Gospel music festival
June 1, 2019
(begins May 31)
0.5 miles south
Hear gospel choirs and soloists at the Chicago Gospel Music Festival at the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park. Free.
Chicago events June 2019
Ale tasting
June 1, 2019
0.9 miles south
Chicago Ale Fest features samples of 200 beers from 80 craft breweries, plus live music and restaurant food at Butler Field in Grant Park. Repeats in February.
Pet parade
June 1, 2019
17 miles SW
The LaGrange Pet Parade includes marching bands, floats, clowns, and a creative costume contest, beginning at Cossitt Ave. & LaGrange Rd. Free.
Chicken-wing tasting
June 1 - 2, 2019
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.
Division Street festival
June 1 - 2, 2019
(begins May 31)
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. afternoons) on Division Street between Damen and Leavitt. Donation.
Greek festival
June 1 - 2, 2019
(begins May 31)
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. Donation.
Hyde Park festival
June 1 - 2, 2019
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.
Art fair in Hyde Park
June 1 - 2, 2019
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.
Maifest
June 1 - 2, 2019
(begins May 30)
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. [Not to be confused with the similar event Mayfest.]
Taste of Mexico
June 1 - 2, 2019
(begins May 31)
9 miles SW
Taste of Mexico offers food from 20 restaurants, music, and carnival rides at 26th & California Avenue. Free.
Stamp show
June 1 - 2, 2019
(begins May 31)
17.6 miles NW
See postage stamp exhibits and shop from 50 dealers at Compex in River Grove. Free.
Gluten-free expo
June 1 - 2, 2019
28 miles NW
Sample and purchase products from 100 vendors at Nourished Festival [formerly Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo] at the Schaumburg Convention Center.
Holistic living expo
June 1 - 2, 2019
28 miles SW
Body Mind Spirit Expo features speakers, workshops, and vendors for remaking your life at the Tinley Park Convention Center.
Small-town festival
June 1 - 2, 2019
(begins May 31)
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.
Innovative theater
June 1 - 8, 2019
(begins May 31)
5 miles north
Physical Festival includes four creative theater shows that tell stories physically and visually, workshops, and a Monday-night showcase of short theater at Stage 773.
Arts festival
June 1 - 9, 2019
(begins May 31)
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.
Pig feast
June 2, 2019
0.3 miles east
Cochon is a stand-up tasting featuring dozens of chef-made dishes plus wine, cocktails, and beer at City Winery for age 21+.
Run at the zoo
June 2, 2019
2.5 miles north
Run for the Zoo is a popular 10K, 5K, and kids’ stampede in Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park.
Science-fiction films
June 2 - 3, 2019
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.
Underground film festival
June 5 - 9, 2019
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.
Swedish festival
June 7 - 9, 2019
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.
Blues festival
June 7 - 9, 2019
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.
Pork ribs festival
June 7 - 9, 2019
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.
Music in Lincoln Square
June 7 - Aug. 29, 2019
(Thursdays 6:30 p.m.)
9.1 miles NW
Hear a wide variety of music at the Summer Concert Series in Giddings Plaza if weather permits. Free.
Beach party
June 8, 2019
(uncertain)
2.9 miles north
A ticket to Beach Slap Volleyball Tournament & Breach 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 8, 2019
24 miles west
Lombard Ale Fest has 80 craft beers, food trucks, and live music for age 21+ at Lilacia Park in Lombard.
Beer festival in St. Charles
June 8, 2019
(1 p.m., VIP noon)
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.
Book fair
June 8 - 9, 2019
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.
Wells Street Art Festival
June 8 - 9, 2019
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 8 - 9, 2019
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.
Food truck fest
June 8 - 9, 2019
(may add June 7)
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.
Hinsdale art festival
June 8 - 9, 2019
18 miles SW
See works by 130 juried artists in shady Burlington Park at Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival. Free.
Arlington Heights festival
June 8 - 9, 2019
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.
Free Latin music
June 14 - 15, 2019
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.
Taste of Randolph
June 14 - 16, 2019
(opens 5 p.m. Fri.)
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 14 - 16, 2019
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.
Book fair
June 15, 2019
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 15, 2019
(2 p.m.)
5 miles west
The Puerto Rican People’s Parade is on Division Street from Western Avenue to Sacramento Avenue. Free.
Beer and wine festival
June 15, 2019
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+. (More than 200 admission tickets will be sold onsite at the event.)
Art fair in Grant Park
June 15 - 16, 2019
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.
Evanston arts festival
June 15 - 16, 2019
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.
Cantigny Park art fair
June 15 - 16, 2019
27 miles west
Art in Bloom features juried artists, live music, beautiful gardens, and food trucks. The optional Father’s Day brunch requires reservations and usually sells out. Free admission except parking.
LEGO expo
June 15 - 16, 2019
39 miles NW
See amazing LEGO creations at Brickworld Chicago, with displays and vendors at Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center.
Father’s Day restaurants
June 16, 2019
Chicago locations
OpenTable lists restaurants that offer special brunch, lunch, and dinner menus on Father’s Day.
Father’s Day dining cruise
June 16, 2019
1 mile east
Take a Father’s Day brunch or dinner cruise with views, departing from Navy Pier.
Father’s Day BBQ
June 16, 2019
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.
Swedish Days
June 18 - 23, 2019
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.
Music day
June 21, 2019
Chicago locations
Hear music at dozens of locations on Make Music Day, including Millennium Park and Navy Pier. Free.
Dragon boat races
June 22, 2019
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 22, 2019
(1 p.m., VIP noon)
27 miles west
Bring a chair or blanket to the Craft Beer Festival to taste beers from 45 breweries, buy food, and hear the band Euphoria in the green surroundings of The Morton Arboretum in Lisle for age 21+.
Pride festival
June 22 - 23, 2019
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 is Sunday at noon in the stage area. Donation.
Evanston fair
June 22 - 23, 2019
12 miles north
Fountain Square Artisan SummerFest (formerly Evanston Chamber Artisan SummerFest) features 100 juried artists, an eco-art “remix” area, strolling musicians, a kids’ area, food vendors, craft beer, and wine at Church & Sherman in Evanston. Donation.
Highland Park art festival
June 22 - 23, 2019
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.
Garden tour
June 23, 2019
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. Donation.
Dance outdoors
June 27 - Aug. 24, 2019
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. See schedule. Free.
Millennium Art Festival
June 28 - 30, 2019
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.
Cardboard boat regatta
June 29, 2019
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 29, 2019
27 miles west
Dog Days offers a pet play area, high-flying disc-catching dogs, agility demonstrations, and vendors at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. Free except parking.
Hot sauce tasting
June 29 - 30, 2019
15.4 miles SW
The new Chi-Town Hot Sauce Expo promises hot sauce tastings, competitive eating events, and 33 vendors, plus both a chihuahua beauty pageant and a cocktail competition on Sunday at Toyota Park. Schedule.
Pride parade
June 30, 2019
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 on N. Broadway.
Classical music festival
June 2019
(undated)
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.
Free black films
June 2019
(undated)
multiple locations
Best of Black Harvest Film Festival screens select films from last year’s festival in Chicago public libraries. Free.
Movies in the Parks
June 2019
(undated)
Chicago locations
Watch 250 Movies in the Parks, beginning at dusk. Dates may change depending on the weather. Free.
Movies in Millennium Park
June 2019
(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 2019
(undated)
0.5 miles south
The annual Chicago Zombie March begins at Millennium Park. Free.
Millennium Park music
June 2019
(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 2019
(undated)
0.9 miles east
Watch 10 different movies “that are sure to get you singing, clapping, and dancing along” during Water Flicks at Polk Bros Park. Free.
Music on the lake
June 2019
(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 2019
(undated)
1 mile east
Hear 16 concerts during Chicago Soul Music Festival on multiple stages at Navy Pier. Free.
Vegan food festival
June 2019
(undated)
1 mile south
Buy food, beer, wine, and spirits from 70 vendors during Chicago Vegandale at Butler Field in Grant Park. Free admission for children age 12 and younger.
Naked bike ride
June 2019
(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.
Greek festival on Gold Coast
June 2019
(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.
Block party at St. Pat’s
June 2019
(undated)
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.
Chicago Bears run
June 2019
(undated)
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.
Jazz at the aquarium
June 2019
(undated)
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.
Food truck festival
June 2019
(undated)
2.1 miles south
Chicago Food Truck Fest brings 45 food trucks, music, a sangria garden, and games to 1800 S. Wabash Ave.
Country music festival
June 2019
(undated)
2.4 miles SE
Hear 33 country artists, including Blake Shelton, at the all-ages Country LakeShake, with food, drinks, vendors, and games at Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island.
Doggie pool party
June 2019
(undated)
2.4 miles west
A ticket to Pup Pool Party gets you and your dog a beer tasting, product samples, and time in the outdoor off-leash playground with a dog pool at Pet Care Plus for age 21+.
Adult zoo night
June 2019
(undated)
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.
Beer tasting at the zoo
June 2019
(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+.
Kayak race
June 2019
(undated)
3.3 miles NW
Watch kayaks race (noon to 2 p.m.) and parade around Goose Island (2 to 4 p.m.) at Urban Rivers’ Kayak Race & Parade Fundraiser at Kayak Chicago. A ticket to the 7 p.m. after-party gets you unlimited beer & music at Goose Island Barrel Warehouse.
Latin music festival
June 2019
(undated)
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.
Electronic dance music festival
June 2019
(undated)
3.9 miles SW
Spring Awakening Music Festival draws 85,000 to Addams/Medill Park 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.
African film festival
June 2019
(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.
Restaurant crawl in Lincoln Park
June 2019
(undated)
4.6 miles north
A ticket to Cravings on Clark gets you samples from 15 restaurants and discounts at shops on Clark Street and Diversey Parkway, beginning at HopCat.
Charity happy hour
June 2019
(undated)
5 miles NW
A ticket to Brews N Shoes includes craft beer, appetizers, and DJ music at Revolution Brewing on Milwaukee Avenue for age 21+.
Bikes & beer festival
June 2019
(undated)
5.1 miles west
Parade on bicycles through the city (11 a.m.), hear bands, dance, and drink beer during Tour de Fat [website has sound] at Humboldt Park.
Music festival on the beach
June 2019
(undated)
6 miles south
Mamby on the Beach is “an all-inclusive patchwork of diverse performances with artists representing every genre in the music spectrum” on Oakwood Beach. Free shuttle bus. Children age 10 and younger are free.
Art festival on Logan Square
June 2019
(undated)
6.5 miles NW
Logan Square Arts Festival offers art installations, local music, family activities, beer, and local restaurant food on Logan Square. Donation.
German party
June 2019
(undated)
7 miles north
Schlagernacht features a band playing classic German pop hits, bratwurst & German beer for sale, and views from the 6th floor terrace at Dank Haus. Donation.
Beer festival
June 2019
(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.
BBQ block party
June 2019
(undated)
10.1 miles west
Buy food from vendors, hear live music, visit the kids’ area, and watch the 7 p.m. watermelon-eating contest at The OK Barbecue Block Party at Constitution Court in Forest Park. Donation supports charity. Kids free.
Dog walk
June 2019
(undated)
10.1 miles north
A ticket to Walk for the Animals 2K supports charity and includes a T-shirt, dog treats, vendors to browse, and nice people to meet at Indian Boundary Park.
Patriotic bicycle ride
June 2019
(undated)
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.
Fitness expo
June 2019
(undated)
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.
Big concert
June 2019
(undated)
18 miles NW
B96 Summer Bash features famous-name talent at Allstate Arena in Rosemont.
Villa Park festival
June 2019
(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 2019
(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 Reenactment Weekend at Fischer Farm in Bensenville.
Ravinia music festival
June 2019
(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.
Frontier Days
June 2019
(undated)
26 miles NW
Frontier Days Festival has family activities, live music, a carnival, a food pavilion, a beer & wine garden, a parade, and a weekend craft market at Recreation Park in Arlington Heights. (Closed on Monday, except for carnival rides.)
Kids’ obstacle race
June 2019
(undated)
27.9 miles NW
Kids 5 to 16 run through mud and over a dozen obstacles at Kids Obstacle Challenge at Ned Brown Meadow in Rolling Meadows. Parents can race for free.
Taste of Bolingbrook
June 2019
(undated)
28.5 miles SW
Burgers, Brews & Blues Festival features Midwest blues acts, food vendors, and kids’ activities. Free.
Scottish festival
June 2019
(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 2019
(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.
Wine festival
June 2019
(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.
Craft fair
June 2019
(undated)
6.3 miles north
Shop from independent artisans at the pop-up Renegade Craft Fair, with craft cocktails for sale at Gallagher Way, west of Wrigley Field. Free.
Elgin festival
June 2019
(undated)
40 miles NW
Elgin Ribfest combines barbecue, live music, vendors, and a Sunday car show at Festival Park.