Welcome to Things to do in Chicago, your essential city guide for Sunday, August 10, 2025! As the sun rises over the Windy City, locals and visitors are buzzing with summer energy. Today’s weather is warm and welcoming, perfect for exploring, though always check for updates if severe conditions pop up. Air quality is holding steady, and the city feels alive after yesterday’s Bud Billiken Parade, which drew thousands to celebrate Black youth and kick off the back-to-school season[2].

Let’s jump into today’s top happenings:
- Northalsted Market Days is rocking the Lakeview neighborhood from 11am to 10pm. This half-mile street festival delivers live music on four stages, 250+ vendors, drag performances, food, dance exhibitions, and a lively celebration of LGBTQ+ community. Arrive via CTA Red Line to skip parking headaches. There’s a suggested $20 donation at the gate, and the party runs rain or shine[1][4].
- Sports fans can catch the Chicago Bears in action, hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers—the season excitement is palpable across the city[7].
- If you’re inspired by art, Millennium Park features “Franz West: Stonehenge” and “Dorit,” two monumental contemporary installations. Plus, the Cloud Gate sculpture (“The Bean”) remains a selfie hotspot for tourists and locals alike[3][6].
- For families, Lincoln Park Zoo offers big cats, polar bears, and lush gardens for a classic, free Chicago day out[3].
- Looking for guided adventure? Big Bus Tours’ Hop-On, Hop-Off rides run all day, making it easy to explore the city’s historic landmarks on your own schedule. The new Sunset Live Tour offers spectacular skyline views this evening[6].

In local news, the city is shaking off a rough weekend with recent reports of gun violence and ongoing police investigations[5]. Small business owners in the northern suburbs are on alert after a burglary spree overnight, according to ABC7’s morning update[8]. On a brighter note, several new restaurants are opening in West Loop this month, adding more flavor to Chicago’s already dynamic dining scene. Don’t forget, CTA trains are running on summer schedules with some express services—double-check for track work if you’re hopping neighborhoods.

Wondering how to make the most of your visit today? Don’t miss these must-do activities:
- Snap photos at Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate while enjoying outdoor concerts and art installations[3][6].
- Explore the scenic Chicago Riverwalk for dining and boat tours.
- Indulge in street food and high-energy performances at Northalsted Market Days[1][4].
- Discover hidden gems: stroll through a cozy B&B with Underground Railroad history or join a local architecture walk downtown[3].

Local tip: The Red Line is your best bet for fast, affordable transit between hotspots—just tap your Ventra card and avoid city traffic, especially during festival weekends.

Did you know? Chicago’s Bud Billiken Parade is the largest African American parade in the nation[2]! It started in 1929 and remains a powerful tradition, bringing families and educators together every August.

Looking ahead, tomorrow brings Homeschool Days at Peppa Pig World of Play for preschoolers and more art events at the Chicago Cultural Center. Stay tuned for the latest scoop and more can't-miss activities—join us again tomorrow for your updated Chicago adventure list!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI