• Home
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Sweating Champagne

Chicago Lifestyle and Mental Health Awareness Blog

  • Lifestyle
    • Chicago Events
    • TV & Movies
    • Fitness
    • Spiritual
    • Style
      • LIKEtoKNOW.it
  • Travel
    • Disney
    • Travel Guides
  • Mental Health
  • Contact
    • Other Work
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

chicago events

Charm’d: Chicago’s Magical Irish Pop-Up

February 28, 2025

Charm’d Chicago’s 1st Magical Irish Pop-Up Experience

Do you have the luck of the Irish? I attended Chicago’s Charm’d Pop-Up Bar media night for the first time and loved the festive theme and decorations (I am half Irish!). We explored the aesthetic photo ops, tried signature cocktails and food menu items, and listened to live karaoke. It was a lot of fun; I love pop-up events. Charm’d Chicago is open to the public February 21-March 17, 2025. Keep reading for more information about Chicago’s Charm’d Pop-Up Bar and things to know before you go!

Charm’d Pop-Up Photo Ops

You know I love a good photo backdrop. It’s my favorite thing about these Chicago events! While not overdone, Charm’d had photo ops worth enjoying. My favorites were a lit-up rainbow hallway, a confetti shamrock, Charm’d flower bench, and a ‘Kiss Me I’m Irish’ neon sign.

Charm’d Food & Drink

Additionally to the photo ops, Charm’d Pop-Up Bar’s media night included tasty bites from their food menu. We tried the Charm’d Sliders and the Irish Nachos! Also on the pop-up menu are giant pretzels, quesadillas, pizza, chicken tenders, and more (see menu pictures at the end of this post). We also tried signature cocktails – the Unicorn Dream, Shamrock’d, and Rainbow Runner. Unicorn Dream was my favorite!

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Charm’d is a 21+ Pop-Up Bar open February 21-March 17, 2025
  • Tickets are required and must be bought online beforehand
  • Food and drink are available (see menus below)

Ticket Pricing

  • General Admission: Starting at $10/person – includes a welcome shot (does not include a table)
  • General Admission +: Starting at $25/person – includes a cocktail (does not include a table)
  • Table for 2: $70 per two people – includes 2 welcome shots, 2 cocktails, and one appetizer (Option to add on 2 additional cocktails during checkout for $25)
  • Table for 4: $140 per four people – includes 4 welcome shots, 4 cocktails, and two appetizers
  • Option to add on 1 mega cocktail during checkout for $150
menu photo: charmdbar.com
photos: charmdbar.com

Filed Under: Chicago, Chicago Events, Featured, Lifestyle, Seasonal Tagged With: charm'd, chicago events, chicago pop-up, St Patrick's Day

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up 2024

October 21, 2024

Fall (spooky season) is hands down my favorite time of year, and my favorite seasonal pop-up is back! This month, I enjoyed attending media night at Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up. I attend the Chicago event every year and each time look forward to what it offers – 2 acres of photo ops, carnival games, a large corn maze, axe throwing, and more. This year the pop-up will be open to the public until November 3. Read below for information about the aesthetic backgrounds, add-ons, and things to know before going!

Things to Do at Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is the perfect Fall outing for friends, dates, and families. General admission includes the photo ops and the corn maze. The following items can be purchased in person or as add-ons:

  • Food and beverage (varies)
  • Pumpkin picking ($6-$9)
  • Carnival games ($20)
  • Axe throwing ($10 for 3 throws)
  • Fortune tellers (varies)
  • Gem mining ($12 for 5lb bag)

Add-ons can be selected when purchasing tickets online. Packages combining add-ons are also available. View my favorite 2024 photo backdrops next!

Photo Ops at Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

The best thing about Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is the great photo backdrops. There are so many! Each year they keep some of the same ones – like the pumpkin house and ‘How tall are you?’ measuring stick – and add new backgrounds relating to current trends – like ‘End of Begining’ song lyrics and Beetlejuice’s coffin. Throughout this blog post are my favorite backdrops from our 2024 visit.

Food & Games

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up offers food and beverage options. Every year we get a cold apple cider and a cider donut! Multiple bars are set up throughout the grounds that serve beer, hard ciders, hard liquor, and specialty cocktails. Food for purchase includes cheeseburgers, nachos, BBQ chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, jumbo pretzels, and more. Pricing ranges between $4-$12 per item. A Mexican food truck is also available for tacos, burritos, elotes, and quesadillas ($5-$14 per item). Rotating food trucks occur on select weekend nights.

Near the food, you can find a row of carnival games. Carnival-style tickets are required to play and can be purchased as an add-on when reserving tickets. Games include Balloon Bust, Break A Plate, Down A Clown, and more. My sister won a stuffed animal last year!

Things to Know Before You Go

Tickets

  • Tickets start at $30 for adults, $28 for ages 5-11, and free for ages 4 and under when accompanied by a paid adult ticket. Add-ons are available as additional purchases.
  • The time slot you select when reserving tickets is your entry window. You can arrive anytime during your entry window and stay as long as you want once you’re in.
  • Walk-ups are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Tickets may be already sold out.
  • All ticket sales are final and can not be refunded, but they can be rescheduled.
  • Tickets and packages can be bought online.

Location

  • Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is 100% outside and full of straw, hay, and corn.
  • Strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs are allowed (FYI the ground is unpaved and uneven).
  • Re-entry to the pop-up is not allowed after entry.
  • Animals are not allowed except for certified service animals.
  • Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is located at 1265 West Le Moyne Street, Chicago, IL 60642.

Other Info

  • Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is 100% cashless and only accepts credit cards or Apple Pay.
  • Port-a-potties are available as bathrooms.
  • Axe throwing is 18+. Alcohol drinks are 21+.
  • More information can be found on Jack Pumpkin Pop-Up’s FAQ page.

Did you visit Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up this year? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

Filed Under: Chicago, Chicago Events, Featured, Lifestyle, Seasonal Tagged With: chicago events, chicago pop-up, jack's pumpkin pop up

Lulus Besties That Brunch Chicago

June 7, 2024

Lulus Besties That Brunch Chicago

Kicking off the summer with Lulus Besties That Brunch! LuLus.com, a popular online fashion store, recently announced its “Friends for Life” out-of-home campaign in four major cities. The campaign celebrates women’s friendships and focuses on women supporting other women through the milestones in their lives. As someone who has bought many dresses from Lulus for past sorority and blogger events, I was excited to attend the Besties That Brunch out-of-home event held at Venteux Cafe & Oyster Bar inside Pendry Chicago, a boutique hotel downtown. It is sure to be the first of many Chicago events I attend this summer season.

Sips & Bites

Despite the event name, there was no sit-down brunch meal. Instead, waiters scarcely passed out light bites on small trays holding only 6-8 pieces at a time. We were so hungry and kept missing out when the bites were quickly snagged! Finally, we tried two: melted gruyere cheese and quail egg on mini toast, and egg salad with caviar on a potato chip. Both were delicious! There was also an included bar serving mimosas and different pre-decided cocktails.

The Swag

Lulus is known for their fashionable clothing and accessories. Attendees of Besties That Brunch Chicago were offered gift bags containing sunglasses and one of three different clutch bags: gold, white, and mauve pink. I chose the gold! Each clutch was embellished with beads or rhinestones.

Snap a Pic

Dresses from Lulus and a photo backdrop were set up in a room off of the cafe. The outfits were styled with accessories and shoes, and a professional photographer took both digital and Polaroid pictures with fun bestie props. Pictured above is our Polaroid! I loved that we got to take it home as a souvenir.

Flowers From Semillas Chicago

My favorite part about the event was the flower bouquet station in the cafe. Semillas, a plant studio located in the Chicago Pilson neighborhood, provided a wonderful variety of flowers arranged in small bouquets for event guests. I loved how mine turned out!

Lulus Besties That Brunch Chicago was a fun, fresh way to kick off summer events. It was well organized and had just enough things to do to keep you stimulated and engaged. Before leaving we got our flower bouquets, complimentary cafe coffee, and more pics. I’d love to see Lulus do more events in Chicago in the future!

Which Chicago events are you planning to attend this summer? Let me know in the comments!

Filed Under: Chicago, Chicago Events, Featured, Lifestyle Tagged With: Besties That Brunch, chicago, chicago event, chicago events, Lulus, Semillas

Things to Do in Chicago: Winter 2023

November 16, 2023

Let’s hear those sleigh bells ringing! The holiday season is here, which means there are a lot of great events to check out in Chicago. My favorites from past years have included festive pop-ups such as Jack Frost Winter Fest Pop-Up and local markets like Christkindlmarket. Below you will find a list of recommended things to do in Chicago this winter!

Jack Frost Winter Fest Pop-Up

  • Date: November 30, 2023 – December 31, 2023
  • Location: Fulton Market
  • Cost: Admission $18-$34 + Selected Activities
  • View my 2022 Jack Frost Winter Fest Pop-Up review here!
photo: lpzoo.org

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

  • Date: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024
  • Location: Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Cost: Mondays are free, other dates $7-$10 admission, possible drinks available for purchase

Christkindlmarket Chicago

  • Date: November 17, 2023 – December 31, 2023 (locations vary)
  • Location: Daley Plaza (Loop) & Gallagher Way (Wrigleyville)
  • Cost: Free admission, Food/Drink/Shop items available for purchase
  • View a recap of my past experience at Christkindlmarket here!
photo: santababybar.com

Santa Baby Christmas Bar

  • Date: November 17, 2023 – December. 31, 2023
  • Location: Bamboo Club in Wrigleyville
  • Cost: $5 cover charge on certain dates, Food & drink available for purchase
photo: universe.com

Pink Wonderland Pop-Up Bar

  • Date: December 2, 2023 – December. 30, 2023
  • Location: 324 W Chicago Ave
  • Cost: $25-$40 admission
photo: maggiedaleypark.com

Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park

  • Date: November 17, 2023 – March 10, 2024
  • Location: Maggie Daley Park
  • Cost: $16-$22 admission, Locker rentals $3-$5, Skate aids $10

Filed Under: Chicago, Chicago Events, Lifestyle, Seasonal Tagged With: chicago events, chicago winter, things to do

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up 2023

October 7, 2023

Chicago’s Largest Halloween Festival

Something wicked this way comes! My favorite annual Chicago pop-up event is back. Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up, Chicago’s largest Halloween festival, is 2 acres of festive photo ops, carnival games, a corn maze, cocktail bars, axe throwing, food, and pumpkins for sale. It’s open all October and is perfect for feeling all the fall vibes. I have greatly enjoyed this annual pop-up (view pictures from my 2022 and 2021 recaps). Read below for this year’s experience!

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up Photo Ops

My favorite part about Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up, and the reason we’re eager to go back each year, is all the great photo ops! The unique fall and Halloween backdrops are the perfect urban opportunity to get into the spooky spirit. Each year they have oldie-but-goodie photo ops (like the pumpkin house) as well as new ones (like the window from the TV show Wednesday). The window,

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up Food & Drink

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up offers multiple cocktail bars and food for purchase. There is a taco truck, sweets from Eiffel Waffle, and other food – including apple cider donuts, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, elote, BBQ chicken sandwiches, and jumbo pretzels. The bars offer both alcohol and nonalcoholic options. We tried the apple cider (cold) and loved it! Make sure to bring a credit card as they do not accept cash. Beer, liquor, and ciders range between $9-$14.

Specialty Cocktails

  • Jack’s Potion of the Day – Specialty cocktail of the day
  • Jack’s Midnight Moonshine – Batched in-house with a hint of cranberry & peach
  • Fall in Love – Whipped vodka, cardamom & cranberry

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up Tickets

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up will be open to the public now through October 31, 2022. Tickets start at $22, and $20 for kids 5-11 years old. Add-ons include drink tickets, orange pumpkins, apple cider donuts, carnival games, axe throwing, and gemstone mining. Tickets are offered for time slots throughout the day and evening and can be reserved online in advance. Have a fun, spooky time!

Filed Under: Chicago, Chicago Events, Lifestyle Tagged With: chicago, chicago events, halloween, jacks' pumpkin pop up, Pop Ups

Taste of Chicago Grant Park

September 15, 2023

Chicago’s Annual Food Festival

One of Chicago’s most anticipated festivals each year is Taste of Chicago. While usually occurring in June or July, this year’s event was in September due to Grant Park’s backed-up summer entertainment schedule. After checking out Printer’s Row Lit Fest nearby, we did a short walk to the food festival and enjoyed delicious options. Read below to see what we tasted!

Taste of Chicago Food

Sapori Trattoria
Sapori Trattoria
Tacotlán
Gaby’s Funnel Cakes

Taste of Chicago Offerings

Taste of Chicago consisted of 35 food vendor booths and 17 food trucks. There was also a wine garden, cocktail lounge & garden, beer hall, Goose Island rail car, main stage, SummerDance stage, and a Lifeway Foods family village area. All around the nice view of Buckingham Fountain!

What We Ate

  • Sapori Trattoria – Pesto Gnocchi ($10) and Nonna’s Meatball ($5)
  • Tacotlán – Beef Quesabirria ($5)
  • Gaby’s Funnel Cakes – Deep Fried Oreos ($5)

Everything we tried was delicious! It was affordable and had perfect portion sizes for sharing.

I’m happy to report that the event was stress-free and more organized this year. In the past, Taste of Chicago had lengthy security lines at the entrance and you had to buy food tickets to get items from the booths. It caused extensive wait times and disorganized ordering. Now, there are more entrances, security lines are much shorter, and tickets are no longer required (can pay with credit cards or cash).

Have you been to Taste of Chicago? What was your favorite food there? Let me know in the comments!

Filed Under: Chicago, Chicago Events, Chicago Food & Drink, Featured, Lifestyle Tagged With: chicago, chicago events, grant park, taste of chicago

Things to Do in Chicago: Fall 2023

August 14, 2023

Who’s ready for spooky season? I definitely am! I absolutely love Fall time in the city. From festive pop-ups to pumpkin-flavored treats to Halloween, there’s nothing better than the cozy aesthetic that comes with it. Looking forward to scheduling plans? Make sure to add the ones listed below to your calendar! This post will be updated as events arise.

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

  • Date: September 21 – November 3, 2023
  • Location: Goose Island (1465 N. Elston Ave.)
  • Cost: $22 for GA, food/drink & extras available for purchase
  • View my 2022 Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up recap post (this is my favorite fall event!)

Harry Potter Magic at Play

  • Date: Now – September 4, 2023
  • Location: Water Tower Place (835 Michigan Ave.)
  • Cost: $42.50 per ticket, treats & souvenirs available for purchase
  • View my Harry Potter Magic at Play recap post
photo: rooftopcinemaclub.com/chicago

Rooftop Cinema Club

  • Date: Now – September 4, 2023
  • Location: The Emily Hotel (311 N Morgan St.)
  • Cost: $22.50+ per ticket

Chef BBQ at Green City Market

  • Date: September 7, 2023
  • Location: Lincoln Park (1817 N Clark St)
  • Cost: $159 for GA, $289 for VIP
  • View my 2022 Chef BBQ recap post
photo: nbcchicago.com

Taste of Chicago

  • Date: September 8-10, 2023
  • Location: Polk Brothers Park (600 E Grand Ave)
  • Cost: Free admission, food available for purchase
photo: eventbrite.com

Oktoberfest at the Zoo

  • Date: September 16, 2023
  • Location: Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Cost: $15 admission (early bird price), food & drink available for purchase
photo: facebook.com/ChicagoGourmet

Chicago Gourmet

  • Date: September 21-24, 2023
    • Sep 21: Tacos & Tequilas ($110)
    • Sep 22: Hamburger Hop ($130)
    • Sep 23: Grand Cru ($255)
    • Sep 24: Prost! In the Park ($99)
  • Location: Harris Theater Rooftop (205 E. Randolph St.)
  • Cost: $99-$255 + tax
  • View my 2019 Chicago Gourmet recap post
photo: greencitymarket.org

Green City Market

  • Date: Now – November 2023
  • Location: Lincoln Park, West Loop, Avondale
  • Cost: Free admission, vendors selling items for a cost

The Exhibit House

  • Date: Indefinitely
  • Location: Water Tower Place (835 Michigan Ave.)
  • Cost: $30 per ticket
  • View my The Exhibit House recap post
photo: lpzoo.org

ZooLights

  • Date: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024
  • Location: Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Cost: TBD

Things to Do All Fall

Chicago Attractions

  • Navy Pier
  • 360 Chicago
  • Skydeck Chicago
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Chicago Riverwalk
  • The Chicago Theatre
  • The Bean (Cloud Gate)
  • Wrigley Field
  • United Center
  • The Second City
  • Garfield Park Conservatory
  • Chicago River Architecture Tours

Chicago Museums

  • Adler Planetarium
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • The Art Institute of Chicago
  • The Field Museum
  • Chicago History Museum
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
  • Chicago Cultural Center
  • WNDR Museum
  • Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
  • Chicago Sports Museum
  • Museum of Illusions Chicago
  • American Writers Museum

Filed Under: Chicago, Chicago Events, Lifestyle Tagged With: chicago, chicago events, fall, things to do

LeakyCon: A Magical World Fandom Convention

August 14, 2023

The Perfect Convention for Harry Potter Fans

This year was my first time attending LeakyCon, a fandom convention celebrating magical worlds such as the Wizarding World and Lord of the Rings. Sticking to my love for all things Harry Potter, I wore my best Slytherin wear and enjoyed the fun cosplay from others at the event. The convention featured sessions, a marketplace, and – the best part – photo and autograph opportunities with magical world celebrities. WE MET TOM FELTON. Keep reading for more information about this annual event!

The LeakyCon Convention

I attended LeakyCon under a media pass, but single general admission tickets were around $90 after tax. While the convention provides an impressive lineup of sessions and speakers at LeakyCon, the add-ons are truly once-in-a-lifetime moments. As a long-life Harry Potter fan (even my 9th birthday party was Harry Potter themed!), I was beyond ecstatic to meet and get a picture with none other than Draco Malfoy himself, Tom Felton. He was so nice! Other magical celebrities in attendance included Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, and Miranda Otto.

Experience Add-On Costs

Add-ons included autographs, selfie photos, professional photos in front of the LeakyCon backdrop, and content creation opportunities with Harry Potter-themed content creators. Prices ranged a bit, but we paid $147.50 for one professional photo with Tom Felton and were able to have both of us in the picture (you can have 2 people/per photo ticket). Photo extras were exact cash or Venmo only. Extra printed photos were $15 each, a digital version was $10 each, and protective slipcases were $5 each. Worth it!

Fan Corner Creations
Laserbrain

LeakyCon Marketplace

The marketplace selection at LeakyCon Chicago was awesome. There were so many great shops showcasing unique items to buy and take home. While most were Harry Potter themed, there were a few that had selective Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Stranger Things, and Disney-inspired items. I was excited to finally find and buy a Sirius Black wand. Many shops took both cards and cash for payment. Pictured are some of the (linked) shops I enjoyed!

Oddment & Tweak
Whimsic Alley

My Slytherin Outfit

(These are affiliate links and help make the blog what it is! Thank you!)

Slytherin Nightgown (Longer in person. I had it hemmed.) | Deathly Hollows Necklace | White Sneakers

Upcoming Events

LeakyCon events are held in a variety of cities each year! Make sure to follow their social media and website for location announcements. Have you attended a LeakyCon? What’s your favorite magical world?

Filed Under: Chicago, Chicago Events, Lifestyle Tagged With: chicago event, chicago events, harry potter, leakycon

Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE at The 900 Shops

May 7, 2023

Fleurs de Villes at the 900 Shops

Each year the 900 Shops on Michigan Avenue hosts a Fleurs de Villes event in anticipation for spring. This year’s theme, VOYAGE, featured floral displays of iconic destinations around the world. I was able to attend opening night to enjoy six floors containing displays, light drinks from Inspirio Tequila, and a night of dressing up! Keep reading below to view my favorite floral creations.

My Favorite Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE Displays

Peru
Marrakesh
Scotland
Egypt
900 Shop Traveler
Mexico
Honduras
Palm Springs
India

Upcoming Summer Events in Chicago

The Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE event was fleeting, but luckily there are many upcoming summer events in Chicago to look forward to. From festivals to pop-ups to concerts, you certainly won’t be bored. Out of all the events, I’m most looking forward to Millennium Park summer workouts, the new Malibu Barbie Cafe pop-up, Pride in the Park, Stan’s Donut 5k, and Chef BBQ presented by Green City Market. I’ve already checked out Harry Potter Magic at Play and The Exhibit House – highly recommend both. Which events are you planning to do this summer?

Filed Under: Chicago, Chicago Events, Lifestyle Tagged With: 900 shops, chicago, chicago event, chicago events, fleurs de villes

Things to Do in Chicago: Summer 2023

April 16, 2023

Summer in Chicago is the best time of year. Whether you’re a local or just visiting for a weekend, there’s always something to do to enjoy the city (and nice weather). Plenty to keep your calendar full! Read below for things to do in Chicago this summer, May through September! This post will be updated as events are announced.

May 2023 Events

photo: greencitymarket.org

Green City Market

  • Date: May – November 2023
  • Location: Lincoln Park, West Loop, Avondale
  • Cost: Free admission, vendors selling items for a cost
photo: myself

Pixar Putt

  • Date: May – September 2023
  • Location: Polk Bros Park outside Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.)
  • Cost: $22-$33 per ticket
  • View my 2022 Pixar Putt Chicago recap post
photo: myself

Harry Potter Magic at Play

  • Date: May – September 4, 2023
  • Location: Water Tower Place (835 Michigan Ave.)
  • Cost: $42.50 per ticket, treats & souvenirs available for purchase
  • View my Harry Potter Magic at Play recap post
photo: facebook.com/suenosmusicfestival

Sueños Music Festival

  • Date: May 27-28, 2023
  • Location: Grant Park
  • Cost: $179+ per ticket, view lineup
photo: chicago.gov

Millennium Park Summer Workouts

  • Date: May 27 – September 2, 2023
    • 8–8:45am Pilates (no classes 7/1)
    • 9–9:45am Yoga (no classes 7/1)
    • 10–10:45am Cardio Kickboxing (no classes on 6/10, 7/1, 9/2)
    • 11–11:45am Zumba® (no classes on 6/10, 7/1, 9/2)
  • Location: Great Lawn in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.)
  • Cost: Free admission
photo: myself

The Exhibit House

  • Date: Indefinitely
  • Location: Water Tower Place (835 Michigan Ave.)
  • Cost: $30 per ticket
  • View my The Exhibit House recap post

June 2023 Events

photo: bucketlisters.com

Malibu Barbie Cafe Chicago

  • Date: June 7 – September 15, 2023
  • Location: TBA, Downtown Chicago
  • Cost: $35 for kids, $49 for adults (each ticket includes reserved seating, entree & side item)
photo: facebook.com/heatwavechicago

Heatwave Music Festival

  • Date: June 10-11, 2023
  • Location: Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
  • Cost: $99+ per ticket, food & drink available for purchase
photo: grantparkmusicfestival.com

Grant Park Music Festival

  • Date: June 14 – August 19, 2023
  • Location: Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.)
  • Cost: Free seating, first come first serve
photo: choosechicago.com

Millennium Park Summer Music Series

  • Date: Mondays & Thursdays, June 22 – August 21, 2023 – 6:30-9pm (Gates open at 5pm)
  • Location: Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.)
  • Cost: Free admission
photo: myself

Pride in the Park Chicago

  • Date: June 23-24, 2023
  • Location: Grant Park
  • Cost: $75+ per ticket, food & drink available for purchase
  • View my 2022 Pride in the Park Chicago recap post
photo: joffrey.org

Joffrey Ballet’s “Joffrey for All Celebration”

  • Date: June 25, 2023 – 5:30pm
  • Location: Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.)
  • Cost: Free public performance
photo: cso.org

Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s “Concert for Chicago”

  • Date: June 27, 2023 – 6:30pm
  • Location: Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.)
  • Cost: Free public performance

July 2023 Events

photo: facebook.com/NASCARChicago

NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend

  • Date: July 1-2, 2023
  • Location: Grant Park (337 E Randolph St.)
  • Cost: $269+ per ticket
photo: timeout.com

Millennium Park Summer Film Series

  • Date: Tuesdays, July 11 – August 29, 2023 – 6:30pm (Gates open at 5pm)
  • Location: Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.)
  • Cost: Free admission
photo: windycitysmokeout.com

Windy City Smokeout

  • Date: July 13-16, 2023
  • Location: United Center parking lot
  • Cost: $55+ per ticket, food & drink available for purchase
  • View my 2022 Windy City Smokeout recap post
photo: chicago.gov

Chicago SummerDance

  • Date: July 15 – September 10, 2023
  • Location: Grant Park & Millennium Park
  • Cost: Free admission
photo: facebook.com/sadsummerfest

Sad Summer Festival

  • Date: July 21, 2023
  • Location: Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
  • Cost: $49.50+ per ticket, food & drink available for purchase
photo: facebook.com/PitchforkMusicFestival

Pitchfork Music Festival

  • Date: July 21-23, 2023
  • Location: Union Park (1501 W Randolph St.)
  • Cost: $109+ per ticket, food & drink available for purchase

August 2023 Events

photo: facebook.com/lollapalooza

Lollapalooza

  • Date: August 3-6, 2023
  • Location: Grant Park
  • Cost: $125+ per ticket, food & drink available for purchase
photo: myself

Stan’s Donut 5k

  • Date: August 19, 2023
  • Location: Solider Field
  • Cost: $40 per registration
  • View my 2022 Stan’s Donut 5k recap post
photo: choosechicago.com

Chicago Air and Water Show

  • Date: August 19-20, 2023
  • Location: North Ave Beach & along the Lakefront
  • Cost: Free admission, reserved viewing at certain businesses for a cost

September 2023 Events

photo: myself

Chef BBQ at Green City Market

  • Date: September 7, 2023
  • Location: Lincoln Park (1817 N Clark St)
  • Cost: TBD, tickets required
  • View my 2022 Chef BBQ recap post
photo: nbcchicago.com

Taste of Chicago

  • Date: September 8-10, 2023
  • Location: Polk Brothers Park (600 E Grand Ave)
  • Cost: Free admission, food available for purchase
photo: facebook.com/ChicagoGourmet

Chicago Gourmet

  • Date: September 21-24, 2023
    • Sep 21: Tacos & Tequilas
    • Sep 22: Hamburger Hop
    • Sep 23: Grand Cru
    • Sep 24: Prost! In the Park
  • Location: Harris Theater Rooftop (205 E. Randolph St.)
  • Cost: TBD, tickets required
  • View my 2019 Chicago Gourmet recap post

Things to Do All Summer

Chicago Attractions

  • Navy Pier
  • 360 Chicago
  • Skydeck Chicago
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Chicago Riverwalk
  • The Chicago Theatre
  • The Bean (Cloud Gate)
  • Wrigley Field
  • United Center
  • The Second City
  • Garfield Park Conservatory
  • Chicago River Architecture Tours

Chicago Museums

  • Adler Planetarium
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • The Art Institute of Chicago
  • The Field Museum
  • Chicago History Museum
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
  • Chicago Cultural Center
  • WNDR Museum
  • Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
  • Chicago Sports Museum
  • Museum of Illusions Chicago
  • American Writers Museum
  • Museum of Contemporary Photography

Filed Under: Chicago, Chicago Events, Chicago Food & Drink, Chicago Guides, Lifestyle Tagged With: chicago, chicago event, chicago events, things to do

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 5
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

About Alyssa

Alyssa is a lifestyle writer living in downtown Chicago. Her blog, Sweating Champagne, focuses on local events & festivals, mental health awareness, travel guides, and style. She loves urban living, personality quizzes (ISTP!), reading fantasy novels, listening to music, and hanging out her two cats.

Shop Beachwaver Co.

20% off with promo code 'ALYSSAM20'!

MuggleNet Articles

Harry Potter fan? View articles I've written on MuggleNet.com!

Featured On:

  • IDontMind's Mental Health Writing Workshop: "Mood Ring"

  • International Bipolar Foundation: World Bipolar Day 2022

  • International Bipolar Foundation: Faces of Hope
  • LIKEtoKNOW.it Profile

    Categories

    Copyright © 2025 · Studio Mommy Themes · Custom Scene Images

    Copyright © 2025 · Adore Me on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in