2016 Summer Festival Schedule

2016 Summer Festival Schedule


MAY 15
-
17
The annual kickoff to the summer street festival season with an outdoor beer garden, live music, sangria, and a pet pageant.
Lakeview (Ashland & Barry)
 ADD
MAY 17
Sun

Andersonville’s retail shops are transformed into wine tasting rooms at 11 locations pouring 30+ wines.
Various locations
 ADD
MAY 23
-
24
Local chefs and restos serve up mole dishes with lucha libre wrestlers, live music, and dance. O-freaking-lé.
Pilsen Ashland & 18th
 ADD
MAY 23
-
24
Live bands, food, booze, art, and booze. Also: Food.
Lakeview (Belmont & Sheffield)
 ADD
MAY 28
-
31
The spring version of Oktoberfest features German Maypole dancing, beer, pretzels, lederhosen, and live music.
Lincoln Square (Lincoln & Leland)
 ADD
MAY 29
-
31
Check out 110 juried artists with live music, food, and a graffiti wall.
Downtown
 ADD
MAY 29
-
31
It’s like Blues Fest, only in Millennium Park and with gospel music.
Millennium Park
 ADD
MAY 29
-
31
Phew, no math involved. Instead, check out indie bands booked by Empty Bottle including Black Mountain, Temples, and Merchandise. Also: pony rides!
Wicker Park (Division & Paulina)
 ADD
MAY 30
-
31
Wine takes over Jonquil Playlot Park with this new fest featuring 80+ varietals, plus live music, food pairings, and on-site sommeliers.
Lincoln Park (Sheffield & Wrightwood)
 ADD
 EVENT
LOCATION
JUNE 5
-
7
Greek food takes over the grounds of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, plus live music and dance.
Lincoln Park (Sheffield & Diversey)
 ADD
JUNE 5
-
7
This new fest focuses on authentic food from Chicago’s Mexican community with a chef competition (chefetition?), dance troupes, and Mexican carnival.
Little Village (26th & California)
 ADD
JUNE 6
Sat

Sample 50+ beers from Goose Island, Ale Syndicate, Revolution, and others, plus FREE Uber ride.
River North (John Barleycorn & Moe’s Cantina)
 ADD
JUNE 6
-
7
Peep Obama’s hood along with art displays, demonstrations, signings, pop-up talks, and live music.
Hyde Park (57th & Kimbark)
 ADD
JUNE 6
-
7
Juried art made from recycled and found materials, plus live music, food, and educational workshops.
Logan Square (Milwaukee & California)
 ADD
JUNE 6
-
7
Book nerds can geek out and see guest authors from David Axelrod to Bob Saget.
Printer's Row (Polk & Dearborn)
 ADD
JUNE 6
-
7
New fest with 40+ food trucks, music from Empty Bottle, and Revolution beer.
Pilsen (18th & Allport)
 ADD
JUNE 6
-
7
Enjoy live blues music and—get this—all-you-can-eat wings for four hours. Giddy up.
Old Town (Cleveland and Eugenie)
 ADD
JUNE 12
-
14
Annual celebration of Swedish heritage with Maypole dancing, a pet parade, and plenty of Swedish meatballs. Blurg-d-blurg.
Andersonville (Clark & Foster)
 ADD
JUNE 12
-
14
Eat piles of ribs (and non-ribs, as well) while checking out live bands and the annual RibMania eating contest.
North Center (Lincoln & Irving Park)
 ADD
JUNE 12
-
14
It’s like Ultra Music Fest invaded Soldier Field at this EDM extravaganza, headlined by Tiesto, Diplo, and Afrojack. Expect plenty of glow sticks.
Soldier Field
 ADD
JUNE 12
-
14
The Old Faithful of free Chicago music festivals.
Grant Park
 ADD
JUNE 13
Sat

The zoo hosts a full-blown brew fest with 75+ specialty craft beers produced by 35 local and regional breweries with lawn games, a DJ, and tasting tents set up on zoo grounds.
Lincoln Park Zoo
 ADD
JUNE 13
-
14
Food from local restos, live music, and juried art from 200+ local and regional artists.
Old Town (North & Wells)
 ADD
JUNE 17 
-
21
Athenaeum Theatre, Chopin Theatre and Wrigley Square in Millennium ParkContemporary circus performances in Chicago that include gravity defying aerials and acrobatics.
Multiple Locations
 ADD
JUNE 18
-
21
Annual celebration of Puerto Rican heritage with authentic Caribbean cuisine, carnival rides, and Puerto Rican People’s Parade.
Humboldt Park (Division & California)
 ADD
JUNE 19
-
21
Food from Chicago’s No. 1 food 'hood with live music from Dinosaur Jr., Dandy Warhols, and Best Coast, plus a dance stage.
West Loop (Randolph & Peoria)
 ADD
JUNE 19
-
20
Sample 200+ American craft beers at this new summer festival, plus live music, all while surrounded by Buckingham Fountain.
Grant Park
 ADD
JUNE 19
-
21
Annual celebration of Italian culture with food, wine, and live music in Chicago’s “original” Little Italy.
Pilsen
 ADD
JUNE 19
-
21
New country music festival on the lakefront. Y'all.
Northerly Island
 ADD
JUNE 19
-
21
Local and national ribbers sling slabs of BBQ, plus live music and pro wrestling shows. Naturally.
Portage Park (Irving Park & Milwaukee)
 ADD
JUNE 20
-
21
Live indie bands perform on a bike-powered stage with craft beer booth and eco-friendly vendors. NATURALLY.
Wicker Park (Damen & North)
 ADD
JUNE 20
-
21
One of the country’s top-rated art fairs also offers food, music, and beer.
Grant Park
 ADD
JUNE 20
-
21
Gear up for the Pride Parade (the following week) with dance/pop acts, food and drink, and art tailored to the local gay community.
Boystown (Halsted & Waveland)
 ADD
JUNE 21
Sun

Check out 13 hours of live music with 180 performances at 40 locations around the city.
Multiple locations
 ADD
JUNE 25
-
28
Outdoor women’s festival features live bands, comics, and DJs held in conjunction with Pride Fest.
Andersonville (Clark & Foster)
 ADD
JUNE 26
-
28
Craft cocktails from The Whistler, sangria from Lula Café, live bands, and food from local restos including Parson’s Chicken & Fish.
Logan Square (the actual square)
 ADD
JUNE 27
-
28
Hot Doug’s (!) and Goose Island team up for a special day of live music, beer, Hot Doug’s food (!!!!), and a chance to party with Doug himself (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).
Goose Island Barrel Warehouse
 ADD
JUNE 27
Sat

The annual beer/music fest is moving from its longtime location at Old St. Pat’s Church to a new spot in UIC lot.
UIC Pavilion lot
 ADD
JUNE 27
-
28
New fest featuring... sausage and music!
Irving Park (Elston & Grace)
 ADD
JUNE 28
Sun

Watch the parade down a four-mile route from Uptown to Lincoln Park.
Various locations
 ADD
 

JULY 3
-
5
The African/Caribbean heritage celebration moves to Union Park and along with it: live music, reggae, soccer, and food.
Union Park
 ADD
JULY 3
-
5
Beer, wine, live music, and BBQ slabs from top local and national rib dudes.
Uptown (Lawrence & Broadway)
 ADD
JULY 4
Sat

One of the world’s largest house music festival events, also known as the “Woodstock of House Music.”
Jackson Park (63rd & Hayes)
 ADD
JULY 8
-
12
The Old Faithful of free Chicago food fests.
Grant Park
 ADD
JULY 10
-
12
Latin alternative music fest with Café Tacuba, Kinky, and Ozomatli.
Pilsen (Addams Park)
 ADD
JULY 10
-
12
Live music from the Old Town School of Folk plus 30+ craft beers and food from local restos.
Lincoln Square (Lincoln & Montrose)
 ADD
JULY 10
-
12
Peep art from 100+ artists at this “all art” show at the base of Tribune Tower overlooking the river.
Chicago Tribune Plaza
 ADD
JULY 10
-
12
St. Patrick’s Day comes early with live music, Irish dancers, a craft beer tent, a “men in kilts” contest, food from local restaurants, and a mashed potato eating contest.
Irish American Heritage Center
 ADD
JULY 10
-
12
Take down BBQ from top local restos including Dinosaur BBQ, Chicago q, and Smoque, plus live music and craft brews.
Grand & the Chicago River
 ADD
JULY 11
-
12
New South Side beach music festival features dance and indie bands including Empire of the Sun, Passion Pit, and Phantogram.
Oakwood Beach
 ADD
JULY 11
-
12
Taste (duh!) eats from the hood including Chicago-style pizza, ice cream, and gelato, plus live music.
Lakeview (Belmont & Lincoln)
 ADD
JULY 11
-
12
Live music and burgers from local restos including Butcher & the Burger, Cortland’s Garage, Hackney’s, Rockit Burger Bar, McGee’s, Trenchermen, Reggie’s, and others, plus a best burger contest.
Roscoe Village (Belmont & Damen)
 ADD
JULY 11
-
12
Music from Empty Bottle, DJs, live art demonstrations, and a pet festival.
West Town (Chicago & Damen)
 ADD
JULY 17
-
19
Live music and food from local restos including Kerryman, Motel Bar, and El Hefe.
River North (Kingsbury & Erie)
 ADD
JULY 17
-
19
Festival named after nearby St. Benedict Parish features food, beer, and live music... including a band named Libido Funk Circus.
North Center (Leavitt & Irving Park)
 ADD
JULY 17
-
19
Annual hipster Lollapalooza featuring Wilco, Chance the Rapper, and Sleater-Kinney.
Union Park
 ADD
JULY 18
-
19
Previously known as Summer on Southport with mixed media, live music, and interactive games.
Lakeview (Southport & Waveland)
 ADD
JULY 18
-
19
Sample 80+ craft beers from Half Acre, Revolution, Two Brothers, Founders, Hinterland, and others. Also: live music!
Lincoln Park (Sheffield & Webster)
 ADD
JULY 18
-
19
Held in collaboration with Chicago Craft Beer Fest, explore 80 of the neighborhood’s lushest gardens... with beer in hand.
Lincoln Park (Sheffield & Webster)
 ADD
JULY 18
-
19
Two stages of live world music, circus acts, face painting, and global cuisine from Greece to Senegal.
Rogers Park (Clark & Morse)
 ADD
JULY 18
-
19
A smorgasbord of encased meats, live music, beer, and the crowning of a Sausage King.
Wrigleyville (Clark and Addison)
 ADD
JULY 19
Sun

Check out the Lion Dance Procession, Chinese dance, martial arts demonstrations, food from local spots, and a “hot legs” contest... for men (!...??).
Chinatown (Wentworth & Cermak)
 ADD
JULY 24
-
26
Live music, local food, booze, you know the drill.
Jefferson Park (the actual park)
 ADD
JULY 25
Sat

Live music, food trucks, margarita tastings, and a fireworks show over the lake.
Northerly Island
 ADD
JULY 25
-
26
Sponsors include Fat Rice, Al’s Beef, Chicago Hot Sauce Club, Dia de los Tamales, and Major League Eating.
Avondale
 ADD
JULY 25
-
26
See nearly 30 musical acts on three stages with food, booze, and the in-fest Lill Street Craft Fair at Lill & Lincoln.
Lincoln Park (Lincoln & Fullerton)
 ADD
JULY 25
-
26
Live indie bands booked by Subterranean and oddball art, with past installations including inflatable sculptures and flying hawkmen.
Wicker Park (North & Milwaukee)
 ADD
JULY 30
-
AUG 2
The largest Latino festival in the Midwest features live music, DJs, food vendors, carnival rides, soccer games, and a 5K.
Pilsen (Cermak & Loomis)
 ADD
JULY 31
-
AUG 2
Perry Farrell’s annual party headlined this year by Paul McCartney, Metallica, and Florence + the Machine.
Grant Park
 ADD
 
AUG 1
-
2
A celebration of all things Central and South American, including food, art, live music, and cooking demonstrations.
Humboldt Park (Armitage & Central Park)
 ADD
AUG 1
-
2
Music, karaoke, food, art, and a dog costume contest.
Edgewater (Broadway & Thorndale)
 ADD
AUG 7
-
9
The annual celebration of encased meats expands to THREE days this year, with live music and all sorts of crazy toppings.
Chicago History Museum
 ADD
AUG 7
-
9
Throwback live bands plus an antique car and motorcycle show, face painting (!!!!!!!!!!), and rides.
Roscoe Village (Damen & Roscoe)
 ADD
AUG 8
Sat

Watch the parade wind through Bronzeville followed by a picnic in Washington Park with entertainment and giveaways for underprivileged youth.
Bronzeville (Oakwood & Langley)
 ADD
AUG 8
-
9
Neighborhood munchies, live bands, and a moon bounce for the kiddies.
Wrigleyville (School & Seminary)
 ADD
AUG 8
-
9
Live music, people watching, and 300+ food and arts/crafts vendors.
Boystown (Halsted & Belmont)
 ADD
AUG 13
-
16
Italian food fest with meatball/cannoli-eating contests, Italian card games, live music, and Italian folk dancing.
Little Italy (Taylor & Ashland)
 ADD
AUG 14
-
16
Drink Miller Lite while checking out local cover bands like 16 Candles and Wedding Banned.
Edison Park (the actual park)
 ADD
AUG 14
-
16
Check out live bands, dance, and theatre on outdoor stages followed by after parties at the nearby Red Line Tap.
Rogers Park (Glenwood & Morse)
 ADD
AUG 15
Sat

A celebration of West Indian and Caribbean culture where you can dance, eat, and sing with carnival spectators.
University of Chicago on the Midway
 ADD
AUG 15
-
16
Ever heard of it?
North Avenue Beach
 ADD
AUG 15
-
16
The Midwest’s largest lobster fest features fresh Boston lobster, surf and turf, live music, and games.
Navy Pier
 ADD
AUG 20
Thurs

Support the troops with live music, drinks, a live auction, and a raffle benefitting the USO of Illinois.
Gold Coast (Clark & Hubbard)
 ADD
AUG 22
-
23
Globe-spanning beats from Brazilian, to West African, to Asian, with the diversity of food, retailers, and markets to match.
Albany Park (Lawrence & Kimball)
 ADD
AUG 22
-
23
Food trucks, chef demonstrations, live music, and an oyster shucking competition with local chefs.
Wicker Park (Milwaukee & Division)
 ADD
AUG 22
-
23
Live art demonstrations, food, and live music, plus a graffiti wall, art bingo, and a photo booth.
West Loop (Halsted & Washington)
 ADD
AUG 22
-
23
Food from local Greektown restos plus Greek bands and games.
Greektown (Halsted & Van Buren)
 ADD
AUG 25
-
29
Dance gets its own fest at venues across the city.
Multiple locations
 ADD
AUG 29
-
30
Free neighborhood arts fest with 200+ artists, three music stages, craft beer, and food.
Holstein Park
 ADD
AUG 29
-
30
Prep the outdoor runways for local fashionistas, live bands, and plenty of sangria.
Wicker Park (Division & Wood)
 ADD
 
DATE
EVENT
LOCATION
SEPT 3
-
13
Avant garde theater pushes boundaries at this local theater fest with a commitment to reach artistically underserved communities.
Jefferson Park
 ADD
SEPT 3
-
6
Check out some of the world’s top jazz acts for free.
Chicago Cultural Center + Millennium Park
 ADD
SEPT 4
-
6
The diverse annual Labor Day dance music bash is headlined this year by The Chemical Brothers, Atmosphere, and Chromeo.
Union Park
 ADD
SEPT 4
-
7
Wide variety of Polish food and beer, plus polka bands and an indoor casino/arcade.
Copernicus Center
 ADD
SEPT 4
-
7
Washington Park is transformed into a simulated African village with art, music, and African spirituality spaces.
Washington Park (the actual park)
 ADD
SEPT 11
-
12
House fresh seafood, listen to live music, and watch plenty of shucking.
Roscoe Village (Damen & Roscoe)
 ADD
SEPT 11
-
12
Sample 300+ wines surrounded by Buckingham Fountain with live music and area chefs/food vendors.
Grant Park
 ADD
SEPT 11
-
13
The annual punk rock carnival has grown to encompass more rock acts in recent years. The 2015 lineup is still TBA.
Humboldt Park
 ADD
SEPT 11
-
13
150+ artists plus live demonstrations and entertainment stages.
Lakeview
 ADD
SEPT 11
-
22
Expand your musical borders at this free, city-wide, multi-venue 11-day festival.
Multiple locations
 ADD
SEPT 12
-
13
Chicago beers, music and artisans all come together for a weekend of celebrating all things local.
Andersonville, Clark St (between Argyle and Carmen)
 ADD
SEPT 19
-
20
Experience a weekend of art, music, food, and community while getting a peek inside the spaces that have helped define Ravenswood.
Ravenswood (various locations)
 ADD
SEPT 19
-
20
Tacos take center stage with inventive offerings plus Mexican wrestlers, beer and taco parings, and a best taco contest.
Lakeview (Southport & Addison)
 ADD
SEPT 19
-
20
Indie arts and crafts, indie bands, and food/drink from local vendors.
Wicker Park (Damen & Division)
 ADD
SEPT 25
-
27
The ultimate in fancy-pants dining with 150+ top chefs and restos, plus wineries, spirit makers, and breweries.
Millennium Park
 ADD
SEPT 25
-
27
Beer, brats, Bavarian pretzels, beer, lederhosen, live pop/German music on two stages, and also beer.
Lakeview (Southport & Lincoln)
 ADD
SEPT 26
-
27
120+ Chicago artists are paired with live music, a beer garden, and a talent show.
Edgewater (Broadway & Granville)
 ADD
SEPT 26
-
27
This Chicago street festival celebrates design with hay rides, live music, and silent auction.
West Town (Grand & Wood)
 ADD
SEPT 26
-
27
See live jazz on 14 stages across Hyde Park in a variety of settings with 18 hours of free, nonstop live performances.
Hyde Park (various locations)
 ADD


FEATURED |  Dunn Dunn Fest

FEATURED | Dunn Dunn Fest

PHOTOS | Perse As Funk | FIRST LADIES LIVE

PHOTOS | Perse As Funk | FIRST LADIES LIVE