Chicago's Summer Swirl: Explore Floating Eco-Parks, World-Class Art, and Iconic Sports in the Windy City

Listeners planning an adventure in Chicago this week are in for a treat with a city that’s bursting with music, sports, art, outdoor fun, culture, and unforgettable eats. Starting with something unique, Chicago’s Wild Mile offers guided walking tours along a floating eco-park on the North Branch of the Chicago River, where guides share insights into the river’s evolving ecology and restoration efforts—an interactive urban outdoor experience open to all, with public tours each Sunday and special morning yoga sessions on floating docks offered by Urban Rivers.

Art lovers can marvel at the Art Institute of Chicago downtown, home to one of the world’s finest collections with works by Monet, Picasso, Magritte, and an expansive Modern Wing. Don’t miss the current “Blondell Cummings: Dance as Moving Pictures” exhibit running at the museum this July, which celebrates a prominent African American choreographer through dance and visual art. Further downtown, Millennium Park enchants with public art like Cloud Gate (often called “The Bean”), the surreal Crown Fountain, and the Frank Gehry-designed Pritzker Pavilion, where free summer concerts echo through the city. Catch Franz West’s monumental sculptures in the park right now for a blend of art and architecture within an iconic urban oasis.

Sports enthusiasts have can’t-miss opportunities this week. The Chicago Cubs host the Kansas City Royals at historic Wrigley Field on July 23—iconic baseball in the heart of Wrigleyville surrounded by buzzing bars and local favorites. For basketball fans, history is being made at the United Center as the Chicago Sky face off against the Indiana Fever for the first-ever WNBA regular season game at the venue on July 27, 2 p.m., starring hometown heroes like Angel Reese and top rookies including Caitlin Clark. Those who love soccer should look ahead to July 30 for the Premier League Summer Series at Soldier Field, bringing top-level English football to the city.

Chicago’s summer music calendar is stacked. Listeners can catch the free “Live on the Lake!” summer concert series at the Navy Pier Beer Garden every Friday through Sunday, including July 25—a lively lakeside setting with local and touring bands across genres. For an indie vibe, Out of Space in Downtown Skokie, just north of Chicago, runs July 24–27, with nightly shows in an outdoor festival setting at the Science + Technology Park Field.

For immersive culture, the Chicago Cultural Center is showing free international films for the “Summer Screenings” program with special themes like Summer of Love, and the Chicago History Museum is hosting “Waters of the Abyss,” a massive art installation running this week. If you want quirky family fun, Peppa Pig World of Play at Woodfield Mall welcomes homeschoolers and families with special summer discounts and interactive play zones.

Outdoor adventurers will love a guided architecture river cruise—Wendella and other local operators narrate Chicago’s skyline history from the water. The Lakeshore Path and Chicago Riverwalk blend city sights with fresh air; try a kayak adventure, or flex your legs on a themed biking tour like “Bikes, Bites, and Brews.” Nature lovers can enjoy the Garfield Park Conservatory or Lincoln Park Zoo, free city gems with lush gardens and animal encounters.

When it comes to food, indulge in a Taste of Chinatown food walking tour, savor Chicago’s storied deep-dish pizza, or hunt for street tacos and old-school hot dog stands. For sunset cocktails, the Offshore Rooftop at Navy Pier remains a true local secret with spectacular sky-high Lake Michigan views—ideal for winding down after a packed day.

From sports spectacles and vibrant concerts to eco-park walks and hidden rooftop bars, Chicago’s sprawling selection of fun, unique, and inspiring activities invites every listener to craft their own adventure, whether you’re after bucket-list experiences or the...