Summertime, Chicago-Style

Summer á la Chicago

Happy summer!

We’ve had quite a few odd weather weeks here in Chicago. From a dust storm to 90 degrees, back down to 50, I’m about ready for a typical summer. However, I’m not mad about these springy temperatures to kick things off.

To celebrate the unofficial beginning of another beautiful Chicago summer, this week’s newsletter is all about that wild and wonderful season. More specifically, how to enjoy all that Chicago has to offer in the realm of arts and entertainment that doesn’t cost a thing.

Wishing you all a magical end of May,

Amanda

A Chicago-Style Summer

As the sun peeked through the gloomy sky overhead, joy crackled in the heart of Maggie Daley Park. It was there that the Breyers’ seeming ode to National Parks had moved in. Equipped with Freezerpits (gorgeous faux fire pits), the team of ice cream rangers was handing out new Breyers® Campfire Collection S'mores bars and sandwiches. As the Freezerpits popped with a red hue, nostalgic for those long evenings by a campfire, live music from Lylah Elizabeth wafted nearby.

It felt like being in the middle of a Gilmore Girls episode–it was that wholesome.

But that’s the thing about a Chicago summer. It often feels that way, as if our huge city were the charming town of Stars Hollow. Our population of millions seems to shrink as we all emerge from our winter cocoons. We revel in community events and activities as if Taylor Doose himself were coordinating them. Suddenly, we’re immersed in communion with our neighbors from neighborhoods away. This is when Chicago really comes to life. Even Breyers recognized The Windy City’s incredible uniqueness enough to open up their indulgent park for us for a day. How cool is that?

If you missed out on the ice cream extravaganza on May 30th, don’t worry, there are plenty of sweet treats left this summer. In fact, the city offers numerous ways to have a blast without breaking the bank all summer long. To kick things off, here is a roundup of the free events I am looking forward to most this summer season.

• 100 Free Acts of Theater by the Goodman Theatre spreads the joy of live performance across the city. These events encompass a diverse range of activities, spanning various dates and times. For more information, please visit the theater’s website.

• Chicago Blues Festival, established in 1984, is the world's largest free blues festival, drawing over half a million fans annually to Millennium Park and other city venues. The event showcases a diverse range of talent, from legendary musicians like Mavis Staples and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram to emerging and local artists. For more information, click here.

• Chicago Dance Month Kickoff Celebration is hosting a free celebration at Navy Pier's Lake Stage on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 3:00–5:00 PM. This event features a diverse array of performances from various dance companies and artists representing different genres and cultural traditions. Attendees are invited to bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic while experiencing Chicago's vibrant dance scene.

• Movies in the Parks, presented by the Chicago Park District, brings cinema to life, free of charge, in our neighborhood parks. These events run the gamut from classic films like Casablanca to modern hits like Wicked. To see when your nearby parks are on the agenda, check the 2025 schedule here.

• Navy Pier Fireworks happen all summer long! These iconic shows light up the sky every Wednesday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 10 p.m., synchronized to popular music. You can’t go wrong with some incredible fireworks displays in the summertime–they’re a must!