August Festival Guide 2023

AUGUST

August 3-6

LOLLAPALOOZA

Grant Park

The name comes from an old Three Stooges movie, but the word has been around since the 19th century, meaning “extraordinarily impressive,” “doozy” or “humdinger,” which is fitting, since this hiphop, alternative and techno fest attracts 200,000 attendees annually. Side stages offer up-and-coming artists a chance to reach wider audiences. Headliners include Billie Eilish, Karol G, Kendrick Lamar, The 1975, Odesza, Tomorrow X Together, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lana Del Rey. General Admission $125+ at www.lollapalooza.com

August 4-6

JEFF FEST

Jefferson Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave.

Fri 5-10 pm, Sat & Sun 2-10 pm

22nd annual event offers great tunes, tasty food and family fun, including a community stage. Mainstage headliners include Think Floyd (Pink Floyd Tribute), The Four C Notes, Petty Union (Tom Petty Tribute), Kashmir (Led Zeppelin Tribute), The Buckinghams, and more. To benefit the Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce. chicagoevents.com/events/jeff-fest

August 4-6

FESTA ITALIANA

Naper Settlement (Webster & Aurora) Naperville

Fri 5-10 pm, Sat Noon-10 pm, Sun Noon-8 pm

The sounds of Italy by day, and rock music into the night; Italian food from a variety of vendors, (meatball-eating contest at 5 pm Sat), kids’ activities and rides, shopping and Tuscan-inspired wines. www. starevents.com/ event/festaitaliana

August 5

TASTE OF CHICAGO

Marquette Park, 6743 S. Kedzie Ave.

“Taste” moves from downtown to neighborhoods on select Saturdays, before returning to Grant Park in early September. FREE admission. Food available with tickets. www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/ supp_info/taste_of_chicago.html

August 9

BACKLOT BBQ BASH

Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza

Wed 5-8 pm

Designs for Dignity hosts annual fundraiser in partnership with the Homebuilders Association of Greater Chicago (HBAGC). Proceeds benefit Designs for Dignity, a Chicago nonprofit that transforms nonprofit environments through pro bono design services and in-kind donations, and scholarships for women in construction. Tickets $100+ at www.designs4dignity.org/events/ backlot-bbq-bash

August 11-13

GINZA HOLIDAY

Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee

Begun in 1955 as a fundraiser to introduce Japanese food and entertainment to neighbors, this fest is named after the famous district in Tokyo. Enter the traditional red torii gates to find Chicken Teriyaki from an early temple member’s family recipe, as well as sushi, udon, edamame, Waza artisans from Japan, beautiful crafts, Taiko drumming, Minyo dancing and more. Tour the temple and learn a little about Jodo Shin

August 11-13

RETRO ON ROSCOE

2000 W. Roscoe

Fri 5-10 pm, Sat & Sun Noon-10 pm

Tree-lined streets set the scene for artisans, antique vendors and cool merchants in an offbeat shopping atmosphere second to none. Antique and classic car and motorcycle show, kids’ area with inflatables, balloon artists, face painting, rides and music. $15 suggested donation benefits Roscoe Village Neighbors.

August 11-13

EDISON PARK FEST

On Northwest Highway/Oliphant/Oshkosh

Fri 5-10 pm, Sat & Sun Noon-10 pm

51st anniversary event features Strung Out (70s pop rock), Simply Elton, 7th Heaven, Heart to Heartbreaker (Heart/Pat Benatar Tribute) and more. Sponsored by the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce, proceeds benefit local beautification, civic and school fundraisers, Santa Express. $5 donation requested. edisonparkfest.org

August 12-13

NORTHALSTED MARKET DAYS

Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison

Sat & Sun 11-10 pm

Half-mile long lineup of live music on five stages, 200+ vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, DJs, dancing and more. $15 suggested donation helps local nonprofits and Chicago Pride Crosswalks. northalsted.com/marketdays

August 12-13

PRINTERS ROW ART FEST

701 S. Dearborn St. from Harrison to Polk Sat & Sun 10-5 pm

90 juried artists: jewelers, up-cyclers, photographers, woodworkers, sculptors; and with area restaurants serving up specialties. Sponsored by the Greater South Loop Association and South Loop Neighbors. Bring gently used wall art to donate to Chicago Furniture Bank. FREE admission. amdurproductions.com/event/2023-printers-row-art-fest

August 12-13

LINCOLNSHIRE ART FESTIVAL

Village Green North, Lincolnshire Sat & Sun 10 am-5 pm

80 juried artists from around U.S. sell their paintings, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and more! Live music, festival food, beers from Half Day Brewery. Disability accessible and wheel-friendly. FREE. amdurproductions.com/event/2023lincolnshire-art-festival

August 13

SUNDAYS ON STATE

State & Lake streets

11 am- 6 pm

Interactive block party with culture, art, stimulating recreation, drinks and shopping in the heart of everyone’s neighborhood: the Loop. FREE.

August 14

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph

6:15 pm

Performances from the hottest shows coming to Chicago: favorites like “Hamilton,” plus new shows “Boop! The Musical,” “A Wonderful World,” and more TBA. FREE. millenniumpark.org

August 17

CLARK AFTER DARK

Hubbard Street, Clark to LaSalle

Thurs 4-9 pm

15th annual block party to benefit USO of Illinois, which serves 326,000 military personnel and their families. Enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment. $10 General Admission, VIP available. starevents.com/event/clark-after-dark

August 17-20

LITTLE ITALY TAYLOR STREET FESTA

1431 W. Taylor St.

Authentic food provided by local restaurants and vendors selling Italian fashions and jewelry. www.oshows.com

August 18-20

RIBFEST CHICAGO

Irving/Lincoln/Damen

Fri 5-10 pm, Sat & Sun Noon-10 pm

Ribfest continues its 20-year tradition of inviting all Chicagoland BBQ masters to compete for the title of “Best Ribs” and “People’s Choice." Look for original music from top local and national acts on two stages and a Kids’ Square. Sponsored by the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce. www.ribfest-chicago.com

August 18-20

EVANSTON ART FEST

800 Church St. (at Sherman)

Fri 12-5, Sat & Sun 10-5

130+ juried artists from across the U.S. offering traditional painting, sculpture, photography and mixed media. Live music on three stages, kids’ activities, booth chats and demos. Bring gently used wall art to donate to Chicago Furniture Bank. FREE admission. amdurproductions.com/ event/2023-evanston-art-and-big-fork

August 19

OAK PARK MICROBREW REVIEW

100 N. Marion St. Sat 1:30-6 pm

Microbrew leaves micro waste at the largest craft beer fest in Midwest. Enjoy up to 40 samples from 60+ brewers, as well as ciders and seltzers, food from local vendors, live music, recycling and composting stations. Advance tickets $60, limited number day-of for $70. Early entry and VIP available at Eventbrite.

August 18-20

GLENWOOD AVENUE ARTS FEST

Glenwood & Morse avenues next to the CTA Red Line (6900 N/1400W)

Fri 6-10 pm, Sat 11 am-9 pm, Sun 11 am-7 pm

Cobblestone Jam Friday and Arts Market Sat/Sun. Buy handmade artworks directly from 100+ artists. Visit open studios and listen to live entertainment on outdoor stages. Enjoy street food and craft beer from local merchants on the cobblestone streets of the Glenwood Avenue Arts District. glenwoodave.org

August 19

DRAW TOGETHER

Art Center of Highland Park, 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park Sat 10 am-3 pm

After more than 20 years of the summer Festival of Fine Arts, “Draw Together” is the art center’s well-received chalk festival. Draw TOGETHER as a community, meet old friends and make new ones on the sidewalks around the center. theartcenterhp.org/tachp-draw-together

August 19-20

RUIDO FEST

Chicagoland Fairgrounds, 2801 S. Washtenaw Ave.

Latinx alt-music fest with headliners Kali Uchis and Juanes. Single-day passes $99+ at ruidofest.com

August 19-20

CHICAGO AIR & WATER SHOW

North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive Sat & Sun 10-2 pm

Presented by the City of Chicago, this is the largest FREE show of its kind in the U.S. North Avenue Beach is the focal point, but you can find unobstructed views along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street. Featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Army Parachute Team, “The Golden Knights.” Practice day Friday, August 18. www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/ dca/supp_info/chicago_air_and_watershow.html

August 19-20

UKRAINIAN VILLAGE FEST

2200 W. Superior St.

Neighborhood fest showcases Ukrainian food and dance, brings world-class celebration of Ukrainian spirit to Chicago. Last year, fest raised record-breaking $125,000 for Help Heroes of Ukraine, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which provides necessary protection and equipment for men and women fighting on the front lines. www.facebook.com/ukrainianvillagefest

August 20

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH LYRIC

Millennium Park – Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St. 7 pm

Artists from Lyric's Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center perform a variety of favorites from Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 2023/24 Season, accompanied by Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Enrique Mazzola, Lyric's music director. FREE. millenniumpark.org

August 20

ROSCOE VILLAGE PORCHFEST

Wellington to Addison/ Ravenswood to Western Sun 1-5 pm

Stroll the neighborhood, listen to live music and connect with new friends. Sign-ups continue for hosts, volunteers, performers. Tickets $10-$50, all at lakeviewroscoevillage.org/porchfest

August 20

WRIGHT RIDE

Oak Park

8-10 am departures

Oak Park Cycle Club sponsors rides of 10 to 72 miles. Shortest ride takes you through Oak Park, where Frank Lloyd Wright spent the first 20 years of his 70year career, so you’ll find docents at multiple locations. Other landmarks on routes through Berwyn, LaGrange, Riverside, Brookfield, Western Springs and Argonne. oakparkcycleclub.org/the-wright-ride

August 24

BIDI BIDI BOOM BOOM: SELENA TRIBUTE CONCERT

Millennium Park – Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St.

Thurs 6 pm

Last year, Chicago showed that its love for iconic Tex-Mex queen of cumbia runs deep, so the National Museum of Mexican Art brings another unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and an exciting new lineup of artists. Big surprise artist to be announced on the day of the event. millenniumpark.org

August 25-27

TASTE OF GREEKTOWN

Halsted b/t Van Buren & Adams

Fri 4-10 pm, Sat & Sun Noon-10 pm For the 33rd year, a romantic weekend celebration for lovers of Mediterranean culture. Food and spirits from neighborhood eateries, Greek music, games for kids and families. chicagoevents.com/ events/taste-of-greektown

August 25-27

SKOKIE BACKLOT BASH

Lincoln & Oakton

Fri 5:30-10 pm, Sat 11 am-10 pm, Sun 8 am-8 pm

Celebrate the legacy of downtown Skokie’s wood-frame buildings as a silent movie backdrop for westerns produced by Chicago’s Essanay Films early in the 20th century. Catch live rock, blues, R&B, Sponge, Eve 6, Blessid Union of Souls, The Handcuffs, Tributosaurus Becomes The Doobie Brothers, and more. There’s also a Backlot Dash 5K, bingo, pancake breakfast, classic car show. All-city fest sponsored by the Skokie Chamber of Commerce, Skokie Public Library, Village of Skokie, Skokie Park District and Niles Township HS District. backlotbash.com

August 26

CHALK HOWARD STREET FESTIVAL

Howard & Ashland 11 am-8 pm Howard Street will be blocked off for chalk drawings on the pavement – by children, amateurs, and professional 2D and 3D artists. The fest will showcase local diversity in food, drinks, family-friendly music and live entertainment. Sponsored by the Rogers Park Business Alliance. www. starevents.com/event/chalk-howard-streetfest

August 26

SOMOS UN SOLO PUEBLO, MEXICO Y PUERTO RICO

Millennium Park – Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St. Sat 6 pm

Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA), in partnership with Cuerdas Clásicas, AfriCaribe, and the Chicago Philharmonic, offers its inaugural Millennium Park Residency Program. Symphonic concert celebrates Chicago’s vibrant and diverse Puerto Rican and Mexican communities with crosscultural music. millenniumpark.org

August 26-27

FORGE ART WALK

1001 Main St., Lemont

Live entertainment, interactive art shows, fine art displays, classes, shopping and incredible views found only at reclaimed landscape of America’s largest adventure park, the Forge Lemont Quarries. www. starevents.com/event/forge-art-walk

August 26-27

PIZZA CITY FEST

The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave. Sat & Sun Noon-5 pm

Curated by Steve Dolinsky, 13-time James Beard Award winning reporter at NBC5 Chicago, the fest offers 40 of the region’s best pizza makers. pizzacityfest.com

August 26-27

PORT CLINTON ART FESTIVAL

600 Central Ave., Highland Park Sat & Sun 10-5 pm

Painting, jewelry, furniture, sculpture, fashion wearables by 260 master artists from around the world; food and beverages from local establishments. Top rated by Art Fair Calendar. FREE. amdurproductions. com/event/2023-port-clinton-art-festival

August 26-27

LAKEVIEW TACO FEST

3500 N. Southport Ave.

Sat & Sun, 11 am-10 pm

Choose tacos your own way - with chicken, steak, chorizo/beef, mushrooms, seafood, goat & duck – from more than 10 eateries. Then, vote for Chicago’s best. There are also two music stages, Mexican wrestlers, activities for kids. $10 suggested donation benefits Friends of Lakeview.

August 27

CHICAGO SUMMERDANCE FEST

Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) presents a full day of participatory dance competitions, lessons, social dancing and showcase of local dance companies on National Dance Day. All ages and abilities welcome. Chicago SummerDance events will also be July 15-Sept. 10 in neighborhoods throughout the city. www.chicago.gov/city/ en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_summerdance.html

August 31 - September 3

CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL

Citywide & Millennium Park

Produced by Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago, the fest showcases Chicago's local talent alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation for one of the city’s most beloved art forms. FREE. Lineup TBA at chicagojazzfestival.us