June
Grant Park, between Jackson and Columbus
Chicago, IL 60602
11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Free Admission
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 proved 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.
Wells, between Division and North
Chicago, IL 60610
10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Free Admission: A $7 gate donation benefits the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association
Iconic early-summer art extravaganza in the historic Old Town neighborhood features the works of more than 225 juried artists from across the nation.
Lincoln, between Irving Park and Damen
Chicago, IL 60618
Friday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 noon-10:00 pm
Free Admission; $5 suggested donation
Nationally-recognized food and music festival attract 70,000 attendees to enjoy three nights of fun, 50,000 lbs of pork, 20 local and nationally touring bands, RibMania, Kids Square, and more!
Halsted, between Addison and Waveland
Chicago, IL
10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Free – No one celebrates PRIDE better than Northalsted! Chicago Pride Fest 2016 is PROUD to announce Jordin Sparks, Daya, Dumblonde, and many more performing in Boystown this June 18-19th!
UIC Festival Lot, between Taylor and Roosevelt
Chicago, IL
5:30 – 11:00 pm
Known as the premier summer event — and the place where couples meet — this festive evening is a must-attend. People will gather at our new location on the UIC campus to listen to headline bands, mingle, and celebrate the best of what summer has to offer from good food, and great music, to even adult services like Zoom Escorts for those who may consider it interesting.
Montrose and Broadway South to Diversey
Chicago, IL 60613
The parade steps off at 12:00 Noon
Free Admission; $7 gate donation
The 47th annual Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade is one of the largest gay pride parades in the country.
July
Grant Park, between Jackson and Columbus
Chicago, IL 60602
11 am-9 pm: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday; 10 am-9 pm: Saturday & Sunday
Free Admission
Taste of Chicago is the nation’s premier outdoor food festival showcasing the diversity of Chicago’s dining community. The delicious array of food served at Taste of Chicago is complemented by music and exciting activities for the entire family. Every summer since 1980, Chicago’s beautiful Grant Park on the city’s magnificent lakefront has been home to the world’s largest food festival.
Lincoln, between Montrose and Wilson
Chicago, IL 60625
Friday, 5-10 pm; Saturday, 12 Noon-11 pm; Sunday, 12 Noon-9 pm
Free Admission; $10 suggested donation
Renowned craft brew and music festival attract 30,000 attendees to enjoy three nights of fun, 70 performances, 40 craft flavors limited-release brews, and more!
West Town, Chicago Ave. btwn. Damen and Paulina
Chicago, IL 60622
Friday, 5-10 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12 Noon-10 pm
$5 donation
The summer festival that’s been hailed as one of the best in the city and suburbs by the Chicago Tribune and others returns to the “hottest neighborhood” in the country (per Redfin report) for a 12th consecutive season.
Leavitt, between Irving Park, and Byron
Chicago, IL 60618
Friday, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Saturday, 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Sunday, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
$5 donation; Kids 5 and under are free
This year’s BenFest has something for every age! Come join us for three days of family fun including great bands, cuisine from local restaurants, activities for the kids, and a chance to win some great prizes. This year’s Grand Prize Drawing is a cash prize of $10,000.
Ward Park, Kingsbury and Erie
Chicago, IL 60654
Friday, 5-10 pm; Saturday, 12 Noon-10 pm; Sunday, 11 am-8 pm
$5 donation
In celebration of its big 15th anniversary, over 50,000 are expected to attend the three-day food and music bash, which encompasses the picturesque riverfront green setting of Ward Park in the heart of River North.
Sheffield and Webster
Chicago, IL 60614
12:00 noon – 10:00 pm
Free Admission; $7-10 tour donations benefit the Sheffield Neighborhood Association
More than 80 of the neighborhood’s lush residential gardens will be open for the public to explore at this iconic event that is celebrating its 48th year in 2016.
Milwaukee Ave. btwn. North Ave. and Paulina St.
Chicago, IL 60647
$10 donation
This year’s colossal street party presents three stages of live music of the highest quality, a dedicated children’s fun area, an arts section with installation and performance acts, dozens of the most popular local boutiques and restaurants, and environmentally friendly video production efforts.
Broadway and Lawrence
Chicago, IL 60640
Friday & Saturday: 12 Noon-10 pm; Sunday, 12 Noon-9 pm
Free Admission; $5 gate donation benefits Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown
Saucy fun is what this 8th annual fest is all about! Features tasty slabs from top Chicago and national ribbers, an eclectic music lineup, arts/crafts, and a kids’ activity area.
Pilsen, 1000-1600 W. Cermak Rd.
Chicago, IL 60608
Thursday, 5-10 pm; Friday & Saturday, 11 am-11 pm; Sunday, 11 am-10 pm
Free Admission
Fiesta del Sol is the largest festival in the Midwest, bringing: live entertainment, mobilnett casino games, local art, a variety of food, carnival rides, a children’s area, educational resources for parents and youth, soccer games, and much more. If you like playing online casino games, find the best gaming room here.
August
Edgewater, 5900 N. Broadway at Thorndale Ave.
Chicago, IL 60660
Saturday, 12 Noon-10 pm; Sunday, 11 am-9 pm
Free Admission; $5 gate suggested donation
Music, karaoke, food, art, and dogs are the essentials of the perfect festival, what could be better? Now in its fifth year, the 2016 Edge Fest will take over the lakefront in Chicago’s historic Edgewater neighborhood.
2248 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
Friday, 5–10 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12 Noon–10 pm
Free; $10 suggested donation
Ever wish you could go back in time? Well here’s your chance! Referred to by Patch as a “Generation X haven”, Chicagoans looking for a blast from the past don’t need to look further than the 20th annual Retro on Roscoe festival. Go back in time with music enthusiasts, families, and gearheads for a back-in-the-day weekend.
3550 N. Seminary Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
Saturday, 12 Noon-10 pm; Sunday, 11 am-9 pm
Free Admission; $5 gate suggested donation
Play ball! It’s time to play the field for the 14th annual Wrigleyville Summerfest, along with fest enthusiasts in one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. The neighborhood that’s home base to the Chicago Cubs will host this homerun event, featuring only the most sought-after bands, food, and fun from August 6-7.
Halsted, between Belmont and Addison
Chicago, IL 60657
11:00 am – 10:00 pm
$10 suggested donation
Northalsted Market Days is the largest outdoor street festival in the Midwest! Famous for its vast array of national talent, unique vendors, arts and crafts, food, and drink, Northalsted Market Days gathers a crowd of over 180,000 people from across the globe to celebrate right here on Halsted Street. Past performances include En Vogue, Jennifer Holliday, Lynda Carter, Salt n Pepa, Wilson Phillips, and David Cassidy.
North Avenue Beach and Lakefront
Chicago, IL 60613
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Free Admission
The Chicago Air and Water Show presented by Shell Oil Products U.S. and the City of Chicago is the largest FREE show of its kind in the United States. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.
4700 N. Kimball Ave. (Lawrence Ave. and Kimball Ave.)
Chicago, IL 60625
Saturday, 12 Noon-10 pm; Sunday, 12 Noon-9 pm
Free Admission; $5 gate donation benefits Albany Park Neighbors
The eclectic northwest side neighborhood will celebrate its melting pot diversity at this 3rd annual festival. Features global music, food, arts & crafts, and carnival rides.
Lincoln Ave. and Fullerton Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
12:00 noon – 10:00 pm
Free Admission; An $8 gate donation benefits the Wrightwood Neighbors Association
One of the city’s most iconic summer street fests celebrates its 33rd year in 2016. The sprawling fest takes place over several city blocks in the heart of Lincoln Park.