What to Do in Chicago?
Chicago truly does offer something for everyone. From world-class attractions to simple neighborhoods street fairs and farmers' markets, Chicago provides the full spectrum of entertainment, attractions, dining, sports, music, theatre, history, parks, museums..... well, you get the point. Here are some useful links to find what you are looking for. Please remember to book early for special events. Our Bed & Breakfast books quickly during many events, conventions or on holiday weekends. Book early to avoid being closed out. We are a proud partner of Choose Chicago, the city's official travel and tourism site. Visit Choose Chicago Events to see an up to date calendar of local events.
This Week in Chicago
Another favorite way to find out what's going on in Chicago is Time Out Chicago's "This Week in Chicago" guide. It always has up to date and useful information about events happening now.
Summer Festivals in Chicago
Boat and RV show
Chicago Boat, RV & Strictly Sail Show includes plenty of boats and RVs, seminars, camping gear, and even a trout pond for kids at McCormick Place.
According to Chicago's Redeye Paper:
MAY
Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival
May 26-27, noon to 10 p.m.
N. Sheffield from Belmont to School
Hosted by Central Lakeview Merchants, the 28th annual Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival will bring together local merchants, restaurants and bars to feature local music entertainment, arts, crafts, fashion and food/drink.
Suggested donation: $5
According to Chicago's Redeye Paper:
MAY
Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival
May 26-27, noon to 10 p.m.
N. Sheffield from Belmont to School
Hosted by Central Lakeview Merchants, the 28th annual Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival will bring together local merchants, restaurants and bars to feature local music entertainment, arts, crafts, fashion and food/drink.
Suggested donation: $5
Randolph Street Market Festival
May 26-27; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
1340 W. Washington St.
This European-style, indoor-outdoor urban antique market in the historic West Loop neighborhood features 200 select purveyors of high quality, amazingly priced “finds”, offering unlimited creative inspiration and hours of fun. Shoppers can find furnishings, vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles, etc.
Admission: $8 ($10 at the gate)
JUNE
Chicago Mayfest
5 to 9:30 p.m. May 31; 5 to 11 p.m. June 1; noon to 11 p.m. June 2; noon to 10 p.m. June 3
Lincoln Square, Lincoln and Leland avenues
Mayfest is hosted by the May Fest Committee, and features live entertainment, German food, arcade games, beer and more.
Do Division Street Fest
Noon to 10 p.m., June 1-3
Division Street, between Damen and Leavitt
Do Division Street Fest features live performances by various acts, food tents and sidewalk sales.
Suggested donation: $5
SausageFest Chicago
Noon to 10 p.m. June 2 & 3
Sheffield Ave. (Addison to Waveland)
57th Street Art Fair
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 2; 10 to 5 p.m. June 3Come down and participate in the popular Art Buying Boot Camp, a guided tour through the fair with art-buying experts who can help you with everything from determining the best price for a piece or the best colors to match your living room. Wine Riot
7 to 11 p.m. June 1; 1 to 11 p.m. June 2
Union Station Grand Hall
With two parts education and one part revolution, Wine Riot has reinvented "wine tasting" for the thirsty and curious. Grab a glass and hit the floor -- it's you unleashed against 250 wines from across the globe.
Tickets available online
Eastside Millenium Arts Festival
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 1 and 2; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 3
Lake Street and Michigan Ave.
Celebrate "Art in the City" at the Chicago Eastside Millennium Art Festival! Produced in collaboration with the local Eastside Millennium Gateway Association, this world-class celebration of art showcases the original works of acclaimed artists in a variety of mediums.
Chicago Bluesfest
11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., June 8-10
Grant Park
The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world and remains the largest of Chicago's Music Festivals. During three days on five stages, more than 500,000 blues fans prove that Chicago is the "Blues Capital of the World." Past performers include Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, B.B. King, the late Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy and the late Koko Taylor.
Ribfest Chicago
2 p.m. June 8-10
Lincoln Ave. and Irving Park Road
The community block party known as Ribfest Chicago averages 50,000 pounds of pork and more than 50,000 attendees annually on average. The three day event is sponsored by the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce and features live music, food and drink stands.
Wells Street Art Fair
10 a.m. to 10 p.m., June 9-10
N. Wells Street, between North Avenue and Division Street
The 38th annual Wells Street Art Fair, hosted by the Old Town Merchants and Residents Assocation, features an eclectic mix of original works by more than 250 juried artists. There is also live music and a silent auction.
Andersonville Midsommarfest
2 p.m. June 9-10
Foster Avenue and Clark Street
The 47th annual street fest welcomes nearly 50,000 people annually for two days of dancing, family entertainment and food. Vendors near and far come to sell products, and ethnic dance troupes and bands provide the entertainment.
Printers Row Lit Fest
June 9-10
Dearborn Street, from Congress to Polk streets in Printers Row
Chicago Tribune’s Printers Row Lit Fest continues to cultivate its commitment to the written word, support of literacy, and literary endeavors. Attendees will enjoy programming featuring: discussions, readings and book signings from an array of talented authors, a children's stage and activity area, an area for booksellers, and much more
Fiesta Puertorriquenas
4 to 10 p.m. June 14-17Humboldt Park, 1440 N Sacramento Ave.
Taste of Randolph
5 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 15-17
900-1200 W. Randolph St.
Restaurants of the West Loop come together to feature the best cuisines in food booths along the six block stretch. There will also be hand crafted and merchant goods for sale, a DJ dance stage and more to benefit the West Loop Gate Community Organization.
Admission: $10
Spring Awakening Music Festival
June 16-17
Soldier Field
Chicago's first all-electronic music festival. Headliners include DJs and producers like Moby and Skrillex. Womp womp. Wobble wobble.
Admission: $119.99 for a two-day pass
6 Corners BBQ Fest
Noon to 10 p.m. June 16; noon to 8 p.m. June 17
4000 N. Milwaukee Ave.
The Six Corners Association will feature food from Chicago's best BBQ restaurants, while kids can enjoy inflatables and arts and crafts. Live music and merchant sales will also be available.
Suggested donation: $5
Chicago Pride Fest
2 p.m. June 22-23
Halsted
The weekend of Chicago's Pride Parade, the Northalsted Business Alliance will host the gay and lesbian celebration of community pride. The festival will feature a variety of arts and crafts, food and other vendors. There will be entertainment as well.
Green Music Fest
June 23-24
Damen Ave., between North and Schiller
The innovative green technology-themed event will reflect the hip and environmentally-conscious West Town community by fusing original live music with green vendors, services and local retail, art, craft and food vendors.
Chicago Summerfest
June 23-24
Clark Street and Armitage Avenue
Live music, food and drink will be available at the Chicago Summerfest held in Lincoln Park. The festival will benefit the Mid-North Association.
Suggested donation: $5
Old St. Pat's World's Largest Block Party
5:30 to 10:30 p.m. June 29-30
700 W. Adams St.
Among the most anticipated and popular summer events in Chicago, The World’s Largest Block Party, is an annual tradition for young adults to gather to meet, mingle and listen to nationally recognized entertainment. Throughout the years, countless people have shared the World’s Largest Block Party’s mission of hospitality and community. More than a thousand volunteers each year help host the event. The World’s Largest Block Party is one of Old St. Pat’s most significant fundraisers.
Wavefront Music Fest
June 30-July 1
Montrose Beach
Wavefront Music Festival, Chicago's first all electronic music festival, will feature two main stages headlined by more than 15 acts like Boys Noize, Duck Sauce and Matthew Dear.
JULY
Rock Around the Block
July 7 and 8
Lincoln Avenue at Belmont Avenue
The music and culinary festival will feature artisans and craft vendors, as well as a variety of street performers. Proceeds will benefit West Lakeview Neighbors to support neighborhood services.
Suggested donation: $5
West Fest
12 to 10 p.m. July 7 and 8
Chicago Avenue, between Damen and Wood
There is something for everyone at West Fest, the Chicago street fair that reflects the eclectic persona of its West Town environs. Held annually on Chicago Avenue at Damen, the two-day party features live cutting edge music booked by Empty Bottle Presents, the BassbythePound DJ Stage, Kid Fest with kid activities and entertainment, Pet Fest with pet product vendors and dog activities for charity, plus a multitude of booths from popular neighborhood restaurants, retailers, and artists. What makes this fest unique is that it’s locally planned and managed by the West Town Chamber of Commerce, thus the emphasis is all-things “local,” from the food to the talent.
Suggested donation: $5
Chicago Folk and Roots Festival
July 7-8
Welles Park, 4400 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago Folk & Roots Festival, produced by the venerable Old Town School of Folk Music, is one of the city's most celebrated summer events. The festival features a spectacular array of world music and dance in a beautiful park setting. Chicago Folk & Roots holds a main stage for international and national touring artists, a dance workshop tent, kids music tent, kids arts & crafts, instrument petting zoo, a staff & student stage (from Old Town School's extensive education programs), and an array of local food and retail vendors
Suggested donation: $10
Pitchfork Festival
July 13-15
Union Park
The Pitchfork Music Festival is a three-day event showcasing over 40 of independent music’s best bands and artists on three stages.
Chinatown Summer Fair
10 a.m. to 8 p.m., July 15
Wentworth from Cermak to 24th Place
A celebration of Chinese culture through the area's restaurants, artists and performers.
Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival
4 p.m. to 11 p.m., July 20; noon to 11 p.m. July 21-22
Milwaukee Ave. from California to Kimball
One of Logan Square's largest arts festivals with more than 250 artist of all mediums. Attractions also include 3 stages of live music, food trucks and beer from Revolution Brewing.
Taste of River North
5 p. m. to 10 p.m. July 20; noon to 10 p.m. July 21; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 22
A. Montgomery Ward Park at Kingsbury and Erie
The River North Residents' Associations brings together the area's best dining, art and music for this riverfront festival.
Sheffield Garden Walk & Festival
Noon to 10:15 p.m. July 21-22
N. Sheffield Ave. between Webster and Belden
Lincoln Park holds this combination garden walk and music festival. Take yourself on a self-guided tour of the 80-plus gardens in the neighborhood or hang out in front of the stage and listen to some of Chicago's best bands.
Suggested donation: $7; $10 after 3 p.m.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 21-22
Belmont and Damen avenues
Burgers of all kind are back for the sixth annual Roscoe Village Burger Fest. Chicago restaurants offer up their best burger offerings amongst live entertainment during the festival.
Suggested donation: $6
Summer on Southport
July 21-22
3700 N. Southport at Waveland
Just down the street from Wrigley Field, Summer on Southport is a neighborhood festival that combines three stages of live entertainment with local dining and artistry.
Suggested donation: $5
Fiesta Del Sol
July 26-29
1400 W. Cermak Road in Pilsen
Wicker Park Festival
Noon to 10 p.m. July 27-28
Milwaukee Ave. between North and Paulina.
Often hailed as a poor man's Lollapalooza, Wicker Park Festival is known to offer one of the best music lineups in the Chicago street festival scene.
Suggested donation: $5
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Noon to 10 p.m. July 28; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 29
N. Lincoln Ave. between Fullterton and Wrightwood
As the name suggests, the focus of this festival is the dining option that Lincoln Ave. has to offer but that doesn't mean the entertainment should play second fiddle. This festival has featured five stages showcasing 40 plus musical acts in years past.
AUGUST
Taylor Street Festa Italiana
5 to 11 p.m. Aug. 3; 12-11 p.m. Aug. 4; 12-10 p.m. Aug. 5
Taylor Street, Little Italy
Statues, fountains, cultural exhibits, mouth-watering Italian food specialties, imported merchandise and a variety of unique entertainment make up a home-made recipe for an amazing festival experience Continuous live entertainment, Italian food specialties from the authentic restaurants in Chicago’s Little Italy area.
Wrigleyville Summerfest
Noon to 10 p.m. Aug. 4; Noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 5
3500 N. Seminary Ave.
This Wrigleyville festival will host local food, artists and entertainment.
Suggested donation: $5
Lollapalooza
August 3-5
Grant Park
The three-day music festival attracts some of the biggest names in music. Last year's headliners included Foo Fighters, Eminem and DeadMau5 among others.
$230 three-day passes are on sale now
Edge Fest
Noon to 10 p.m., August 4-5
5900 N. Broadway at Thorndale Ave.
Edgewater's take on the street festival will feature live entertainment and local dining options. The official food focal point of this festival? Bacon...yum.
Suggested donation: $5
The 57th Annual Ginza Festival
5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 10; 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 11; 11;30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 12
435 W. Menomonee Street
This Japanese cultural fair will include attractions like traditional music entertainment, self defense demonstrations and Japanese cuisine.
Suggested donation: $6 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens
Northalsted Market Days
August 11-12
Belmont and Halsted
If you can't make Boystown's Pride Festival, Market Days is your next best bet. The festival which, according to its website, is the largest two-day street fest in the Midwest is known for its music lineups and vast array of food and drink vendors.
Retro on Roscoe
Noon to 10 p.m. Aug. 11-12
2000-2300 W. Roscoe
This street festival sticks to the retro theme with attractions like a vintage car show. Live music and dozens of food vendors will also be there.
Northside Summerfest
Noon to 10 p.m. Aug. 18; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 19
4000 N. Lincoln Ave. between Irving Park and Byron
In addition to hosting live entertainment, this neighborhood fest is challenging local restaurants to bring their best take on the Chicago-style hot dog to fest-goers.
Suggested donation: $5
Chicago Air & Water Show
August 18-19
North Avenue Beach
The largest free air and water show in the country returns to Chicago this summer.
Clark After Dark
4 to 10 p.m. Aug. 23
420 N. Clark St.
This festival, presented by USO of Illinois, promises "great food, awesome bands and much more." Clark After Dark benefits Illinois troops and their families.
Suggested donation: $10
The Boulevard
August 24-26
Logan and Milwaukee
This Logan Square festival highlights the neighborhood's hip aesthetic with local bands and craft beer.
Suggested donation: $5
SEPTEMBER
Chicago Jazz Festival
Aug. 30-Sept. 2
Grant and Millennium Parks
You'll be hard pressed to find such a large offering of live jazz music anywhere else in this city this summer.
Free admission
North Coast Music Festival
August 31-Sept. 2
Union Park
Back for its third year, this music festival highlights some of the biggest names in rock, rap and electronic music.
Ravenswood Remix
Sept. 1-2
Ravenswood and Belle Plaine
The real highlight of this fair is that it showcases local artists that use recycled materials for their work. Free art workshops will also be offered to attendees.
Festival de la Villita
6 to 11 p.m. Sept. 7; noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 8-9
Little Village, 26th and Kostner
Chicago's Hispanic population is honored at this three-day festival that features cultural entertainment and cuisine.
Guinness Oyster Fest
6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 14; 11 to 10 p.m. Sept. 15
Damen and Roscoe avenues
Slurp your heart out at this oyster-centric festival while enjoying two stages of live music.
Suggested donation: $7
Design Harvest Festival
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 29-30
Grand Ave. between Damen and Wood
In addition to the usual street festival ingredients--live music and food--this West Town fest celebrates the best local furniture and home accessory makers in Chicago.
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Sept. 29-30
Various locations throughout Hyde Park
The 13 venues that are scheduled to take part in this two-day music festival expect to draw a total of 25,000 jazz fans.
Chicago Boat, RV & Strictly Sail Show includes plenty of boats and RVs, seminars, camping gear, and even a trout pond for kids at McCormick Place.
According to Chicago's Redeye Paper:
MAY
Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival
May 26-27, noon to 10 p.m.
N. Sheffield from Belmont to School
Hosted by Central Lakeview Merchants, the 28th annual Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival will bring together local merchants, restaurants and bars to feature local music entertainment, arts, crafts, fashion and food/drink.
Suggested donation: $5
According to Chicago's Redeye Paper:
MAY
Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival
May 26-27, noon to 10 p.m.
N. Sheffield from Belmont to School
Hosted by Central Lakeview Merchants, the 28th annual Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival will bring together local merchants, restaurants and bars to feature local music entertainment, arts, crafts, fashion and food/drink.
Suggested donation: $5
Randolph Street Market Festival
May 26-27; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
1340 W. Washington St.
This European-style, indoor-outdoor urban antique market in the historic West Loop neighborhood features 200 select purveyors of high quality, amazingly priced “finds”, offering unlimited creative inspiration and hours of fun. Shoppers can find furnishings, vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles, etc.
Admission: $8 ($10 at the gate)
JUNE
Chicago Mayfest
5 to 9:30 p.m. May 31; 5 to 11 p.m. June 1; noon to 11 p.m. June 2; noon to 10 p.m. June 3
Lincoln Square, Lincoln and Leland avenues
Mayfest is hosted by the May Fest Committee, and features live entertainment, German food, arcade games, beer and more.
Do Division Street Fest
Noon to 10 p.m., June 1-3
Division Street, between Damen and Leavitt
Do Division Street Fest features live performances by various acts, food tents and sidewalk sales.
Suggested donation: $5
SausageFest Chicago
Noon to 10 p.m. June 2 & 3
Sheffield Ave. (Addison to Waveland)
57th Street Art Fair
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 2; 10 to 5 p.m. June 3Come down and participate in the popular Art Buying Boot Camp, a guided tour through the fair with art-buying experts who can help you with everything from determining the best price for a piece or the best colors to match your living room. Wine Riot
7 to 11 p.m. June 1; 1 to 11 p.m. June 2
Union Station Grand Hall
With two parts education and one part revolution, Wine Riot has reinvented "wine tasting" for the thirsty and curious. Grab a glass and hit the floor -- it's you unleashed against 250 wines from across the globe.
Tickets available online
Eastside Millenium Arts Festival
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 1 and 2; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 3
Lake Street and Michigan Ave.
Celebrate "Art in the City" at the Chicago Eastside Millennium Art Festival! Produced in collaboration with the local Eastside Millennium Gateway Association, this world-class celebration of art showcases the original works of acclaimed artists in a variety of mediums.
Chicago Bluesfest
11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., June 8-10
Grant Park
The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world and remains the largest of Chicago's Music Festivals. During three days on five stages, more than 500,000 blues fans prove that Chicago is the "Blues Capital of the World." Past performers include Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, B.B. King, the late Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy and the late Koko Taylor.
Ribfest Chicago
2 p.m. June 8-10
Lincoln Ave. and Irving Park Road
The community block party known as Ribfest Chicago averages 50,000 pounds of pork and more than 50,000 attendees annually on average. The three day event is sponsored by the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce and features live music, food and drink stands.
Wells Street Art Fair
10 a.m. to 10 p.m., June 9-10
N. Wells Street, between North Avenue and Division Street
The 38th annual Wells Street Art Fair, hosted by the Old Town Merchants and Residents Assocation, features an eclectic mix of original works by more than 250 juried artists. There is also live music and a silent auction.
Andersonville Midsommarfest
2 p.m. June 9-10
Foster Avenue and Clark Street
The 47th annual street fest welcomes nearly 50,000 people annually for two days of dancing, family entertainment and food. Vendors near and far come to sell products, and ethnic dance troupes and bands provide the entertainment.
Printers Row Lit Fest
June 9-10
Dearborn Street, from Congress to Polk streets in Printers Row
Chicago Tribune’s Printers Row Lit Fest continues to cultivate its commitment to the written word, support of literacy, and literary endeavors. Attendees will enjoy programming featuring: discussions, readings and book signings from an array of talented authors, a children's stage and activity area, an area for booksellers, and much more
Fiesta Puertorriquenas
4 to 10 p.m. June 14-17Humboldt Park, 1440 N Sacramento Ave.
Taste of Randolph
5 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 15-17
900-1200 W. Randolph St.
Restaurants of the West Loop come together to feature the best cuisines in food booths along the six block stretch. There will also be hand crafted and merchant goods for sale, a DJ dance stage and more to benefit the West Loop Gate Community Organization.
Admission: $10
Spring Awakening Music Festival
June 16-17
Soldier Field
Chicago's first all-electronic music festival. Headliners include DJs and producers like Moby and Skrillex. Womp womp. Wobble wobble.
Admission: $119.99 for a two-day pass
6 Corners BBQ Fest
Noon to 10 p.m. June 16; noon to 8 p.m. June 17
4000 N. Milwaukee Ave.
The Six Corners Association will feature food from Chicago's best BBQ restaurants, while kids can enjoy inflatables and arts and crafts. Live music and merchant sales will also be available.
Suggested donation: $5
Chicago Pride Fest
2 p.m. June 22-23
Halsted
The weekend of Chicago's Pride Parade, the Northalsted Business Alliance will host the gay and lesbian celebration of community pride. The festival will feature a variety of arts and crafts, food and other vendors. There will be entertainment as well.
Green Music Fest
June 23-24
Damen Ave., between North and Schiller
The innovative green technology-themed event will reflect the hip and environmentally-conscious West Town community by fusing original live music with green vendors, services and local retail, art, craft and food vendors.
Chicago Summerfest
June 23-24
Clark Street and Armitage Avenue
Live music, food and drink will be available at the Chicago Summerfest held in Lincoln Park. The festival will benefit the Mid-North Association.
Suggested donation: $5
Old St. Pat's World's Largest Block Party
5:30 to 10:30 p.m. June 29-30
700 W. Adams St.
Among the most anticipated and popular summer events in Chicago, The World’s Largest Block Party, is an annual tradition for young adults to gather to meet, mingle and listen to nationally recognized entertainment. Throughout the years, countless people have shared the World’s Largest Block Party’s mission of hospitality and community. More than a thousand volunteers each year help host the event. The World’s Largest Block Party is one of Old St. Pat’s most significant fundraisers.
Wavefront Music Fest
June 30-July 1
Montrose Beach
Wavefront Music Festival, Chicago's first all electronic music festival, will feature two main stages headlined by more than 15 acts like Boys Noize, Duck Sauce and Matthew Dear.
JULY
Rock Around the Block
July 7 and 8
Lincoln Avenue at Belmont Avenue
The music and culinary festival will feature artisans and craft vendors, as well as a variety of street performers. Proceeds will benefit West Lakeview Neighbors to support neighborhood services.
Suggested donation: $5
West Fest
12 to 10 p.m. July 7 and 8
Chicago Avenue, between Damen and Wood
There is something for everyone at West Fest, the Chicago street fair that reflects the eclectic persona of its West Town environs. Held annually on Chicago Avenue at Damen, the two-day party features live cutting edge music booked by Empty Bottle Presents, the BassbythePound DJ Stage, Kid Fest with kid activities and entertainment, Pet Fest with pet product vendors and dog activities for charity, plus a multitude of booths from popular neighborhood restaurants, retailers, and artists. What makes this fest unique is that it’s locally planned and managed by the West Town Chamber of Commerce, thus the emphasis is all-things “local,” from the food to the talent.
Suggested donation: $5
Chicago Folk and Roots Festival
July 7-8
Welles Park, 4400 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago Folk & Roots Festival, produced by the venerable Old Town School of Folk Music, is one of the city's most celebrated summer events. The festival features a spectacular array of world music and dance in a beautiful park setting. Chicago Folk & Roots holds a main stage for international and national touring artists, a dance workshop tent, kids music tent, kids arts & crafts, instrument petting zoo, a staff & student stage (from Old Town School's extensive education programs), and an array of local food and retail vendors
Suggested donation: $10
Pitchfork Festival
July 13-15
Union Park
The Pitchfork Music Festival is a three-day event showcasing over 40 of independent music’s best bands and artists on three stages.
Chinatown Summer Fair
10 a.m. to 8 p.m., July 15
Wentworth from Cermak to 24th Place
A celebration of Chinese culture through the area's restaurants, artists and performers.
Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival
4 p.m. to 11 p.m., July 20; noon to 11 p.m. July 21-22
Milwaukee Ave. from California to Kimball
One of Logan Square's largest arts festivals with more than 250 artist of all mediums. Attractions also include 3 stages of live music, food trucks and beer from Revolution Brewing.
Taste of River North
5 p. m. to 10 p.m. July 20; noon to 10 p.m. July 21; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 22
A. Montgomery Ward Park at Kingsbury and Erie
The River North Residents' Associations brings together the area's best dining, art and music for this riverfront festival.
Sheffield Garden Walk & Festival
Noon to 10:15 p.m. July 21-22
N. Sheffield Ave. between Webster and Belden
Lincoln Park holds this combination garden walk and music festival. Take yourself on a self-guided tour of the 80-plus gardens in the neighborhood or hang out in front of the stage and listen to some of Chicago's best bands.
Suggested donation: $7; $10 after 3 p.m.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 21-22
Belmont and Damen avenues
Burgers of all kind are back for the sixth annual Roscoe Village Burger Fest. Chicago restaurants offer up their best burger offerings amongst live entertainment during the festival.
Suggested donation: $6
Summer on Southport
July 21-22
3700 N. Southport at Waveland
Just down the street from Wrigley Field, Summer on Southport is a neighborhood festival that combines three stages of live entertainment with local dining and artistry.
Suggested donation: $5
Fiesta Del Sol
July 26-29
1400 W. Cermak Road in Pilsen
Wicker Park Festival
Noon to 10 p.m. July 27-28
Milwaukee Ave. between North and Paulina.
Often hailed as a poor man's Lollapalooza, Wicker Park Festival is known to offer one of the best music lineups in the Chicago street festival scene.
Suggested donation: $5
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Noon to 10 p.m. July 28; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 29
N. Lincoln Ave. between Fullterton and Wrightwood
As the name suggests, the focus of this festival is the dining option that Lincoln Ave. has to offer but that doesn't mean the entertainment should play second fiddle. This festival has featured five stages showcasing 40 plus musical acts in years past.
AUGUST
Taylor Street Festa Italiana
5 to 11 p.m. Aug. 3; 12-11 p.m. Aug. 4; 12-10 p.m. Aug. 5
Taylor Street, Little Italy
Statues, fountains, cultural exhibits, mouth-watering Italian food specialties, imported merchandise and a variety of unique entertainment make up a home-made recipe for an amazing festival experience Continuous live entertainment, Italian food specialties from the authentic restaurants in Chicago’s Little Italy area.
Wrigleyville Summerfest
Noon to 10 p.m. Aug. 4; Noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 5
3500 N. Seminary Ave.
This Wrigleyville festival will host local food, artists and entertainment.
Suggested donation: $5
Lollapalooza
August 3-5
Grant Park
The three-day music festival attracts some of the biggest names in music. Last year's headliners included Foo Fighters, Eminem and DeadMau5 among others.
$230 three-day passes are on sale now
Edge Fest
Noon to 10 p.m., August 4-5
5900 N. Broadway at Thorndale Ave.
Edgewater's take on the street festival will feature live entertainment and local dining options. The official food focal point of this festival? Bacon...yum.
Suggested donation: $5
The 57th Annual Ginza Festival
5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 10; 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 11; 11;30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 12
435 W. Menomonee Street
This Japanese cultural fair will include attractions like traditional music entertainment, self defense demonstrations and Japanese cuisine.
Suggested donation: $6 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens
Northalsted Market Days
August 11-12
Belmont and Halsted
If you can't make Boystown's Pride Festival, Market Days is your next best bet. The festival which, according to its website, is the largest two-day street fest in the Midwest is known for its music lineups and vast array of food and drink vendors.
Retro on Roscoe
Noon to 10 p.m. Aug. 11-12
2000-2300 W. Roscoe
This street festival sticks to the retro theme with attractions like a vintage car show. Live music and dozens of food vendors will also be there.
Northside Summerfest
Noon to 10 p.m. Aug. 18; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 19
4000 N. Lincoln Ave. between Irving Park and Byron
In addition to hosting live entertainment, this neighborhood fest is challenging local restaurants to bring their best take on the Chicago-style hot dog to fest-goers.
Suggested donation: $5
Chicago Air & Water Show
August 18-19
North Avenue Beach
The largest free air and water show in the country returns to Chicago this summer.
Clark After Dark
4 to 10 p.m. Aug. 23
420 N. Clark St.
This festival, presented by USO of Illinois, promises "great food, awesome bands and much more." Clark After Dark benefits Illinois troops and their families.
Suggested donation: $10
The Boulevard
August 24-26
Logan and Milwaukee
This Logan Square festival highlights the neighborhood's hip aesthetic with local bands and craft beer.
Suggested donation: $5
SEPTEMBER
Chicago Jazz Festival
Aug. 30-Sept. 2
Grant and Millennium Parks
You'll be hard pressed to find such a large offering of live jazz music anywhere else in this city this summer.
Free admission
North Coast Music Festival
August 31-Sept. 2
Union Park
Back for its third year, this music festival highlights some of the biggest names in rock, rap and electronic music.
Ravenswood Remix
Sept. 1-2
Ravenswood and Belle Plaine
The real highlight of this fair is that it showcases local artists that use recycled materials for their work. Free art workshops will also be offered to attendees.
Festival de la Villita
6 to 11 p.m. Sept. 7; noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 8-9
Little Village, 26th and Kostner
Chicago's Hispanic population is honored at this three-day festival that features cultural entertainment and cuisine.
Guinness Oyster Fest
6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 14; 11 to 10 p.m. Sept. 15
Damen and Roscoe avenues
Slurp your heart out at this oyster-centric festival while enjoying two stages of live music.
Suggested donation: $7
Design Harvest Festival
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 29-30
Grand Ave. between Damen and Wood
In addition to the usual street festival ingredients--live music and food--this West Town fest celebrates the best local furniture and home accessory makers in Chicago.
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Sept. 29-30
Various locations throughout Hyde Park
The 13 venues that are scheduled to take part in this two-day music festival expect to draw a total of 25,000 jazz fans.
