SUMMER
FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS IN CHICAGO
SHOP LOCAL - FARMERS MARKETS - THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST DOG PARKS
About MarissaLanzito
Marissa launched her residential real estate career on Chicago’s North Shore back in 2001, quickly making her way to the city and spending nearly a decade as a key player on one of Chicago’s top teams. With over twenty years in the business and a reputation for rolling up her sleeves, Marissa brings unmatched insight to real estate transactions and an insider’s perspective on Chicago’s ever-changing neighborhoods.
What sets Marissa apart? A no-nonsense, hands-on approach, a knack for advocating fiercely for her clients, and a genuine love of building lasting relationships. She’s not just a Chicago market expert she’s also licensed in Wisconsin and serves the Lake Geneva area, drawing on her lifelong ties to the region.
These days, you’ll find Marissa living (and loving) lif i N th C t ith her husband, two kids, one rambunctious Rhode
Summer Events In Chicago
MoviesatGallagherWay
Wednesdays,May28–August27,2025
Tickets:FREE,allages
Bringablanket,snacks,andsettleinfor asummermovienightrightoutside WrigleyField.Withamixoffamily favoritesandcrowd-pleasersonthe schedule,it’sagreatmidweektradition forallages.
PRO TIP: Come early to grab dinner at Big Star or Happy Camper nearby and don’t forget the bug spray.
03
LollapaloozaMusicFestival
July31–August3
Tickets:GApassesstartat$189(resale only) Kids8andunderenterfreewitha ticketedadult.
Lollapalooza2025takesoverGrant Parkwithfourjam-packeddaysof music,food,andcityviews.Catch majoractslikeOliviaRodrigo,Tyler,the Creator,TWICE,andmoreacross multiplestages,alongwithlocaleats andpop-upart.
PRO TIP: Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and use the app to plan your day!
July11–13,2025 LincolnSquare 02 SquareRootsFestival
Tickets: Suggested donation, all ages welcome
Atrueneighborhoodgem,thisfestival offerslivemusiconmultiplestages,over 30regionalcraftbeers,andadedicated kids'zonewithfamilyactivities.It'sa celebrationoflocalculture,music,and foodintheheartofLincolnSquare.
PRO TIP: Arrive early to enjoy the familyfriendly activities before the evening crowds. Don't miss the local artisans' market for unique finds.
04 ChicagoAirandWater Show
Saturday&Sunday,August16–17
Tickets:FREE,allages
Theultimateend-of-summerspectacle! WatchtheU.S.NavyBlueAngelsand otherelitepilotsperformjaw-dropping stuntsoverLakeMichigan,alongwith parachuteteamsandwaterrescues. Bestviewedfromthelakefrontbetween FullertonandOakStreet.
PRO TIP: Go early and bring ear protection for little ones it gets loud, and the crowds build fast!
Small Businesses in Chicago SHOP LOCAL THIS SUMMER
Restaurants
Cafes/Coffee Shops
Heritage Bikes & Coffee
Floriole Café & Bakery
The Allis at Soho House
Space519
Coffee Shop Name
Andros Taverna
La Scarola
Bistro Campagne
Cindy’s Rooftop
Pizzeria Portofino
Small Businesses in Chicago SHOP LOCAL THIS SUMMER Home Decor
Krista K Boutique
Winifred Grace Space519
Felt Chicago p.45
Farmers Markets
C H I C A G O
01
Green City Market – Lincoln Park
Wednesdays & Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. April 5 – November 22
Here’s why I love this spot:
The gold standard for Chicago farmers markets. With over 50 local vendors, chef demos, fresh produce, florals, and some of the best pastries in town, it's a full Saturday morning vibe. Wednesdays offer a more relaxed experience, perfect for a midweek refresh.
03
Wicker Park Farmers Market
Sundays,8a.m.–2p.m.
May4–October26
Here’s why I love this spot:
Tucked into Wicker Park proper, it feels both community-driven and curated. Expect colorful produce, indie florals, and the occasional neighborhood dog in a bandana.
02
Logan Square Farmers Market
Sundays, 8:30 a m – 3 p m May 11 – October 26
Here’s why I love this spot:
This market has edge. Local farms meet neighborhood cool with live music, handmade goods, and everything from empanadas to kombucha. It's more than shopping it's a scene.
04
Lincoln Square Farmers Market
Tuesdays, 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thursdays, 3 p.m. –7 p.m. May 1 – October 30
Why I love this spot:
It’s midweek magic. Smaller and more local, it’s perfect for a Tuesday morning reset or a Thursday evening stroll. Grab dinner ingredients, fresh bread, and a bouquet then wander to a nearby café for a treat.
The Ultimate Guide to Dog Parks
Chicago’s largest off-leash dog beach and a true summer staple. Plenty of room for running, splashing, and digging right on Lake Michigan. It’s fenced-in from the rest of the beach and has a rinse-off station for sandy paws. Expect happy chaos and lots of wagging tails.
One of Chicago’s first dog parks, and still a favorite. Fully fenced with separate areas for big and small dogs, benches for humans, and plenty of shade. Tucked right in the middle of Lincoln Park it’s a neighborhood classic.
LocatedalongThe606Trail,thisisthe go-toforBucktownpups.It’snothuge, butit’ssleekandurbanwithamodern layout,waterfountains,andseating.A greatpitstopduringaweekendstroll.
TuckedbetweenRavenswoodand Uptown,thisfullyfencedparkoffers plentyofspace,gravelgroundcover, andarelaxed,low-keycrowd.Nottoo busy,whichmakesitafavoriteforshy pupsorcasualfetch.
The Ultimate Guide to Summer Date Nights
1000WArmitageAve,LincolnPark ArmitageAlehouse
Cozy,candlelit,andperfectforlingering. Thinkvelvetbooths,moodylighting, andthebutterchickenpotpiethat basicallyhasafanclub.Feelslike London withouttheHeathrowflight.
CiccioMio
226WKinzieSt,RiverNorth
Intimate,indulgent,andveryvelvetforward.It’sgiving“Anniversarybut makeitplayful.”Thespicyvodka rigatoniisamust.Soisamartini.Sois splittingadessert.
830NMichiganAve,GoldCoast
EvanFunke’spastatempleontheMag Mile.Sleekdesign,killerwinelist,and viewsfordays.Getthepici,thebistecca, andthatnegroniondraft.Date-night gold.
1516WCarrollAve,WestLoop
An airy, design-forward space that feels part dinner party, part insider hangout. Seasonal menu, curated wines, and a crowd that just gets it. Sit at the bar, order the anchovy toast, and pretend you’re a regular. Best for: casual cool dates that somehow turn into 3-hour dinners.
The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Dining
464NHalstedSt,WestTown PiccoloSogno
Thatgardenpatio?Iconic.Ivywalls, stringlights,andperfectpastaunderthe stars.ItfeelslikeaEuropeansummer minusthejetlag.
57EOakSt,GoldCoast
AnoasisaboveOakStreet.Elevated VietnamesewithFrenchflair,alush terrace,andcocktailsthatmakeyoufeel likeyou’reonvacation.
302NGreenSt,WestLoop
Arooftopgardenwithseriousmood. Mediterraneanplates,lushgreenery, andascene-ycrowdthat’ssomehow stillrelaxed.Thegrilledchickenkebab andwhippedfetaaremenuMVPs. Goatsunset.Orderamezzespreadand callitanight.
114NGreenSt,FultonMarket
Freshpasta+craftcocktails.Besureto trythesquashagnolottiandthefall negroni.GrabicecreamatJeni’snext door.
Enjoy Chicago this Summer.
