Some Chicagoans believe that every season is festival season, different from what it is now. The fact remains that festivals flourish in Chicago’s summers, giving a whole new meaning to “hot fun in the summertime,” because Chicago’s fall-winter-spring seasons are longer than its summer season. So, memories of the festivities everywhere, every weekend, all summer long under the Jane Byrne administration are etched in the minds of Chicagoans forever as the reign of the “mayor of parties.” Mayor Harold Washington didn’t half-step either. He always did drop bys to surprise the people and they loved it. But under Mayor Richard M. Daley, the festivities took on another phase of evolution. The then-famous “Taste of Chicago” grew from a July 4th weekend festival to a three-week event. With the completion of Millennium Park, the city parks’ sponsored programming expanded to incorporate dance, yoga, book fairs, and farmers markets into the summer festivities, as was Maggie Daley’s Gallery 37, a youth arts fair. Chicago was seen as an example throughout the nation and the world as a destination point for culture, attracting millions who traveled to experience “summertime Chi.”
Check out the guide section below to explore festivals and events schedule in Chicago for 2024.
MAY
Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: These spectacular fireworks will light up Chicago’s lakefront twice a week all summer long.
Sueños Music Festival: Chicago’s electrifying reggaeton fest is taking over Grant Park with a lineup of Latin hitmakers.
Chicago Farmers Markets: Shop locally grown produce, artisanal goods, ready-to-eat foods, and more at these neighborhood farmers markets.
Chicago Humanities Festival: This celebration of ideas features the most interesting thinkers, artists, and creators from all over the world.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Randolph Street Market: This European-style outdoor market showcases the best antique and vintage finds, including fashion, art, decor, and beyond.
Mole de Mayo: In the vibrant Pilsen neighborhood, this outdoor food fest is dedicated to finding the best of the Mexican staple, plus live entertainment and craft vendors.
Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk: For one day only, tour the interiors of private residences and landmark buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries.
Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest: The charming Lakeview neighborhood plays host to this neighborhood block party, with tribute bands, artisans, and beer and wine vendors.
Mayfest: Kick off summer in the heart of historic Lincoln Park, with two stages of live music, drinks, an art show, and local vendors.
Chicago Memorial Day Parade: The long weekend in Chicago is always marked by a downtown parade and wreath-laying ceremony.
JUNE
Janet Jackson, June 19th
The “Together Again Tour” will offer everyone the chance to reunite with Janet Jackson in celebration of her 50th anniversary in entertainment and spotlight the milestones for three of Jackson’s most critically acclaimed albums – 25 years of “The Velvet Rope”, 30 years of “janet”, and 35 years of “Rhythm Nation,” featuring her biggest chart-topping hits. In addition, fans can expect the three-time Grammy winner and diamond-selling hip-hop sensation Nelly to deliver a powerhouse performance, showcasing his greatest hits and cherished fan favorites spanning the last two decades.
Jackson is one of the most influential entertainers of the modern era. Her music has won her five Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a nomination for an Academy Award, along with dozens of American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. She has also received accolades as an actor a
With sales of over 180 million records worldwide, Jackson stands as one of the best-selling artists of all time with a string of hits that have left an indelible impression on pop culture. She is the record holder for the biggest-selling debut tour in history and is the first woman to debut in the top 10 of the Hot 100 charts. She also stands as one of only four artists to have a number one album for four successive decades, alongside Barbra Streisand, Bruce Springsteen, and U2.
The Clark Sisters are performing! -Saturday, June 1, 2024 https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_gospel_musicfestival.html
Summer Smash: Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash will welcome Chief Keef back to Chicago for his first time in more than a decade for a hip-hop festival that runs from June 14th to June 17th at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. Playboi Carti, Kodak Black, Big Sean, JID, Waka Flaka, and more will also perform.
Chicago Pride Parade: One of the largest Pride celebrations in the world, the Chicago Pride Parade marches through the historic NortH Halsted neighborhood on the last Sunday of June.
Chicago Pride Fest: Celebrate Pride in the country’s oldest official gay neighborhood at this lively fest, featuring live music, dance queens, local food, and more.
Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024: This new event will feature three days of film screenings and innovative programming, marking the first time the iconic Sundance Institute comes to Chicago.
Chicago House Music Festival and Conference: Hear house music in the city where it was born at this day-long dance music event, held in Millennium Park.
Chicago Gospel Music Festival: This free outdoor concert, celebrating the Chicago-born genre, brings together traditional choirs, contemporary urban gospel artists, and more.
Windy City Hot Dog Fest: Celebrate one of Chicago’s most iconic bites at this annual festival in Portage Park, which will award the local hot dog stand with the best frankfurter.
Craft Brews At Lincoln Park Zoo: Explore one of the oldest zoos in the country with a cold beer in hand during this outdoor tasting event.
Heatwave Music Festival: Dance music artists from Chicago and around the world, including Tiësto and deadmau5, will be taking over Northerly Island for this two-day fest.
Maifest in Lincoln Square: Get a taste of German heritage at this annual gathering known for giant beers, traditional foods, and lively bands.
Jazzin’ at the Shedd: This weeknight series features a festival-worthy line-up of Chicago’s top jazz ensembles, along with access to the aquarium, cocktails, and unbeatable city views.
Chicago Blues Festival: One of the city’s most legendary music festivals draws hundreds of thousands of fans and blues icons from all over the country.
Puerto Rican Festival and People’s Parade: Immerse yourself in Puerto Rican culture, including food, music, arts, and more, during this two-day fest and parade in Humboldt Park.
Pride in the Park: This Grant Park music festival celebrates Pride month with live music, drag performances, local food, and more.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Ribfest Chicago: It’s all about ribs and rock music at this family-friendly North Center street fest, which features two stages, cold beer, and a bourbon/whiskey tasting.
Grant Park Music Festival: This 80-year tradition brings free classical music to Millennium Park all summer long.
James Beard Foundation Awards: These prestigious awards, traditionally hosted at the Lyric Opera, honor the best and brightest of the culinary world.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: The Museum of Contemporary Art offers free live music each week in highlighting artists from Chicago’s internationally renowned jazz community.
Summer Smash Festival: This outdoor multi-stage music festival features some of the biggest names in hip hop and calls itself the biggest party of the summer.
Ravenswood On Tap: Sip your way through Ravenswood, one of Chicago’s top craft beer neighborhoods and home to many small craft producers.
Chicago Dance Month: This month-long celebration of dance brings performances across genres to venues throughout the city.
Miche Fest: Held in the Pilsen neighborhood, this Latino music festival features two days of top artists and micheladas.
Old Town Art Fair: A long-standing Old Town staple, this open-air market has been showcasing artists from all mediums for more than 70 years.
Wells Street Art Festival: This juried art fest and sale draws artists from all over the world to the charming Old Town neighborhood.
Flavors of Albany Park: This melting-pot community shows off its culinary diversity, with more than 50 local restaurants participating.
Andersonville Midsummerfest: For more than 50 years, this summer festival has celebrated Andersonville’s Swedish heritage, LGBTQ+ pride, and vibrant local business community.
Do Division Street Fest: This popular neighborhood fest features two live music stages, a variety of local retail and food vendors, and a dedicated family fun area.
Lincoln Park Greek Fest: Greek heritage is on full display at this neighborhood street fest, with authentic food, music, and dancing.
Hyde Park Summer Fest: Enjoy local beers, food, music, and more at this popular neighborhood festival featuring major headlining acts.
Uptown Art Week: This week-long showcase will feature more than 150 pieces of public art, along with live paintings, interactive art activities, and more.
57th Street Art Fair: The city’s oldest juried art fair, this free event showcases the works of more than 200 artists each year.
Taste of Randolph: The West Loop is a foodie’s dream, and this food fest lets you taste the neighborhood’s best spots.
Logan Square Arts Fest: Held in the heart of Logan Square, this art-focused fest also includes live music and food and drinks.
Chicago Summerdance: Learn to salsa, waltz, swing, and more during these free open-air dance lessons paired with live music in city parks.
VeganDaleFest - Grant Park Butler Field - June 22nd and 23rd. Perfect event for your clean eating friends, who still love all things hip-hop and good vibes. Featuring performances by Jadakiss, Sawettie, NLE Choppa, and more.
The Black Joy Picnic - Millennium Park Chicago - Sat, June 29
The title alone sounds it’s going to be a great time. This event is welcome to all ages, the perfect activity for the whole family. Be sure to bring food, a blanket, a chair, tunes and anything else you will need to enjoy some fun in the sun.
JULY
IFOL – Washington Park - July 4th – 7th
The 31st annual African/Caribbean International Festival of Life (IFOL) is another great event to celebrate family, pick up some artwork and some statement jewelry, and enjoy your jollof in Washington Park.
The42nd Chicago Music Awards will be held in conjunction with the 31st IFOL
Chicago Black Pride – The DuSable Museum of Black History - July 6th
Wave your flag high, while enjoying your Blackness! Support the movement and attend Chicago Black Pride this year at the DuSable Museum- July 7th https://pinkuk.com/events/north-america/usa/illinois/chicago/chicago-black-pride-2024
Windy City Smokeout: It’s like a weekend-long tailgate at this popular country music festival, known for drawing in the industry’s top names.
Chicago Summerdance: Learn to salsa, waltz, swing, and more during these free open-air dance lessons paired with live music in city parks.
NASCAR Street Race Weekend: NASCAR returns for two full days of action-packed racing, top-tier musical artist performances, family-friendly activities, and so much more throughout iconic Grant Park.
Millennium Park 20th Anniversary Celebration: This four-day free celebration features award-winning headliners, activities for families and youth, workouts, new public art, dance performances, and concerts.
Chosen Few Picnic: - It’s spiritual, it’s a celebration like no other, the only house music picnic for real house heads is the Chosen Few’s. If you know, then you know! It’s the longest-running event dedicated to house music, Chosen Few Picnic brings thousands of fans to Jackson Park each summer on July 13th.
Award, Emmy and Grammy-winning artist, actor, author, activist and South Side native Common performing alongside the Grant Park Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Parnther at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Saturday July 20
The S&S Chicago Experience J Sunday July 21 at Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage, curated by Steve “Silk” Hurley and Shannon “Skip” Syas.
Fiesta Back of the Yards: This summer celebration spotlights the diversity and rich cultural past of the Back of the Yards neighborhood with live music, dance, and carnival rides.
Millennium Park Summer Film Series: Watch free movies under the stars at this beloved summer event, screening family favorites, cult classics, and beyond.
Millennium Park Music Series: Grab a spot on the grass and enjoy free weekly concerts by local and national artists.
Pitchfork Music Festival: This multi-genre music festival is known for its cutting-edge line-up and laidback vibe.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Chicago Craft Beer Festival: Dive into the city’s craft beer scene at this long-running fest in Lincoln Park, where you’ll find sips from more than a dozen local spots.
Grant Park Music Festival: This 80-year tradition brings free classical music to Millennium Park all summer long.
Chinatown Summer Fair: Celebrate the start of summer at this annual fest with cultural demonstrations, traditional dances, and food from Chinatown restaurants.
Tacos y Tamales: Based on a traditional Mexican market, this Pilsen fest features local vendors selling their food, artwork, wares and a vast array of live music & dance throughout the weekend.
Wicker Park Fest: This weekend fest celebrates the eclectic neighborhood it calls home with over 50 bands on four stages, local food, a kids’ area, and more.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest: Find the best burger in the city at this local favorite, all while enjoying live music and cold drinks.
Millennium Art Festival: This juried art showcase also brings live music and food to Michigan Avenue in Chicago’s Loop.
Faces of Fitness: Get your heart pumping at this two-day fest featuring the city’s best studio classes and instructors.
Jazzin’ at the Shedd: This weeknight series features a festival-worthy line-up of Chicago’s top jazz ensembles, along with access to the aquarium, cocktails, and unbeatable city views.
Sundays on State: Join this free, interactive block party in the heart of the Loop featuring art, culture, shopping, dining, and more.
Southport Art & Music Fest: Southport Corridor comes to life with a fine art show, featuring jewelry, sculpture, photography, and more.
Bucktown Neighborhood & Garden Walk: Stroll through urban gardens while enjoying live music during this unique event showcasing the Bucktown neighborhood.
Fiesta Del Sol: A multi-day celebration of Mexican culture in the Pilsen neighborhood, this annual event is a family favorite.
Taste of River North: Get a taste of top local spots at this food fest that celebrates River North, a bustling neighborhood known for its thriving restaurant scene.
Taste of Lincoln: A neighborhood staple for more than 40 years, Taste of Lincoln offers food, arts and crafts, and non-stop live music.
AUGUST
Black Women’s Expo - August 1st through August 4th
Sisterhood is a methodology that’s honed and crafted perfectly at the Black Women’s Expo. An awesome experience for women of all ages offering information, great seminars, fruitful business exchange amongst established and new entrepreneurs at multiple levels.
Ravinia Festival (June 7th - September 15th)
Angélique Kidjo and Meshell Ndegeocello - August 8th
Robert Glasper and J.Ivy - August 14th
The Roots with special guests Digable Planets and Arrested Development - August 24th
Grammy Award-winning-artist Samara Joy - August 24th
TLC + Shaggy - August 31st
Lollapalooza: One of the largest and most iconic music festivals in the world, Lollapalooza brings top artists and local bands to lakefront Grant Park.
Bud Billiken Parade: This year marks the 95th year of this historically Black parade, which is the second largest in the country after the Rose Bowl. This exuberant celebration of African American culture and history has been a staple since its inception by Robert Sengstacke Abbott, the founder of the Chicago Defender newspaper. Presented by the Chicago Defender Charities, it’s a fun-filled, free event for all ages and a clarion call for "Back to School." Saturday, August 10th.
Chicago Air and Water Show: The largest free show of its kind in the country, this waterfront show features stunning aerial displays above Lake Michigan.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Nort Halsted Market Days: An iconic Pride event, Market Days boasts all-day lineups of live music on multiple stages, unique vendors, and DJs and dancing in a historic neighborhood.
Millennium Park Music Series: Grab a spot on the grass and enjoy free weekly concerts by local and national artists.
Millennium Park Summer Film Series: Watch free movies under the stars at this beloved summer event, screening family favorites, cult classics, and beyond.
The Great American Lobster Fest: Live lobsters are flown in from the East Coast for the Midwest’s largest seafood festival, held at Navy Pier.
Taste of Greektown: Get a taste of Chicago’s vibrant Greektown with lively bands, dance troupes, and tons of traditional food.
Jeff Fest: Also known as the Jefferson Park Arts & Music Festival, this neighborhood park takes over idyllic Jefferson Memorial Park.
Jazzin’ at the Shedd: This weeknight series features a festival-worthy line-up of Chicago’s top jazz ensembles, along with access to the aquarium, cocktails, and unbeatable city views.
Wine and Art Walk at Morton Arboretum: Just outside Chicago, this sprawling natural area hosts an art fair and wine tasting event on their lovely grounds.
Lakeview Taco Fest: Enjoy the last few days of summer with tacos, margaritas, entertainment, and more at Southport Corridor.
Chicago Summerdance: Learn to salsa, waltz, swing, and more during these free open-air dance lessons paired with live music in city parks.
Villapalooza: The Little Village music festival, located on 26th Street, is a platform for local talent and young creatives.
Grant Park Music Festival: This 80-year tradition brings free classical music to Millennium Park all summer long.
Sundays on State: Join this free, interactive block party featuring art, culture, shopping, dining, and more.
Bulls Fest at the United Center: Bulls fans will gather at the United Center for a weekend filled with hoops, live music, food and drink.
Sangria Festival: Sip sangria while enjoying Latin American food and music at this Humboldt Park festival.
Edison Park Fest: This neighborhood tradition supports local businesses and raises funds for the community.
Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest: This arts-centric fest has taken over the streets of Rogers Park for the past 20 years, with artists, craft workers, live music, and more.
Chicago Triathlon: Athletes from around the world come to compete in this sporting event, which includes a triathlon, super sprint, and kids’ event.
SEPTEMBER
Chicago Jazz Festival: The Chicago Jazz Festival brings free jazz to Millennium Park and neighborhood venues. The range of artists includes jazz legends to influential modern masters.
Taste of Chicago: Sample Chicago’s award-winning cuisine and catch shows from top musical artists at this long-running free festival, held in lakefront Grant Park.
Riot Fest & Carnival: One of Chicago’s biggest music fests, Riot Fest brings rock, punk, and a full carnival to Douglass Park.
Chicago Gourmet: This high-end food festival features tastings, demos, and intimate dinners with the country’s best chefs.
WingOut Chicago: This outdoor block party showcases more than 20 varieties of chicken wings, plus live music, in Old Town.
Grito Fest: Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with this downtown festival honoring the city’s thriving Mexican community.
Hyde Park Jazz Festival: This free festival celebrates the rich tradition of jazz on Chicago’s south side, featuring a diverse group of musicians each year.
Printers Row Lit Fest: The largest free outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest features speakers and exhibitors across genres.
Randolph Street Market: This European-style outdoor market showcases the best antique and vintage finds, including fashion, art, decor, and beyond.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Englewood Jazz Festival: Held at Hamilton Park and Cultural Center, this long-running music festival offers three days of free live music with an emphasis on homegrown artists.
Bike The Drive: Enjoy a scenic ride down Chicago’s scenic Lakeshore Drive, which is shut down to cars just one day each year.
Edgewater Arts Festival: Browse art from local creators at the Edgewater Arts Festival, which will also include a specialty kids area including an interactive drum/percussion session.
Chicago Summerdance: Learn to salsa, waltz, swing, and more during these free open-air dance lessons paired with live music in city parks.
ARC Music Festival: This music fest in Union Park celebrates house music, a Chicago-born genre, over Labor Day weekend.
Reeling Film Festival: Catch a diverse and inclusive lineup of films at the Reeling Film Festival, the second oldest LGBTQ+ film festival in the country.
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts: In its 17th year, this Lakeview arts festival showcases more than 150 artists and their work, including photography, furniture, jewelry, paintings, and much more.
North Coast Music Festival: This annual Labor Day weekend music festival includes electronic music, hip hop, and rock acts, plus art installations and food vendors.
Taste of Polonia Festival: Celebrate Chicago’s Polish heritage at the Taste of Polonia Festival, bringing together live music, a casino, beer garden, kids area, and of course, endless Polish food and beer.
West Loop Art Festival: Live music, entertainment, and four blocks filled with local art vendors will be showcased at the fourth annual West Loop Art Festival.
German American Oktoberfest: Oktoberfest is in full swing in the heart of Lincoln Square, with a free festival featuring food, drinks, dancing, entertainment, and more.
Ravenswood Art Walk: This year is the 20th anniversary of the celebrated festival which features 50+ local artists sharing their work across open studios, pop-ups, and an outdoor market.
Lincoln Park Gyro Festival: Take a trip to Greece in Lincoln Park at the Gyro Festival, which will include live music, and all the sounds, taste and experiences of traditional Greek food and culture.
Chicago International Latino Theater Festival: The city’s Latino theater community is on display during this month-long festival.
World Music Festival: This one-of-a-kind festival brings hundreds of musicians from all over the world to Chicago for a multi-venue celebration of international music.
World Dumpling Festival: Taste dumplings from around the world, plus global music and dancing, at the Logan Square festival.
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up: Jack’s is an over-the-top pop-up that includes a giant corn maze, carnival games, photo opportunities, axe throwing, bars, food trucks, and tons of pumpkins.
