Summer Intern After Hours In Chicago
Happy Intern Season, 312!
Whether you're a Chicago native or a UMich student from New Jersey testing out a different city for the summer, everyone could use a little help planning their ultimate summer itinerary.
From the hottest intern bars to the best student ID deals and can’t-miss summer activities, here's how to spend your (likely unpaid) summer in Chicago.
Intern Bars
If you're looking for a place to blow off steam after a long day of pretending to look busy, you've come to the right place. Here are some of the best spots to grab a drink with your co-interns. Don't worry, unless your boss is, like, 23, there's almost no chance you'll run into them here.
Photo: Benchmark Chicago
Happy Camper
Wrigleyville | 3458 N Clark St.
Benchmark Chicago
Old Town | 1510 N Wells St.
Three Dots and a Dash
River North | 435 N Clark St.
Good Night John Boy
West Loop | 905 W Randolph St.
Howl at the Moon
River North | 26 W Hubbard St.
Sluggers
Wrigleyville | 3540 N Clark St.
Federales Tacos & Tequila
Fulton Market | 180 N Morgan St.
Student ID Perks
Move aside, black card — the most powerful card in your wallet is your student ID. From sports to museums, use your scholarly status to your advantage this summer.
Photo: Unsplash
Chicago Symphony Orchestra — Student Tickets Start at $18
Loop | 220 S Michigan Ave.
White Sox — Join Student Pass Text List
Armour Square | 333 W 35th St.
Art Institute — Illinois University Partners Program Free Entry
Millennium Park | 111 S Michigan Ave.
Cubs — CUBS U Enrollment
Wrigleyville | 1060 W Addison St.
Auditorium Theatre — Student Discounts
Loop | 50 E Ida B. Wells Dr.
More To Do
If your summer camera roll only consists of office bathroom mirror selfies, you're doing something wrong. Chicago comes alive during the summer with some of the best free programming in the country. Take a bite out of it all while you're here.
Photo: DCASE
Rockin' in the Park Free Concert Series
Rosemont | 5501 Park Pl.
Free Summer Film Series
Millennium Park | 201 E Randolph St.
Chicago Party Boat Booze Cruises
Monroe Harbor | 400 E Monroe St.
Bottomless Mimosas on the Riverwalk
Loop | 355 Chicago Riverwalk.
Free Summer Music Series
Millennium Park | 201 E Randolph St.
Your Key to the City
Want to really unlock the ultimate summer? Sign up now for Do312 MORE and receive at least one pair of tickets every month to a dope show in Chicago.
For just $7 a month, there's almost nothing to lose — and everything to gain. Be the coworker with spare tickets this summer and watch yourself become the office legend.
Join now, you won't regret it.
No matter how you choose to spend your season, remember to work hard and play harder. Happy summer!
Updated June 2026 | Written by Sylvie Slotkin
Missing your favorite intern spot?
Let us know, and we’ll add it to the list!
