Recently, a social media post featuring a stunning video of life in Chicago went viral, sparking a nationwide conversation about the city’s beauty. For Chicagoans, the allure of our city is no secret, especially during the vibrant summer months. As we eagerly await the end of the infamously cold winter season, thoughts turn to the myriad of festivals that define our summer. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s no better time to explore the Windy City.
Check out our list of the top 50 festivals to visit in Chicago this summer, and experience the best of what our city has to offer.
1. Hyde Park Summer Fest – Music, food, and community art in Hyde Park.
2. African Festival of the Arts – African-inspired arts and culture in Washington Park.
3. Chicago Blues Festival – Celebrating blues music in Millennium Park.
4. Taste of Chicago – Chicago’s diverse culinary scene showcased in Grant Park.
5. Lollapalooza – Iconic music festival in Grant Park featuring various genres.
6. Chicago Jazz Festival – A celebration of jazz in Millennium Park and Chicago Cultural Center.
7. Windy City Smokeout – BBQ, country music, and beer by the Chicago River.
8. Chicago Air and Water Show – Aerial stunts and water demonstrations at North Avenue Beach.
9. Chicago SummerDance – Evening dance events in Grant Park’s Spirit of Music Garden.
10. Andersonville Midsommarfest – Music, dance, and food in Andersonville.
11. Pitchfork Music Festival – Indie music festival in Union Park.
12. Chicago Pride Fest and Parade – LGBTQ+ celebration in Boystown.
13. Fiesta del Sol – Latino festival in Pilsen with music, food, and carnival rides.
14. Chicago Margarita Festival – Margarita tasting at Navy Pier.
15. Printers Row Lit Fest – Literary festival in Printers Row.
16. Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic – African American parade and picnic in Washington Park.
17. Chicago Oktoberfest – German heritage celebration in Lincoln Square.
18. Northalsted Market Days – Street fair in Boystown with music and food.
19. Chicago Gourmet – Fine dining and cooking demos in Millennium Park.
20. Lincoln Park Wine Fest – Wine tasting in Jonquil Park.
21. Ravenswood ArtWalk – Art and community event in Ravenswood.
22. Chicago Food Truck Festival – Variety of food trucks in South Loop.
23. Square Roots Festival – Music and craft beer in Lincoln Square.
24. Gold Coast Art Fair – Art showcase in Grant Park.
25. West Fest Chicago – Street festival in West Town with music and food.
26. Logan Square Arts Festival – Art, music, and food in Logan Square.
27. Roscoe Village Burger Fest – Celebrating burgers in Roscoe Village.
28. Wicker Park Fest – Music and arts festival in Wicker Park.
29. Chicago Craft Beer Festival – Craft beer tasting in Lincoln Park.
30. Southport Art Festival – Art and entertainment in Lakeview.
31. Jeff Fest Arts & Music Festival – Community festival in Jefferson Park.
32. Lakeview Taco Fest – Taco-themed festival in Lakeview.
33. Renegade Craft Fair – Independent craft fair in Wicker Park.
34. Wells Street Art Festival – Art-centric festival in Old Town.
35. River North Design District Gallery Walk – Art and design showcase in River North.
36. Lakeview East Festival of the Arts – Art festival in Lakeview East.
37. Edgewater Arts Festival – Art, music, and food in Edgewater.
38. North Center Ribfest – Rib tasting and music in North Center.
39. Old Town Art Fair – Juried art fair in Old Town.
40. Chicago House Music Festival – House music event in Millennium Park.
41. Greek Fest – Greek culture and food in Greektown.
42. Chinatown Summer Fair – Asian culture, music, and food in Chinatown.
43. Taste of Greektown – Greek food and music in Greektown.
44. Taste of Polonia – Polish food and music at the Copernicus Center.
45. Chicago Fringe Festival – Performing arts in Jefferson Park.
46. South Side Irish Parade – Irish culture celebration in Beverly.
47. Chicago Caribbean Carnivale – Caribbean culture and music festival.
48. Do Division Street Fest – Music and vendors in Wicker Park.
49. Mayfest – Traditional German festival in Lincoln Square.
50. Irish American Heritage Festival – Irish culture and music at the Irish American Heritage Center.
