Tag: festivals

The Best July Events In Chicago

June 28, 2024 Published by

volleywoodPhotograph: Courtesy Volleywood

Plan your July in Chicago with our calendar of events and things to do, including festivals, concerts and movie screenings.

Friday June 28 2024

Photograph: Courtesy Volleywood

Jeffy Mai

Summer in Chicago hits its peak during July, when some of the city’s biggest festivals and events return to town and bring enough live music, incredible food and general outdoor merrymaking to fill every weekend (and probably a good amount of weekdays, too). Kick off the month with Fourth of July celebrations, highlighted by sparkling fireworks shows across the city and suburbs. From there, take a deep dive into the heart of summer festival season at events like Wicker Park Fest, Miche Fest, Windy City Smokeout and Pitchfork Music Festival. For even more ways to keep busy on long summer days and nights, check out our guide to the best things to do in Chicago this July.

RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2024

Featured events in July 2024

NASCAR Chicago Street Race

NASCAR returns to Chicago for another weekend of street racing, sending cars going over 100 miles per hour down Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive and other downtown thoroughfares. You can purchase tickets to watch all the action from reserved seats and designated viewing areas, and also enjoy concerts by The Chainsmokers, The Black Keys, Keith Urban and Lauren Alaina.

African Caribbean International Festival of Life

For three decades, the African Caribbean International Festival of Love has brought reggae and world music performances, Afro-Caribbean food, games, crafts and more to Washington Park. This year, the fest will take place over Independence Day weekend, with performances from a variety of artists.

Pride South Side

Show off your pride at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center in Washington Park. Providing a safe space for Black and Brown members of the LGBTQ+ community, the sixth annual Pride South Side celebration will feature musical performances across two stages, a vendor fair with local small businesses, family-friendly activities and more. This year’s theme is the “Right to Pride,” which positions the LGBTQ+ community at the front of advocacy, culture and leadership

Chicago Craft Beer Festival

The Chicago Craft Beer Festival returns to Jonquil Park this year for a three-day extravaganza of craft brews. 

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Chicago Gears Up For Another Busy Weekend Of Fun Events And Festivals

June 21, 2024 Published by

With the official start of summer, Chicago is getting ready for a packed weekend, featuring Pride Fest, a Billy Joel concert at Soldier Field, Justin Timberlake concerts at the United Center, and various summer festivals. The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) advises residents and visitors to remain vigilant, make plans for large crowds, and report any suspicious activities.

Event goers should make plans and prioritize their safety. The Mayor’s office advises residents to stay alert, report any suspicious behavior by calling 9-1-1, and be conscious of exit locations in case of an emergency situation. Additionally, prepare for hot weather conditions by staying hydrated, wearing lightweight clothing, and seeking shade when possible. Heed beach safety warnings and avoid overexertion during periods of extreme heat.

Chicago Pride Fest, happening on June 22-23, is a two-day street celebration in honor of National Pride Month and is a precursor to the Chicago Pride Parade on June 30. Expected to draw thousands of attendees, the event will result in street closures in the 3600-3800 N. Halsted St. area from Friday, June 22, 8 a.m. until Monday, June 24, 11 a.m. Additional information can be found online.

Soldier Field will be the venue for a Billy Joel concert on Friday, June 21, with parking lots opening at 3:30 p.m. and gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Over 45,000 fans are anticipated for the “two icons, one night” performance. For further details, visit the Soldier Field website.

Justin Timberlake’s “The Forget Tomorrow World Tour” comes to the United Center on Friday and Saturday, with shows starting at 7:30 p.m. and gates opening at 6 p.m. More information can be found on the United Center website.

Additional events this weekend include Ribfest and Chicago Cubs games at Wrigley Field as well as various music venues, sports events, and featured events taking place throughout the city. Make safety a top concern at any location and be prepared for increased traffic and possible detours. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be present at certain events citywide to guide traffic flow during high-traffic periods.

OEMC encourages the use of public transportation and its Chicago OEMC App for current public safety information, preparedness suggestions, emergency notifications, and event-specific weather updates. The app can be downloaded through the Apple App Store and Google Play.

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Food, Music, Art And Workouts In The Park — Family-Friendly Fests And Special Events Offer These And More

June 7, 2024 Published by

There’s certainly no shortage of things to do, eat, drink, hear and experience in the Chicago area this summer. The sheer number of festivals and special events is impressive, and even overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a list of the not-to-be-missed.

Whether you handpick a few or hit ‘em all, you won’t be sorry you checked out these Chicago-area events and fests.

Looking for family fun? Many of Chicago’s festivals are kid-friendly, but for events, shows and concerts that cater to children, teens and families, check out our family fun guide.

Special Events

Chicago City Markets: Shop local produce, goods, plants and more at farmers markets in the Chicago area, nearly every day of the week. Visit chicagocitymarkets.us for exact dates and locations. Now through October. Citywide. Free admission.

Arbor Evenings: Set up a spot on Frost Hill at the Morton Arboretum for live music, a BYO or food truck picnic, lawn games, family fun and sunset views. Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m., now through Aug. 21. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. Tickets free for infants 2 and under, free to $5 for children 2-17 and $10-$15 for adults; mortonarb.org

Live on the Lake! and Summer Fireworks: Head to the Navy Pier Beer Garden at the end of the Pier for free live music (and a cheeky brew) from 2-11:10 p.m., on select dates now through Sept. 29. And you might as well stick around for the Pier’s summer fireworks, on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 p.m., now through Aug. 31. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Free; navypier.org

Fridays on Fulton: Ring in the weekend with these Friday pop-up parties, featuring art installations, performances from rising Chicago House artists and more. July 26, Aug. 30. Fulton Market. Free; starevents.com

Craft Brews at the Zoo: Attend an adults-only, after-hours evening at the zoo with over 100 craft beers and ciders! Tickets include 20 three-ounce pours, a souvenir glass, yard games, live music, access to food trucks and more. 6-10 p.m. June 15. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St. Ages 21+. Tickets $55-$65; lpzoo.org

Taste of Chicago: Try fabulous food from Chicago’s diverse culinary scene in Rogers Park (June 15; Touhy Park, 7348 N. Paulina St.); Marquette Park (July 27;

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Chicago Pride 2024 Events Calendar

June 3, 2024 Published by

A person on a parade float throws out confetti during the 51st Annual Pride Parade on the North Side, Sunday, June 26, 2022.

A person on a parade float throws out confetti during the 51st Annual Pride Parade on the North Side, Sunday, June 26, 2022.

Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times file

WBEZ Standard Logo

From parties, street festivals, family fun and much more, here’s what’s on Chicago’s Pride 2024 calendar. [month] [day], [year], [hour]:[minute][ampm] [timezone]  

Pride Month in Chicago means plenty of opportunities to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, honor pioneers of the past and cultivate support and allyship.

Below, you’ll find our growing calendar of Pride 2024 events throughout June.

Got an event that you think we missed? Email us at audience@suntimes.com so we can add it to this calendar.

Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈

Upcoming things to do for Pride Month in Chicago

🎤 Sapphic Comedy Hour
Wednesday, June 5, 7 p.m.
📍Dorothy, 2500 W. Chicago Ave.
Seven sapphic comedians take the stage for a Pride comedy showcase, hosted by Sierra Kenyon and Rogue Schmidt.
Admission: $10

🪩 Ballroom By The Books Workshops at Chicago Public Libraries
📍 West Lawn Branch | June 5, 3 p.m.
📍 Kelly Branch | June 12, 3 p.m.
📍 Leger Regional Library | June 20, 3 p.m.
📍 Final Ball: Harold Washington Library | June 27, 3 p.m.
Hosted by School of Opulence, teens ages 12-17 can participate in three workshops on the most fundamental ballroom categories, Vogue, Runway, and Face/Makeup. This program allows a safe space for creative expression of LGBTQ+ teens.
Admission: Free

🛍️Chicago Pride Kick-Off Urban Queer Art Show & Market
Wed, June 5 – Sun, June 9
📍PrideArts, 4139 N. Broadway
A five-night market showcasing artwork and handmade goods from local creators.
Admission: $17

🇸🇪Andersonville Midsommarfest
Fri, June 7 – Sun, June 9
📍Clark Street, from Foster to Gregory
A Swedish tradition-turned-Chicago summertime staple, with food, vendors and five stages of entertainment, including the Balmoral Pride stage highlighting DJs, drag performances and more.
Admission: $10 suggested donation

🇵🇭The Great Baklaan
Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m.
📍18th Street Casa de Cultura,

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Chicago House Music | History, Venues & Events Guide | Choose Chicago

May 29, 2024 Published by

Chicago boasts a rich musical history and is famous for many sonic innovations including gospel music, drill, Chicago-style blues — and house music.

Thanks to a massive international following, some music fans don’t realize that Chicago is where house music was born. Developed by Black DJs during the late 1970s and ‘80s, Chicago house music exploded from an underground dance scene into a worldwide phenomenon.

Learn more about Chicago’s house music legacy and where to experience it for yourself.

Chicago house music venues and clubs

Smartbar holds a strong legacy in the Chicago house scene. Opened in 1982, this tiny Wrigleyville basement club hosted Frankie Knuckles as its first DJ. Today, you’ll hear an assortment of house DJs from all over the world play, including legendary Chicago house DJ Derrick Carter, who maintains a residency at Smartbar.

Spybar is a subterranean nightclub that hosts international artists spinning a selection of techno and house music. This upscale River North spot features a rotating line-up of dance DJs from all over the world.

Stony Island Arts Bank offers a close-up view of house music history through Frankie Knuckles’ personal vinyl collection. The Grammy-award-winning artist cataloged roughly 5,000 records that chronicle the development of house music. A resident DJ incorporates selections from the collection in regular public shows.

Chicago house music festivals and eventsChicago House Music Festival crowdChicago House Music Festival

Chicago House Music Festival and Conference brings house music fans from around the country to Chicago for a free, multi-day celebration of the Chicago-born genre. The annual event kicks off summer with DJs and live performances showcasing the various sounds and styles of house music.

Chosen Few Picnic is the highlight of the year for house heads. This family-reunion-style event unfolds each July in Jackson Park and features over 12 hours of nonstop house music by the south side DJs who helped create it.

My House Music Festival is a two-day summer music fest in Harrison Park in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. The event includes dozens of house DJs, including iconic pioneers like Derrick Carter and Marshall Jefferson, plus local food, merch, and art.

ARC Music Festival takes place for three days in Union Park over Labor Day weekend.

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The Best June Events In Chicago

May 29, 2024 Published by

Chicago Pride Parade Photograph: Jordan Avery

Jump into summer in Chicago with our picks for the best festivals, fairs, exhibits and events.

Jeffy Mai

Is there anything better than June in Chicago? The days are long, summer festival season has arrived and cold weather finally feels like a distant memory, giving us ample opportunity to enjoy afternoons at Chicago beaches and evenings spent sipping frozen cocktails at the city’s best rooftop bars. As always, you’ll find plenty of seasonal events to keep busy, from big summer music festivals like the Chicago Blues Festival and the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash to charming neighborhood art fairs. Plus, don’t miss the numerous Pride events happening. Say hello to summer with our list of the best things to do in Chicago this June.

RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2024

Featured events in June 2024

Do Division Street Fest

Kick off the start of summer festival season at Do Division, the street shindig with live music booked by Empty Bottle and Subterranean in West Town. Catch performances at two stages—including acts like Divino Niño, Arm’s Length, Susto and Avey Tare—and check out food trucks, a fashion show, vendors for shopping and a Family Fun Fest area with kids activities, among other attractions.

Maifest

No, you haven’t stumbled into an early Oktoberfest—this is just how Lincoln Square welcomes street-festival season and the beginning of spring. Hoist a stein, grab a pretzel, watch some lederhosen- and dirndl-costumed dancers and embrace the neighborhood’s German heritage over the course of one fun-filled weekend.

57th Street Art Fair

57th Street Art Fair

The oldest juried craft fair in Hyde Park features paintings, sculptures, jewelry and ceramics from nearly 200 artists. The event also features blues and jazz acts, presented by Buddy Guy’s Legends, as well as a family-friendly activity area and various food vendors. Attendees can shop for artwork created in a variety of mediums, including glass, jewelry, leather, photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, wood, ceramics or fiber.

Chicago House Music Festival and Conference

This annual fest and conference celebrating the iconic dance music genre born in Chicago brings a full day of DJ sets to Millennium Park. Acts this year include Wayne Williams,

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Things To Do In Chicago This Memorial Day Weekend: Beach Openings, Festivals And More

May 24, 2024 Published by

Memorial Day weekend is nearly here and there will be no shortage of things to do and ways to enjoy the long holiday weekend – no matter the weather — in Chicago.

As you look to plan your Memorial Day weekend in and around Chicago, here’s a roundup of events taking place, what to know if you plan to head to the beach and more.

Chicago’s N. Lake Shore Chicago Beaches Open

According to the Chicago Park District, beaches will open for the first time on Friday, and will remain open daily through the Labor Day holiday.

Additional security measures will be put into place once the summer swimming season begins, according to the park district.

Starting Friday, a beach mobile unit with six prominently marked vehicles and security officers in bright yellow will be visible along the lakefront.

Local

According to the the park district, swim conditions are updated each day around 11 a.m. “based on weather and surf conditions, and around 1:30 pm based on water quality conditions.”

“Flags may be updated throughout the day as needed,” the park district said.

Several beaches are currently closed due to erosion, including Fargo Beach, Howard Beach, Juneway Beach, and Rogers Beach. More information can be found on the park district website.

Beachgoers are reminded that there is no smoking or alcohol consumption allowed on beaches. No dogs are allowed except at designated dog-friendly beaches, and residents are not to feed birds or wildlife.

Here’s how to check the water temperature at Lake Michigan.

Memorial Day Things to Do

Festivals, flea markets, farmers markets, food and more will be on display this Memorial Day weekend in Chicago. Here’s a glimpse into some of the events planned across the city and suburbs.

Sueños Music Festival

The Latin music festival brings reggaeton and Latin artists from across the globe to Chicago. This year’s lineup includes Rauw Alejandro, Young Miko, Bizarrap and more, the fest takes place Saturday and Sunday in Grant Park. The event also features a number afterparties and other events. The full lineup can be found here.

Passes are currently on sale and begin at $310.

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The Best Chicago Music Festivals To Rock Out At

May 21, 2024 Published by

volleywoodPhotograph: Courtesy VolleywoodThe best Chicago music festivals to rock out at in 2024

Explore the best summer music festivals in Chicago—from Lollapalooza to Pitchfork to Riot Fest.

Jeffy Mai

There’s nothing quite like Chicago’s festival season, which brings a full roster of musical acts to town from May through September. Not sure where to start? Kick things off with reggaeton-focused Sueños Music Festival over Memorial Day weekend, or head to Chicago Blues Festival in early June. As summer goes on, make room in your schedule for returning favorites like Windy City Smokeout and Taste of Randolph plus big-name festivals in the city’s amazing parks, including Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival and Riot Fest. And if you’re hoping to save money, don’t forget about Chicago’s free summer music series programming! We’ll keep updating this list as more festivals announce lineups—in the meantime, take a look through some of the best summer music festivals coming to Chicago in 2024.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do this summer in Chicago

Sueños Music Festival

Started in 2022, this two-day extravaganza returns to Grant Park over Memorial Day weekend. Taking place on a single stage in Grant Park’s Hutchinson Field, Sueños will feature headlining sets from Peso Pluma, Ivan Cornejo, Rauw Alejandro and Maluma. Other notable names on the lineup include Bad Gyal, Mora, Manuel Turizo, Xavi, Gabito Ballesteros and more.

In addition to two days of music, you can try food from some of Chicago’s best Latin restaurants, a host of experiential activations and a Ferris wheel in the park that you can ride between (or during) sets. It’s one of the largest new festivals to come to launch in Chicago in years and a fitting addition to a summer festival calendar that’s more crowded than ever.

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival

Love cover bands? Head to Lakeview (right by the Belmont Red Line station) for three days of music, featuring local tribute acts like 16 Candles and Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press. A second stage hosts an eclectic array of community performers, plus karaoke with Trader Todd’s. Plus, you’ll find beer, wine and plenty of neighborhood vendors to browse while you hang out on the street.

Jazz’n on the Steps

The South Side Jazz Coalition hosts a series of free monthly jazz performances every summer on the steps of St.

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Fun Things To Do With Kids In Chicagoland This Weekend

May 17, 2024 Published by

May offers so many great events and things to do with your kids, including plenty of summer festivals.

Check out the Flight of Butterflies at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and grab some sweet treats at Bittersweet Pastry Shop. Take advantage of the amazing weather and wander through Chicagoland’s most beautiful gardens.

Enjoy cookies at these places near Naperville and check out the farmers markets with your family for some local goodies.

My son, Jordan, and I are looking forward to checking out the summer festivals, including the Long Grove Chocolate Festival. We also love shopping at farmers markets and plan to check out a few this weekend.

Looking for more things to do with kids in Chicagoland? We have you covered to make it a great weekend with kid-friendly events, what’s going on around town and even at-home activities. Be sure to tag us on Instagram @chicagoparent if you enjoy any of these weekend events!

This article was recently updated on May 16, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding new Chicagoland events to the ChicagoParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best family events this weekend. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.

Events Photo credit: Dan Swinson

The city and suburbs continue to offer excellent options for family-friendly events. We picked some of our favorites going on this weekend below. Find more events on our calendar.

Poetry Making Playground at West Side Justice Center

May 16-19, 2024

Teens and tweens can check out an immersive installation with original poems written by some of Chicago’s most renowned poets. It will include seven different works and fuse poetics, illustration, design, multimedia and more.

Long Grove Chocolate Festival in Historic Downtown Long Grove

May 17-19, 2024

The fest is known for its chocolate-dipped treats like strawberries, donuts, cupcakes, cake pops,

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Spring Festivals, Outdoor Movies, And More Things To Do In Chicago This Weekend With Kids

May 15, 2024 Published by

Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend!

It’s time for that one perfect spring weekend in Chicago! And, things to do in Chicago match the weather with the Cantigny Spring Fest in Wheaton, What’s Blooming on Harrison in Oak Park, and Parkway Bank Park’s Spring Fun Festival in Rosemont. Auto-obsessed kids will love the Touch-a-Truck event in Oakbrook Terrace, and Wheeling’s Bark in the Park is where everyone, including your furry friends, can enjoy the great weather. Outdoor movies also make their debut this weekend in Oak Park and Bensenville.

This is a great time to make plans for spring and summer plans in Chicago. Check out the full line-up of spring festivals; look at the city from above at Navy Pier’s new Flyover experience, or plan a summer trip to the Bristol Renaissance Faire. 

Have a great spring weekend in Chicago!

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