Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of summer in Chicago — and the city knows how to celebrate. Each year, Chicago comes to life with spectacular fireworks displays, buzzing rooftop bars, scenic kayak tours, fun neighborhood festivals, waterfront restaurants with jaw-dropping views, and so much more. Here’s our roundup of just some of the top things to do in Chicago for Memorial Day weekend.

Check out Memorial Day festivals and events

Sueños Music Festival
Sueños Music Festival

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of festival season in Chicago. Check out the top festivals, events, and markets happening during the holiday weekend.

  • Chicago Memorial Day Parade: Honor those who served during this downtown parade and wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday, May 24.
  • Suenos Music Festival: Chicago’s reggaeton fest takes over downtown Grant Park with a lineup of Latin hitmakers.
  • Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest: The waterfront Lakeview neighborhood plays host to this Memorial Day weekend festival, with tribute bands, artisans, and beer and wine vendors.
  • Mayfestiversary: Enjoy live music, food trucks, and plenty of craft beer from beloved local brewers Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery.
  • Mole De Mayo: In the historic Pilsen neighborhood, this outdoor food fest is dedicated to mole, a staple of Mexican cuisine, plus live entertainment and craft vendors.
  • Randolph Street Market: This European-style outdoor market showcases the best antique and vintage finds, including fashion, art, decor, and beyond.

Explore more: Check out our Chicago festival guide for more events throughout the year.

See the Chicago Memorial Day fireworks

Navy Pier is known for its spectacular summer fireworks displays, which kick off on Memorial Day weekend. This year, the Memorial Day weekend fireworks show at Navy Pier will be held on Saturday, May 24 starting at 10 p.m.

While you’re there, make sure to save time to explore Navy Pier. This waterfront attraction features rides, restaurants, entertainment, and more. While you’re there, take a spin on the iconic Centennial Wheel, grab a drink at Offshore (the largest rooftop bar in the world), and check out more things to do at Navy Pier.

Relax on Chicago’s beaches

Photo by Miguel Ángel Sanz

Chicago has more than two dozen free public beaches, and they officially open for the summer season on Memorial Day weekend — so make sure to pack your swimsuit. Beachgoers in Chicago can swim, tan, paddleboard, jet ski, play volleyball, or head to a nearby beachfront bar to enjoy a cold drink with your toes in the sand.

Some of the city’s most popular beaches include:

  • North Avenue Beach: This beach volleyball hot spot is also home to multiple waterfront bars, jaw-dropping skyline views, and a buzzing atmosphere.
  • 31st Street Beach: Take advantage of water sports rentals, including jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, and more.
  • Montrose Beach: The city’s largest beach offers plenty of room to spread out, plus an adjacent fenced-in dog beach.
  • South Shore Beach: This scenic beach is nestled next to the historic South Shore Cultural Center and diverse natural areas.
  • Hollywood Beach: A popular LGBTQ+ hangout, this northern beach has a relaxed atmosphere and calm waters.

Check out our guide to Chicago beaches for more of the best places to soak up the sun along the city’s 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.

Explore more: Chicago’s beaches are connected via the Lakefront Trail, a popular path for bikers and walks.

Enjoy outdoor dining on Chicago patios

A woman drinks a margarita on the patio at La Vaca Margarita Bar
La Vaca Margarita Bar

Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to dine outdoors in Chicago, whether you want to enjoy charcuterie on a waterfront patio or craft cocktails on a sky-high rooftop.

Or just stroll through any neighborhood in Chicago, and you’ll find plenty of stellar alfresco spots, from charming sidewalk cafes to hidden garden patios.

Take a boat cruise on the waterfront

Chicago’s many lake and river cruises are a great way to see the city. Take a daytime river cruise to learn about our city’s groundbreaking architecture or set sail on a lakefront dinner cruise for dancing and dazzling views.

On Memorial Day weekend, there are plenty of cruises and boat tour options on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Here are just a few:

You can also rent a kayak and paddle through the heart of the city, where you’ll enjoy up-close views of the lively Chicago Riverwalk and some of the city’s most iconic buildings. You can also rent kayaks on the lakefront or join a group tour.

Explore more: Find more things to do outdoors with our guide to summer in Chicago.

Catch a White Sox baseball game

There’s no better place to spend a summer afternoon than one of Chicago’s iconic ballparks.

This year, the Chicago White Sox will play a three-game home stand at Rate Field over Memorial Day weekend. Get your tickets to cheer on the White Sox as they face off against the Texas Rangers from Friday, May 23 to Sunday, May 25. Check out special offers and events throughout the long weekend, like Reggaeton Night on Friday.

Shop Memorial Day sales

Gemini

Don’t forget to take advantage of Chicago’s famous shopping scene as stores promote Memorial Day sales. From the big-name brands that line The Magnificent Mile to the luxury retailers in the Gold Coast to our locally owned trendy neighborhood boutiques, start your summer with a fresh new wardrobe.

More things to do in Chicago this Memorial Day Weekend

Friends bike on Chicago's Lakefront Trail
Chicago’s Lakefront Trail; photo by Abel Arciniega, @tequilagraphics
  • Explore the Lakefront Trail, a paved 18-mile path that hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline and is a popular place for walkers, bikers, and runners.
  • Check out the blooming flowers at theLurie Garden, an urban oasis in Millennium Park.
  • See the latest exhibits at Chicago’s top museums, featuring art, science, history, and beyond.
  • Go off the beaten path and dive into Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own unique vibe.
  • Explore the historicGarfield Park Conservatory andLincoln Park Conservatory, home to hundreds of rare, native, and foreign plants.
  • Book a guided bicycle tour withBobby’s Bike Hike, which offers fun options like a lakefront neighborhoods tour and a bites and brews tour.
  • Grab tickets to experience Chicago’s live theatre scene, from Broadway in Chicago to cutting-edge theatre groups.
  • Take a trip on the Chicago Water Taxi, which connects to popular locations like Chinatown and The Magnificent Mile.
  • Wander The 606, a 2.7-mile elevated trail that cuts through some of Chicago’s most hip and eclectic neighborhoods.