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Build your summer bucket list from our epic guide of 250-plus things to do.
It's a wrap on summer until next year, but you can still find stellar yearlong arts and culture coverage at wbez.org. To hear from us more often, text FUN to 312312 to get a weekly pick of great things to do in and around Chicago. We'll send you our top culture picks ahead of each weekend all season, whether it's a can't-miss local artist, autumnal traditions around the region or our winter survival guide.

If you're looking for ideas for next summer, or for simply some great reads, click on any link below to read from our collection of Summer 2023 stories.

By Leigh Giangreco, Bianca Cseke and Cassie Walker Burke. With Samantha Callender, Joanna Gaden, Kyle MacMillan and Ysa Quiballo.

 

Project design and development by Andjela Padejski. With Tenaysia Fox and Fernanda Veles.

Will hike for beer! Seven Midwest hikes with taprooms nearby.
We’re calling it an “adventure pairing” — a hike that ends with a cold brew at a great regional brewery. All our picks are under a three-hour drive from Chicago.
Summer of Chicago music: Nine up-and-coming acts to see now
It's summer festival season. Go for the headliners, but stay for these local up-and-comers worthy of their own spotlight.
The 2023 WBEZ guide to summer farmers markets in Chicago and the suburbs
Every day of the week, there's a farmers market open for business somewhere in the Chicago area. Use our updated guide to locate the one closest to you.
In Chicago, sex, glitter bombs and a radical reimagination of the classic cabaret
The Fly Honeys have packed small venues in Chicago. Now they are taking their dance party to the mainstage in a four-night run at Thalia Hall.
Beach Bunny frontwoman Lili Trifilio on hosting her first ‘Pool Party’ fest in extreme heat
Trifilio said creating her own fest has been a lifelong dream. The woman-forward indie lineup at the Salt Shed will feature The Beths, Charly Bliss and more.
Lollapalooza 2023 weekend wrapup: Who played and who slayed
Spectacular summer weather gave way to rain on Saturday and Sunday. But crowds kept coming for the music. A lookback at the weekend's standout artists -- in photos with mini-reviews.
Chicago is turning into a K-pop hub
K-pop superstars TOMORROW X TOGETHER and NewJeans promise to be a big draw for fans at Lollapalooza. But K-pop enthusiasts can now find themed businesses not far from downtown.
Why does Chicago’s Silver Room Block Party have to end?
Arguably the coolest event of the summer, the homegrown festival is ending its 18-year run with a final bow this weekend. The story, with photos, according to its founding collaborators.
PHOTOS: The fashion of Pitchfork Music Festival
From silky neutrals to patterns and plaids, the Pitchfork Music Festival is a place to show off style as much as listen to music.
At Chicago’s Pitchfork Music Festival, everyone’s a musician, even your bartender
The artist-heavy crew is a who’s who of Chicago musicians. Wait, was that Jeff Tweedy’s kid?
The Race to Mackinac: WBEZ’s guide to the world’s longest freshwater sailing competition
This weekend, 245 boats carrying 2,000 sailors set sail from the Chicago Lighthouse in the annual event’s 114th running.
The best free things to do this summer in Chicago for families
You don’t have to cash out on going out with the family. Here’s a list of free family-friendly events with live music, pop-up plays, dance nights and more.
For a day, Chicago has one of the largest dance floors in the world
The Chosen Few Picnic is a largely word-of-mouth fest that has become one of the largest house music parties in the world.
Beyond a landmark: WBEZ’s guide to Promontory Point and Hyde Park
Promontory Point, nestled between 54th and 56th streets along the lakefront, received landmark status last month to help preserve its limestone revetments and promenade.