Things to Do in Chicago in August

By the time August rolls around, Chicagoans know that their days of summer are numbered. Though there are fewer street festivals and neighborhood events during this time, there is still plenty to do in August. Here are some of the month’s highlights.

August 6, 13, 20, 27 – Free for All. Free improv comedy shows at the Playground. Best of all, shows are BYOB.

August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Free admission at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, with free tours on Tuesdays at 1pm, 2pm and 4pm.

August 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30– Free admission at the Art Institute from 5pm to 8pm and free admission at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum all day

August 5-7 – Lollapalooza – One of Chicago’s biggest summer festivals takes over Grant Park for three days.

August 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 – Free tours of Half Acre Beer Company at 1pm. RSVP required.

August 13 – 14 – Northalsted Market Days – A 2-day festival of food, music, booze, and dancing. It’s located in the gay neighborhood, Boystown, and as during the Pride Parade, you’ll find lots of scantily-clad gay, lesbian and straight people all out to let loose and party in the streets.

August 7, 14, 21, and 28 – Free admission at the DuSable Museum of African American History from noon – 5pm

August 12 – Pilsen 2nd Friday Artwalk. One of my favorite monthly events, the Artwalk is held at galleries in Pilsen, around 18th and Halsted. Free wine and cheese and great art make this is an excellent (and low-cost) night out. 6pm-10pm

August 20-21– Chicago Air and Water Show. The largest free air show in the US takes place from 11am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday over Lake Michigan. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights are among the main attractions.

August 27 and 28 – Taste of Greece: Greek music, food, drinks, dancing, and cultural celebrations for the whole family.

Photo by akeg