Festivals in Chicago: Guide to Best Summer Events 2024

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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.

a large group of people sitting outside a concert hall

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

Concert in Millennium Park, one of the many festivals in Chicago

Millennium Park Summer Workouts (May 18 – August 31, Loop): Jump-start your mornings with fitness sessions in the heart of the city.

Chicago Farmers Markets (May 23 – November 19, City-wide): Support local farms at these weekly events.

Fireworks at Navy Pier (May 25 – August 31, Streeterville): Enjoy spectacular Wednesday and Saturday night fireworks accompanied by music.

Jazzin’ at the Shedd (June 5 – August 28, Wednesdays, Museum Campus): Combine jazz with stunning views and aquatic exhibits.

Tuesdays on the Terrace (June 25 – August 27, Tuesdays, Streeterville): Experience free concerts at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s lush garden.

Grant Park Music Festival (June 12 – August 17, The Loop): Enjoy free classical music performances under the skyline.

Millennium Park Summer Music Series (July 1 – August 8, Mondays and Thursdays, The Loop): Discover diverse musical talents at the iconic Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Taste of Chicago Pop-Ups (Various dates and neighborhoods): Experience Chicago’s culinary delights ahead of the main event.

Millennium Park Summer Film Series (July 16 – August 20, The Loop): Watch popular films outdoors on a massive LED screen.

Chicago SummerDance (Dates TBA, The Loop): Participate in dance lessons followed by live music sessions across city parks.

Sundays on State (June 16 & July 14, The Loop): Engage in a block party on Chicago’s famous State Street.

Monthly Festivals in Chicago

May

  • Chicago Mayfest (May 17-19, Lincoln Park): Start your summer festival season with live music and local art.
  • Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest (May 24-26, Lakeview): A blend of music and community crafts.
  • Mole de Mayo Festival (May 24-26, Pilsen): A culinary competition featuring various mole dishes.
  • Randolph Street Market Festival (May 24-26, West Loop): A mix of antiques, fashion, and handmade goods.
  • Sueños Music Festival (May 25-26, The Loop): A celebration of Latin music in Grant Park.

June

  • Chicago House Music Festival and Conference (May 31 – June 2, The Loop): Dive into the roots of house music with live performances and discussions.
  • Do Division Street Fest (May 31 – June 2, Wicker Park): Enjoy local food, music, and a family fun zone.
  • Chicago Gospel Music Festival (June 1, The Loop): Uplifting gospel performances in Millennium Park.
  • Windy City Hot Dog Fest (June 1-2, Portage Park): Celebrate Chicago’s favorite encased meat.
  • Pullman Railroad Days (June 1-2, Pullman District): Explore historic railcars and learn about the area’s rail history.
  • Chicago Blues Festival (June 6-9, The Loop): The largest free blues festival in the nation, including events at the Chicago Cultural Center.
  • Puerto Rican Festival Chicago (June 6-9, Humboldt Park): A vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture.
  • Midsommar Fest (June 7-9, Andersonville): Experience Swedish culture with traditional food and activities at this annual festival.
  • Old Town Art Fair (June 8-9, Old Town): View works from over 200 artists in a charming neighborhood setting.
  • Taste of Randolph Street (June 14-16, Fulton Market): Sample dishes from prominent local restaurants.
  • Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo (June 15, Lincoln Park): Taste craft beers in the unique setting of a zoo.
  • Joffrey For All Free Performance (June 16, Loop): A special free performance by the renowned artists of the Joffrey Ballet.
  • Chicago PrideFest (June 22-23, Northalsted/Lakeview): A lively celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and community.
  • Dragon Boat Race for Literacy (June 22, Chinatown): Witness traditional dragon boat races promoting literacy.
  • Logan Square Arts Fest (June 28-30, Logan Square): A showcase of local artists, musicians, and craft brewers.

July

  • Chicago Street Race Weekend (July 6-7, The Loop): Experience NASCAR in the heart of downtown Chicago.
  • Chosen Few Picnic & Festival (July 13, Jackson Park): Join one of the world’s largest house music gatherings.
  • Windy City Smokeout (July 11-14, Near West Side): Enjoy top-tier BBQ and country music.
  • Square Roots Festival (July 12-14, Lincoln Square): A must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts.
  • Pitchfork Music Festival (July 19-21, West Loop): Three days of diverse music from emerging and established artists.
  • Tacos y Tamales Festival (July 19-21, Pilsen): A vibrant street festival celebrating Latin cuisine and culture.
  • Disability Pride Parade (July 20, South Loop): Promoting pride and visibility for people with disabilities.
  • Wicker Park Fest (July 26-28, Wicker Park): A popular neighborhood festival with a strong musical lineup.
  • Chinatown Summer Fair (July 27-28, Chinatown): Enjoy a traditional lion dance procession and cultural festivities.

August

  • Lollapalooza (August 1-4, The Loop): A global music festival featuring an eclectic mix of top artists.
  • Retro on Roscoe (August 9-11, Roscoe Village): Relive the past with music, antiques, and classic cars.
  • Bud Billiken Parade (August 10, South Side): The largest African American parade in the U.S., celebrating community heritage.
  • Northalsted Market Days (August 10-11, Northalsted/Lakeview): A vibrant street festival in one of Chicago’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
  • The Chicago Air and Water Show (August 10-11, Lakefront): Spectacular aerial and aquatic displays over Lake Michigan, with center court at North Avenue Beach.
  • Broadway in Chicago Free Summer Concert (August 12, Loop): Preview upcoming Broadway shows in an open-air concert.
  • Lyric Opera’s “Sunday in the Park with Lyric” (August 25, Loop): Opera performances in the park setting of Millennium Park.
  • Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project: Divination (August 24, The Loop): Celebrate the heritage and future of black dance.

September

  • Chicago Jazz Festival (August 28 – September 1, The Loop): A showcase of jazz music in Millennium Park and the Cultural Center.
  • African Festival of the Arts (August 30 – September 2, Washington Park): Experience the rich cultures of Africa in a festival setting.
  • Taste of Chicago (September 6-8, The Loop): The city’s premier food festival featuring a wide range of culinary delights.
  • Chicago German-American Oktoberfest (September 6-8, Lincoln Square): Celebrate German heritage with food, music, and beer.
  • Riot Fest (September 20-22, North Lawndale/Pilsen): A punk and alternative music festival known for its diverse lineups.
  • Hyde Park Jazz Festival (September 28-29, Hyde Park): A community-focused jazz celebration featuring local and international talent.

These fests barely scratch the surface of summer fun in Chicago. For more events, check out our Chicago events calendar.