Chicago's Free Summer Events (August)

August 16

Just in time for the first day of Chicago Public Schools, the South Side YMCA is hosting a back-to-school rally on the campus’ outdoor field, 6330 S. Stony Island Ave., on Saturday, August 16. 

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the YMCA will provide free snacks, games and other family-friendly activities, plus the chance to meet local partners and schools. The YMCA will also distribute backpacks and school supplies, and raffle off 30 laptops. 

The Chicago Air and Water Show presented by the City of Chicago is the largest FREE show of its kind in the United States. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.

The Chicago House Music Festival and Conference—the genre born in Chicago that has gone on to revolutionize dance music internationally. Plan Your Visit to the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park.

Discover what happens when two superstars meet across cultures with open hearts and boundless curiosity. World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo come together for Sarabande Africaine — a free outdoor concert at Millennium Park.

The Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that promotes all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming. The festival showcases Chicago's local talent alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation for one of the city’s most beloved art forms.