Chicago has everything you need to celebrate all the dads in your life this Father’s Day. Enjoy a memorable meal out, cruise the Chicago River, enjoy local brews at a craft beer festival — there are plenty of options to make the weekend special. Here are our guide for special dining and events to celebrate Father’s Day 2021 in Chicago.
Events & activities
Eat the Parks Foraging Walk: Horner Park Father’s Day Edition
For dads that have a curious streak, the Eat the Parks Foraging Walk at Horner Park might be the perfect outing for Father’s Day weekend. You’ll follow Chicago’s professional forager, Dave Odd, on a jaunt around Horner Park to see all the edible delights growing right in your neighborhood.
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Chicago Craft Beer Festival
Any dad who loves a microbrew will want to stop by the Chicago Craft Beer Festival. Chicago is blessed to have some great local breweries, and this is the perfect place to try a little taste of what they have on tap, along with larger, regional beer makers. The festival goes all weekend in Fulton Market.
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Chicago Electric Boat Company Self-Guided Tours
Dad’s probably always looking for an excuse to get out on the water. Give him the joy of being captain (or first mate) on a self-guided boat tour. You can choose between cruising along the river downtown, or from the Avondale dock at Rockwell on the River. Boaters are encouraged to bring food and drinks to complete the experience.
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Father’s Day Sports Team Painting Workshop
Dads that love sports, but also have a bit of creative side, will especially enjoy the Father’s Day Sports Team Painting Workshop at Workshop 4200. You don’t need to be an expert painter. Just submit your favorite teams after you register and show up ready to make a masterpiece. Supplies will be provided at the workshop.
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Chinatown History and Culture Tour
If dad loves history, cuisine, culture, or just learning something new, then they’ll love walking tour of Chicago’s storied Chinatown neighborhood. Make sure to save time before or after the 90-minute tour to grab lunch at one of the area’s many authentic restaurants.
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VIP Tour of the Chicago Sports Museum
All the dads in your life will get a kick out of this special tour of the Chicago Sports Museum on Father’s Day. You’ll get to see — and even hold — unique memorabilia such as Sammy Sosa’s corked bat, Walter Payton’s final touchdown football, and David Ross’s catcher’s gear from Game 7 of the 2016 Cubs World Series.
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Check out more things to do this month.
Dining specials
Father’s Day Brunch & Dinner at Summer House Santa Monica
No matter what time you’re looking to dine on Father’s Day, Summer House Santa Monica has you covered. They’re offering a brunch from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Father’s Day, along with an all-day menu that’s available for dine-in, carryout, and delivery until 9 p.m. Reservations are recommended, and patio seating is determined on a first-come, first-served basis.
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BLVD Steakhouse
Treat dad to something special at this upscale West Loop steakhouse. BLVD is offering special whiskey flights and $1 oysters all day Sunday, June 20, along with their full menu of prime cuts and fresh seafood.
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Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse
If your dad still remembers the “Holy Cow” days of Harry Caray, he might just want to spend Father’s Day at the former broadcaster’s Italian Steakhouse. Before the four-course meal, you’ll be led on a fascinating tour of Chicago’s Gangster history housed right within the building, complete with Prohibition-era drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
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Father’s Day at Beatrix
Simple pleasures often bring the most joy. This is the idea behind Beatrix’s $15 Burgers & a Beverage deal this Father’s Day. Available at all locations for dine in and carryout, you’ll get to choose between a Mushroom Quinoa Burger or Prime Burger and a drink.
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“Tapa for Papas” Father’s Day at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Offering a Father’s Day Brunch-to-Go, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba’s ‘Tapas for Papas’ brings much more to the table than just a clever name. This gourmet meal will feature egg and chorizo empanadas, French toast, paella, and the option for Ba-Ba Bloody Marys or a “Ba-Ba-Mosa Kit.” Orders must be in by June 19 at 5 p.m. via Tock.
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Father’s Day at Virtue
This acclaimed Hyde Park spot is known for their menu of elevated comfort food served with a healthy dose of Southern-style hospitality. Dig into gumbo, blackened catfish, buttered grits, and more. And don’t miss the excellent cocktail menu.
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Father’s Day Smooth Jazz Brunch at Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery
Anyone looking for a fun way to spend the day with their favorite fathers should consider the Father’s Day Smooth Jazz Brunch. This 21+ event will have wine tastings, yummy food, live music, and the perfect setting for appreciating the best dads in your life. You can enjoy the festivities from noon to 5:30 p.m. on Father’s Day.
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Father’s Day at Bub City
Bub City will be serving a delectable brunch from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., including top-notch barbecue, Bloody Marys, and cinnamon sticky buns. There will also be live acoustic music from 12 – 3 p.m.
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A French Father’s Day at Venteux
Treat dad to a special meal at a new French brasserie, café, and oyster bar right downtown. Headed by Chicago’s youngest Michelin-starred chef, Donald Young, dinner at Venteux will be a night to remember.
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Stan’s Donuts & Coffee
If dad has a bit of a sweet tooth, but also craves all things savory, you’ll want to take him to the nearest Stan’s Donuts for a Father’s Day special: the maple bacon donut. This is only available Father’s Day weekend, so don’t let dad sleep in too late!
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