Gospel music festival
June 1 - 2, 2018
0.5 miles south
Hear gospel choirs and soloists at the Chicago Gospel Music Festival in Millennium Park. Free.
Chicago events June 2018
Ale tasting
June 1 - 2, 2018
0.9 miles south
Chicago Ale Fest features samples of 200 beers from 90 craft breweries, plus live music and restaurant food at Butler Field in Grant Park.
Division Street festival
June 1 - 3, 2018
4 miles NW
Do Division Street Fest & Sidewalk Sale has rousing live music, a sidewalk sale, a fashion show, and a family fun fest (Sat. & Sun.) on Division Street between Ashland and Leavitt. Donation.
Greek festival
June 1 - 3, 2018
5 miles north
Lincoln Park Greek Fest serves Greek food, music, and dancing on Sheffield Avenue at 2701 N Sheffield Avenue. Donation.
Maifest
June 1 - 3, 2018
(begins May 31)
8 miles NW
The German festival known as Maifest Chicago serves beer, brats, sauerkraut, and music in Lincoln Square at Lincoln Ave. and Leland Ave. Free.
Taste of Mexico
June 1 - 3, 2018
9 miles SW
Taste of Mexico [formerly Taste of Little Village: Flavors of Mexico] offers food, music, and carnival rides at 26th & California Avenue. Free.
Stamp show
June 1 - 3, 2018
17.6 miles NW
See postage stamp exhibits and shop from 50 dealers at Compex in River Grove. Free.
Small-town festival
June 1 - 3, 2018
70 miles NW
Harvard Milk Days has 30 events, including a parade on Sat., milk-drinking contest, talent show, carnival, petting zoo, entertainment, and fireworks. Free.
Innovative theater
June 1 - 9, 2018
5 miles north
Physical Festival includes five creative theater shows that tell stories physically and visually, plus a one-night showcase of short theater at Stage 773.
Arts festival
June 1 - 10, 2018
8 miles north
Pivot Arts Festival features dozens of innovative performances (some for kids), including a community parade (Saturday 3:30 p.m.) in Edgewater and Uptown.
Ravinia music festival
June 1 - Sept. 16, 2018
23 miles north
See nationally known performers at Ravinia Festival, billed as America’s oldest outdoor music festival at Ravinia Park in Highland Park.
Pet parade
June 2, 2018
17 miles SW
The LaGrange Pet Parade includes marching bands, floats, clowns, and a creative costume contest. Line up is 8:30 a.m. at Cossitt Ave. & LaGrange Rd. Free.
Chicken-wing tasting
June 2 - 3, 2018
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.
Science-fiction films
June 2 - 3, 2018
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.
Hyde Park festival
June 2 - 3, 2018
(noon)
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 at 1 p.m. requires a ticket.
Art fair in Hyde Park
June 2 - 3, 2018
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.
Holistic living expo
June 2 - 3, 2018
28 miles SW
Body Mind Spirit Expo features speakers, workshops, and vendors for remaking your life at the Tinley Park Convention Center.
Run at the zoo
June 3, 2018
2.5 miles north
United Run for the Zoo is a popular 10K, 5K, and kids’ stampede in Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park.
Underground film festival
June 6 - 10, 2018
7 miles NW
Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF) shows independent, experimental, and documentary films from around the world at the Logan Theatre, followed by nearby after-parties.
Blues festival
June 8 - 10, 2018
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.
Electronic dance music festival
June 8 - 10, 2018
3.9 miles SW
Spring Awakening Music Festival draws 75,000 to Addams/Medill Park to hear the best in electronic dance music (EDM) by some of the world’s top DJs. Requires age 18+ ID.
Pork ribs festival
June 8 - 10, 2018
7 miles NW
Brave crowds, heat, and smoke in the quest for Chicago’s best BBQ from 15 Chicagoland restaurants at Ribfest Chicago, with 20 bands and a weekend kids’ area on Lincoln Avenue (from Irving Park Road to Berteau Avenue). Donation.
Midsummer festival
June 8 - 10, 2018
7.5 miles north
Andersonville Midsommarfest is a street fair with music, dancing, crafts, a kids’ area, and ethnic food (like cevapi, glogg, and sangria). Donation.
Naked bike ride
June 9, 2018
Location uncertain
Ride in the World Naked Bike Ride: Chicago, nude or painted, to support safe biking and the environment. Free.
Beach party
June 9, 2018
2.9 miles north
A ticket to Beach Slap Volleyball Tournament & Party gets you six beer tickets, DJ music, and games to play in the sand at North Avenue Beach for age 21+.
Lombard beer festival
June 9, 2018
(1 to 5 p.m.)
24 miles west
Lombard Ale Fest has 100 craft beers, food trucks, and live music for age 21+ at Lilacia Park in Lombard.
Beer festival in St. Charles
June 9, 2018
48 miles west
Sample 80 different craft beers and hard ciders with music and food trucks at Tri-City Craft Brew Festival at Lincoln Park in St. Charles for age 21+. No pets.
Book fair
June 9 - 10, 2018
1 mile south
Shop from 175 booksellers and attend 120 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.
Wells Street Art Festival
June 9 - 10, 2018
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 9 - 10, 2018
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 Art Center. Donation.
Fitness expo
June 9 - 10, 2018
17 miles NW
See martial arts, power-lifting, strongman, and wrestling competitions plus 200 vendors of fitness products and services at TheFitExpo Chicago at the Rosemont convention center.
Hinsdale art festival
June 9 - 10, 2018
18 miles SW
See works by 130 juried artists in shady Burlington Park at Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival. Free.
Arlington Heights festival
June 9 - 10, 2018
26 miles NW
Shop from 100 artists, taste restaurant food, hear live music, and check out the activities for kids at Promenade of Art in Arlington Heights. Free.
Taste of Bolingbrook
June 9 - 10, 2018
28.5 miles SW
Burgers, Brews & Blues Festival features 25 local restaurants, ticketed beer & wine tasting, live music, and kids’ activities. Free.
Patriotic bicycle ride
June 10, 2018
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.
Restaurant crawl in Lincoln Park
June 13, 2018
(uncertain)
4.6 miles north
A ticket to Cravings on Clark gets you samples from 20 restaurants and discounts at shops on Clark Street and Diversey Parkway, beginning at HopCat.
Classical music festival
June 13 - Aug. 18, 2018
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.
Beer tasting at the zoo
June 15 - 16, 2018
2.5 miles north
Taste 20 samples of 75 beers, buy food, play lawn games, hear DJ music, and visit the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo during Craft Brews at the Zoo for age 21+.
Villa Park festival
June 15 - 16, 2018
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.
Scottish festival
June 15 - 16, 2018
29 miles west
Family-friendly Scottish Festival & Highland Games has athletic competitions, piping and drumming, highland dancing, food vendors, Scottish dogs, a children’s area, and a whisky & spirits tent in Itasca.
Taste of Randolph
June 15 - 17, 2018
1.5 miles west
Popular Taste of Randolph Street offers six blocks of artisan and restaurant booths plus three music stages on Randolph Street (from Peoria Street to Racine Avenue). Donation.
Italian block party
June 15 - 17, 2018
5 miles SW
Festa Pasta Vino celebrates Italian culture with three stages of entertainment, Italian wine and cuisine, and a Florentine market on Father’s Day weekend at 24th Street & Oakley Avenue. Donation.
Elgin festival
June 15 - 17, 2018
40 miles NW
Elgin Ribfest combines barbecue, live music, and a Sunday car show at Festival Park.
Book fair
June 16, 2018
2.5 miles west
Browse collectible books, vintage magazines, rare maps, and autographs at the Chicago Book & Paper Fair at Plumbers Union Hall.
Puerto Rican Parade
June 16, 2018
(2 p.m.)
5 miles west
The Puerto Rican People’s Parade is on Division Street from Western Avenue to Sacramento Avenue. Free.
Wine festival
June 16, 2018
(1 to 9 p.m.)
11 miles west
Sample 150 wines from 15 local wineries and taste artisan foods with live music at Uncork Illinois in Oak Park.
Kids’ obstacle race
June 16, 2018
59 miles NW
Kids 5 to 16 run through mud and over a dozen obstacles at Kids Obstacle Challenge at Lippold Park in Rolling Meadows. Parents can race for free.
Art fair in Grant Park
June 16 - 17, 2018
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. Free.
Food truck fest
June 16 - 17, 2018
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.
Pride festival
June 16 - 17, 2018
5.5 miles north
Chicago Pride Fest is a huge weekend street festival for gay and lesbian pride with dance and pop music on two stages, food, drink, and arts & crafts vendors at Halsted Street & Waveland Avenue. The pet and family pride parade is Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Donation.
Barbecue festival
June 16 - 17, 2018
8 miles NW
Enjoy barbecued ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken at 6 Corners BBQ Fest on N Milwaukee Avenue (from Irving Park Rd. to Belle Plaine Ave.). Donation.
Evanston arts festival
June 16 - 17, 2018
11 miles north
Custer Fair is a big arts and craft fair with three stages of jazz music, a children’s area, and food from 30 restaurants at Main Street and Chicago Avenue. Donation.
Cantigny Park art fair
June 16 - 17, 2018
27 miles west
Art in Bloom has juried artists, live music and demos, beautiful gardens, food trucks, and a Father’s Day brunch in Wheaton. Free admission except parking.
LEGO expo
June 16 - 17, 2018
39 miles NW
See amazing LEGO creations at Brickworld Chicago, with displays and vendors at Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center.
Father’s Day restaurants
June 17, 2018
Chicago locations
OpenTable lists restaurants that offer special brunch, lunch, and dinner menus on Father’s Day.
Father’s Day dining cruise
June 17, 2018
1 mile east
Take a Father’s Day brunch or dinner cruise with views, departing from Navy Pier.
Craft fair
June 17, 2018
6 miles north
Shop from independent artisans at the pop-up Renegade Craft Fair, with craft cocktails for sale outdoors at The Park at Wrigley. Free.
Father’s Day BBQ
June 17, 2018
14 miles SW
Make a reservation for the all-you-can-eat Father’s Day BBQ buffet with a cash bar at the Brookfield Zoo.
Millennium Park music
June 18 - Aug. 16, 2018
0.7 miles SE
Millennium Park Summer Music Series features great music artists Monday and Thursday evenings in Millennium Park. Free.
Swedish Days
June 19 - 24, 2018
42 miles west
Swedish Days features arts & crafts, Scandinavian food, a Maypole dance, music, and a Swedish Days Parade on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Geneva. See schedule.
Jazz at the aquarium
June 20 - Oct. 10, 2018
(5 p.m.)
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.
Music day
June 21, 2018
Chicago locations
Hear music at dozens of locations on Make Music Day. Free.
Adult zoo night
June 21, 2018
(6:30 to 10 p.m.)
2.5 miles north
Leave the kids at home and head to Adults Night Out at Lincoln Park Zoo to experience unique animal chats and live entertainment. You must be age 18+ to attend, and age 21+ for the cash bars.
Block party at St. Pat’s
June 22 - 23, 2018
1.6 miles SW
The World’s Largest Block Party has bands, food, drink, and a kids’ area (Saturday 2 to 6 p.m.) on the campus of Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Country music festival
June 22 - 24, 2018
2.4 miles SE
Hear 33 country artists, including Rascal Flatts and Miranda Lambert, at the all-ages Country LakeShake, with food, drinks, vendors, and games at Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island.
Latin music festival
June 22 - 24, 2018
3.6 miles SW
Ruido Fest “celebrates youth-oriented Latin music and culture with internationally headlining acts from all over the Spanish-speaking world” performing on four stages, plus vendors at Addams/Medill Park.
Art festival on Logan Square
June 22 - 24, 2018
6.5 miles NW
Logan Square Arts Festival offers art installations, local music, family activities, beer, and local restaurant food on Logan Square. Donation.
Puppet show for grown ups
June 22 - 30, 2018
26 miles NW
Humans and puppets live on Avenue Q in a shabby neighborhood, entertaining mature audiences with sassy songs and funny antics at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights.
Volunteer day
June 23, 2018
0.7 miles SW
Join 5,000 volunteers helping to make Chicago a better place during Serve-a-thon, a single day of community service starting at Daley Plaza. You must register in advance for $10, which includes lunch, transportation, and an after-party.
Chicago Bears run
June 23, 2018
(8 a.m.)
2 miles south
Join the official Chicago Bears 5K (and kids’ dash for ages 5 to 12 at 9:30 a.m.), with food, games, live music, the Bears Drumline, Monster Squad, and Staley Da Bear at Soldier Field.
Dragon boat races
June 23, 2018
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.
Beer at the arboretum
June 23, 2018
27 miles west
Bring a chair or blanket to the Craft Beer Festival to taste beers from 40 breweries, buy food, and hear a cajun band in the green surroundings of The Morton Arboretum for age 21+.
Beer and wine festival
June 23, 2018
31.8 miles NW
Try samples from 10 local breweries and wineries at Solstice Hop & Vine Fest, with food and live music at Meineke Park in Schaumburg for age 21+.
Food truck festival
June 23 - 24, 2018
2.1 miles south
Chicago Food Truck Fest brings 50 food trucks, music, a sangria garden, and games to 1600 S. Wabash Ave.
Beer festival
June 23 - 24, 2018
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.
Evanston fair
June 23 - 24, 2018
12 miles north
Evanston Chamber Artisan SummerFest features 100 juried artists, an eco-art “remix” area, strolling musicians, a kids’ area, food vendors, and craft beer and wine tasting at Church & Sherman in Evanston. Donation.
Beer at the zoo
June 23 - 24, 2018
14 miles SW
Enjoy 80 craft beers, live music, and animals at Zoo Brew at Brookfield Zoo for age 21+.
Hot sauce tasting
June 23 - 24, 2018
15.4 miles SW
The new Chi Town Hot Sauce Expo promises free hot sauce tastings, competitive eating events, and 40 vendors, plus both a chihuahua beauty pageant and a cocktail competition on Sunday at Toyota Park.
Civil War event
June 23 - 24, 2018
22 miles west
Hear a cannon fire (11 a.m., 12 & 1 p.m.), see a battle skirmish, hear about Sherman’s march to the sea, meet Abraham Lincoln, and buy lunch on Civil War Reenactment Weekend at Fischer Farm in Bensenville. Free.
Highland Park art festival
June 23 - 24, 2018
27 miles north
The Art Center of Highland Park - Festival of Fine Arts has 125 juried artists who create visual art (glass, wood, ceramics, fiber, jewelry). Donation.
Pride parade
June 24, 2018
6 miles north
Chicago Pride Parade for gay and lesbian pride has 200 floats, decorated vehicles, performers, and marching bands that go past 800,000 spectators on N. Broadway. No alcohol. Free.
Hot-air balloon festival
June 29 - July 1, 2018
28 miles west
Lisle’s Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival has colorful hot-air balloon launches, flights, and evening balloon glows, plus a food court, craft booths, a kids’ area, live music, and nightly fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Carnival rides begin earlier on June 28. Kids age 0 to 8 free.
Windy City RibFest
June 29 - July 1, 2018
7.6 miles north
Windy City RibFest in Uptown has food, beer, wine, bands, arts & crafts, and afternoon kids’ activities at W. Lawrence Avenue & N. Broadway. Donation.
Botanic Garden Art Festival
June 29 - July 1, 2018
24 miles north
Browse 95 booths of botanic-inspired arts and fine crafts offered by juried artists in pretty gardens at the Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival in Glencoe. Free except parking.
American music festival
June 29 - July 3, 2018
10 miles west
FitzGerald’s American Music Festival features 40 Americana/roots bands and BBQ in Berwyn.
Frontier Days
June 29 - July 4, 2018
26 miles NW
Frontier Days Festival has family activities, live music, a carnival, a food pavilion, a beer & wine garden, a parade (July 4 at 10 a.m.), and a weekend craft market at Recreation Park in Arlington Heights. (Closed on Monday July 2 except for carnival rides.)
Cardboard boat regatta
June 30, 2018
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.
Alternative-rock concert
June 30, 2018
(1 p.m.)
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.
Movies in the Parks
June 2018
(undated)
Chicago locations
See 250 Movies in the Parks, if weather allows. Free.
Millennium Park movies
June 2018
(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.
Zombie march
June 2018
(undated)
0.5 miles south
The free Chicago Zombie March begins at the “bean” in Millennium Park. Free.
Scavenger hunt
June 2018
(undated)
0.8 miles west
Complete mental and physical challenges with teammates at River North Challenge, which includes appetizers, beverages, prizes, and an after party.
Greek festival on Gold Coast
June 2018
(undated)
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.
Technology festival
June 2018
(undated)
2.5 miles south
Techweek includes speakers, vendors, recruiters, and parties at the Merchandise Mart.
Green festival
June 2018
(undated)
4 miles NW
Green Music Fest features cutting-edge music on bicycle-powered stages, environmentally friendly vendors, food, beer, a kids’ area, and a pet area on N Damen Ave. between North and Schiller. Donation.
German party
June 2018
(undated)
7 miles north
Schlagernacht features a band playing classic German pop hits, bratwurst and German beer for sale, and views from the terrace at Dank Haus. Free.
Aurora festival
June 2018
(undated)
43 miles west
Two Brothers Summer Festival features 7 bands on an outdoor stage, with food & beer for sale in Aurora.
Father’s Day dance party
June 2018
(undated)
4.6 miles NW
Father’s Day Dance Party is a family-friendly beginner dance class for 45 minutes, followed by open dancing and light refreshments at Duet Dance Studio.