04/30/2024
May and June events
Navy Pier summer fireworks: These spectacular fireworks will light up Chicago’s lakefront twice a week all summer long.
Sueños Music Festival: Chicago’s electrifying reggaeton fest is taking over Grant Park with a lineup of Latin hitmakers.
Chicago Farmers Markets: Shop locally grown produce, artisanal goods, ready-to-eat foods, and more at these neighborhood farmers markets.
Chicago Humanities Festival: This celebration of ideas features the most interesting thinkers, artists, and creators from all over the world.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Randolph Street Market: This European-style outdoor market showcases the best antique and vintage finds, including fashion, art, decor, and beyond.
Mole de Mayo: In the vibrant Pilsen neighborhood, this outdoor food fest is dedicated to finding the best of the Mexican staple, plus live entertainment and craft vendors.
Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk: For one day only, tour the interiors of private residences and landmark buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries.
Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest: The charming Lakeview neighborhood plays host to this neighborhood block party, with tribute bands, artisans, and beer and wine vendors.
Mayfest: Kick off summer in the heart of historic Lincoln Park, with two stages of live music, drinks, an art show, and local vendors.
Chicago Memorial Day Parade: The long weekend in Chicago is always marked by a downtown parade and wreath-laying ceremony.
June
Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024: This new event will feature three days of film screenings and innovative programming, marking the first time the iconic Sundance Institute comes to Chicago.
Chicago House Music Festival and Conference: Hear house music in the city where it was born at this day-long dance music event, held in Millennium Park.
Chicago Gospel Music Festival: This free outdoor concert, celebrating the Chicago-born genre, brings together traditional choirs, contemporary urban gospel artists, and more.
Windy City Hot Dog Fest: Celebrate one of Chicago’s most iconic bites at this annual festival in Portage Park, which will award the local hot dog stand with the best frankfurter.
Craft Brews At Lincoln Park Zoo: Explore one of the oldest zoos in the country with a cold beer in hand during this outdoor tasting event.
Heatwave Music Festival: Dance music artists from Chicago and around the world, including Tiësto and deadmau5, will be taking over Northerly Island for this two-day fest.
Chicago Pride Parade: One of the largest Pride celebrations in the world, the Chicago Pride Parade marches through the historic Northalsted neighborhood on the last Sunday of June.
Maifest in Lincoln Square: Get a taste of German heritage at this annual gathering known for giant beers, traditional foods, and lively bands.
Jazzin’ at the Shedd: This weeknight series features a festival-worthy line-up of Chicago’s top jazz ensembles, along with access to the aquarium, cocktails, and unbeatable city views.
Chicago Blues Festival: One of the city’s most legendary music festivals draws hundreds of thousands of fans and blues icons from all over the country.
Puerto Rican Festival and People’s Parade: Immerse yourself in Puerto Rican culture, including food, music, arts, and more, during this two-day fest and parade in Humboldt Park.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Ribfest Chicago: It’s all about ribs and rock music at this family-friendly North Center street fest, which features two stages, cold beer, and a bourbon/whiskey tasting.
Grant Park Music Festival: This 80-year tradition brings free classical music to Millennium Park all summer long.
James Beard Foundation Awards: These prestigious awards, traditionally hosted at the Lyric Opera, honor the best and brightest of the culinary world.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: The Museum of Contemporary Art offers free live music each week in highlighting artists from Chicago’s internationally renowned jazz community.
Summer Smash Festival: This outdoor multi-stage music festival features some of the biggest names in hip hop and calls itself the biggest party of the summer.
Ravenswood On Tap: Sip your way through Ravenswood, one of Chicago’s top craft beer neighborhoods and home to many small craft producers.
Chicago Dance Month: This month-long celebration of dance brings performances across genres to venues throughout the city.
Miche Fest: Held in the Pilsen neighborhood, this Latino music festival features two days of top artists and micheladas.
Old Town Art Fair: A long-standing Old Town staple, this open-air market has been showcasing artists from all mediums for more than 70 years.
Wells Street Art Festival: This juried art fest and sale draws artists from all over the world to the charming Old Town neighborhood.
Flavors of Albany Park: This melting-pot community shows off its culinary diversity, with more than 50 local restaurants participating.
Andersonville Midsommarfest: For more than 50 years, this summer festival has celebrated Andersonville’s Swedish heritage, LGBTQ+ pride, and vibrant local business community.
Do Division Street Fest: This popular neighborhood fest features two live music stages, a variety of local retail and food vendors, and a dedicated family fun area.
Lincoln Park Greek Fest: Greek heritage is on full display at this neighborhood street fest, with authentic food, music, and dancing.
Hyde Park Summer Fest: Enjoy local beers, food, music, and more at this popular neighborhood festival featuring major headlining acts.
Uptown Art Week: This week-long showcase will feature more than 150 pieces of public art, along with live paintings, interactive art activities, and more.
57th Street Art Fair: The city’s oldest juried art fair, this free event showcases the works of more than 200 artists each year.
Taste of Randolph: The West Loop is a foodie’s dream, and this food fest lets you taste the neighborhood’s best spots.
Logan Square Arts Fest: Held in the heart of Logan Square, this art-focused fest also includes live music and food and drinks.
Chicago Summerdance: Learn to salsa, waltz, swing, and more during these free open-air dance lessons paired with live music in city parks.
