Experience Chicago

Each year, the Office of Student Life organizes a week of local activities during the week of KWEST, designed to help our students and JVs get to know their peers while experiencing the Chicagoland area. Experience Chicago is a fantastic way to start your Kellogg experience. From August 21-29, join us for a one-week immersive experience of Evanston and Chicago that highlights just a small portion of the best the city and the surrounding area has to offer. All events are optional and are open to JVs and children. The kick-off begins on the last evening of CIM!

Register below and join #experiencechicago2026 on Slack for updates!

Please be advised that event times are subject to change due to weather, and cancellation is possible. The Office of Student Life will keep registered attendees updated if any changes are made to the event schedule. Student Life cannot refund you for any tickets purchased for any events since they are for events outside of Kellogg. Please make sure you register through CampusGroups. Most events are meetups, and students are encouraged to communicate the time to meet, rideshares, and meeting spots with peers.

Friday , August 21

August 21| 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Northwestern Lakefill

Kick-Off Bonfire Night

Join us for the Experience Chicago 2026 Kick-Off Bonfire Event! This will be a great way to get to know some fellow students and families who will also be partaking in Experience Chicago. Come join us after CIM on Friday for some S'mores out on the Lakefront Fire Pit!

Cost - Free

Register here!

Saturday, August 22

August 22| 11:00am - 6:00pm

Evanston Art & Big Fork Fest

The alluring streets of downtown Evanston host the community favorite Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival, August 22-23. Join fellow art lovers in browsing thousands of original pieces from an impressive 150 juried artists showing paintings, sculpture, jewelry, mixed media, photography and so much more. Take a break at the extensive tasty foods area, have a personalized poem written for you, or visit the Kids Art Zone with the little artist in your life.

Cost: Enjoy free admission

Register in CampusGroups to know who's attending.

Register here!

Sunday, August 23

August 23 | 11:00am - 9:00pm

Lakeview Taco Fest

The 2026 Lakeview Taco Fest takes place August 21–23, 2026, along the Southport Corridor at 3500 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago, Illinois. The event features local taco vendors, beer and margarita pairings, and live music across three days.

Decide on a time  with a group, coordinate transportation and a meet-up spot and have fun exploring the Lakeview neighborhood - just blocks away from the lakefront and jam packed with restaurants and nightlife!

Cost:  Suggested donation at the gate supports local neighborhood programs. VIP upgrade options are available through ticketing platforms

Register on CampusGroups to know you is going.

Register here!

Monday, August 24

August 24 | 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Chicago 90 Minute River Cruise
The Most Popular Sightseeing Tour!

Cruise the Chicago river on a breathtaking architectural tour! Boarding on the Magnificent Mile, see Chicago from the best views, listen to its history and admire the world renowned architecture of one of the biggest cities. You will be wowed!

We will be enjoying a sightseeing cruise that boards at Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave) and goes on a beautiful scenic architectural boat cruise down the Chicago river in downtown Chicago.

Cost:  Purchase tickets on CampusGroups

Register here!

Tuesday, August 25

August 25| 10:30am

Shedd Aquarium Free Entrance Day

Come join us to explore the Shedd Aquarium, which serves as your portal to the aquatic animal world in Chicago. Discover playful penguins, colorful coral and beautiful belugas as you journey through oceans, lakes, rivers and reefs.

Bring your wildcard and a photo ID or proof of residency in Illinois to enjoy a free day at the Shedd Aquarium near Chicago's lakefront and the museum campus.

Cost: Free *** Bring your Wildcard

Register here!

Wednesday, August 26

August 26 | 11:00am - 2:00pm

Northwestern Sailing Center, Beach Day

Come join in for a beach day at the NU Sailing center, just south of the pond, where students can rent paddle boards

*** Please note *** You must have signed a waiver ahead of time through NU Athletics at the Henry Crown Athletics

Cost: Rental fees vary

Register here!

Thursday, August 27

August 27| 10:30am, closes at 4pm

The Chicago Historical Museum and Lincoln Park Zoo, Free Entrances

Come join us to explore the Chicago Historical museum, filled with interesting and amazing information about Chicago! Group can gather to explore the Old Towne neighborhood afterwards and Lincoln Park Zoo down the street which is also free.

*** Please note*** The museum is FREE for this day only - you must have your wildcard with you to show you are a student in Illinois. The Lincoln Park Zoo has free admission every day all year long.

Cost: Museum is free on this day only, Lincoln Park Zoo is free admission.

Register here!

Friday, August 28

August 28 | 1:20pm - 5:00pm

Cubs vs Reds Wrigley Field Ballgame

Come join us to enjoy a favorite Chicago pastime cheering on our hometown league, the Cubs! Whether you have attended a baseball game or not - this is a must in Chicago!

Cost: *** Please note *** Tickets need to be purchased

ahead of time. Purchase tickets for 1:22 pm game.

Register and pay for your ticket In CampusGroups, and

the e-ticket will be emailed to you. Limited tickets

available, two tickets limit per student.

Purchase tickets through CampusGroups

Register here!

Saturday, August 29

August 28 | 11:00am - 2:00pm

Chicago House Music Festival & Conference

Thursday - Sunday, August 27-30, 2026

Chicago Cultural Center & Millennium Park

Four Days • Festival • Conference • Dance Summit • Workshops

Cost: FREE Admission

Register on CampusGroups to know who's going.

Register here!