THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer Starts Now!
Whether summer temps want to join us or not, it’s Memorial Day Weekend here in Chicago which means we will be marking the unofficial start of summer with commemorative ceremonies, street festivals, and other outdoor activities! Summer starts now!!
Chicagoans will celebrate the strength and diversity of their community this Memorial Day Weekend with the Wreath Laying Ceremony & Parade on Saturday. The wreath laying ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St.) followed by our annual Memorial Day Parade at 12:00 p.m. proceeding along Dearborn Street from Lake to Van Buren Streets in the Loop. Once again, the parade will honor all fallen service members by featuring veterans’ groups, active-duty service members, JROTC cadets, community organizations and marching bands. Start your extended weekend here!
Close out your Saturday evening with Summer Fireworks at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood. In fact, enjoy free, award-winning fireworks with dazzling, spectacular displays over the lake and the city’s iconic skyline views every Saturday (10 p.m.) and Wednesday (9 p.m.) through September 5th!
Continue celebrating your extended Memorial Day Weekend at one or all of the following events!
The 41st annual Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest helps kick-off this holiday weekend on Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) at 3200 North Sheffield Avenue in the Lakeview neighborhood. Sing and dance along to Chicago’s favorite local tribute bands who will be rocking it out on the main stage. Discover a true reflection of Lakeview’s creative talent at the Community Entertainment Stage near Belmont with a mix of DJs, neighborhood performers, and local talent. Indulge in mouthwatering festival fare and refreshing libations of beer or wine. And shop one-of-a-kind creations from local artists, makers, and small businesses!
Celebrating their 5th anniversary this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) is the Sueños Music Festival 2026 in Grant Park (337 E. Randolph St.) in the Loop. This festival is strictly 18+ and features over 40 artist performances across three stages featuring a mix of reggaetón, música Mexicana, and Latin EDM; curated local food vendors; art installations; immersive brand activations; over a dozen bars; and more!
Kick off summer at the Randolph Street Market this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) at 1341 West Randolph Street in the West Loop neighborhood as they celebrate their 23rd annual Garden Party. This street market offers a shopping extravaganza that has a festival feel to it complete with continuous live music; DJs; three bars with beer, wine, and spirits; local restaurant vendors; and thousands of top-quality goods presented by dealers from around the country which include art, antiques and vintage décor, fashion, jewelry, and much, much more. It’s a true shopping destination and a high-profile flea market festival!
Another free and family-friendly celebration this Memorial Day Weekend is the Summer Kickoff at Lincoln Park Zoo located at 2400 North Cannon Drive in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Enjoy special rides and attractions including the Ferris Wheel, Fun Slide, the Lionel Train Adventure, the Gorilla Trek VR Experience, the Mini Disco Race Car Ride, and Kiddie Wheel along with free programming for guests of all ages. Best of all, no advance ticket purchase is required; however, all rides require a ticket which can be purchased in advance!
Enjoy Your Memorial Day Weekend and Let’s Get Summer Started!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
