Things To Do In And Around Chicago For Labor Day Weekend 2025
CHICAGO, Illinois — Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, but the Chicago area is packed with festivals, concerts, and special events to close out the season. From downtown concerts to cultural celebrations and food festivals, here’s a full guide to what’s happening.
Bike The Drive
One of Chicago’s most unique events returns Sunday with Bike the Drive, when DuSable Lake Shore Drive closes to traffic and opens for cyclists of all ages. The fundraiser supports the Active Transportation Alliance and offers a rare car-free ride along the city’s lakefront.
- Where: Butler Field in Grant Park, 235 S. Columbus Dr., Chicago
- When: Sunday, Aug. 31, 6 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Chicago Jazz Festival
The Chicago Jazz Festival, produced by DCASE and the Jazz Institute of Chicago, celebrates the city’s deep-rooted jazz tradition. With performances across Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center, the event showcases both rising talent and legendary musicians.
- Where: Millennium Park & Chicago Cultural Center
- When: Aug. 28 – Aug. 31 (times vary daily)
North Coast Music Festival
The North Coast Music Festival returns to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, bringing some of the biggest names in electronic dance music for its 15th year. Expect late-night sets, immersive stage production, and massive crowds.
- Where: SeatGeek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview
- When: Aug. 29 – Aug. 31, 2 p.m. – 12 a.m.
ARC Music Festival
The ARC Music Festival at Union Park is all about house and techno, featuring an international lineup of artists celebrating Chicago’s place as the birthplace of house music.
- Where: Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., Chicago
- When: Aug. 29 – Aug. 31
Taste of Polonia
The Taste of Polonia festival highlights Polish heritage with traditional cuisine, beer gardens, and nonstop live music. The event at the Copernicus Center is also a community celebration with family activities.
- Where: Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago
- When: Aug. 29 – Aug. 31
African Festival of the Arts
The African Festival of the Arts, now in its 35th year, is billed as Chicago’s largest celebration of global Black culture. Expect live music, African cuisine, art displays, and cultural showcases across Washington Park.
- Where: Washington Park, Chicago
- When: Aug. 30 – Sept. 1, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Closing Weekend: Bristol Renaissance Faire
It’s your last chance this year to explore the Bristol Renaissance Faire, an immersive Elizabethan village experience just across the border in Wisconsin.
- Where: 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, WI
- When: Closes Sept. 1
Concert Highlights
The Whispers
Legendary R&B group The Whispers will bring their soulful hits to Country Club Hills Amphitheater.
- When: Aug. 30, 7 p.m.
Falling in Reverse
Genre-blending rockers Falling in Reverse perform at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park.
- When: Aug. 30, 6:15 p.m.
My Chemical Romance
The iconic My Chemical Romance headline at Soldier Field, bringing their emo and alt-rock energy to Chicago.
- When: Aug. 29, 6 p.m.
The Lumineers
The folk-rock favorites continue their “Automatic World Tour” with a show at Soldier Field.
- When: Aug. 30, 6:30 p.m.
System of a Down & Avenged Sevenfold
Two legendary bands team up for a massive rock show at Soldier Field.
- When: Aug. 31 & Sept. 1, 5:30 p.m.
Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience
The Chicago Philharmonic performs music from 23 Marvel films in a live cinematic experience at Ravinia.
- When: Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m.
Chicago’s Labor Day weekend promises something for everyone — whether you’re biking down Lake Shore Drive, enjoying Polish food, celebrating African culture, or rocking out at Soldier Field.
Stay tuned to ChicagoMusicGuide.com for the latest festival coverage, concert reviews, and upcoming events across Chicagoland.