It is going to be a great weekend in the Chicago area — with some excellent summer festivals. But what should you do?
Summer in Chicago means one thing: festival season. We serves as your ultimate guide for celebrations throughout the warm months, from May to October. So many fests, so little time. Almost every neighborhood around the city throws a local event, from north to south, east to west. Most community celebrations offer food, activities for all ages and live entertainment and are usually free with a suggested donation that benefits the neighborhood. Don’t miss out on food and music events.
Pull out your calendar and start writing these down. You’ll want to make the most of this weekend.
LONG-RUNNING FESTIVALS
GRANT PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL
June 12 – August 17 (times vary)
Grant Park
Tickets and full schedule available here
CHICAGO SUMMERDANCE
June 27 – August 24 (times vary)
Grant Park, Spirit of the Music Garden and other Chicago Park District locations
Free admission
Full list of classes, times and locations available here
FESTIVALS THIS WEEKEND
NATIONAL TACO CHAMPIONSHIP
July 27 (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Soldier Field
Tickets on sale soon
LINCOLN SQUARE GREEK FEST
July 27-29
2727 W. Winona St.
$5 donation requested upon entry
RANDOLPH STREET MARKET: TROPICAL PUNCH
July 27 – 28 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
1341 W Randolph St.
Tickets available here
SUMMER WINE FEST
July 26 (6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.)
Lincoln Park Zoo
Tickets available here
Must be 21 and older to enter
MORE FESTIVALS THIS WEEKEND
July 24-28: DuPage County Fair (Wheaton) | Map
July 24-28: Lake County Fair (Grayslake) | Map
July 25-28: Proud American Days (New Lenox) | Map
July 25-28: Prairie Fest (Wood Dale) | Map
July 25-28: Fiesta del Sol (Pilsen) | Map
July 26-28: Wicker Park Fest | Map
July 27: South Loop Beer & Cider Fest | Map
July 27-28: Bantu Fest (Hyde Park) | Map
July 27-28: Ghana Fest (Washington Park) | Map
July 27-28: Chicago Margarita Festival (Near North Side) | Map
July 27-28: Taste of Lincoln Avenue (Lincoln Park) | Map
July 27-28: Glencoe Festival of Art | Map
July 27-28: Geneva Arts Fair | Map
July 27-28: Homegrown Arts & Music Festival (Lisle) | Map
July 28: Bloody Mary Fest (Highwood) | Map
