Festival season is in full swing in Chicago! These are a few of my favorite Chicago events, including Windy City Smokeout, Do Division and the Renegade Craft Fair.
One of my favorite parts about summer in Chicago is that there’s a new festival every weekend, from art fairs to food and music festivals. It’s a great way to get outside, listen to live music, try some new food, and find a cool, one-of-a-kind piece of art for your apartment.
I’m rounding up my favorite festivals and adding all of these Chicago events to my summer bucket list!
May 28-29: Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
Kick off festival season at this Lakeview street party dancing to Boy Band Review (covering your favorite ’90s boy band jams) and Wedding Banned (playing all the classic wedding songs).
June 3-5: Do Division
This Wicker Park street fest and sidewalk sale has two live music stages, food and drinks from local vendors and a sidewalk sale put on by the Division Street shops.
June 11-12: Wells Street Art Festival
The Old Town art fair is a long-time favorite where you can find unique art pieces, inexpensive jewelry and drink out of a pineapple.
June 17-18: Chicago Ale Fest
Sip on more than 200 craft beers from more than 100 American craft breweries at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park.
June 17-18: Brew to Be Wild
Even better than drinking craft beer in Grant Park: drinking with the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo. Taste 75 specialty brews from 35-plus local and regional breweries at tasting stations throughout the zoo.
June 17-19: Taste of Randolph
One of my favorite summer festivals, this West Loop food fest is celebrating it’s 20th anniversary this year. Sample the best food on Restaurant Row from the likes of Bar Siena, belly Q and Publican Quality Meats, plus awesome live music—Peter Bjorn and John, Atlas Genius and MS MR are headlining.
July 15-17: Windy City Smokeout
Another one of my favorite festivals, this country music, barbecue and beer festival brings some of the biggest names in country music to River West. This year Billy Currington, Old Dominion, Chase Rise, Corey Smith and Big & Rich are headlining. (Photo by Anjali Pinto.)
August 13-14: Northalsted Market Days
Aaron Carter and Salt-N-Pepa have both performed in past years if that tells you anything about this Boystown street festival.
September 9-10: Windy City Wine Festival
Another Buckingham Fountain fest, the Windy City Wine Festival is “a celebration of wine, beer, food, music and friends.” $35 will get you a souvenir wine glass, 12 tastings and a pint of beer, plus access to wine seminars and cooking demonstrations by wineries and local chefs and restaurateurs.
September 10-11: Renegade Craft Fair
This world-famous craft fair, which posts up in major cities from L.A. to London each year, is back for its 14th year in Chicago. It’s a “celebration of DIY featuring maker-designed goods, inspired surroundings, interactive features, artisanal food and drink, lively music, and good vibes.” (Photo by IMBU Studio.)
More festivals to add to your calendar:
- June 10-12: Midsommarfest in Andersonville
- July 6-10: Taste of Chicago
- August 17-18: West Loop Art Fair
- August 20-21: Chicago Air and Water Show
- August 27-28: Bucktown Arts Fest
Get the full list of Chicago festivals here!
What other Chicago events are on your summer bucket list? Share in the comments below!
Missing you and loving these posts!
Thanks, Kels! 🙂 We need to start planning the next Chicago trip!
I like this post, enjoyed this one regards for putting
up.