As the summer heat continues to rise in Chicago, there’s no better time to revel in urban adventures and outdoor activities this month.
With numerous opportunities for running, biking, wildlife exploration, and yoga sessions, Chicago offers something for everyone.
The highlight of summer is undoubtedly the popular Bike the Drive event, taking place over Labor Day weekend, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of outdoor events.
Here’s a rundown of 16 community-led outdoor activities happening in and around Chicago this August that you won’t want to miss.
**Chicago BIPOC Birders: Bird Banding at Big Marsh Park**
**7-10 a.m. Aug. 1**
Big Marsh Park, located at 11559 S. Stony Island Ave., opens its doors to birding enthusiasts for a Friday morning event.
Join the Chicago BIPOC Birders, a grassroots community dedicated to supporting birders of color, as they showcase the bird banding station.
This free, beginner-friendly event encourages families to participate, and children are welcome without needing to RSVP in advance.
**Femmes + Thems: Community Beach Ride**
**1:30 p.m. Aug. 2**
Departing from the Jarvis Square Red Line Stop at 1523 W Jarvis Ave., this bike ride is designed for an inclusive community of women, femme, nonbinary, and trans-identifying bikers.
Spanning 9 miles, this ride will take participants to Hollywood Beach, where they can enjoy the ‘They Beach’ party, promoting a space for queer and trans folks to connect.
No registration is necessary to join this exhilarating adventure.
**Urban Rivers: Wild Mile Yoga**
**5-6 p.m. Aug. 3**
Set on the floating eco-park known as The Wild Mile at 905 W. Eastman St., this yoga session provides a unique setting surrounded by native gardens and wildlife.
Hosted by The Intuitive Lens, participants can join this tranquil outdoor practice.
Tickets are priced at $15, with 20 percent of sales supporting Urban Rivers’ conservation efforts, and booking them online in advance is recommended.
**Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: Bugapalooza**
**1-4 p.m. Aug. 10**
At the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon Drive), Bugapalooza offers a delightful experience for insect enthusiasts of all ages.
Participants can engage with native insects at the bug zoo, attend a petting zoo featuring critters, and even observe an entomologist.
For those interested, tickets can be purchased in advance, ranging from $20 to $30.
**Out Our Front Door: Monthly Hang at Rainbow Beach Park**
**7:30-10 p.m. Aug. 5**
Riding down to Rainbow Beach Park at 3111 E. 77th St. invites local bikers to mingle with the bikepacking group Out Our Front Door.
This event fosters a sense of community through discussions of upcoming rides and sharing ecological or historical anecdotes related to the park.
Admission is free, and RSVPs are encouraged online.
**Chicago Park District: Toddlers, Tunes and Turtles**
**5-7 p.m. Aug. 6**
Families with young adventurers will enjoy this engaging program at Sherwood (Jesse) Park located at 5701 S. Shields Ave.
Children can engage in hands-on turtle encounters, fun scavenger hunts, and live music from the Old Town School of Folk Music.
No advance registration is necessary to participate in this family-friendly event.
**Chicago Park District: Family Fishing at Canal Origins**
**10 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 9**
Canal Origins Park (2701 S. Ashland Ave.) offers an educational family fishing experience focused on local fish species and their ecosystems.
Participants aged 8 and older will receive equipment and bait, with children needing to be accompanied by an adult.
There’s no advance registration needed, making it a convenient choice for families interested in fishing.
**Chicago Bird Alliance: Wooded Island Birding Outing**
**8-10 a.m. Aug. 16**
Bird enthusiasts can join the Chicago Bird Alliance for a serene birdwatching experience at Jackson Park (6401 S. Stony Island Ave.).
Every Saturday morning, bird watchers convene for a leisurely hike through Wooded Island and Bobolink Meadow, covering about two miles of picturesque parkland.
Don’t forget to bring binoculars and field guides! No RSVP is required for this inclusive stroll.
**South Shore Nature Sanctuary: Volunteer Stewardship Day**
**10 a.m.-noon Aug. 16**
Contributing to local nature, you can volunteer at the South Shore Nature Sanctuary, a six-acre urban wilderness preserve located at 7059 S. South Shore Drive.
Volunteer stewardship days occur monthly from April to October, featuring an educational intro to birding workshop hosted by the Feminist Bird Club Chicago.
All ages are welcome, and necessary tools and gloves will be provided. Details on registration will be posted online.
**Forest Preserves of Cook County: Hummingbird Fest**
**9 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 16**
At the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center (12545 W. 111th St., Lemont), Hummingbird Fest presents a enthralling opportunity to witness bird banding firsthand.
With expert Vern Kleen leading the way, see ruby-throated hummingbirds being captured, while discovering insights about their migration patterns.
Entrance is free, and no prior registration is needed.
**Illinois Brewery Running Series: ERIS Brewery & Cider House**
**9:30 a.m. Aug. 17**
For both fitness enthusiasts and beer lovers, the Illinois Brewery Running Series organizes a 5K at ERIS Brewery and Cider House (4240 W. Irving Park Road).
Participants may run, walk, or jog, and should register for $47, which includes the race and a post-race beer, or $70 for a t-shirt as well.
Be sure to register in advance for this refreshing event.
**Chicago History Museum: Chicago’s Fabulous Fountains Bike Tour**
**2:30-4:30 p.m. Aug. 24**
With Greg Borzo, author of *Chicago’s Fabulous Fountains*, participants can explore local historical fountains on a bike tour starting from the Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark St.).
This leisurely 1.5 to 2-hour tour spans 5 miles, with notable stops including Fountain Girl, Children’s Fountain, and others.
Tickets priced at $25 for non-members and $22.50 for museum members can be obtained in advance.
**Outsiders Chicago: River Tubing Adventure**
**9 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 24**
Join Outsiders Chicago for a scenic river tubing adventure departing from Brooklyn Boulders at 100 S. Morgan St.
Participants will float down the Tippecanoe River in Indiana, enjoying refreshments provided by the group during the journey.
The price of $105 includes transportation, lunch, and drinks. A portion of the proceeds will go toward supporting Gardeneers.
**Chicago Ornithological Society: Nighthawk Watch at Horner Park**
**7-9 p.m. Aug. 26-31 (exact date TBD)**
For a unique birdwatching experience, join the Chicago Ornithological Society for the second annual Nighthawk Watch at Horner Park (2756 W. Irving Park Road).
This event will showcase the migration of common nighthawks in a mesmerizing twilight display.
The final date for this event will depend on weather forecasts, with RSVPs required for attendees.
**Out Our Front Door: Morton Arboretum Day Ride**
**7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Aug. 29**
Out Our Front Door invites cyclists to embark on a scenic day ride to the Morton Arboretum.
Beginning at Roos Recreation Center (7329 Harrison St., Forest Park), riders will traverse the Illinois Prairie Path, stopping for breakfast along the way.
Upon reaching the Arboretum, a guided tree walk and exclusive behind-the-scenes research center tour is included.
Tickets for this 44-mile round trip ride are available for $9 in advance.
**Active Transportation Alliance: Bike the Drive**
**6:30-10:30 a.m. Aug. 31**
In a much-anticipated annual tradition, Bike the Drive once again transforms DuSable Lake Shore Drive into a car-free cycling haven for residents and visitors alike.
Riders can pedal along the stunning lakefront scenery at their own pace, creating a relaxing biking experience.
Advance purchase is required for tickets: $64 for Active Transportation members, $74 for non-member adults, and $18 for children. The first 2,500 adult registrants will receive a complimentary T-shirt.
Be sure to register beforehand, and check out route details online to enhance your planning for this spectacular event.
Whether you’re interested in nature, cycling, or simply wish to connect with the community, these August events provide perfect opportunities to savor the remainder of summer in Chicago.
image source from：blockclubchicago
