 8th Floor, Room 8S-14 & 15
Do you want to practice speaking and understanding English and improve your communications skills? Join our conversation group with Literacy Chicago and improve your ability to communicate. This conversation group is for people who already know some English and would like more practice. This group focuses on having lively discussions about current events, life in Chicago, and many other topics. Learn to be more confident in expressing yourself in English, gain conversational vocabulary, meet...
Music & concerts
June 10 to August 15, 2026
Evenings
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park · Chicago, IL
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
Bring a blanket for 30 free classical concerts by the world-class Grant Park Orchestra under the skyline all summer long.
Community & civic
June 10, 2026
10 AM
Legler Regional · 2nd Floor Computer Lab · Chicago, IL
Legler Regional · 2nd Floor Computer Lab
Need help with basic computer skills? Come into the Legler Regional Library for guided lessons through Chicago DigitalLearn. Some examples of help we can provide: Navigating the Internet or email Help formatting a Word document Downloading library items in apps like Hoopla or Libby Accessing job resources such as Chicago DigitalLearn or LinkedIn Learning We are not able to fill out forms, provide legal/medical advice, or fix devices. Assistance is first-come-first-served. Accessibility Need s...
Theater & film
June 10, 2026
12 PM
Harold Washington Library Center · 3rd floor, 3N6 · Chicago, IL
Harold Washington Library Center · 3rd floor, 3N6
Welcome senior adults! Join us for a series of in-person events full of fun and relaxation. Come make new friends and reunite with old acquaintances, as we play some rounds of classic party games. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Photo: Chicago Public Library Staff
Theater & film
June 10, 2026
11 AM
Harold Washington Library Center · Multipurpose Room, Lower Level · Chicago, IL
Harold Washington Library Center · Multipurpose Room, Lower Level
Calling all seniors: Are you a music lover? Come join Assistive Resources and Talking Book Center to test your musical knowledge with a round of jeopardy and trivia! Guess the song title and artist or answer a trivia question, and with a variety of genres, there is something for everyone! Compete for prizes, reminisce about your old favorites, and discover new artists. Please contact the Assistive Resources and Taking Book Center at 312-747-4001 or visit chipublib.org for more information. Ac...
Community & civic
June 12 to 14, 2026
Daytime through evening
Andersonville, Chicago · Chicago, IL
Andersonville, Chicago
Celebrate the neighborhood's Swedish heritage with music, food, and community at this 50-year-old street fest.
Lifelong learning
June 13, 2026
12 PM
Hall · Chicago, IL
Hall
Blue Zones are specific geographic regions where people live significantly longer - often reaching 100 - with lower rates of chronic disease. Join Dr. Keith Hopkins as he explores healthy lifestyle habits that can turn south side communities into Blue Zones. Participants will discuss the impact of food deserts and how to access to healthy foods in their own communities. Presented in partnership with South Loop Village and The University of Chicago Healthy Aging & Alzheimer's Research Care (HA...
Community & civic
June 13, 2026
10:30 AM
Avalon · Chicago, IL
Avalon
The motto of the Avalon Spanish Study Group is, “We teach each other.” We welcome people who are at the basic beginner and advanced beginner level in learning the Spanish language. We teach each other grammar and pronunciation. We also learn how to read, write, listen and speak Spanish. We all work from one book; however, you can start in the book at the level you are comfortable with. We meet for two hours. The first hour is used for advanced beginner learning and the second hour is used to...
Lifelong learning
June 14, 2026
2 PM
Mayfair (Closed) · Chicago, IL
Mayfair (Closed)
Join us for Book Appétit, which is the Mayfair Branch’s cookbook club. Pick your favorite recipe from this month’s cookbook: My Mexican Kitchen Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.
Community & civic
June 15, 2026
6:15 PM
Manning · Chicago, IL
Manning
A space to stretch your creative writing muscles in a supportive environment. Open to all adults regardless of skill level. A writing warm-up and prompts will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own writing to work on during our session. Feel free to bring your own notebook, laptop, and reusable mug. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Re...
Music & concerts
June 15 to August 6, 2026
Evenings
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park · Chicago, IL
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
Catch free outdoor concerts from top local and touring acts with a downtown skyline backdrop.
Food festivals
June 19 to 21, 2026
Daytime through evening
West Loop, Chicago · Chicago, IL
West Loop, Chicago
Graze gourmet bites and hear live music celebrating the West Loop's buzzing restaurant row.
Outdoors & nature
Select dates, June 2026
Daytime
River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook · Chicago, IL
River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join a free mindful, meditative guided forest therapy walk for adults 18 and up.
Community & civic
June 20, 2026
2:30 PM
West Pullman · Chicago, IL
West Pullman
Join Poets United for an unforgettable evening of expression, and celebration. Whether you’re a poet, musician, spoken word artist, or just someone who loves to listen, this open mic is the perfect space for you! What to Expect: Powerful performances by local talent Inspiring stories, poetry, music, and more A safe, welcoming space for self-expression Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@ch...
Community & civic
June 20, 2026
11 AM
Budlong Woods · Chicago, IL
Budlong Woods
Join us for a discussion of Summer Crossing by Truman Capote. Set in New York just after World War II, Summer Crossing follows a young carefree socialite, Grady McNeil, whose parents leave her alone in their Fifth Avenue penthouse for the summer. Left to her own devices, Grady turns up the heat on the secret affair she's been having with a Brooklyn-born Jewish war veteran who works as a parking lot attendant. As the season passes, the romance turns more serious and morally ambiguous, and Grad...
Classes & arts
Multiple dates, June 2026
Afternoon and evening
5420 W Belmont Ave, Chicago · Chicago, IL
5420 W Belmont Ave, Chicago
Get your hands muddy learning to throw a cup or bowl on the wheel in a beginner-friendly session.
Outdoors & nature
Select dates, June 2026
Daytime
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe · Chicago, IL
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Paddle the Garden's lakes on a guided canoe adventure spotting birds and shoreline plants.
Tastings
June 20, 2026
Afternoon
Spirits & Spice, Chicago · Chicago, IL
Spirits & Spice, Chicago
Taste a guided lineup of Burgundy wines from the Albert Bichot house on a Saturday afternoon.
Lifelong learning
June 20, 2026
12 PM
Hall · Chicago, IL
Hall
Blue Zones are specific geographic regions where people live significantly longer - often reaching 100 - with lower rates of chronic disease. Join Dr. Keith Hopkins as he explores healthy lifestyle habits that can turn south side communities into Blue Zones. Participants will discuss making shared spaces in their communities safer and how outdoor spaces can be better accessible for all residents. Presented in partnership with South Loop Village and The University of Chicago Healthy Aging & Al...
Community & civic
June 20, 2026
10:30 AM
Avalon · Chicago, IL
Avalon
The motto of the Avalon Spanish Study Group is, “We teach each other.” We welcome people who are at the basic beginner and advanced beginner level in learning the Spanish language. We teach each other grammar and pronunciation. We also learn how to read, write, listen and speak Spanish. We all work from one book; however, you can start in the book at the level you are comfortable with. We meet for two hours. The first hour is used for advanced beginner learning and the second hour is used to...
Outdoors & nature
Select dates, June 2026
Daytime
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe · Chicago, IL
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Slow down with a guided forest-bathing walk designed to ease stress and reconnect you with nature.
Theater & film
Select dates, June 2026
Afternoon
Chicago Public Library branches · Chicago, IL
Chicago Public Library branches
Catch a free library screening of the original Mission Impossible with Tom Cruise.
Dance & fitness
June 2026
Varies
Venues citywide · Chicago, IL
Venues citywide
Catch dance performances across genres in a month-long citywide celebration of movement.
Music & concerts
June 20, 2026
11:30 AM
Garfield Ridge · Chicago, IL
Garfield Ridge
Listen to live music with our friends, local musicians Bud & Marge. Enjoy some tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s while drinking an ice cream soda while supplies last.. Register online or call the Garfield Ridge Library at (312) 747-6094. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.
Dance & fitness
June 20, 2026
10:30 a.m.
Chicago · Chicago, IL
Chicago
Stretch through a free Pilates class set to a live DJ on a Saturday morning.
Classes & arts
June 20 to 21, 2026
Daytime
Butler Field, Grant Park, Loop · Chicago, IL
Butler Field, Grant Park, Loop
Wander hundreds of artist booths at this long-running juried art fair downtown.
Music & concerts
June 21, 2026
All day
Various locations citywide · Chicago, IL
Various locations citywide
Wander the city on the summer solstice for a day of free pop-up performances in parks, porches, and plazas.
Community & civic
June 22, 2026
6 PM
Thurgood Marshall · Chicago, IL
Thurgood Marshall
This course offers insight into understanding gross pay vs. net pay, filling out a W-4, choosing a health insurance plan, and saving for the future by enrolling in an employer retirement savings plan. Additional topics covered include saving and spending, managing and repaying debt, and smart investing. Presented by the the Illinois Secretary of State - Securities Department. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 74...
Community & civic
June 23, 2026
6 PM
Hall · Chicago, IL
Hall
Join Hall Branch for a discussion of Last Summer on State Street by Toya Wolfe. It's the summer of 1999, and Felicia "Fe Fe" Stevens is living with her mother and older teenage brother in building 4950 of Chicago's Robert Taylor Homes, the next high-rise to be torn down by the Chicago Housing Authority. She, along with the devout Precious Brown and Stacia Buchanan, daughter of a Gangsta Disciples queenpin, form a tentative trio. But when Fe Fe welcomes a mysterious new friend, Tonya into thei...
Community & civic
June 24, 2026
3 PM
Harold Washington Library Center · 8th Floor, Room 8S-14 & 15 · Chicago, IL
Harold Washington Library Center · 8th Floor, Room 8S-14 & 15
Do you want to practice speaking and understanding English and improve your communications skills? Join our conversation group with Literacy Chicago and improve your ability to communicate. This conversation group is for people who already know some English and would like more practice. This group focuses on having lively discussions about current events, life in Chicago, and many other topics. Learn to be more confident in expressing yourself in English, gain conversational vocabulary, meet...
Community & civic
June 24, 2026
6 PM
Mayfair (Closed) · Chicago, IL
Mayfair (Closed)
Join us for That Music Club. Come and share some of your favorite music and let’s talk about it! Discover new music and artists as well as old favorites. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.
Music & concerts
June 24, 2026
Evening
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe · Chicago, IL
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Sing along to a Beatles tribute on a Wednesday evening as part of the Garden's summer music lineup.
Theater & film
June 24, 2026
12:30 PM
Garfield Ridge · Chicago, IL
Garfield Ridge
Discover the fun of American Mahjong ! This beginner-friendly program will teach the basics of gameplay, tile identification, and simple strategies. No experience necessary, and all materials will be provided. Light refreshments will be available. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.
Theater & film
June 24, 2026
6 PM
South Chicago · Chicago, IL
South Chicago
Join us for a fun-filled evening to play our favorite game and for a chance to win cool prizes. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.
Classes & arts
June 25, 2026
10 AM
Budlong Woods · Chicago, IL
Budlong Woods
Join us for a special Memory Cafe experience and life enrichment program at the Chicago Botanic Garden. This program is designed for older adults , including those living with memory loss, and their care partners. Activities will be led by horticultural therapists in the beautiful, accessible Buehler Enabling Garden and may include creating a sensory or herb dish garden, working with fresh flowers, or making a pressed‑flower craft. This calm and welcoming outdoor space provides a wonderful op...
Classes & arts
June 26, 2026
10 AM
Budlong Woods · Chicago, IL
Budlong Woods
Are you interested in cultivating your creativity through writing? Write and share a poem, story, essay or memoir with writer Donna Pecore at the Budlong Woods Branch Writing Workshop. Open to all adults, no experience necessary. Share your work Supportive environment Friendly group critique and advice Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests mu...
Community & civic
June 26, 2026
12 PM
Lincoln Park · Chicago, IL
Lincoln Park
Join us and our friends from The Village Chicago for our monthly Memory Café. It’s a relaxed, friendly place for people with memory loss and their care partners. Meet new people, enjoy lunch, and have fun together! Activities at this event will be thematic and will include games, arts and crafts, music, and more. Friends, family members, and community allies also are welcome. Registration is required and lunch will be served. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibil...
Music & concerts
June 26, 2026
Doors 5 p.m., show 8 p.m.
Epiphany Center for the Arts, Near West Side · Chicago, IL
Epiphany Center for the Arts, Near West Side
Hear blues educator and performer Fernando Jones lead a free Friday-night show.
Tastings
June 26 to 27, 2026
Daytime through evening
Lincoln Park, Chicago · Chicago, IL
Lincoln Park, Chicago
Pair tacos from 10-plus restaurants with a tequila tasting and margarita flight over two days.
Pickleball & rec
June 27, 2026
8 a.m.
Chicago · Chicago, IL
Chicago
Sharpen your game at a morning pickleball clinic followed by friendly play.
Community & civic
June 27, 2026
10:30 AM
Avalon · Chicago, IL
Avalon
The motto of the Avalon Spanish Study Group is, “We teach each other.” We welcome people who are at the basic beginner and advanced beginner level in learning the Spanish language. We teach each other grammar and pronunciation. We also learn how to read, write, listen and speak Spanish. We all work from one book; however, you can start in the book at the level you are comfortable with. We meet for two hours. The first hour is used for advanced beginner learning and the second hour is used to...
Community & civic
June 27, 2026
10:30 AM
Pullman · Chicago, IL
Pullman
Join us for a discussion of The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Check out our Events FAQs .
Community & civic
June 27, 2026
11 AM
Thurgood Marshall · Chicago, IL
Thurgood Marshall
Do you know how to crochet, or do you want to learn how to crochet? Participants will learn stiches, patterns, new tips, and new tricks. New projects will be started and bring your current work in progress projects. Crochet hooks and start-up yarn will be provided and please bring your own material if you have some. Beginners, novice, and experienced crocheters are welcomed. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747...
Music & concerts
June 28 to August 16, 2026
Evening
Rockefeller Chapel, Hyde Park · Chicago, IL
Rockefeller Chapel, Hyde Park
Listen to the soaring carillon bells in a free summer series at the University of Chicago's Rockefeller Chapel.
Lifelong learning
June 29, 2026
10 AM
Edgewater · Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd floor · Chicago, IL
Edgewater · Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd floor
Looking for a morning of book conversation? Join us on the last Monday each month for a variety of fiction, classic, or nonfiction books. Copies of the books will be available each month at the Circulation Desk. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.
Community & civic
June 29, 2026
6:15 PM
Manning · Chicago, IL
Manning
A space to stretch your creative writing muscles in a supportive environment. Open to all adults regardless of skill level. A writing warm-up and prompts will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own writing to work on during our session. Feel free to bring your own notebook, laptop, and reusable mug. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Re...
Theater & film
June 30 to August 18, 2026
Evenings
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park · Chicago, IL
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
Bring a blanket for free Tuesday-night movies under the stars downtown.
Theater & film
June 30, 2026
2 PM
Chicago Bee · 2nd floor meeting room. · Chicago, IL
Chicago Bee · 2nd floor meeting room.
Image courtesy of: teachbesideme.com Come and join us at the Chicago Bee Library with facilitator eMadeline Morgan starting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 2pm to 3pm! Every Tuesday! Whether you’ve never touched a chess piece or you’ve loved the game for years, this hour is for you! We’ll learn together, practice together, and enjoy thoughtful play in a friendly, welcoming space. Chess is more than a game — it’s a way to slow down, think creatively, and connect with others. During the Hour Yo...
Lifelong learning
July 5, 2026
3 PM
Douglass · Chicago, IL
Douglass
Join us for a relaxing Chair Yoga series designed especially for older adults seeking a safe, accessible way to build strength, flexibility, and peace of mind. This beginner-friendly class uses seated and supported standing poses to improve balance, increase mobility, and reduce stress—all from the comfort of a sturdy chair. No prior yoga experience is needed. Just wear comfortable clothing and come ready to breathe, stretch, and enjoy a calming wellness break. Accessibility Need sign languag...
Theater & film
July 7, 2026
2 PM
Chicago Bee · 2nd floor meeting room. · Chicago, IL
Chicago Bee · 2nd floor meeting room.
Image courtesy of: teachbesideme.com Come and join us at the Chicago Bee Library with facilitator eMadeline Morgan starting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 2pm to 3pm! Every Tuesday! Whether you’ve never touched a chess piece or you’ve loved the game for years, this hour is for you! We’ll learn together, practice together, and enjoy thoughtful play in a friendly, welcoming space. Chess is more than a game — it’s a way to slow down, think creatively, and connect with others. During the Hour Yo...
Food festivals
July 8 to 12, 2026
Daytime through evening
Grant Park, Loop · Chicago, IL
Grant Park, Loop
Sample bites from dozens of local restaurants alongside free live music at the city's signature food festival.
Theater & film
July 8, 2026
12 PM
Harold Washington Library Center · 3rd floor, 3N6 · Chicago, IL
Harold Washington Library Center · 3rd floor, 3N6
Welcome senior adults! Join us for a series of in-person events full of fun and relaxation. Come make new friends and reunite with old acquaintances, as we play some rounds of classic party games. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Photo: Chicago Public Library Staff
Food festivals
July 8 to 12, 2026
Daytime through evening
Near West Side, Chicago · Chicago, IL
Near West Side, Chicago
Combine barbecue, country music, and craft beer at this big summer smokeout downtown.
Lifelong learning
July 9, 2026
5:30 PM
Logan Square · Chicago, IL
Logan Square
Join us for a fun and friendly book discussion of Murder Takes A Vacation by Laura Lippman. Current reading selections are available at the Logan Square Branch circulation desk. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.
