Camp Chicago: A Retro American Fest on the 4th

Summer camp grew up, moved to the river, and got a liquor license. On the 4th of July, Camp Chicago takes over the Riverwalk for a one-day all-American festival: live music and DJs on the water, ice-cold drinks in the sun, yard games on the lawn, and tie-dye at the craft table.

Hop a party boat in the morning or at sunset, battle it out at corn hole, trade friendship bracelets, and ride out Independence Day with the skyline at your back. This is the summer camp you never wanted to leave.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 · Gates at 1:00 PM
355 Chicago Riverwalk (by Island Party Hut) · 21+ only

Each boat cruise includes Camp General Admission tickets. Boating is an optional upgrade.

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 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.

10:30 AM  Day Breaker check-in. Cruise Lake Michigan from 11 AM to 1 PM, then roll straight into camp.

1:00 PM  Gates open. Bandshell, yard games, Kumbaya Village, and the Mess Hall running all afternoon.

3:00 PM  Afternoon Banger river cruise (3 to 5 PM).

5:30 PM  Sun Downer river cruise (5:30 to 7:30 PM).

8:00 PM  Last call. Camp closes.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Island Party Hut, 355 Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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