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.

See the Chicago Memorial Day fireworks

Navy Pier is known for its spectacular summer fireworks displays, which kick off with the Memorial Day fireworks show. The Memorial Day weekend fireworks show is typically held on Saturday evening and is accompanied by music.

One of the city’s top attractions, Navy Pier is a waterfront stretch of 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.

Hit the beach

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. 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 popular beaches include North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach, 31st Street Beach, Montrose Beach, Hollywood Beach, and South Shore Beach. 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: Find more things to do with our guide to summer in Chicago.

Check out festivals and events

Sueños Music Festival
Sueños Music Festival

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of festival season in Chicago. Check out some of these cool festivals, events, and markets happening over the holiday weekend.

  • 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 festival, with tribute bands, artisans, and beer and wine vendors.
  • Mayfestiversary: Enjoy live music, food trucks, and plenty of craft beer from 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.
  • Chicago Memorial Day Parade: Honor those who served during this downtown parade and wreath-laying ceremony.

Dine outside

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 enjoy craft cocktails on a scenic 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.

Cruise along the riverfront

Chicago’s many lake and river cruises are a great way to see the city. Take a daytime river cruise to learn about our groundbreaking architecture orr 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 join a sunset or twilight tour, fireworks tour, happy hour paddle, historic Chicago tour, and more.

Catch a 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 at home 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.

Explore the Lakefront Trail

The Lakefront Trail, a paved path that hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline, is a popular place for walkers, bikers, and more all year long. The scenic 18-mile path connects to boat harbors, nature sanctuaries, waterfront restaurants, boardwalks, and cultural gems like the South Shore Cultural Center, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. It’s also a great way to access Chicago’s beaches, which open Memorial Day weekend.

Bike around the city

Book a guided bicycle tour with Bobby’s Bike Hike, which offers fun options like a lakefront neighborhoods tour and a bites and brews tour. Or rent some wheels from Bike and Roll Chicago to explore the scenic lakefront at your own pace. Finally, borrow a Divvy bike and make your way just northwest of downtown to The 606, a 2.7-mile elevated trail that cuts through some of Chicago’s most hip and eclectic neighborhoods.

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 names that line The Magnificent Mile to the trendy boutiques and locally owned shops in our neighborhoods, start your summer with a fresh new wardrobe.

Wander around the “city in a garden”

Millennium Park Lurie Garden

Check out the blooming flowers at the Lurie Garden, an urban oasis in Millennium Park. Explore the historic Garfield Park Conservatory and Lincoln Park Conservatory, home to hundreds of rare, native, and foreign plants. Jackson Park is also particularly beautiful this time of year, including the Osaka Garden. Check out more Chicago parks and gardens.