Memorial Day weekend in Chicago marks the unofficial start of the summer season. The long holiday weekend is packed with outdoor concerts, festivals, events, and a variety of summer activities suitable for large groups or solo explorers.
Check out this guide and discover amazing events and things to do all weekend long. Get ready to have an incredible Memorial Day weekend in Chicago and celebrate the best that “SummertimeChi” has to offer!
Top 5 Things to Do in Chicago on Memorial Day Weekend
You won’t run out of things to do in Chicago over Memorial Day Weekend. If you’re having trouble choosing, we have some tried and true options for you.
- Eat, drink, and shop local at a Neighborhood Street Festival: Check out one of the many neighborhood and city-wide festivals—this is your ultimate list of 2024 Chicago Festivals.
- Watch the Navy Pier Fireworks: Voted Best Place to Watch Fireworks, this spectacular firework showcase kicks off for free at Navy Pier and continues through Labor Day weekend.
- Hit up a Chicago Beach: Go solo or grab a few friends and have a beach day at one of Chicago’s 24 sand beaches.
- Dine outdoors: You can’t go wrong with dining outdoors on a patio, riverwalk, or the plethora of rooftops throughout the city.
- Get out on the water: From architecture tours to kayaking down the river, water activities are plentiful during Memorial Day weekend.
Memorial Day Concerts, Festivals, and Events
There are plenty of activities, festivals, and annual events that take place during Memorial Day weekend. Check out this list of the unique events taking place over the holiday weekend.
Theater, Concerts, and Sports
- May 24: Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun “Summertime Chi” featuring Lupe Fiasco
- May 24: Blue Man Group
- May 24: Grits & Biscuits
- May 24: Bryson Tiller
- May 24 – 25: Black By Popular Demand: A Black Excellence Revue
- May 24- 26: Death Becomes Her
- May 24 – 26: Blue Man Group
- May 24 – 26: Chicago White Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles
- May 24 – June 3: Circus Vazquez
- May 25 – September 29: Live on the Lake
Chicago Festivals
- May 24 – 26: Mole de Mayo Festival
- May 24 – 26: Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest
- May 25: Chicago Memorial Day Parade
- May 25: Brazilian Festival
- May 25: Sangria Fest on the Beach
- May 25 – 26: Wingout Chicago
- May 25 – 26: Randolph Street Market
- May 25 – 26: Sueños Festival
- May 26: SummerSalt Market
Arts, Culture, Parties
- May 24: Spritz Rooftop Patio Party w/ Aperol
- May 24: Opening of Castaways Beach Club!
- May 26: Magikiss Day Party
- May 25: Sunnygun White Party
- May 25 – July 3: Chicago Lakefront Fireworks Cruise
- May 26: Jazzin on the South Side
- May 26: TEMPO – Memorial Day Weekend
- May 26: BrunchDaze – Rooftop Brunch & Day Party (Memorial Day Brunch)
- May 27: The Sky Affair House Music Day Party on the 22nd Floor at VU Rooftop
Memorial Day FAQ
What’s the weather like this weekend in Chicago?
If you’re in Chicago this weekend, the weather will be mostly warm all weekend long, but rainy. You’ll want to have a light jacket and umbrella nearby for any change in the weather. Regardless, you should be able to get out and enjoy what the city has to offer, rain or shine!
Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a holiday that traditionally honors those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many Americans observe the holiday by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. Originally known as Decoration Day, it became an official federal holiday in 1971. In Chicago, the city hosts a Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade honoring all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.
The Wreath Laying Ceremony will begin at 11 am at Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington Street). The Parade will step off at noon and proceed south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street.
Is Memorial Day a good time to visit Chicago?
It’s the best time to visit Chicago. There are plenty of activities, events, and free things to do in and around the city all weekend long.
