Most natives and newcomers agree – Chicago summers can’t be beat. Although this past winter was relatively mild (70° in February!), June marked the first month when hot temps held steady. And although we’ve been basking in the summer sunshine and warm evening breezes for a few weeks now, there’s nothing like exploring the city in celebration of the first official weekend of summer.

To kick start the season, mark your calendars with the following events and endeavors for June 23-25.

Logan Square Arts Festival

Those enthralled with Logan Square’s unconventional and charming atmosphere can truly get to know the neighborhood this weekend at the Logan Square Arts Festival at Logan Square Park. The annual arts and music three-day display offers more than 30 bands, 40 art vendors, 10 performing arts presentations, circus show and craft area for the kids. Revolution Brewing, a top-rated craft brewery local to Logan, serves beer all weekend alongside favorite local late-night spot, The Owl. Entry is free but attendees are encouraged to bring a $5 contribution, a portion of which goes toward nonprofit group Logan Square Preservation. Walk off the brews and bites with a stroll down the 606, a multiuse elevated trial that runs through Logan Square, Bucktown, Wicker Park and Humboldt Park. 

Chicago Food Truck Fest

On Saturday and Sunday, pack your appetite for the largest food truck gathering in the whole state. Hosted in the vibrant South Loop neighborhood, this is the fourth consecutive year for the popular Chicago Food Truck Fest. Carnivale, La CoCinta, Auntie Vee’s, Gino’s Steak and more local favorites will set up shop for the weekend. Aside from the 50+ gourmet eateries expected to attend, expect live music, sangria, games and a contest for an all-expense paid vacation. General admission tickets are free of charge.

Chicago Pride Parade

The 48th annual Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 25 (12-3p.m.) is expected to attract at least 250,000 people. Join the floats, ornamented vehicles, marching bands and community organizations as they head south down a four-mile stretch from Montrose and Broadway (Lakeview) to Diversey Parkway (Lincoln Park). Fans of Netflix’s hit show Orange is the New Black can watch Lea DeLaria (aka Big Boo) lead the parade. If you can’t make it to the event this year, at least catch a ride on the rainbow-wrapped L train that will run along the Red Line throughout the weekend in celebration of LGBTQ equality.

Find Your Next Home

Did you really think we weren’t going to mention house hunting? With thunderstorms expected to roll through the city on Sunday, stay dry (and productive) with some open houses to jumpstart your home search. Here are a few of our favorites:

West Loop – 6 S. Laflin Street #512

  • Asking price: $399,000
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Open house on 6/24, 11:00-1:00 pm or 6/25, 12:00-2:00 pm

River North – 300 W. Grand Ave. #207

  • Asking price: $450,000
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Open house on 6/25, 12:00-2:00 pm

Noble Square/Ukrainian Village – 1819 W. Augusta Blvd. #1

  • Asking price: $650,000
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 2.5
  • Open house on 6/25, 11:00-1:00 pm

Lincoln Park – 1902 N. Halsted St. #1

  • Asking price: $995,000
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 2.5
  • Open house on 6/24 & 6/25, 11:00-1:00 pm

Renters: We recommend starting your rental search around 60 days prior to your current lease end date to ensure the most inventory and the best prices. Just tell us your must-haves, budget and preferred neighborhoods and we’ll send a list of professionally-managed apartment buildings or privately-owned condos to consider. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, a Z Chicago leasing agent will schedule and guide the tours to help you make the right choice.