Don’t Miss These Free Late Summer Events
Summer is still in full swing and the good news is that there is still time to enjoy evenings out with these late summer happenings including Chicago’s two most iconic events—the Chicago Air and Water Show and the Chicago Jazz Festival. And the best part? They are all free for everyone!
The Chicago Air and Water Show is the largest free-admission water exhibition in the country. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy this astonishing low-altitude stunt and aquatic show over Lake Michigan featuring elite pilots, civilian performers, and military parachute teams (like the US Army Golden Knights). Pro Tips: Get there early and use the CTA because parking is very limited.
- Dates: August 15 – 16
- Time: 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- For More Information: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/air_water_show.html
The Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that celebrates everything from avant-garde to bebop and big band jazz. The festival in Millennium Park features a mix of local Chicago talent and international stars performing across multiple stages, including the iconic Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Pro Tips: You can bring your own picnic and drinks. Arrive early if you want a seat on the Pritzker Pavilion’s great lawn, or just wander between the different free stages throughout the park.
- Dates: September 3 – 6
- Times: Festival programming and performances typically run from the early afternoon (around 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 to 9:30 p.m. each day.)
- For More Information: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_jazz_festival.html
Other Free Late Summer Fun
The Lake Stage Summer Concert Series continues through late August with live music performances and is held at Polk Bros Park on Navy Pier. The series highlights local Chicago cultural institutions, featuring folk, jazz, classical, and Caribbean music alongside family-friendly programming. The concerts run from 6 or 7 in the evening until 8:45. (Check the online schedule for dates and exact times:) https://navypier.org/pier-events/lake-stage-summer-concerts/#schedule.
Movies in the Parks screens hundreds of family-friendly films at various neighborhood parks citywide. Movies start at dusk. The full, searchable schedule is available on the Chicago Park District website.
