Comedians
June 4 - 7, 2020
(uncertain)
2.1 miles north
Break Out Comedy Festival features “some of the hottest, ermerging and seasoned comedic acts in stand-up, sketch, and improv” at Up Comedy Club.
Chicago events June 2020
Blues festival
June 5 - 7, 2020
1 mile south
World-famous Chicago Blues Festival brings top talent to Millennium Park, and music continues late into the night at city clubs. Free.
Greek festival
June 5 - 7, 2020
5 miles north
Lincoln Park Greek Fest serves Greek food, music, dancing, and a craft fair on Sheffield Avenue outside St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Free.
Electronic dance music festival
June 5 - 7, 2020
36.6 miles NW
Spring Awakening Music Festival draws 85,000 to Hoffman Estates to hear the best in electronic dance music (EDM) by some of the world’s top DJs, with food trucks available. Requires age 18+ ID.
Small-town festival
June 5 - 7, 2020
70 miles NW
Harvard Milk Days has dozens of events, including a parade (Saturday 1 p.m.), milk-drinking contest, talent show, carnival, petting zoo, entertainment, races, and fireworks (daily 10 p.m.). See schedule. Free.
Beach party
June 6, 2020
2.9 miles north
A ticket to Beach Slap Volleyball Tournament & Beach Party gets you six beer tickets, DJ music, and games to play in the sand at North Avenue Beach for age 21+.
Beer festival in St. Charles
June 6, 2020
48 miles west
Sample 80 different craft beers at Tri-City Craft Brew Festival, which also has a hard cider & soda tent, music, and food trucks at Lincoln Park in St. Charles for age 21+. No pets.
Art fair in Grant Park
June 6 - 7, 2020
1 mile SE
The Gold Coast Art Fair at Grant Park has 300 juried artists, plus live music, beer, and food at Butler Field on E. Monroe Street.
Book fair
June 6 - 7, 2020
1 mile south
Shop from 135 booksellers and attend 100 literary events and signings on the south end of Dearborn Street at the Printers Row Lit Fest, billed as the largest free outdoor literary festival in the Midwest. Family activities are held in “Lil’ Lit Park.” Free.
Art fair in West Loop
June 6 - 7, 2020
1.9 miles west
West Loop Art Fest features 150 juried artists, live music, and food for sale at N. Racine Avenue & W. Fulton Market. Free. [We are waiting for their 2020 web page.]
Chicken-wing tasting
June 6 - 7, 2020
2.5 miles NW
A ticket to Wingout Chicago includes 20 varieties of chicken wings from restaurants and a beverage (beer, wine, or soda) at St. Michael’s Church parking lot with live reggae music. Expect lines.
Art fair in Hyde Park
June 6 - 7, 2020
8 miles south
Billed as Chicago’s oldest juried art fair, 57th Street Art Fair allows only original art and no alcohol on 57th Street (from Kenwood to Woodlawn). Free.
Halloween convention
June 6 - 7, 2020
26.7 miles NW
Midwest Haunters Convention features a haunted house, educational seminars & workshops, a costume party, and a horror and Halloween trade show at Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.
Run at the zoo
June 7, 2020
2.5 miles north
Run for the Zoo is a popular 10K, 5K, and kids’ stampede in Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park.
Jazz at the aquarium
June 10, 2020
(also July & Aug.)
2 miles south
Hear musicians and vocalists, see views from the terrace, buy cocktails & food, and visit the aquarium at Jazzin’ at the Shedd at Shedd Aquarium.
Underground film festival
June 10 - 14, 2020
7 miles NW
Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF) shows independent, experimental, and documentary films from around the world, mostly at Logan Theatre, followed by nearby after-parties.
Classical music festival
June 10 - Aug. 15, 2020
Chicago locations
Grant Park Music Festival is an outdoor classical music series at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The rear seats are free, or bring a blanket or lawn chairs.
Ribfest in Chicago
June 12 - 14, 2020
7 miles NW
Brave crowds, heat, and smoke in the quest for Chicago’s best BBQ from 13 Chicagoland restaurants at Ribfest Chicago, with 25 bands and a weekend kids’ area on Lincoln Avenue (from Irving Park Road to Berteau Avenue). Donation.
Swedish festival
June 12 - 14, 2020
7.5 miles north
Andersonville Midsommarfest is a street fair with lots of live music, dancing, crafts, a kids’ area, and ethnic food (like cevapi, glogg, and sangria). Donation.
Book fair
June 13, 2020
2.5 miles west
Browse collectible books, vintage magazines, rare maps, and autographs at the Chicago Book & Paper Fair at Plumbers Union Hall.
Wells Street Art Festival
June 13 - 14, 2020
1.5 miles north
See works by 225 juried artists, hear live music, and enjoy beer and local restaurant food at Wells Street Art Festival on Wells Street (from North Avenue to Division Street). Morning is quieter. Donation.
Old Town Art Fair
June 13 - 14, 2020
2.7 miles north
Shop from 250 juried artists at the highly rated Old Town Art Fair, with a garden walk, food court, live music, and children’s corner on the tree-lined streets surrounding Old Town Triangle Association. Donation.
Hyde Park festival
June 13 - 14, 2020
7.5 miles south
It’s free to attend Hyde Park Brew Fest to hear live music and shop from craft vendors, but the beer and cider tasting (1 to 7 p.m.) requires a ticket.
Riverside Arts Weekend
June 13 - 14, 2020
12 miles SW
Riverside Arts Weekend (RAW) has a juried arts fair with live music, a children’s corner, and a food court at Guthrie Park in Riverside. Free.
Patriotic bicycle ride
June 14, 2020
13.3 miles north
Ride with wounded veterans 18, 37, or 50 miles on the non-competitive Honor Ride Chicago, starting and ending at Evanston Subaru, followed by a lunch with music.
Taste of Randolph
June 19 - 21, 2020
1.5 miles west
Popular Taste of Randolph Street offers three stages of music, 14 restaurant booths, and artisan vendors at Randolph Street & Peoria Street. Donation.
Italian block party
June 19 - 21, 2020
5 miles SW
Festa Pasta Vino celebrates Italian culture with three stages of entertainment, Italian cuisine and wine, and a Florentine market on Father’s Day weekend at 24th Street & Oakley Avenue. Donation.
Puerto Rican Parade
June 20, 2020
5 miles west
The Puerto Rican People’s Parade is on Division Street from Western Avenue to Sacramento Avenue. Free.
Beer at the arboretum
June 20, 2020
27 miles west
Bring a chair or blanket to the Craft Beer Festival to taste beers from 60 breweries, buy food, and hear the band Stingrays in the green surroundings of The Morton Arboretum in Lisle for age 21+.
Beer and wine festival
June 20, 2020
(6 to 9 p.m.)
32.2 miles NW
Try samples from 10 local breweries and wineries at Solstice Hop & Vine Fest, with food and live music at Sport Center in Schaumburg for age 21+.
Food truck festival
June 20 - 21, 2020
3 miles south
Chicago Food Truck Fest promises 45 food trucks, music, a sangria & beer garden, and games at 2400 S. State Street.
Pride festival
June 20 - 21, 2020
5.5 miles north
Chicago Pride Fest is a huge weekend street festival for gay and lesbian pride with dance and pop music on three stages, plus vendors of food, drinks, and arts & crafts at Halsted Street & Waveland Avenue. The pet parade begins 12 p.m. Sunday at the north stage, with awards 1 p.m. at the progress stage. Donation.
Evanston arts festival
June 20 - 21, 2020
11 miles north
Custer Fair has hundreds of arts and craft vendors, three stages of jazz music, a children’s area, and food from 30 restaurants at Main Street and Chicago Avenue. Donation.
Evanston fair
June 20 - 21, 2020
12 miles north
Fountain Square Artisan SummerFest features 100 juried artists, a music stage, strolling musicians, a kids’ area, food vendors, craft beer, and wine at Church & Sherman in Evanston. Donation.
Arlington Heights festival
June 20 - 21, 2020
26 miles NW
Shop from 110 artists, taste restaurant food, hear live music, and check out the activities for kids at Promenade of Art in Arlington Heights. Free.
LEGO expo
June 20 - 21, 2020
39 miles NW
See amazing LEGO creations at Brickworld Chicago, with displays and vendors at Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center.
Father’s Day restaurants
June 21, 2020
Chicago locations
OpenTable lists restaurants that offer special brunch, lunch, and dinner menus on Father’s Day.
Music day
June 21, 2020
Chicago locations
Hear music at dozens of locations on Make Music Day, including Millennium Park and Navy Pier. Free.
Father’s Day dining cruise
June 21, 2020
1 mile east
Take a Father’s Day brunch or dinner cruise with views, departing from Navy Pier.
Dragon boat races
June 21, 2020
3 miles south
Watch teams compete in colorful boats on the river, hear music, see dance, shop vendors, and attend an awards ceremony at Dragon Boat Race for Literacy at Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 W 19th Street. Free.
Father’s Day BBQ
June 21, 2020
14 miles SW
Make a reservation for the all-you-can-eat Father’s Day BBQ buffet with a cash bar at Brookfield Zoo.
Swedish Days
June 23 - 28, 2020
42 miles west
Swedish Days features arts & crafts, Scandinavian food, a Maypole dance, music, and a Swedish Days Parade route map on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Geneva. See schedule.
Dance outdoors
June 25 - Aug. 22, 2020
multiple locations
Dance to live bands and DJs at Chicago SummerDance in city parks, including a one-hour lesson and then a two-hour dance. Click a month in red on their website to see the schedule. Free.
Drag show
June 26, 2020
8.5 miles north
More than 40 gender bending performers “represent drag from across generations, neighborhoods, and performance styles, in addition to diversity in race, gender, and sexuality” at Chicago is a Drag Festival outdoors at Cheetah Gym, 5248 N. Clark Street for age 21+.
Millennium Art Festival
June 26 - 28, 2020
0.5 mile south
The Millennium Art Festival features juried artwork, food from local restaurants, and live music on Lake Street at Michigan Avenue. Free.
Greek festival on Gold Coast
June 26 - 28, 2020
1.3 miles north
Looking for a small, friendly, free festival? Gold Coast Greek Fest offers Greek food, beverages, music, and dancing at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Free admission.
Highland Park art festival
June 26 - 28, 2020
27 miles north
The Art Center’s Festival of Fine Arts has 100 juried artists who create ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, painting, and sculpture. Donation.
Cardboard boat regatta
June 27, 2020
26 miles west
Watch crazy cardboard boats float or sink at the Cardboard Regatta on Lake Ellyn in Glen Ellyn. Bring a picnic or shop from the food trucks. Free.
Dogs at the park
June 27, 2020
27 miles west
Dog Days offers a pet play area, adoptions, high-flying disc-catching dogs, agility demonstrations, and vendors at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. Free except parking.
Pride concert
June 27 - 28, 2020
0.9 miles SE
Hear two dozen top artists perform for all ages at Pride in the Park Chicago at Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park, followed by fireworks. You cannot bring food and beverages, but you can buy them.
Andersonville craft fair
June 27 - 28, 2020
9.4 miles north
Shop from independent artisans at Renegade Craft Fair, with food trucks and craft cocktails for sale on Clark Street (from Edgewater Ave. to Bryn Mawr Ave.). Free.
Pride parade
June 28, 2020
6 miles north
Chicago Pride Parade for gay and lesbian pride has 150 floats, decorated vehicles, performers, and marching bands that go past 750,000 spectators, beginning at Broadway & Montrose.
Garden tour
June 28, 2020
6.8 miles NW
Northcenter Neighborhood Garden Walk is a “self-guided walking tour of Northcenter gardens and outdoor spaces” that begins at Alexander Graham Bell School and includes 40 homes and live music. Trolley available. Donation.
Movies in the Parks
June 2020
(undated)
Chicago locations
Watch 130 Movies in the Parks, beginning at dusk. Dates may change depending on the weather. Free.
Beer tasting on the river
June 2020
(undated)
0.4 miles east
A $20 ticket to Chicago Friday Night Flights includes 10 tastes (3 ounces) from among 20 breweries, with live music and food for sale at 305 Chicago Riverwalk.
Movies in Millennium Park
June 2020
(undated)
0.5 miles south
Get a seat or sit on the lawn to see films on a 40-foot screen at Millennium Park Summer Film Series on Tuesdays. Free.
Millennium Park music
June 2020
(undated)
0.7 miles SE
Millennium Park Summer Music Series features great music artists Monday and Thursday evenings in Millennium Park. Free.
Monday movies on the lake
June 2020
(undated)
0.9 miles east
Watch movies during Water Flicks at Polk Bros Park. The theme in 2019 was superheroes. Free.
Free Latin music
June 2020
(undated)
1 mile east
Hear 20 “local, national, and international artists who are exploring new ways of connecting traditional Latin music with modern sounds” during LatiNxt in multiple locations on Navy Pier. See schedule. Free.
Music on the lake
June 2020
(undated)
1 mile east
Hear live music at Live on the Lake in the beer garden at Navy Pier. Free for all ages.
Soul music
June 2020
(undated)
1 mile east
Hear 16 concerts during Chicago Soul Music Festival on multiple stages at Navy Pier. Free.
Vegan food festival
June 2020
(undated)
1 mile south
Buy food, beer, wine, and spirits from 100 vendors during Chicago Vegandale at Butler Field in Grant Park. Free admission for children age 12 and younger.
Naked bike ride
June 2020
(undated)
1.2 miles west
Ride in the World Naked Bike Ride: Chicago, nude or painted, to support safe biking and the environment, departing from Fulton River Park. Free.
Block party at St. Pat’s
June 2020
(undated)
1.6 miles SW
The World’s Largest Block Party has bands, food, drink, a kids’ area (Saturday 2 to 6 p.m.), and a party for age 50+ (Saturday 5:30 to 9 p.m.) on the campus of Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Latin music festival
June 2020
(undated)
2.3 miles west
Ruido Fest “celebrates youth-oriented Latin music and culture with internationally headlining acts from all over the Spanish-speaking world” performing on three stages, plus vendors at Union Park.
Country music festival
June 2020
(undated)
2.4 miles SE
Hear dozens of country artists, including Miranda Lambert and Keith Urban, at the all-ages Country LakeShake, with food, drinks, vendors, and games at Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island.
Beer tasting at the zoo
June 2020
(undated)
2.5 miles north
Taste 20 samples from among 75 beers, buy food, play lawn games, hear DJ music, and visit animals at Lincoln Park Zoo during Craft Brews at the Zoo for age 21+.
Beer tasting
June 2020
(undated)
3.1 miles west
Ultra Fresh provides drink tickets to sample “packaged within a week” with food trucks and live art at 2019 W. Carroll Avenue.
Food truck fest
June 2020
(undated)
3.9 miles SW
Pilsen Food Truck Social has dozens of food trucks, local restaurants, live music, craft vendors, and kids’ activities on 18th Street (from Racine to Throop). Donation.
African film festival
June 2020
(undated)
4 miles NW
See a dozen feature-length films about people of African descent, plus multicultural short films at African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) at Facets.
Art tour by trolley
June 2020
(undated)
5 miles NW
A ticket for the Trolley Tour includes boxed snacks and a guided tour by trolley of murals and outdoor art projects. Location varies by month.
Beer party for charity
June 2020
(undated)
5.7 miles NW
A ticket to Brews & Shoes gets you “two hours of free select Revolution Brewery craft pints, appetizers, and non-alcoholic beverages” with music at Revolution Brewing for age 21+.
Horror films
June 2020
(undated)
6 miles north
Cinepocalypse is “Chicago’s premiere festival for electrifying and provocative genre cinema” with both opening-night and closing-night parties at Music Box Theatre.
Science-fiction films
June 2020
(undated)
6 miles north
See science-fiction and fantasy short films from around the world at Juggernaut Film Festival, an annual event at the swanky, art deco Music Box Theatre.
Art festival in Logan Square
June 2020
(undated)
6.5 miles NW
Logan Square Arts Festival features two stages of live music, visual art, performance art, dance, family crafts (12 to 2 p.m.), and food & drinks in Logan Square. Donation.
Beer festival
June 2020
(undated)
7.6 miles north
Ravenswood on Tap features beer & spirits from local producers, food from nearby restaurants, live local music, and handmade goods from vendors outdoors at Ravenswood Avenue and Berteau Avenue. Donation.
Arts festival
June 2020
(undated)
8 miles north
Pivot Arts Festival features dozens of innovative performances, including world premieres, in Edgewater and Uptown.
Taste of Mexico
June 2020
(undated)
9 miles SW
Taste of Mexico offers food from 20 restaurants, music, and carnival rides at 26th & California Avenue. Free.
Music in Lincoln Square
June 2020
(undated)
9.1 miles NW
Hear a wide variety of music at the Summer Concert Series in Giddings Plaza if weather permits. Free.
Dog walk
June 2020
(undated)
10.1 miles north
A ticket to Walk for the Animals 2K supports charity and includes a T-shirt, brunch, dog treats, vendors to browse, and nice people to meet at Indian Boundary Park.
Beer tasting
June 2020
(undated)
12.1 miles NW
Everyday Edgebrook Craft Beer Tasting promises you samples from 20 Chicago breweries, local street food for sale, and “some of Chicago’s best live music” at 6400 N Kinzua Avenue for age 21+.
Hot sauce tasting
June 2020
(undated)
15.4 miles SW
Chi-Town Hot Sauce Expo has hot sauce tastings, competitive eating events, and 25 vendors, plus a cocktail competition and a chihuahua beauty pageant (both Sunday) at SeatGeek Stadium. Your children age 10 and younger are free. Schedule.
Big concert
June 2020
(undated)
18 miles NW
B96 Summer Bash features famous-name talent at Allstate Arena in Rosemont.
Hinsdale art festival
June 2020
(undated)
18 miles SW
See works by 130 juried artists in shady Burlington Park at Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival. Free.
Villa Park festival
June 2020
(undated)
20 miles west
Villa Park Summerfest has a car show, music, food, and drinks Friday night. On Saturday, enjoy an arts and crafts show, food fair, music, and kids’ entertainment on Ardmore Ave. in Villa Park. Free.
Civil War event
June 2020
(undated)
22 miles west
Watch a battle skirmish and see a cannon fire (11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m.), hear period songs, meet Abraham Lincoln, learn about Sherman’s march to the sea, and buy lunch on Civil War Days at Fischer Farm in Bensenville.
Ravinia music festival
June 2020
(undated)
23 miles north
See nationally known performers at Ravinia Festival, billed as America’s oldest outdoor music festival at Ravinia Park in Highland Park.
Lombard beer festival
June 2020
(undated)
24 miles west
Lombard Ale Fest has 80 craft beers, food trucks, and live music for age 21+ at Lilacia Park in Lombard.
Scottish festival
June 2020
(undated)
29 miles west
Family-friendly Scottish Festival & Highland Games has athletic competitions, piping and drumming, bands, highland dancing, contests, food vendors, a British car show on Saturday, Scottish dogs, a children’s area, and a whisky & spirits tent in Itasca.
Alternative-rock concert
June 2020
(undated)
31.8 miles south
PIQNIQ is an all-star lineup of alternative-rock bands headlined by American band AWOLNATION at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park.
Ribfest in Elgin
June 2020
(undated)
40 miles NW
Elgin Ribfest combines barbecue, live music, vendors, kids activities on Saturday & Sunday, and a Sunday car show at Festival Park.
Wine festival
June 2020
(undated)
11 miles west
A ticket to Uncork Illinois includes 8 tasting tickets for any of the 150 wines from 15 wineries, with live jazz in Oak Park.