Chinatown Summer Fair

Schedule

1. Saturday, July 25, 2026 — Chinatown Summer Fair: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; lion dance procession at 12:30 p.m.; welcome at 1 p.m.; featured performer Too Much Molly.
2. Sunday, July 26, 2026 — Chinatown Summer Fair: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; cultural performances, food, vendors, shops, and family programming.

What to expect

The 46th Annual Chinatown Summer Fair runs July 25-26, 2026 on Wentworth Avenue from Cermak to 24th Place. The Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation expects more than 40,000 people and frames it as a celebration of Far East beauty and culture through food, art, and music. Saturday opens with the lion dance procession at 12:30 p.m., welcome at 1 p.m. on the main stage, then cultural performances, kung fu demonstrations, Chinatown restaurant samplings, unique gift shops, arts and crafts, street vendors, and a children's area.

Tickets

Free.

Transit

Red Line to Cermak-Chinatown drops you 100 feet from the festival's north entrance. The 24 Wentworth bus runs the festival street and re-routes during the fair. Driving works but Chinatown garages on Archer fill by 1 p.m. — try the lots on Cermak west of Halsted.

Bag policy

No formal bag check — open street fair.

Family-friendly

One of the most family-friendly fests in Chicago. Multi-generational by design, the kung fu and lion-dance programming actively engages kids, and the food samples from Chinatown's restaurants are kid-approachable (dumplings, scallion pancakes, bao). Stroller-friendly on Wentworth's wide sidewalks. Restrooms at the Chinatown Square restaurants on the north end.

Local tips

1. Lion-dance procession at 12:30 p.m. Saturday is the must-see opener — be on Wentworth by 12:15 to claim a sidewalk spot.
2. Chinatown's restaurants run fest-week dim sum specials — MingHin, Cai, Phoenix, and Triple Crown all worth lunch even outside the fair booths.
3. Sunday afternoon is the calmer day — same fair, lighter crowds.
4. The kids' area programming runs in 30-minute blocks Saturday afternoon; check the schedule at the welcome stage.
5. Pair with the Chinese-American Museum (free, on Wentworth) — most fair-goers walk right past it.
6. Cash is faster at the food booths; the bigger restaurants take cards.
7. If you've never had Vietnamese coffee, several vendors set up — the Chinatown-side iced coffees are the under-the-radar fest beverage.

Frequently asked questions

Is Chinatown Summer Fair free?

Yes. The Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation lists free admission.

What are the 2026 hours?

Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

When is the lion dance procession?

Saturday, July 25 at 12:30 p.m., followed by a welcome at 1 p.m. on the main stage.

Where is it?

Wentworth Avenue from Cermak Avenue to 24th Place.