Chicago in the summer is a different city. Since food, art, and music become the epicenter of all weekend plans, and whether you’re going to be in the crowd of every musical act or eating your weight in ribs, there’s a festival for you to attend this month.
Live music, local vendors, great food, and ice cold beer. Need we say more? Do Division has two stages for musical acts, runway shows for local designers, plus a Family Fun Fest area for anyone looking to bring little ones for the fun.
How Much: $10 optional donation
When & Where: June 1, 5-10PM, June 2 & 3, 12-10PM, Division Street between Damen and Leavitt in West Town
Credit: @petefortune on Instagram
Taste of Mexico in Little Village
This is better than your average Taco Tuesday. Taste every type of South-of-the-Border food you can imagine from about 20 different local restaurants, listen to energetic music and don’t be afraid to test every single enchilada. No judgment, here!
This is better than your average Taco Tuesday. Taste every type of South-of-the-Border food you can imagine from about 20 different local restaurants, listen to energetic music and don’t be afraid to test every single enchilada. No judgment, here!
How Much: Free for entry, carnival rides not included
When & Where: June 1, 3-10PM, June 2 & 3, 12-10PM, 26th & California
Photo by Raduz on Pexels.com
Sample everyone’s favorite beverage, hang out with friends and support Illinois-based brewers. Don’t forget the food, as local vendors will be at the fest to provide you with the city’s best eats!
How Much: Free to attend, sample tickets range from $25-$40, can be purchased online
When & Where: June 2 & 3, 12PM-9PM, 53rd and Harper
Photo by Michelle Riach on Pexels.com
This annual street fest is two days and three nights of dancing, music, children’s entertainment, and delicious food and drinks. Vendors line the streets during the day on Saturday and Sunday, so you can drop by in the sunshine to shop, then come back later for the nightlife. Sounds like a full weekend!
How Much: $10 (kids 12 and under/seniors are free)
When & Where: June 8, 5-10PM, June 9 & 10, 11AM-10PM, Clark Street between Foster and Catalpa
Credit: cityofchicago.org
Ribfest Chicago
The smells of this food fest are easily enough to lure you in! A staple for a midwest summer, ribs of all kinds, fun beverages, and mouthwatering sides await you. Bring a group of friends and try all different kinds of ribs instead of waiting in line for the new sushi spot in your neighborhood.
The smells of this food fest are easily enough to lure you in! A staple for a midwest summer, ribs of all kinds, fun beverages, and mouthwatering sides await you. Bring a group of friends and try all different kinds of ribs instead of waiting in line for the new sushi spot in your neighborhood.
How Much: Suggested donations $10 for one, $20 for families
When & Where: June 8-10, Intersection of Lincoln Ave / Irving Park Rd / Damen Ave
Credit: @secretstan on Instagram
Chicago Blues Festival
In Millennium Park, this musical event has free admission and tunes for everyone! Chicago is the “Blues Capital of the World”, and this festival is the largest blues festival in the world.
In Millennium Park, this musical event has free admission and tunes for everyone! Chicago is the “Blues Capital of the World”, and this festival is the largest blues festival in the world.
How Much: Free
When & Where: June 8-10, 11AM-9:30 PM, Millennium Park, Michigan & Columbus
Credit: @hopeful_perspective on Instagram
In search of some new artwork and decor? This is the place to shop! Ditch HomeGoods and drop by this art fair to support local artists and mingle in the community. This fest was started in 1950 and has been a Chicago staple for artists since then.
When & Where: June 9, 10AM-7PM, June 10, 10AM-6PM, 1763 N. North Park Ave
Credit: Old Town Triangle on Flickr
Described as “a delicious weekend of mobile eats and live beats”, the Food Truck Social provides just that! Wander from food truck to food truck and figure out which cuisine is your favorite of the day.
How Much: $5 Donation
When & Where: June 9 & 10, 18th Street between Racine and Throop
Credit: @thecornerfarmacy on Instagram
Chicago Pride Fest
Love is love! A week before the epic parade, jam to dance music, eat delicious food, and celebrate pride alongside fellow Chicagoans in Boystown. With three performance stages and a lengthy list of vendors, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
Love is love! A week before the epic parade, jam to dance music, eat delicious food, and celebrate pride alongside fellow Chicagoans in Boystown. With three performance stages and a lengthy list of vendors, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
How Much: $10 suggested donation
When & Where: June 16 & 17, 11AM-10PM, Boystown on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace St.
Credit: @pridefestchicago on Instagram
Vinyl records, small taxidermy items, perfectly worn-in flannels, huge rugs from every country, and countless pieces of vintage artwork can be found here. If you’ve got a hankering to redecorate your place and check out great items from many vendors, this is the place for you.
How Much: $10 for purchase online
When & Where: June 23 & 24, 10AM-5PM
Credit: randolphstreetmarket.com
This fest is in its 10th year, and it’s bringing back it’s rib and barbecue game once again! Do you daydream about barbecue covered foods while eating a salad at lunch? You’re not alone, and this is the fest for you. In addition to great food options, arts and crafts and family fun are abundant.
When & Where: June 30, 12-10PM, July 2, 12-9PM, Lawrence & Broadway
Credit: chicagoevents.com/events/windy-city-ribfest/