Photo from The St. Regis Chicago

There is no denying that summer in the city is an immaculate experience — from taking strolls on the Riverwalk to visiting the variety of outdoor fests and events the city has to offer, summer in Chicago is like no other. Thankfully, you don’t have to go very far to enjoy these uniquely summer experiences all within walking distance of The Residences at The St. Regis Chicago. Here we present our Chicago summer guide, assisting you in honing in on the best a Windy City summer has to offer. 

Creativity At Its Finest

Tap into your creative side with a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago. You can catch the Van Gogh and the Avant-Gard: The Modern Landscape exhibit in its final weeks before it leaves on September 23. If you’re feeling especially inspired, you can attend a Saturday Studio painting session and paint your own modern landscapes in the museum garden. 

To revel in your love of the city during the summer months, you might even opt to attend the July Gallery Conversation: Chicago Stories highlighting famous pieces shaped by Chicago.

Exterior of the Art Institute of Chicago, looking at the southern placed bronze lion and the door entrances.

Before the Chicago Symphony Orchestra moves up north for the summer, stroll over to the upcoming performance by Ben Folds on July 26 at the Symphony Center. Moving outside, the Lyric Opera House will be hosting a Sunday in the Park at Jay Pritzker Pavilion with artists performing favorites from the 2023 season on August 20. 

Located right in The St. Regis Chicago’s backyard, don’t forget to stop by The Park at Lakeshore East on August 22 at 6:00 p.m. for Jazz in the Park, featuring music from the Jazz Institute of Chicago.

Bask In the Outdoors

For more outdoor entertainment, catch a film with the Movies in The Park at Lakeshore East series, a quintessential summer activity. Grab some popcorn and walk across the street to The Park at Lakeshore East for Grease on July 20 and Top Gun: Maverick on August 17.

Soak in the summer rays with special outdoor workout offerings in the neighborhood. Millennium Park is bringing back its Summer Workouts with free outdoor sessions of Pilates, Kickboxing, and Zumba on Saturday mornings down the block in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. For something more leisurely, catch a glimmering sunset reflected off the water with a stroll along the Riverwalk.

Experiencing Culinary Heights and Delights

The beloved Chicago Gourmet festival is coming back on September 21 as the best chefs in Chicago come together in a celebration of innovative cuisine at the Harris Theater Rooftop, which is just a short walk away from The Residences. Check out the lineup of events featuring an array of fine dining experiences, like the Grand Cru Wines tasting on Saturday. In the meantime, try your own hand at gourmet cuisine with a visit to your local farmers market. The Chicago City Market at Daley Plaza on Thursdays features fresh produce, flowers, prepared foods, and Chicago artisans.

Venture right upstairs to the St. Regis restaurant Miru, located on Floor 11, for an elevated take on Japanese cuisine and drinks. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, and the Chicago River on Miru’s outdoor terrace. Just on the other side of Lakeshore East Park, visit Avli on the Park for an authentic but sophisticated selection of Greek cuisine and traditional refreshments.

Along the river, enjoy a craft cocktail alfresco style at the rooftop bars of the London House, or neighboring RAISED. Looking for a bite to eat? Pizzeria Portofino transports you to the Italian coast with fresh seafood and hand-stretched pizzas on a breezy riverfront patio. A few doors down, the newly opened TacoRio offers urban Mexican dishes to be enjoyed right alongside the river. You can even dine on the river with Odyssey Cruises. Experience fine dining, live music, and unique views of Chicago’s downtown all at once for a memorable meal.

The St. Regis Chicago is central to all the unique opportunities to experience summer in the city to the fullest, especially with our Chicago summer guide. Learn more about the Residences at The St. Regis Chicago here.