After months of cold snaps, fake spring, second winter, and finally seeing the sun again, summer has officially returned to Chicago — and so has Castaways Beach Club.
The iconic lakefront destination at North Avenue Beach is officially open for the 2026 season, bringing back everything Chicagoans wait all year for: rooftop parties, frozen cocktails, beach days, sunsets over Lake Michigan, and one of the best skyline views in the city. Even though Memorial Day Weekend is kicking off with slightly chillier temperatures than usual, Castaways is fully embracing the mindset that every day at the beach is a good day at the beach.
This season’s menu features a mix of new additions and returning favorites designed for long afternoons by the water. New menu highlights include Pork Belly Bao Buns, Crispy Rice Shrimp Skewers, and Yuzu Beignets, alongside returning guest favorites like the Whipped Ricotta, Shrimp Ceviche, Chicken Caesar Wrap, and Watermelon Cucumber Salad.
And yes — the frozen drinks are back in full force.
Guests can once again expect the oversized, camera-ready cocktails that have become a Castaways summer tradition, including the Jaws of the Lake for groups looking to become the center of attention, the Chicago Bucket List served in a literal sand pail with gummy sharks, and the fan-favorite Colossal Colada — a frozen piña colada served inside a cored pineapple for maximum tropical vibes.
The summer event calendar officially kicks off this weekend with the return of Club Capri, the European-inspired rooftop party series by Thank You for Dancing that blends coastal Italian energy, live music, and sparklers after sunset. The first event takes place this afternoon, Saturday, May 23, with a limited number of tickets still available. Nine additional Club Capri dates are planned throughout the summer.
Tonight also marks the return of the beloved Navy Pier summer fireworks series, which guests can catch from Castaways’ south deck with unbeatable skyline and lakefront views.
Electronic music fans can also look forward to another packed season of Arc at the Lake, the venue’s annual house and techno series featuring 17 dates throughout the summer with globally recognized artists including Sasha, Nick Warren, Deep Dish, BLOND:ISH, and Lee Foss bringing beach-party energy to the lakefront all season long.
Also returning for 2026 is the wildly popular Let’s Do Fun Things salsa series, where guests can learn salsa dancing, show off their moves, or just enjoy the atmosphere as the sun sets over Lake Michigan. All skill levels are welcome — no dance experience required.
Of course, one of the biggest weekends of every Chicago summer remains the annual Chicago Air and Water Show, taking place Friday, August 14 (practice day), Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16. Castaways Beach Club’s all-inclusive rooftop watch party has become one of the city’s premier viewing experiences for the event, placing guests directly along the show route with unmatched views of the action overhead. Tickets are already on sale through TicketTailor, and more info can be found on the website.
For a full list of summer events, visit the Castaways Beach Club Events Calendar.
Menus and additional information can be found at CastawaysChicago.com.
Castaways Beach Club is located at 1603 N. Lake Shore Drive at North Avenue Beach in Chicago. Public transportation or rideshare is recommended, as parking at North Avenue Beach is limited during busy summer weekends.
© 2026 Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants
Photography by Nick Ulivieri