boiMAG.com "Chicago Festivals"

Beginning Of The Summer Fun Time

There is an endless list of festivals for anyone who’s here or planning to visit the Windy City. Note: The Windy City name came from "politicians being full of hot air." Which seems to be true.

Whether you’re looking for live music, dancing, or amazing food, there’s a festival in Chicago for you and your loved ones to enjoy.

Lincoln Park Uncorked

Dates: May 12, 2022 | Entrance: $44-58.

Although most festivals in this city take place in the summer, there are some great ones in the spring. This is the perfect spring festival for wine lovers, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Basically, you get to take a leisurely walk through Armitage Street and Halsted Street, while enjoying sample pours of fine wine, light food, and instore specials in the local shops.

MAY 2023

May 12: Manifest Urban Arts Fest

May 12-14: Chicago Mayfest

May 13: Switch on Summer

May 26- 28: Mole de Mayo Festival

May 29: Spring Tequila Tasting Fes

May 27: Memorial Day Parade

May 27-28: Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest

May 27-28: Sueños Festival

May-October: Chicago City Markets

Taste of Chicago

Usually around the 4of July, the changed Dates are: Sept 8-10 | Entrance: free (tickets for food are sold in strips of 14 for $10).

If you’re a foodie, this is definitely the festival for you. Taste of Chicago will take place in later in the season in Grant Park on Randolph St. You’ll get to sample deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, cheesecake, and much more.

You can try all the classic Chicago foods, but also international cuisine and novel creations as well. With more than 3 million annual attendees, Taste of Chicago is the largest free outdoor festival dedicated to food in the world.

Don’t want to buy the full portion at your favorite Chicago restaurant? This is a great way to sample and try them all. Dozens of the best Chicago restaurants participate in the Taste of Chicago each year, including food trucks.

Local artists also perform, which makes for a fun backdrop for your smorgasbord.

Chicago Blues Festival

Dates: June 9 – 12, 2022 | Entrance: free.

Always taking place in early June in Millennium Park, the Chicago Blues Festival is one of the world’s biggest music festivals. It lasts for three days, and people who attend can watch live music performances free of charge. If you want to support this free Chicago festival, buy food and drinks from local vendors.

Over half a million fans every year who come from around the globe for this June event. You’ll hear different kinds of blues here, including Motown, soul, and funk. It includes performances from known artists, such as Etta James and B.B. King, as well as new up-and-comers.

In other events, learn about the history of blues music in this city, dubbed the “Blues Capital of the World,” by pursuing information stations.

Grant Park Music Festival

Dates: June 14-Aug. 19, 2023 | Entrance: free.

Unlike many Chicago festivals, this is a 10-week concert series taking place in Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Randolph St. within Millennium Park. The Grant Park Chorus and Grant Park Symphony Orchestra give performances on select days within this 10-week period, in addition to guest conductors and performers.

There are also docents that will answer questions and give educational talks during the open rehearsals of the chorus and orchestra that take place before the performances. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Chicago during the summers!

Chicago Pride Fest

Dates: The weekend before the 2023 Chicago Pride Parade (June 25), the Chicago Pride Fest is 2 days: June 17-18. On Halsted Street around 800 W. Waveland Ave area. $15 Suggested donation at entrance.

The suggested donation for entry helps pays performers and festival workers, and funds community programs.

The festival features live music by headline artists and local favorites, 3 stages, food and drink, 150+ arts/crafts vendors, DJ’s and dancing, drag shows, pet parade, sponsored presence, games, giveaways and lots more.

The annual Chicago Pride Fest® is a legendary street festival, held the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade (last Sunday in June).

Logan Square Arts Festival

Dates: June 24 – 26, 2023 | Entrance: free.

This annual June event takes place on Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square Monument Park. It has been going on for 12 years, and it celebrates everything that makes this friendly, eclectic, diverse neighborhood what it is.

Many very talented local merchants and artists give this June festival a lot of unique colors. The festival contains two stages where live music is played by many popular bands. Local food vendors serve popular eats, as well as beer, wine, and spirits.

Since its inception in 2009, this June festival has raised tens of thousands of dollars for nonprofit organizations in the neighborhood.

JUNE 2023

June 2-4: Do Division Street Fest

June 2-4: Lincoln Park Greek Fest

June 3: Chicago Gospel Music Festival

June 3-4: Windy City Hot Dog Fest

June 3-4: Annual 57th Street Art Fair

June 8-11: Chicago Blues Festival

June 9-11: Andersonville Midsommarfest

June 10: Vegandale Fest

June 10-11: Old Town Art Fair

June 10-11: Heat Wave Music Festival

June 10-11: Wells Street Art Fest

June 17-18: Hyde Park Summer Fest

June 14-Aug 19: Grant Park Music Fest

June 16-18: Taste of Randolph St

June 17-18: Chicago Pride Fest

June 17-18: Gold Coast Art Fair

June 22-23: Ravenswood On Tap

June 22-August 21: Millennium Park Summer Music Series

June 24-25: Miche Festival

June 23-24: Chicago Food Truck Festival

June 24-25: Logan Square Arts Festival

June 23-24, 2023: Pride In The Park

June 2023: Célébrez en Rosé

June 2023: Ribfest Chicago

June 2023: Chicago Summerdance

June 2023: Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash

West Fest Chicago

Dates: July 8 – 10, 2022 | Entrance: $10 donation (optional).

West Fest Chicago stands out among other festivals because it is locally planned in West Town, and it is made up almost entirely of local talent and offerings, including local restaurants, live music from local fine artists, and more.

There’s even something from the dog lovers, with Pet Fest on Saturday and Sunday – this includes paw painting, a dog obstacle course, and many pet related demos. Kid Fest is also a part of this event, including many quality activities for families and kids

Windy City Smokeout

Dates: Jul. 13 – 16, 2023 | Entrance: $184.95 for four day passes, $44.95 – 64.95 for one day, free for kids 10 and under.

Love country music, barbecue, and beer? Then this late summer festival is the place for you. Taking place in the United Center, you’ll get to hear live entertainment from your favorite country artists and enjoy delicious barbecue (from the top pitmasters in the world!) and refreshing beer during this four day festival. There’s even a barbecue brunch!

That's enough for now, as you can see, the festivals in Chicago are many throughout the season, so we'll roll out more in the next issue...

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