Summer has just begun, and things are heating up in Chicago’s Chinatown. Chinatown is already home to beautiful art, delectable food, affordable shopping and a rich Chinese-American history. But when summer comes, Chinatown unleashes an even more diverse array of fun and culture. With convenient Chicago Parking around Chinatown, courtesy of the Parqex app, there’s no reason to miss out on these summer festivals and events in Chicago.
Chinatown Food Tour– ongoing, begins at 3pm, from $50.00
Departs from under the Chinatown gate
This tour is available year-round, but a breezy summer day is the perfect condition for this walking adventure. You will visit a total of five tasting locations, with 3 of them allowing time to take in the authentic atmosphere. During the walking tour, you’ll enjoy the sites and sounds of downtown Chinatown!
Chinatown Walking Tour– Memorial Day- Labor Day, Fri-Sun, call for times, $10.00
Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute
This tour can be taken as a public event or as a private event, with a minimum of 8 people. The tour covers the entire 15 blocks of Chinatown and lasts for 1.5 hours, stopping at the most popular tourist sites, including the entrancing Nine Dragon Wall, Chinese Buddhist Temple and the exquisite Chinatown Mural.
Cumbiasazo Kids!– July 2, 3pm – 8pm, free of costÂ
Ping Tom Memorial Park.
Cumbiasazo dance parties supports the love of dance and music in our children. With live music, art, and performances, this is a family event you’ll want to participate in year after year.
Chinatown 5k & Youth Run- July 9th, begins at 8am, registration fee
Chinatown Square on Archer Avenue
This event is open for adults and youths. The 5k course runs through the heart of Chinatown for adult participants. The youth races will begin at 9am with a 200-meter race for children ages 6-8 and a quarter-mile race for 9-11. The race will open with a Lion Dance and there will be a post-race raffle. Don’t miss out on the chance to support Chinatown and be a part of the community!
Movies in the Park, Jurassic World– July 15th, 8:15 pm- 10:19 pm, free of cost
Ping Tom Memorial Park
Enjoy the atmosphere of nature while also watching an edge-of-your-seat movie. There’s nothing like an outdoor movie watching that invokes the nostalgia of childhoods past at the drive-in.
The Chinatown Summer Fair-Â July 17th, 10am- 8pm, free of cost
Chinatown- Archer and Wentworth Ave.
This is not your typical hometown fair. It infuses old Chinese traditions with modern, Chinese culture. Immerse yourself in fun and history with the iconic Lion Dance Procession. Enjoy martial arts performances, classical and modern Chinese music, and ancient art displays.
Tsukasa Taiko– August 5, 6pm – 8pm, free of cost
Ping Tom Memorial Park
This live performance of Taiko drumming integrates Asian and American culture through contemporary infused music, in hopes to strengthen these combined communities. The sound is unmistakable and the experience unforgettable.
Chicago Shakespeare in the Park– August 14, 4pm – 5:30pm, free of cost
 Ping Tom’s Memorial Park
Come out to enjoy William Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, Twelfth Night. Full of farce, romance and confusion, this play will delight even the most fickle of play-goers.
Community Planting Day– September 18, 10am-12pm, free of cost
Ping Tom Memorial Park
Ping Tom Park Kids put lots of efforts into growing native plants for the park during camp over the summer. Join their parents and community giving those plants a permanent home in the ground. You will also have the opportunity to take a guided hike through the park and learn about its place in the urban ecosystem.
Slow Roll Nature Ride– September 18, 12pm- 3:30pm, free of cost
Departs from Ping Tom Memorial Park
Tour the historic Chinatown neighborhood on this community bike ride. The tour will highlight the Burnham Wildlife Corridor along the Chicago Lake Front, lead by a local nature expert. This event is perfect for all biking skills and bike types, as the tour is kept slow to take in all of the natural history the area has to offer.
Contact us for parking availability for these great events and others throughout the Chicago area!
