Spend Summer on Chicago’s North Shore

Summer is finally here, so let’s fully engage in the activities that we love to do in the warmer months. Chicago’s North Shore takes advantage of our gorgeous setting to make the most of the warm weather. Bike, swim, kayak, sail, play in the sand, and relax on our pristine lakefront and accessible beaches. Join the Evanston History Center on an architectural lakefront walking tour.

It’s a special year at the Chicago Botanic Garden as they celebrate their 50th anniversary with Flourish: The Garden at 50— four-plus months of experiences, art, and, yes, joy. Interactive performances throughout the Garden will surprise and delight. Summer activities include the Model Railroad Garden, Music on the Esplanade, the Garden Chef Series, tram tours, and events.

Ravinia is back with Chicago’s “sound of summer.” Join friends, savor a picnic, and enjoy some of the greatest music in the world under a star-filled sky! Some acts performing this summer include the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sheryl Crow with Keb’ Mo’, Leslie Odom Jr., Ziggy Marley, Culture Club, Sting, and Stevie Nicks.  

The Illinois Holocaust Museum offers many options for the exploration of history and current issues related to building a tolerant society. Ghost Army: The Combat Con Artists of World War II tells the heroic tale of the U.S. Army’s top-secret 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, known as the “Ghost Army,” and their covert operations across Europe that helped win the war. A new experience, The Journey Back: A VR Experience, brings to Chicago a first-in-the-world virtual reality exhibition engaging visitors on a journey as they travel through concentration camps with Holocaust survivors who experienced them. 

And we cannot forget our busy festival season: Vintage Garage Evanston, July 17, Sept. 18, Oct. 16; Downtown Evanston Thursday Night Market, July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 1; Glencoe Festival of Art, July 23-24; Northbrook Grand Prix, July 28; Art at the Glen at The Glen Town Center, Glenview, July 30-31; Evanston Maker’s Market, Aug. 7, Oct. 2; Evanston Art Fest, Aug. 19-21; and Skokie’s Backlot Bash, Aug. 26-28. Love farmers markets? We have plenty — see our locations.

For a detailed listing of events, hotel deals, restaurants, and more, visit www.visitchicagonorthshore.com/summer. Follow us at @chicagonorthshore.