This month, catch jazz legends at a free music festival, explore an interactive science museum, and tour a Chicago neighborhood with a friendly local — all without spending a dime.
Chicago is bursting with free things to do this August, including plenty of live music, free museum days, and neighborhood craft fairs and festivals. Summer is an especially great time for travelers on a budget — check out our guide to free and cheap things to do this summer for even more ideas.
1. See the Chicago Air & Water Show
Aug. 15 – 17, 2025
The Chicago Air and Water Show is one of the city’s most spectacular summer events. A beloved tradition for more than 60 years, this Lake Michigan spectacle has grown into the largest free show of its kind in the country.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 16, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with practice flyovers on Friday, Aug. 15. Check out a few of our favorite places to watch the show.
2. Attend the Bud Billiken Parade
Bud Billiken Parade
Aug. 9, 2025
The 96th annual Bud Billiken Parade is a long-standing Chicago tradition and the largest African American parade in the United States.
Every summer since 1929, the joyous procession of bands, floats, dancers, and more kicks off the start of the school year and celebrates the culture of Chicago’s historic South Side neighborhoods. This year’s parade on Saturday, Aug. 9 stretches two miles through the Bronzeville community and into Washington Park.
3. Honor Chicago history
Through Aug. 25, 2025
On the city’s South Side, the Pullman National Historical Park is a stunning landmark that represents Chicago’s lasting contributions to the labor movement. This planned industrial community, accessible via Metra train from downtown, is famed for its urban design and preserved architecture.
And now is the perfect time to visit, as the community celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Explore the special exhibit in the Visitor Center to learn more about the the first all-Black labor union in the US.
4. Check out Chicago Jazz Festival
Chicago Jazz Festival, credit Patrick L. Pyszka
Aug. 28 – 31, 2025
The oldest of Chicago’s free lakefront music festivals, the Chicago Jazz Festival boasts an incredibly diverse lineup of both living legends and up-and-coming talent.
The free outdoor show in Millennium Park spans four days over Labor Day weekend from Thursday, Aug. 28 to Sunday, Aug. 31. Grab a blanket or some chairs and find your spot on the lawn for this iconic event. This year’s headliners include esperanza spalding, Monty Alexander, Kermit Ruffins, and Eliades Ochoa.
5. Explore a new neighborhood
Chinatown; photo by Adam Alexander
Aug. 16 and 23, 2024
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, there’s always something new to discover in Chicago. Get to know a new neighborhood on a free Chicago Greeter tour, led by a friendly local who will show you each neighborhood’s landmarks, hot spots, and hidden gems.
This summer, Chicago Greeter is bringing free pop-up walks to neighborhoods across the city. Check out this month’s neighborhood pop-ups:
- Explore ornate architecture and authentic cuisine in Chinatown on Aug. 16
- Immerse yourself in Puerto Rican art and culture in Humboldt Park on Aug. 23
6. See a movie under the stars
Abel Arciniega :: @tequilagraphics
Aug. 5, 12, and 19, 2025
Every summer in Chicago, visitors and locals flock to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion to watch blockbusters, award-winning films, family classics, and cult favorites. The Millennium Park Summer Film Series is back this August with free movies on select Tuesdays. Check out this month’s lineup of free movie screenings in downtown Chicago:
- Aug. 5: My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997, PG-13)
- Aug. 12: Wicked (2024, PG)
- Aug. 19: Pride and Prejudice (2005, PG)
7. Enjoy a free museum day
All month long
Spend an afternoon wandering through a Chicago museum, where you can dive into fascinating history, provocative contemporary art, and galaxies far, far away.
Here are the upcoming free museum days in Chicago for Illinois residents this August:
Explore more: Mark your calendar for free museum days throughout the year.
8. Attend a neighborhood celebration
Gallery Guichard; photo by Abel Arciniega @tequilagraph
All month long
Almost every Chicago neighborhood has its own signature summer event. There are music festivals, block parties, vintage markets, and street fairs dedicated to food, culture, and more. Here are just a few of the free fests happening in Chicago neighborhoods this month:
9. Hear free live music
Tuesdays on the Terrace at the Museum of Contemporary Art
All month long
Chicago’s musical roots run deep, from locally born genres like house music to our own unique spin on the blues. And summer is filled with opportunities to hear live music with free concerts all over the city, from our museums to our public parks and beyond.
- Grant Park Music Festival: This 80-year tradition brings free classical music to Millennium Park’s Great Lawn all summer long.
- Millennium Park Summer Music Series: Grab a spot on the grass and enjoy free weekly concerts from local and national artists.
- Chicago SummerDance: Learn some new moves with live music and dance classes held in Chicago parks, celebrating a diverse variety of genres.
- Tuesdays on the Terrace: The Museum of Contemporary Art’s popular series is back, with free weekly concerts highlighting artists from Chicago’s internationally renowned jazz community.
10. Watch the summer fireworks on the lakefront
Wednesdays and Saturdays in August
The Navy Pier fireworks are one of the most iconic parts of a Chicago summer. These twice-weekly shows take place on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 p.m. all summer long.
The breathtaking display is accompanied by a soundtrack of popular music. The last show of the summer will take place on Labor Day weekend. Top places to watch include the Navy Pier Beer Garden, Offshore Rooftop, or along the nearby lakefront.
Looking for more? Check out our guide on free things to do in Chicago all year long.