Camp Chicago 2026

Start: Saturday, July 4, 2026 1:00PM
End: Saturday, July 4, 2026 6:00PM

Welcome to Camp Chicago, a one-day All-American festival on the banks of the Chicago River. Live music & DJs on the water. Cold drinks in the sun. Yard games, arts & crafts, and a fleet of boat cruises running all afternoon into the evening. This 4th of July, we're turning Chicago's east riverfront into the summer camp you never wanted to leave... just add some friends, a bandshell, and cold drinks in-hand. TICKET OPTIONS Camp General Admission: Includes entry, one (1) drink ticket redeemable for a domestic beer or hard seltzer, a branded Camp Chicago bandana, and access to all festivities from 1-6pm. Counselor VIP Admission: Includes entry, four (4) drink tickets redeemable for domestic beers or hard seltzers, one (1) food item, an official Camp Chicago t-shirt and bandana, and access to all festivities from 1-6pm. BOATING EXPERIENCES Day Breaker Boat Cruise Check-in at 10:30am Includes party boat cruise on Lake Michigan from 11am-1pm, and entry to Camp Chicago with all General Admission inclusions. Afternoon Banger Boat Cruise Includes party boat cruise on Chicago River from 3-5pm, and entry to Camp Chicago with all General Admission inclusions. Sun Downer Boat Cruise Includes party boat cruise on Chicago River from 5:30-7:30pm, and entry to Camp Chicago with all General Admission inclusions. THE FESTIVITIES The Bandshell: Live music & DJs all afternoon on a stage built for the riverfront. The kind of lineup where you come for one act and stay for all of them. Yard Games: Corn Hole, Giant Jenga, Ladder Ball. Hook games and competitions throughout the day. Kumbaya Village: Tie-dye, body paint, friendship bracelets, and Camp Chicago merch. This is the arts & crafts center your inner kid has been waiting for. The Mess Hall: Festival food, camp favorites, and a drink lineup that goes deeper than domestic tallboys (but yes, those too). Concessions and a full bar running all day. Boating: Party boat cruises departing throughout the day. Limited capacity. Music on the water, the skyline behind you, and your people beside you.