Summer in Chicago means one thing: festivals. Every weekend there are festivals featuring music, food, shopping, and more fun things to do.
From neighborhood street festivals to epic multi-day extravaganzas, these outdoor parties make you forget all about the snow and cold of winter in Chicago.
To help your planning, here are some of the best summer festivals in Chicago.
Festivals in Chicago
Essential Tips for Festival-Goers
- Plan Ahead: With a packed schedule, be sure to mark your calendar with must-attend events.
- Arrive Early: Beat the crowds to secure the best spots and explore the grounds comfortably.
- Dress Smart: Prepare for hot weather but be ready for sudden changes. Essentials include sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and a rain jacket.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle handy, especially during outdoor events.
- Bring Cash: Some vendors may not accept cards. Having cash can make purchases smoother.
- Use Public Transportation: Chicago’s transit system is a great way to get around, especially to avoid parking hassles.
- Secure Your Belongings: Keep your items close in crowded places to avoid loss or theft.
Recurring Summer Festivals in Chicago
Millennium Park Summer Workouts
May 17 – August 30, Millennium Park
Free morning fitness sessions on Saturdays, including Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and Cardio Kickboxing on the Great Lawn.
Chicago Farmers Markets
May 15 – October 31, various neighborhoods
Farmers markets across the city, offering fresh local produce, flowers, and artisanal goods. Daley Plaza market opens May 15.
Navy Pier Fireworks
May 24 – August 30, Navy Pier
Fireworks every Wednesday (9 p.m.) and Saturday (10 p.m.) over Lake Michigan, paired with music.
Jazzin’ at the Shedd
May 28 – August 27, Wednesdays, Shedd Aquarium
Live jazz, skyline views, and aquarium access every Wednesday night. Requires a ticket.
Tuesdays on the Terrace
June 24 – August 26, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Free jazz concerts on the MCA’s garden terrace, featuring local and national artists.
Grant Park Music Festival
June 11 – August 16, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
Free outdoor classical concerts featuring the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus, most Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Millennium Park Summer Music Series
June 26 – August 7, Millennium Park
Free concerts Mondays and Thursdays at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, spotlighting national and local artists in a wide range of genres.
Millennium Park Summer Film Series
July 1 – August 19, Millennium Park
Free movies on the big screen at Jay Pritzker Pavilion every Tuesday night.
Chicago SummerDance
August 7 – 23, Spirit of Music Garden (601 S Michigan Ave) and pop-ups citywide
Free dance lessons and live music, Thursdays through Saturdays. Special pop-ups throughout the city.
Sundays on State
September 7 & October 5, State Street (Loop)
Chicago’s iconic street turns into a pedestrian-only block party with art, music, food, and pop-up performances.
June Festivals in Chicago
Do Division Street Fest
May 30 – June 1, Division St between Damen & Leavitt, Wicker Park
Three days of live indie music, food, local vendors, and a family fun zone.
Windy City Hot Dog Fest
May 31 – June 1, 4000 N Milwaukee Ave, Portage Park
Vendors compete to be crowned best hot dog in Chicago. Includes music and kids’ activities.
Chicago Blues Festival
June 5–8, Millennium Park & city venues
The nation’s largest free blues festival. Top names perform in Millennium Park and clubs citywide.
Puerto Rican Festival & Parade
June 12-15, Humboldt Park
Music, authentic food, carnival rides, and the city’s biggest parade celebrating Puerto Rican culture.
Andersonville Midsommarfest
June 13 – 15, Clark St between Foster & Gregory
A Swedish-inspired street festival with international food, craft vendors, family activities, and music on five stages.
Old Town Art Fair
June 14–15, Old Town Triangle Historic District, Old Town
One of the country’s best art fairs—more than 200 juried artists, garden walks, music, and food court.
Taste of Randolph
June 13 – 15, Randolph St between Peoria & Racine, West Loop
Sample signature dishes from West Loop’s top restaurants and enjoy a stellar live music lineup.
Chicago Pride Fest
June 21–22, Northalsted (Boystown, Halsted St between Addison & Grace)
A lively celebration of LGBTQ+ pride with music, food, drag shows, and community resources.
Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo
June 28, Lincoln Park Zoo
Sample more than 100 craft beers in the after-hours zoo setting, with music, food trucks, and carousel rides. (21+ event, ticketed)
Chicago Festivals in July
NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend
July 5–6, Grant Park and downtown streets
Watch professional NASCAR drivers race through the heart of Chicago. Weekend includes a music festival. (Ticketed)
Windy City Smokeout
July 10–13, United Center parking lot, Near West Side
Four days of country music’s top acts, BBQ from pitmasters around the nation, and craft beer. (Ticketed)
Square Roots Festival
July 11 – 13, Lincoln Square
Folk and roots music, regional craft beers, food, and family activities.
Chosen Few Picnic & Festival
July 12, Jackson Park
World-renowned DJs celebrate Chicago’s house music legacy with thousands of fans in a giant outdoor dance party.
Tacos y Tamales Festival
July 18–20, 16th & Peoria, Pilsen
Traditional Mexican food, art, and music in the heart of Pilsen.
Disability Pride Parade
July 26, 400 S Plymouth, South Loop
A parade and celebration for disability awareness, pride, and inclusion.
Wicker Park Fest
July 25–27, Milwaukee Ave between North & Ashland
A neighborhood music festival known for top indie bands and a creative vendor marketplace.
Chinatown Summer Fair
July 26 – 27, Wentworth Ave & Chinatown Square
Lion dances, martial arts, food, music, and kids’ activities in Chicago’s vibrant Chinatown.
August Chicago Festivals
Lollapalooza
July 31 – August 3, Grant Park
Four-day music festival featuring top acts across genres and emerging artists on multiple stages.
Bud Billiken Parade & Picnic
August 9, King Drive, Bronzeville
The nation’s largest African American parade and back-to-school celebration.
Northalsted Market Days
August 8–10, Northalsted, Halsted St from Belmont to Addison
Two-day street fest with live music on five stages, food, vendors, and a lively crowd.
Broadway in Chicago Summer Concert
August 11, Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Stars from major shows perform Broadway numbers on stage. Free.
Chicago Air and Water Show
August 16–17, North Avenue Beach and Lakefront
Jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics and military aircraft, plus water stunts. Free and visible along the lakefront.
Chicago Jazz Festival
August 28 – 31, Millennium Park and citywide
A Labor Day tradition, this free festival presents local and international jazz on multiple stages.
September Festivals in Chicago
Taste of Chicago
September 5–7, Grant Park
Sample dishes from dozens of Chicago’s best restaurants and food trucks, with free music on multiple stages.
German-American Oktoberfest
September 5–7, Lincoln Square
Traditional music, beer, food, and a lively parade in the city’s historic German neighborhood.
Retro on Roscoe
September 5 – 7, Roscoe Village
Live music, classic cars, family fun, and vintage vendors.
Lyric Opera’s Sunday in the Park
September 7, Millennium Park
Enjoy performances by Lyric Opera artists in a casual outdoor setting.
Riot Fest
September 19–21, Douglass Park
National punk, rock, and hip-hop acts plus carnival rides and food.
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
September 27–28, venues across Hyde Park
Concerts in parks, churches, and on the Midway Plaisance, featuring the best of Chicago and world jazz.
These fests barely scratch the surface of summer fun in Chicago. For more events, check out our Chicago events calendar.