Study Chicago's summer entertainment and tourism offerings

There are few things that excite Chicagoans like the phrase “Chicago in the summer.” With a new generation of sports stars, from Angel Reyes to Caleb Williams and Roma Udunze, now calling Chicago home — along with the upcoming Democratic National Convention in August — next summer's season holds a special buzz for the Windy City. The Harris Poll recently polled adults in Cook County about their views on the city's entertainment options, and here are some key findings:

Many Cook County residents believe Chicago has something for everyone.

Nearly half (45%) of Cook County residents agree that Chicago nightlife and entertainment has entertainment options for everyone (e.g. families, youth). Only 15% say there are not enough local entertainment options for them (i.e. what interests them, their lifestyle or their needs).

Half of Cook County residents (47%) say they take advantage of Chicago's entertainment options. Two in five (43%) plan to travel within the greater Chicagoland area (i.e. to another city or suburb) during the upcoming spring and summer months.

However, parents may have difficulty identifying enough family entertainment options: Cook County residents with a child under 18 are less likely to agree that Chicago nightlife and entertainment have entertainment options for everyone (38% vs. 47% of Do not have a child (under 18). Cook County residents with a household income of less than $50,000 are also below the benchmark on this matter (35% vs. 47% of those with household income between $50,000 to $99,000 and 51% of those with $100,000 + High family income).

These free and budget-friendly educational entertainment options are popular with groups who feel left out of Chicago's summer entertainment season.

Cook County parents with a child under 18 most often cite free public outdoor space (56%) as the entertainment option they plan to use during this year's spring and summer months. They overplan to use museums or related institutions (54% vs. 42% of those with no children under 18) and downtown Chicago attractions like the Navy Pier or architectural tours (51% vs. 42% of those with no children under 18) 18 years) during the coming summer months.

Cook County residents with household incomes of less than $50,000 most frequently cite planning to use free outdoor public space (52%) and free live performances (43%) as potential entertainment options during this year's spring and summer months.

A large majority of residents believe that Chicago being home to leading summer festivals and events such as Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, and NASCAR's Street Race positively impacts its local economy, tourism, and the city's overall reputation.

Three in four (75%) city residents believe major summer festivals and events positively impact Chicago's economy, while four in five (80%) believe the same regarding their impact on local tourism. Seven in 10 (69%) believe major festivals and events improve Chicago's reputation.

This online poll was conducted in the United States by The Harris Poll from April 5, 2024 to April 13, 2024 among 1,000 Cook County residents over the age of 18. Numbers have been weighted where necessary to bring them in line with their actual proportions among Cook County residents. Participants for this survey were selected from a pool of potential participants who agreed to participate in the online Harris Poll research.