2016 Summer Festival Schedule
MAY 15
-
17
The annual kickoff to the summer street festival season with an outdoor beer garden, live music, sangria, and a pet pageant.
Lakeview (Ashland & Barry)
ADD
MAY 17
Sun
Andersonville’s retail shops are transformed into wine tasting rooms at 11 locations pouring 30+ wines.
Various locations
ADD
MAY 23
-
24
Local chefs and restos serve up mole dishes with lucha libre wrestlers, live music, and dance. O-freaking-lé.
Pilsen Ashland & 18th
ADD
MAY 23
-
24
Live bands, food, booze, art, and booze. Also: Food.
Lakeview (Belmont & Sheffield)
ADD
MAY 28
-
31
The spring version of Oktoberfest features German Maypole dancing, beer, pretzels, lederhosen, and live music.
Lincoln Square (Lincoln & Leland)
ADD
MAY 29
-
31
Check out 110 juried artists with live music, food, and a graffiti wall.
Downtown
ADD
MAY 29
-
31
It’s like Blues Fest, only in Millennium Park and with gospel music.
Millennium Park
ADD
MAY 29
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31
Phew, no math involved. Instead, check out indie bands booked by Empty Bottle including Black Mountain, Temples, and Merchandise. Also: pony rides!
Wicker Park (Division & Paulina)
ADD
MAY 30
-
31
Wine takes over Jonquil Playlot Park with this new fest featuring 80+ varietals, plus live music, food pairings, and on-site sommeliers.
Lincoln Park (Sheffield & Wrightwood)
ADD
EVENT
LOCATION
JUNE 5
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7
Greek food takes over the grounds of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, plus live music and dance.
Lincoln Park (Sheffield & Diversey)
ADD
JUNE 5
-
7
This new fest focuses on authentic food from Chicago’s Mexican community with a chef competition (chefetition?), dance troupes, and Mexican carnival.
Little Village (26th & California)
ADD
JUNE 6
Sat
Sample 50+ beers from Goose Island, Ale Syndicate, Revolution, and others, plus FREE Uber ride.
River North (John Barleycorn & Moe’s Cantina)
ADD
JUNE 6
-
7
Peep Obama’s hood along with art displays, demonstrations, signings, pop-up talks, and live music.
Hyde Park (57th & Kimbark)
ADD
JUNE 6
-
7
Juried art made from recycled and found materials, plus live music, food, and educational workshops.
Logan Square (Milwaukee & California)
ADD
JUNE 6
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7
Book nerds can geek out and see guest authors from David Axelrod to Bob Saget.
Printer's Row (Polk & Dearborn)
ADD
JUNE 6
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7
New fest with 40+ food trucks, music from Empty Bottle, and Revolution beer.
Pilsen (18th & Allport)
ADD
JUNE 6
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7
Enjoy live blues music and—get this—all-you-can-eat wings for four hours. Giddy up.
Old Town (Cleveland and Eugenie)
ADD
JUNE 12
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14
Annual celebration of Swedish heritage with Maypole dancing, a pet parade, and plenty of Swedish meatballs. Blurg-d-blurg.
Andersonville (Clark & Foster)
ADD
JUNE 12
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14
Eat piles of ribs (and non-ribs, as well) while checking out live bands and the annual RibMania eating contest.
North Center (Lincoln & Irving Park)
ADD
JUNE 12
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14
It’s like Ultra Music Fest invaded Soldier Field at this EDM extravaganza, headlined by Tiesto, Diplo, and Afrojack. Expect plenty of glow sticks.
Soldier Field
ADD
ADD
JUNE 13
Sat
The zoo hosts a full-blown brew fest with 75+ specialty craft beers produced by 35 local and regional breweries with lawn games, a DJ, and tasting tents set up on zoo grounds.
Lincoln Park Zoo
ADD
JUNE 13
-
14
Food from local restos, live music, and juried art from 200+ local and regional artists.
Old Town (North & Wells)
ADD
JUNE 17
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21
Athenaeum Theatre, Chopin Theatre and Wrigley Square in Millennium ParkContemporary circus performances in Chicago that include gravity defying aerials and acrobatics.
Multiple Locations
ADD
JUNE 18
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21
Annual celebration of Puerto Rican heritage with authentic Caribbean cuisine, carnival rides, and Puerto Rican People’s Parade.
Humboldt Park (Division & California)
ADD
JUNE 19
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21
Food from Chicago’s No. 1 food 'hood with live music from Dinosaur Jr., Dandy Warhols, and Best Coast, plus a dance stage.
West Loop (Randolph & Peoria)
ADD
JUNE 19
-
20
Sample 200+ American craft beers at this new summer festival, plus live music, all while surrounded by Buckingham Fountain.
Grant Park
ADD
JUNE 19
-
21
Annual celebration of Italian culture with food, wine, and live music in Chicago’s “original” Little Italy.
Pilsen
ADD
JUNE 19
-
21
New country music festival on the lakefront. Y'all.
Northerly Island
ADD
JUNE 19
-
21
Local and national ribbers sling slabs of BBQ, plus live music and pro wrestling shows. Naturally.
Portage Park (Irving Park & Milwaukee)
ADD
JUNE 20
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21
Live indie bands perform on a bike-powered stage with craft beer booth and eco-friendly vendors. NATURALLY.
Wicker Park (Damen & North)
ADD
JUNE 20
-
21
One of the country’s top-rated art fairs also offers food, music, and beer.
Grant Park
ADD
JUNE 20
-
21
Gear up for the Pride Parade (the following week) with dance/pop acts, food and drink, and art tailored to the local gay community.
Boystown (Halsted & Waveland)
ADD
JUNE 21
Sun
Check out 13 hours of live music with 180 performances at 40 locations around the city.
Multiple locations
ADD
JUNE 25
-
28
Outdoor women’s festival features live bands, comics, and DJs held in conjunction with Pride Fest.
Andersonville (Clark & Foster)
ADD
JUNE 26
-
28
Craft cocktails from The Whistler, sangria from Lula Café, live bands, and food from local restos including Parson’s Chicken & Fish.
Logan Square (the actual square)
ADD
JUNE 27
-
28
Hot Doug’s (!) and Goose Island team up for a special day of live music, beer, Hot Doug’s food (!!!!), and a chance to party with Doug himself (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).
Goose Island Barrel Warehouse
ADD
JUNE 27
Sat
The annual beer/music fest is moving from its longtime location at Old St. Pat’s Church to a new spot in UIC lot.
UIC Pavilion lot
ADD
JUNE 27
-
28
New fest featuring... sausage and music!
Irving Park (Elston & Grace)
ADD
JUNE 28
Sun
Watch the parade down a four-mile route from Uptown to Lincoln Park.
Various locations
ADD
JULY 3
-
5
The African/Caribbean heritage celebration moves to Union Park and along with it: live music, reggae, soccer, and food.
Union Park
ADD
JULY 3
-
5
Beer, wine, live music, and BBQ slabs from top local and national rib dudes.
Uptown (Lawrence & Broadway)
ADD
JULY 4
Sat
One of the world’s largest house music festival events, also known as the “Woodstock of House Music.”
Jackson Park (63rd & Hayes)
ADD
ADD
JULY 10
-
12
Latin alternative music fest with Café Tacuba, Kinky, and Ozomatli.
Pilsen (Addams Park)
ADD
JULY 10
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12
Live music from the Old Town School of Folk plus 30+ craft beers and food from local restos.
Lincoln Square (Lincoln & Montrose)
ADD
JULY 10
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12
Peep art from 100+ artists at this “all art” show at the base of Tribune Tower overlooking the river.
Chicago Tribune Plaza
ADD
JULY 10
-
12
St. Patrick’s Day comes early with live music, Irish dancers, a craft beer tent, a “men in kilts” contest, food from local restaurants, and a mashed potato eating contest.
Irish American Heritage Center
ADD
JULY 10
-
12
Take down BBQ from top local restos including Dinosaur BBQ, Chicago q, and Smoque, plus live music and craft brews.
Grand & the Chicago River
ADD
JULY 11
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12
New South Side beach music festival features dance and indie bands including Empire of the Sun, Passion Pit, and Phantogram.
Oakwood Beach
ADD
JULY 11
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12
Taste (duh!) eats from the hood including Chicago-style pizza, ice cream, and gelato, plus live music.
Lakeview (Belmont & Lincoln)
ADD
JULY 11
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12
Live music and burgers from local restos including Butcher & the Burger, Cortland’s Garage, Hackney’s, Rockit Burger Bar, McGee’s, Trenchermen, Reggie’s, and others, plus a best burger contest.
Roscoe Village (Belmont & Damen)
ADD
JULY 11
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12
Music from Empty Bottle, DJs, live art demonstrations, and a pet festival.
West Town (Chicago & Damen)
ADD
JULY 17
-
19
Live music and food from local restos including Kerryman, Motel Bar, and El Hefe.
River North (Kingsbury & Erie)
ADD
JULY 17
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19
Festival named after nearby St. Benedict Parish features food, beer, and live music... including a band named Libido Funk Circus.
North Center (Leavitt & Irving Park)
ADD
JULY 17
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19
Annual hipster Lollapalooza featuring Wilco, Chance the Rapper, and Sleater-Kinney.
Union Park
ADD
JULY 18
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19
Previously known as Summer on Southport with mixed media, live music, and interactive games.
Lakeview (Southport & Waveland)
ADD
JULY 18
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19
Sample 80+ craft beers from Half Acre, Revolution, Two Brothers, Founders, Hinterland, and others. Also: live music!
Lincoln Park (Sheffield & Webster)
ADD
JULY 18
-
19
Held in collaboration with Chicago Craft Beer Fest, explore 80 of the neighborhood’s lushest gardens... with beer in hand.
Lincoln Park (Sheffield & Webster)
ADD
JULY 18
-
19
Two stages of live world music, circus acts, face painting, and global cuisine from Greece to Senegal.
Rogers Park (Clark & Morse)
ADD
JULY 18
-
19
A smorgasbord of encased meats, live music, beer, and the crowning of a Sausage King.
Wrigleyville (Clark and Addison)
ADD
JULY 19
Sun
Check out the Lion Dance Procession, Chinese dance, martial arts demonstrations, food from local spots, and a “hot legs” contest... for men (!...??).
Chinatown (Wentworth & Cermak)
ADD
JULY 24
-
26
Live music, local food, booze, you know the drill.
Jefferson Park (the actual park)
ADD
JULY 25
Sat
Live music, food trucks, margarita tastings, and a fireworks show over the lake.
Northerly Island
ADD
JULY 25
-
26
Sponsors include Fat Rice, Al’s Beef, Chicago Hot Sauce Club, Dia de los Tamales, and Major League Eating.
Avondale
ADD
JULY 25
-
26
See nearly 30 musical acts on three stages with food, booze, and the in-fest Lill Street Craft Fair at Lill & Lincoln.
Lincoln Park (Lincoln & Fullerton)
ADD
JULY 25
-
26
Live indie bands booked by Subterranean and oddball art, with past installations including inflatable sculptures and flying hawkmen.
Wicker Park (North & Milwaukee)
ADD
JULY 30
-
AUG 2
The largest Latino festival in the Midwest features live music, DJs, food vendors, carnival rides, soccer games, and a 5K.
Pilsen (Cermak & Loomis)
ADD
JULY 31
-
AUG 2
Perry Farrell’s annual party headlined this year by Paul McCartney, Metallica, and Florence + the Machine.
Grant Park
ADD
AUG 1
-
2
A celebration of all things Central and South American, including food, art, live music, and cooking demonstrations.
Humboldt Park (Armitage & Central Park)
ADD
AUG 1
-
2
Music, karaoke, food, art, and a dog costume contest.
Edgewater (Broadway & Thorndale)
ADD
AUG 7
-
9
The annual celebration of encased meats expands to THREE days this year, with live music and all sorts of crazy toppings.
Chicago History Museum
ADD
AUG 7
-
9
Throwback live bands plus an antique car and motorcycle show, face painting (!!!!!!!!!!), and rides.
Roscoe Village (Damen & Roscoe)
ADD
AUG 8
Sat
Watch the parade wind through Bronzeville followed by a picnic in Washington Park with entertainment and giveaways for underprivileged youth.
Bronzeville (Oakwood & Langley)
ADD
AUG 8
-
9
Neighborhood munchies, live bands, and a moon bounce for the kiddies.
Wrigleyville (School & Seminary)
ADD
AUG 8
-
9
Live music, people watching, and 300+ food and arts/crafts vendors.
Boystown (Halsted & Belmont)
ADD
AUG 13
-
16
Italian food fest with meatball/cannoli-eating contests, Italian card games, live music, and Italian folk dancing.
Little Italy (Taylor & Ashland)
ADD
AUG 14
-
16
Drink Miller Lite while checking out local cover bands like 16 Candles and Wedding Banned.
Edison Park (the actual park)
ADD
AUG 14
-
16
Check out live bands, dance, and theatre on outdoor stages followed by after parties at the nearby Red Line Tap.
Rogers Park (Glenwood & Morse)
ADD
AUG 15
Sat
A celebration of West Indian and Caribbean culture where you can dance, eat, and sing with carnival spectators.
University of Chicago on the Midway
ADD
ADD
AUG 15
-
16
The Midwest’s largest lobster fest features fresh Boston lobster, surf and turf, live music, and games.
Navy Pier
ADD
AUG 20
Thurs
Support the troops with live music, drinks, a live auction, and a raffle benefitting the USO of Illinois.
Gold Coast (Clark & Hubbard)
ADD
AUG 22
-
23
Globe-spanning beats from Brazilian, to West African, to Asian, with the diversity of food, retailers, and markets to match.
Albany Park (Lawrence & Kimball)
ADD
AUG 22
-
23
Food trucks, chef demonstrations, live music, and an oyster shucking competition with local chefs.
Wicker Park (Milwaukee & Division)
ADD
AUG 22
-
23
Live art demonstrations, food, and live music, plus a graffiti wall, art bingo, and a photo booth.
West Loop (Halsted & Washington)
ADD
AUG 22
-
23
Food from local Greektown restos plus Greek bands and games.
Greektown (Halsted & Van Buren)
ADD
AUG 25
-
29
Dance gets its own fest at venues across the city.
Multiple locations
ADD
AUG 29
-
30
Free neighborhood arts fest with 200+ artists, three music stages, craft beer, and food.
Holstein Park
ADD
AUG 29
-
30
Prep the outdoor runways for local fashionistas, live bands, and plenty of sangria.
Wicker Park (Division & Wood)
ADD
DATE
EVENT
LOCATION
SEPT 3
-
13
Avant garde theater pushes boundaries at this local theater fest with a commitment to reach artistically underserved communities.
Jefferson Park
ADD
SEPT 3
-
6
Check out some of the world’s top jazz acts for free.
Chicago Cultural Center + Millennium Park
ADD
SEPT 4
-
6
The diverse annual Labor Day dance music bash is headlined this year by The Chemical Brothers, Atmosphere, and Chromeo.
Union Park
ADD
SEPT 4
-
7
Wide variety of Polish food and beer, plus polka bands and an indoor casino/arcade.
Copernicus Center
ADD
SEPT 4
-
7
Washington Park is transformed into a simulated African village with art, music, and African spirituality spaces.
Washington Park (the actual park)
ADD
SEPT 11
-
12
House fresh seafood, listen to live music, and watch plenty of shucking.
Roscoe Village (Damen & Roscoe)
ADD
SEPT 11
-
12
Sample 300+ wines surrounded by Buckingham Fountain with live music and area chefs/food vendors.
Grant Park
ADD
SEPT 11
-
13
The annual punk rock carnival has grown to encompass more rock acts in recent years. The 2015 lineup is still TBA.
Humboldt Park
ADD
SEPT 11
-
13
150+ artists plus live demonstrations and entertainment stages.
Lakeview
ADD
SEPT 11
-
22
Expand your musical borders at this free, city-wide, multi-venue 11-day festival.
Multiple locations
ADD
SEPT 12
-
13
Chicago beers, music and artisans all come together for a weekend of celebrating all things local.
Andersonville, Clark St (between Argyle and Carmen)
ADD
SEPT 19
-
20
Experience a weekend of art, music, food, and community while getting a peek inside the spaces that have helped define Ravenswood.
Ravenswood (various locations)
ADD
SEPT 19
-
20
Tacos take center stage with inventive offerings plus Mexican wrestlers, beer and taco parings, and a best taco contest.
Lakeview (Southport & Addison)
ADD
SEPT 19
-
20
Indie arts and crafts, indie bands, and food/drink from local vendors.
Wicker Park (Damen & Division)
ADD
SEPT 25
-
27
The ultimate in fancy-pants dining with 150+ top chefs and restos, plus wineries, spirit makers, and breweries.
Millennium Park
ADD
SEPT 25
-
27
Beer, brats, Bavarian pretzels, beer, lederhosen, live pop/German music on two stages, and also beer.
Lakeview (Southport & Lincoln)
ADD
SEPT 26
-
27
120+ Chicago artists are paired with live music, a beer garden, and a talent show.
Edgewater (Broadway & Granville)
ADD
SEPT 26
-
27
This Chicago street festival celebrates design with hay rides, live music, and silent auction.
West Town (Grand & Wood)
ADD
SEPT 26
-
27
See live jazz on 14 stages across Hyde Park in a variety of settings with 18 hours of free, nonstop live performances.
Hyde Park (various locations)
ADD
