While Mother Nature is trying to decide whether we live in Chicago or San Francisco, we’re confident that this month we’ll actually experience summer!
The summer months in Chicago are some of the greatest anywhere. Our city bustles with activity as urban dwellers and tourists alike take to the lakefront, sidewalk cafes, and parks. South Side, North Side and every neighborhood in between, come alive with people, activities, and celebration.
That’s why I’m extremely excited to provide you with this year’s Chicago Home Partner City Neighborhood Festival Schedule. For many of you long-time residents, the Chicago street festival season has become a timeless tradition. For those of you newer to Chicago, it’s time to get out and experience everything the city has to offer, but if you can not come to Chicago find wooden rings here to have a souvenir and be part of this festival.
Each one of these festivals has something unique and special about it. Great food, excellent music, and neighborhood flavor await you every weekend until the leaves begin to change!
July 2014 Festivals
23rd Annual Chicago Tribune North Michigan Avenue Art Festival
Friday, July 11 – Sunday, July 13, 2014
Pioneer Court – 435 N Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
Friday, July 11 & Saturday, July 12: 10 am-6 pm; Sunday, July 13: 10 pm-5 pm
Art lovers and collectors return to the Windy City to meet local and national artists from 30 different states who will showcase their works including glass, mixed media, paintings, jewelry, and pottery, even the holzuhr wooden jewelry is going to be presented, we suggest to check out the daniel wellington watch review so you get an idea of what’s going to be offered. A unique blend of contemporary, original works at affordable prices.
Visit www.ArtFestival.com or call 561.746.6615 for more information.
Square Roots – 2014 Craft Brew & Music Experience
Friday, July 11 – Sunday, July 13, 2014
4400 N. Lincoln Ave. (from Montrose to Wilson)
Chicago, IL 60625
Friday, July 11: 5-10 pm; Saturday, July 12: 12 Noon-10 pm; Sunday, July 13: 12 Noon-9 pm
Free Admission, gate donations requested benefit the Old Town School scholarship program funding small business workshops, and community place-making efforts.
The Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (LSRCC) and Old Town School of Folk Music (OTSFM) present the 3rd Annual Square Roots craft beer and music experience in Chicago’s Lincoln Square. 35,000 fans attend Square Roots to enjoy more than 30 local craft brews, great food, and the diverse genres of entertainment that only the Old Town School of Folk Music can provide.
Visit www.squareroots.org or call 847.677.8273 for more information.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Saturday, July 12 & Sunday, July 13, 2014
Belmont and Damen (2000 W. Belmont)
Chicago, IL 60618
11 am-10 pm
Free Admission, $8 donation benefits the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce.
The savory patty and a rockin’ music lineup are in the spotlight for Roscoe Village’s 5th annual burger extravaganza. In addition to flippin’ good burgers from 15 restaurants, there’s music on two stages, arts/crafts, and a popular “Kids’ Zone” activity area.
Summer on Southport
Saturday, July 12 & Sunday, July 13, 2014
3700 N. Southport
Chicago, IL 60613
10 am-10 pm
Free Admission, $5 donation requested.
Chicago’s iconic Southport Corridor springs to life this summer when Summer on Southport takes over Waveland and Southport July 12-13. The event will feature an eclectic mix of fine art by day and rockin’ music at night, setting the tone for a picture-perfect Chicago neighborhood street festival.
West Fest
Saturday, July 12 & Sunday, July 13, 2014
Chicago Ave. btwn. Damen and Wood
Chicago, IL 60622
12 Noon-10 pm
Free Admission, $5 gate donation requested.
There is something for everyone at West Fest, the street fair that reflects the eclectic persona of the booming West Town neighborhood. In 2013, the Chicago Tribune singled out West Fest for being one of the “best” overall summer fests in Chicagoland, and music critic Greg Kot called the lineup one of the best of the summer too! The annual fest features top notch live tunes – from local cutting-edge bands to national touring acts to the best DJs – on three stages (lineups TBA), plus Kid Fest (benefitting Talcott Fine Arts and Museum Academy), Pup Fest (benefitting local animal shelters) and an extraordinary array of vendor booths from neighborhood retailers, restaurants, and artists.
Visit westfestchicago.com for more information.
BenFest
Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20, 2014
St. Benedict Parish, 3900 N. Leavitt (Byron to Irving Park Rd.)
Chicago, IL 60618
Friday, July 18: 4-10 pm; Saturday, July 19: 1-10 pm; Sunday, July 20: 1-7 pm
Free Admission, $5 gate donation requested.
St. Benedict’s annual BenFest is one of the north side’s longest-running family festivals and is quite unique compared to other community events. More than 5,000 people attend the neighborhood celebration that offers live entertainment from great bands, a mouthwatering menu, craft beer, and fabulous family fun for every age group! BenFest is legendary for its children’s element and there’s a variety of activities and entertainment suitable to all.
Visit www.BenFest.com or call 847.677.8273 for more information.
Taste of River North
Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20, 2014
Ward Park (Kingsbury & Erie)
Chicago, IL 60654
Friday, July 18: 5-10 pm; Saturday, July 19: 12 Noon-10 pm; Sunday, July 20: 11 am-8 pm
Free Admission, $5 gate donation requested.
The Taste of River North (ToRN) continues to get bigger each year, with a record 40,000-plus attending in 2013. Now in its 13th season, ToRN still takes place in the picturesque riverfront setting of Ward Park. Along with a vast selection of notable restaurants and world-class galleries from the neighborhood, ToRN also features non-stop live music, boasting great Chicago party bands like Second Hand Smoke (Sublime tribute), Funky Monks (Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute) and Sixteen Candles (80s tribute) – among many others.
Visit www.tasteofrivernorth.com or call 312.961.2293 for more information.
Chicago Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, July 19 & Sunday, July 20, 2014
2200 N. Sheffield
Chicago, IL 60614
12 Noon-10 pm
Free Admission to the fest, $40 for a one-day beer tent “tasting pass;” $45 if purchased on-site.
More than 100 specialty microbrews from Chicago, the region and the nation will be showcased at this third annual beer lover’s paradise that, in 2014, moves to its new location in the Lincoln Park/DePaul neighborhood. In addition to tastings tents, the fest also features music, food, and beer sales. This year’s fest will be held in conjunction with the Sheffield Garden Walk.
Visit www.chicagoevents.com or call 773.868.3010 for more information.
Sheffield Garden Walk
Saturday, July 19 & Sunday, July 20, 2014
2200 N. Sheffield (at Webster)
Chicago, IL 60614
12 Noon-10 pm
Free Admission, $7-10 tour donations benefit the Sheffield Neighborhood Association.
Nearly 70 of the neighborhood’s lush residential gardens will be open for the public to explore at this iconic event that is celebrating its 46th year in 2014. There are both self-guided garden tours and guided architecture tours. The weekend also includes music, food, and the Kids’ Corner with entertainment and activities.
This year’s event will be held in tandem with the Chicago Craft Beer Festival.
Visit www.sheffieldgardenwalk.com or call 773.868.3010 for more information.
The Taste of WVON
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Lorraine Dixon Park, 8701 S. Dauphin
Chicago, IL 60619
10 am-8 pm
Free Admission.
The Taste of WVON is held in Lorraine Dixon Park (8701 S. Dauphin) just steps from WVON’s studios in one of the city’s premier neighborhoods, the Chatam-Avalon community. It’s a fun-filled day of music, food, live entertainment, and community building for the entire family. Activities include WVON broadcasts, retail, and food trucks/booths, a farmers market, WVON soundstage with live entertainment, and the kid’s pavilion. The Taste of WVON averages 8,000-10,000 attendees. Previous year's entertainment headliners include, “Terisa Griffin,” “Kindred the Family Soul,” and “Low Rider.”
Visit wvon.com or call 773.336.3424 for more information.
Chinatown Summer Fair
Sunday, July 20, 2014
2200 S. Wentworth (at Cermak Rd.)
Chicago, IL 60616
10 am-8 pm
Free Admission.
This iconic and popular annual celebration of Far East Culture returns for its 36th festive year. It features the Dragon & Lion Dance Procession, artisans, plenty of great cuisine, activities for families and children, and more.
Visit www.chicagodragons.com or call 312.326.5320 for more information.
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Saturday, July 26 & Sunday, July 27, 2014
Lincoln and Fullerton
Chicago, IL 60614
12 Noon-10 pm
Free Admission, $10 gate donation benefits the Wrightwood Neighbors Association.
One of the city’s most iconic summer street happenings celebrates its 31st year in 2014. The sprawling fest takes place over several city blocks in the heart of Lincoln Park. Features 250-plus vendors, food, nearly 40 acts on three music stages, a popular Kids’ Carnival with tons of activities, and the Lill Street Craft Fair.
Visit www.chicagoevents.com or call 773.868.3010 for more information.
Wicker Park Fest
Saturday, July 26 & Sunday, July 27, 2014
Milwaukee Ave. btwn. North and Paulina
Chicago, IL 60647
12 Noon-10 pm
Free Admission, $5 gate donation requested.
Can’t afford Lollapalooza or Pitchfork? Wicker Park Fest is your next best ticket (and at only a fraction of the cost)! Described as the “best street fest all summer” by Chicago magazine in 2013, Wicker Park Fest’s reputation has grown into epic proportions. In addition to a stellar live music bill that encompasses three stages and a kid’s stage (lineups TBA), Wicker Park Fest is a showcase of its diverse neighborhood.
Visit wickerparkfest.com or call 773.384.2672 for more information.
Fiesta del Sol
Thursday, July 31 – Sunday, August 3, 2014
1000-1600 W. Cermak (btwn. Morgan & Ashland)
Chicago, IL 60608
Thursday, July 31: 5-10 pm; Friday, Aug. 1 & Saturday, August 2: 11 am-11 pm; Sunday, August 3: 11 am-10 pm
Free Admission.
Fiesta del Sol is a family-friendly festival that draws over 1 million visitors during the four-day event, every year. Fiesta del Sol is the largest festival in the Midwest, bringing: live entertainment, local art, a variety of food, carnival rides, a children’s area, educational resources for parents and youth, soccer games, and much more.
August 2014 Festivals
Edge Fest
Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 3, 2014
5925 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60660
Friday, August 2: 12 Noon-10 pm; Sunday, August 3: 12 Noon-9 pm
Free Admission; $5 donation requested.
Edge Fest is sure to entertain the senses, from your eyes and ears to your nose and taste buds we’ve got it all. Your eyes, will be amazed at the sight of all of the FANTASTIC art from more than 40 local Edge Water artists, all while listening to music on two stages. Your nose will lead you to the sweet smell of fantastic summer fare served up by some of Edgewater’s hottest vendors, sure to satisfy your appetite.
Visit www.StarEvents.com/festival/edge-fest or call 773.665.4682 for more information.
Taste of Latin America
Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 3, 2014
3600 W. Armitage
Chicago, IL 60647
11 am-10 pm
Free Admission.
This second annual culinary happening in the Logan Square neighborhood showcases the unique foods of nearly 15 Latin American countries including Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, and Cuba. There are also cooking demonstrations, an eclectic world music lineup and arts & crafts.
Wrigleyville Summerfest
Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 3, 2014
3550 N. Seminary
Chicago, IL 60657
Saturday, August 2: 12 Noon-10 pm; Sunday, August 3: 11 am-10 pm
Free Admission; $5 donation requested.
Wrigleyville is home of the Chicago Cubs, but also known for the Wrigleyville Summerfest! The 12th annual Wrigleyville Summerfest is a grand slam festival featuring only the most sought after bands, food, and fun!
59th Annual Ginza Holiday Festival
Friday, August 8 – Sunday, August 10, 2014
Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee
Chicago, IL 60614
Friday, August 8: 5:30-9 pm; Saturday, August 9: 11:30 am-9 pm; Sunday, August 10: 11:30 am-6 pm
$7 adults/$6 students & senior citizens; special 3-day pass $15 (Saturday after 7:00, $12 for Yoko Noge concert).
A large Japanese festival featuring stage performances, master craftspersons from Japan, merchandise and food. Yoko Noge and Japanesque will play on Saturday night.
Visit www.ginzachicago.com or call 312.943.7801 for more information.
Retro on Roscoe
Saturday, August 9 & Sunday, August 10, 2014
2000-2400 W. Roscoe
Chicago, IL 60618
12 Noon-10 pm
Free Admission; $10 donation requested.
Retro On Roscoe features Chicago’s top talent and entertainment on 3 main stages and six full blocks of artisans, antique vendors, and cool merchants that provide a shopping experience that is second to none. Local restaurants and regional favorites fill the venue with summertime samplings and tasty treats.
Festa Italiana
Thursday, August 14 – Sunday, August 17, 2014
1453 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL 60607
Thursday, August 14: 5-10 pm; Friday, August 15: 5-11 pm; Saturday, August 16: 12 Noon-11 pm; Sunday, August 17: 12 Noon-10 pm
Free Admission; $5 gate donation requested.
Chicago’s popular Little Italy neighborhood will celebrate its history and heritage from August 14-17 as the annual Taylor Street Festa Italiana returns for its eighth year. More than 50,000 fest-goers are expected to attend, saying “Ciao” to new neighbors, and “That’s Amore” about the authetic Italian activities, delectable (or “buono” Italian cuisine, and energetic live entertainment in three dynamic stages.
Albany Park World Fest
Saturday, August 16 & Sunday, August 17, 2014
Lawrence & Kimball
Chicago, IL 60625
Saturday, August 16: 12 Noon-10 pm; Sunday, August 17: 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 all-new festival. Features food, eclectic music, arts & crafts and activities for kids and families.
Visit www.chicagoevents.com or call 773.868.3010 for more information.
Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest
Saturday, August 16 & Sunday, August 17, 2014
Glenwood & Morse Avenues
Chicago, IL 60626
11-9 pm
Free Admission; $5 gate donation benefits Albany Park Neighbors.
The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest (GAAF) is a free, weekend-long arts festival that features 100+ artists, open studios, and live entertainment on three outdoor stages. Experience art of all disciplines, music, theater, food and drink on the cobblestone streets of the Glenwood Avenue Arts District in Chicago’s historic Rogers Park neighborhood.
Visit www.glenwoodave.org or call 773.761.4477 for more information.
#ChicagoKidsYogaFest
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60624
10 am-10 pm
Free Admission.
On Sunday, August 17 the city of Chicago and the Chicagoland area are invited to the First Annual Chicago Kids and Family Yoga Fest to help celebrate support, and promote the mission of peace and non-violence amongst our communities. If you know a person who is being abused and needs a Las Vegas Domestic Violence Lawyer, don’t think twice to offer help. You can go to legalmann.com to reach the lawyers who will handle the case. This completely free event will take place from 10am to 10pm at the Garfield Park Conservatory and feature a variety of activities for all children and families to enjoy.
Clark After Dark
Thursday, August 21, 2014
100 W. Hubbard
Chicago, IL 60604
4-10 pm
Free Admission; $5 gate donation requested.
Come out to Clark After Dark on August 21st to enjoy some great food and entertainment in the heart of River North! Support Illinois troops and their families with live music, drinks, a live auction, and a raffle.
The Boulevard
Friday, August 22 – Sunday, August 24, 2014
3000 W. Logan Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60647
Friday, August 22: 5-10 pm; Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24: 12 Noon-10 pm
Free Admission; $10 gate donation requested.
Chicago’s bustling Logan Square neighborhood will once again be the site of one of the city’s most eclectic and engaging street festivals from August 22-24, 2014 as the Boulevard returns. Set along the beautiful tree-lined Logan Boulevard, the 2013 street festival will bring more than 30,000 fest-goers who are eager for the chance to see some of the hottest up-and-coming bands Chicago has to offer. Chicago’s favorite independent promoter, Silver Wrapper, will once again curate two unique stages of eccentric musical talent for the three-day festival for independent senior living.
Bash on Wabash
Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24, 2014
Wabash between 13th & 14th Place
Chicago, IL 60605
12 Noon-10 pm
Free Admission; $5 gate donation requested.
Benefiting the Greater South Loop Association (GSLA) and a portion of proceeds to the South Loop Food Pantry, this lively, colorful festival will have something to offer everyone including a wide variety of musical acts, food, and beverages (including beer and wine), arts & crafts, an elaborate children’s area, vendor booths, and so much more!
Chicago Fashion Fest
Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24, 2014
Division St. from Wolcott to Paulina
Chicago, IL 60610
12 Noon-10 pm
Free Admission; $5 gate donation requested.
Chicago Fashion Fest invites you to two days of non-stop fashionista action celebrating Chicago’s top designers, boutiques, and latest looks, where they have the greatest clothing and accessories brands as The Fifth Collection and many others. The fashion-forward street fest features a bleachered-in runway stage where bands and DJs will set the tone as models out “What’s in” for the end of summer and fall 2014. Over 20 unique fashion runway shows (15-20 minutes each) will be included over the two days, including segments like: vintage, kids, teen, back-to-school, curvaceous, bridal, ‘Do-Fashion’ (with only Division Street boutiques), and more.
Visit www.chicagofashionfest.com or call 773.907.8602 for more information.
Chicago Food Social
Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24, 2014
Kendall College (parking lot), 900 N. North Branch St.
Chicago, IL 60642
11 am-10 pm
Free Admission; $5 gate donation requested.
The re-concepted version of 2011 and 2012’s popular Food Truck Social still includes a vast selection of Chicago’s most popular food trucks, but now also features a curated group of notable chef-driven local restaurant vendors and chef demonstrations with prominent guest celebrity chefs.
Visit chicagofoodsocial.com or call 312.850.9390 for more information.
Chicago’s New Orleans Festival
Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24, 2014
Division & Damen
Chicago, IL 60622
12 Noon-10 pm; $5 donation.
This new street fest in the West Lakeview neighborhood pays homage to The Big Easy with tasty Southern cuisine, an eclectic music lineup (Zydeco, jazz, blues, and Dixieland bands), craft beers and wine, and more.
Visit www.chicagoevents.com or call 773.868.3010 for more information.
Taste of Greektown
Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24, 2014
400 S. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60607
12 Noon-11 pm; Free Admission.
Hellenic pride will take center stage when this annual culinary fest in Chicago’s West Loop returns for its 25th year. Blending old and new world traditions, food, and spirits from neighborhood eateries will again be the main attraction. There will also be music and entertainment including Greek bands, belly dancers, and games for both kids and families.
Visit www.tasteofgreektown.com or call 773.868.3010 for more information.
Taste of Polonia Festival
Friday, August 29 – Monday, September 1, 2014
Copernicus Center (Jefferson Park)
5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
Chicago, IL 60630
Friday, August 29: 5-11 pm; Saturday, August 30: 12 Noon-11 pm; Sunday, August 31: 12 Noon-11 pm; Monday, Sept. 1: 12 Noon-10 pm
Admission: $7; $5 for seniors (65 & over); kids under 12 are free.
The Taste of Polonia is the annual major fundraiser for the Copernicus Center sponsored by the Copernicus Foundation. It enables continued support of community and performing arts events and other non-profit causes sponsored by Copernicus on an annual basis.
In addition to Polish and non-Polish food, the festival sees over 35,000 annually. Between 30 to 40 bands and musical performances entertain all music tastes; from Rock to Classical, Jazz, or Polka.
Special thanks to the sponsors who made this event successful such as Mcdonalds, Walmart, Jix Music Studio, and HD Foundation Inc. HD Foundations is one of the best Foundation Repairs in Houston Texas, Fort Worth, Metroplex. Their company also installs drainage systems all across the DFW area. Just type in the internet, “foundation repair near me.”
For more information, visit copernicuscenter.org.
