Ways to Escape the Chicago Heat this Summer

Warm weather is always eagerly anticipated by Chicagoans, but after the third day of 100 degree weather, it can get a bit… hot. There are so many great ways to spend a summer day in the city, and what a better way to cool off than at one of these local neighborhood hot spots.

Free Live Music at The Owl
2521 N Milwaukee Ave in Logan Square
Penny-pinching this summer? Check out The Owl in Logan Square! Along with pop up shows throughout the month, The Owl has partnered with the famous Double Door to host free monthly concerts on the first Monday of every month. In August, Double Door and Dark Circles Records will present Ester and Little Church on August 6 at 9 p.m. Stop by for happy hour before the show from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for half-priced cocktails and beers and make sure to check out The Owl’s event calendar for free live music and DJ sets all month long.

Color Me Weird Wednesdays at Remedy
1910 N Milwaukee Ave in Bucktown
Get over the midweek slump by heading to Remedy in Bucktown on Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. for “Color Me Weird Wednesdays”. Guests will receive complimentary coloring books and supplies, and while channeling their creative vibes, they can sip on one of Remedy’s new cocktails:

• Matcha Box 20 (TyKu soju, matcha tea, lemon juice)
• Puns N Roses (Hendrick's gin, rose water, lemon juice, simple syrup)
• Rhubarbarella (Aviation gin, Aperol, lemon juice, rhubarb bitters)

Kizuki’s Anime Movie Nights
1482 N Milwaukee Ave in Wicker Park
What’s better than eating ramen at Kizuki? A ramen anime movie night at Kizuki! All summer long Kizuki in Wicker Park will play popular anime films while guests dine. Every week a different film will be played so check their calendar to make sure you don’t miss your favorite one. Guests who are willing to make a charitable donation to local nonprofits during the event will also be able to reserve seating during the film.

Summer Fridays Happy Hour at Hubbard Inn
110 W Hubbard St. in River North
Kick off the weekend with Hubbard Inn’s new executive chef Jason Hedin as he samples his new summer menu with complimentary tastings during their new "Summer Fridays" Happy Hour. Every Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. now through August 3, diners can sink their teeth into free bites of Ahi Tuna Tartare, Truffled Sliders, Manchego Croquettes and more. Other regular happy hour specials will include $1 oysters and clams, $2 shrimp and scallop crude, $3 crab legs and lobster cups, a $4 rotating draft, and $20 build-your-own sangria pitchers.

Summer Trivia Nights at Commonwealth Tavern
2000 W Roscoe St. in Roscoe Village
Every Wednesday in Roscoe Village, highly competitive Chicagoans make their way over to Commonwealth Tavern for Trivia Night at 7:30 p.m.. Not only are seasonal beers $5 all night, but the top three teams will win a prize! If you can’t make it in on Wednesdays, stop by on Tuesdays for Euchre tournaments at 7 p.m. and $5 Lagunita’s IPA beers, and $15 beer buckets!

Thursday Nights with Low Spark at aliveOne
2683 N Halsted St. in Lincoln Park
Get groovy with Low Spark in aliveOne’s back room all summer long. Stop by the Lincoln Park stalwart for free live music from aliveOne’s resident band Low Spark, bringing you live funk every Thursday at 10 p.m. Visit aliveOne’s website for other free shows like Dally Auston on July 11, Bonzo Squad on July 18, DJ sets from BoatHouse, and even Music Trivia on Mondays.