The best festivals in Chicago

Say a hearty hello to summer at Mayfest, the annual street party in Lincoln Park that's outfitted with the usual selection of local vendors, tasty food, cover bands and ice-cold beverages. This year, the event will feature the Armitage Art Show, letting attendees experience Chicago’s top artists as they showcase and sell their works and present interactive art demonstrations.

This inaugural Margarita Festival in Pilsen promises three days of tasty Latin bites, live music, local art and (of course) refreshing cocktails. You’ll have over 15 varieties of margs to try, from classic to unique options, and be able to browse goods from local merchants. The entertainment lineup boasts cover bands Fuze (Santana), Revelacion de Amor (Mana) and local DJs.

Taking place on Lincoln Avenue between Roscoe and School Streets, this two-day event will present more than 75 vendors selling handmade art—including paintings, sculptures and fiber pieces—as well as jewelry and decor. The weekend will also have live music, festival food and a selection of brews for purchase curated by Bitter Pops.

Renegade Craft Fair's flagship event returns to Andersonville, taking over a stretch of Clark Street spanning from Bryn Mawr to Edgewater Avenue. Attendees will be able to shop the handmade wares of more than 250 vendor booths, selling everything from candles and screenprints to jewelry and pottery. The fair also boasts food and drink from local restaurants, so you won't have to go hungry (or thirsty) while you shop.

When is the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago this year?

The spring edition of the fair will be held May 18-19.

What vendors will be there?

More than 250 local artists will be at the market. Check the official website for the full list of vendors.

How much does it cost to attend?

There is a $5 suggested entry fee, which supports the Fair as well as the Nature Conservancy. You can pay by scanning a QR code at the Fair.

Started in 2022, this two-day extravaganza returns to Grant Park over Memorial Day weekend. Taking place on a single stage in Grant Park's Hutchinson Field, Sueños will feature headlining sets from Peso Pluma, Ivan Cornejo, Rauw Alejandro and Maluma. Other notable names on the lineup include Bad Gyal, Mora, Manuel Turizo, Xavi, Gabito Ballesteros and more.

In addition to two days of music, you can try food from some of Chicago's best Latin restaurants, a host of experiential activations and a Ferris wheel in the park that you can ride between (or during) sets. It's one of the largest new festivals to come to launch in Chicago in years and a fitting addition to a summer festival calendar that's more crowded than ever.

Ravenswood Corridor neighbors Dovetail and Begyle return this year for their annual Memorial Day weekend street fest on Malt Row, where attendees can sip beer from both breweries and grab bites from Beard and Belly, Donerman, Happy Lobster and more. Catch live music and consider tossing in a donation, which will benefit neighborhood food pantry The Friendship Center. 

Love cover bands? Head to Lakeview (right by the Belmont Red Line station) for three days of music, featuring local tribute acts like 16 Candles and Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press. A second stage hosts an eclectic array of community performers, plus karaoke with Trader Todd's. Plus, you'll find beer, wine and plenty of neighborhood vendors to browse while you hang out on the street.

Pilsen's annual Mole de Mayo street festival—which honors the traditional Mexican sauce with a mole cook-off, plus a market full of vendors—moves to a new stretch on 18th Street this year over Memorial Day weekend. Grab some enchiladas smothered in aromatic mole and don't miss the festival's lucha libra wrestling matches. 

They say that there's nothing more American than apple pie, but we're of the opinion that the most patriotic food of all is the chicken wing. Soaked in a variety of different sauces (from classic buffalo to Asian ginger, spicy garlic and honey chili), it's a versatile dish that has become a national staple. Taking place over Memorial Day Weekend, WingOut Chicago celebrates the venerable chicken wing, inviting cooks from Jake Melnick's, Smoke Daddy and more to put their spin on the dish. General admission includes entry and access to live entertainment, with the option to purchase a la carte wings and beverages. Opt for VIP tickets for early entry, all-you-can-eat wings and a drink package.

The Chicago Gospel Music Festival will bring a roster of choirs and contemporary artists to Pritzker Pavilion for a day of family-friendly music. Highlights include performances from three-time Grammy winners The Clark Sisters, Chicago singer-songwriter Todd Dulaney, contemporary gospel artist Chandler Moore and global recording artist Anita Wilson—for a full lineup, visit the festival's website.

This annual fest and conference celebrating the iconic dance music genre born in Chicago brings a full day of DJ sets to Millennium Park. Acts this year include Wayne Williams, Alan King, Farley Jackmaster Funk, Tony Touch, DJ Slugo and more. The live music will be preceded by and open house and panel discussions touching on key House topics at the Chicago Cultural Center. For a full list of programming, visit the DCASE Chicago House Music Festival and Conference website.

The street in front of St. George Greek Orthodox Church hosts three days of gyros, spicy feta spread, dancing, traditional music and more during Lincoln Park's annual celebration of Hellenic culture. Show up to feast on Greek delicacies, shop for gifts at the craft fair or catch some live music.

No, you haven’t stumbled into an early Oktoberfest—this is just how Lincoln Square welcomes street-festival season and the beginning of spring. Hoist a stein, grab a pretzel, watch some lederhosen- and dirndl-costumed dancers and embrace the neighborhood’s German heritage over the course of one fun-filled weekend.

Whether you like your hot dogs dragged through the garden or topped with ketchup, this Portage Park fest has you covered. Local favorites, including Byron’s, Chicago Doghouse and Lola’s Coney Island, will compete to see who makes the best frankfurter, as voted on by fest-goers. In addition, there will be live entertainment, arts and craft vendors, a kids area, a top dog parade and a hot dog eating competition.

The oldest juried craft fair in Hyde Park features paintings, sculptures, jewelry and ceramics from nearly 200 artists. The event also features blues and jazz acts, presented by Buddy Guy's Legends, as well as a family-friendly activity area and various food vendors. Attendees can shop for artwork created in a variety of mediums, including glass, jewelry, leather, photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, wood, ceramics or fiber.

Kick off the start of summer festival season at Do Division, the street shindig with live music booked by Empty Bottle and Subterranean in West Town. Catch performances at two stages—including acts like Divino Niño, Arm's Length, Susto and Avey Tare—and check out food trucks, a fashion show, vendors for shopping and a Family Fun Fest area with kids activities, among other attractions.

Andersonville's beloved summer street fest returns to Clark Street for its 58th year of Swedish-themed festivities. Catch live entertainment across five stages from dozens of musical and entertainment acts. Plus, shop local vendors for gifts and food. And of course, don't miss out on Swedish heritage activities, including a traditional dance around the Midsommar Maypole.

Chicago honors its legacy as a city of 12-bar melodies and wailing guitar solos by hosting this annual blues music festival, bringing living legends and local players to Millennium Park for four days of electrifying performances. This year's lineup includes headlining sets from soul and Americana singer Shemekia Copeland, “The Mississippi Blues Child,” Mr. Sipp, and Memphis soul and roots band Southern Avenue. When you need to refuel, head to Wally's BBQ Pit to feast on delicious barbecue in between acts.

See the work of more than 200 juried artists and purchase original photography, paintings, jewelry and more at this two-day fest in Old Town. Food options include fare from local restaurants, and live entertainment from 16 Candles, Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press and more will play throughout the weekend.

Take a stroll and browse the work of more than 200 artists on the streets of Old Town at this annual two-day art fair. Attendees can also take a self-guided tour of more than 50 local gardens, enjoy live music from local performers and explore a selection of food and drinks provided by area restaurants and vendors. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

Get ready to hunt for some new (and old) treasures! The beloved Randolph Street Market Festival is back for its 21st year with two days of curated, European-style vintage and antique shopping. Browse wares from hundreds of vendors, or grab a cocktail and bite to eat from local restaurants while tapping your toes to live music. 

Chicago Pride Fest brings two days of music, drag, vendors and LGBTQ-friendly event to Northalsted in celebration of Chicago Pride Month. Swing by to catch headlining sets from Natasha Bedingfield, JoJo Siwa, Kaleena Zanders, Amber Riley and more. Plus, browse arts and crafts from more than 150 vendors and don't miss out on the Proud Pet Parade at noon on Sunday. Once you've had your fill, head to one of the best gay bars in Chicago to keep the party going.

One of Chicago’s premier celebrations of Latin music will bring together some of the biggest names in the industry across a variety of genres, including reggaeton, salsa, bachata, banda and rock. The two-day fest boasts a lineup of exciting acts, such as Kali Uchis, Junior H, Los Angeles Azules, Sante Fe Klan and more, plus delicious local eateries, talented artists, a full carnival experience and plenty of micheladas.

Local hip-hop blog and music video production house Lyrical Lemonade brings its Summer Smash festival back to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview for another year, hosting a lineup of both established and rising rappers. Cactus Jack (Travis Scott), Playboi Carti and Chief Keef headline the fest. Other highlights on the lineup include Big Sean, Kodak Black, Denzel Curry and Lil Yachty. As usual, the undercard is filled with rising acts—for those looking for a glimpse of the future of hip-hop, you'll probably see it at the Summer Smash.

Stages, tents and food trucks will once again spring up around the Illinois Centennial Monument this year for the annual Logan Square Arts Festival. The beloved community fest celebrates local art, food, beer and music—while raising money for neighborhood non-profits.

An array of paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography and furniture go on display along a portion of Lake Street in the Loop during the annual Millennium Art Festival. Guests can browse the offerings, speak with more than 100 artists, listen to live music and make purchases during the three-day event—no reservations are required to attend and walk-ups are welcome throughout the weekend.

For three decades, the African Caribbean International Festival of Love has brought reggae and world music performances, Afro-Caribbean food, games, crafts and more to Washington Park. This year, the fest will take place over Independence Day weekend, with performances from a variety of artists.

This Hyde Park street festival outside of the Promontory brings together some of the biggest names in Afrobeat music, a genre pioneered by musician Fela Kuti, who fused Nigerian instrumentation and rhythms with contemporary pop, funk and jazz. You'll catch sets from DJs spinning global tunes, plus access to local food, a photo installation, outdoor laser tag and more fun activities.

Local music collective the Chosen Few DJs takes over Jackson Park for a day of house sets from Wayne Williams, Jesse Saunders, Tony Hatchett, Alan King, Andre Hatchett, Terry Hunter, Mike Dunn and special guests. Stop by to watch a crowd of people dancing to the beat, or jump into the fray and show off your moves.

This midsummer block party staple brings alt-country, folk and Americana jams—plus craft brews and snacks from local food vendors—to Lincoln Square. Admission is free, but consider tossing in a donation to benefit small business workshops, community efforts and scholarship programs at the Old Town School of Folk Music. 

The Southport Corridor hosts its annual two-day art festival, bringing together a variety of artists and local vendors near neighborhood landmarks like the Music Box Theatre. Guests can peruse pieces, shop at Southport Avenue stores, take kids to an area packed with interactive games or sit down on a patio to enjoy food and drink specials throughout the weekend. All proceeds benefit the Southport Neighbors Association.

West Town's rollicking street festival returns to Chicago Avenue for three days of music, food and shopping from local vendors. Empty Bottle Presents will curate West Fest's musical lineup, and you can also catch jockeys spinning vinyl on the Bass By the Pound DJ Stage. Plus, browse tons of local vendors and don't miss the Pet Fest area, which features charming attractions like a dog obstacle course and pet painting.

It's no secret that we unabashedly love burgers, so you can imagine how much we're anticipating Roscoe Village's annual celebration of succulent, beef patty cuisine. Loosen your belt and prepare to taste grilled creations from local restaurants while enjoying live music and ample libations. Don't forget to vote for your favorite—the most popular burger of the weekend earns the visitors' choice award.

Show up to St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church in Edgewater to experience "philoxenia" (Greek hospitality) at this annual festival, where chicken, gyros, pork souvlaki and pastitsio (Greek lasagna) are on the menu all weekend long. Stick around for live Greek music and hits from DJ Yianni, as well as fun and games for kids.

Dance on the sand at Chicago Sport and Social Club's annual Volleywood festival, which boasts a day of live music, food and interactive experiences on the sands of North Avenue Beach (it's the city's last remaining beachfront music fest). British DJ TroyBoi and electronic duo The Knocks headline the EDM-centric event—snag general admission tickets or spring for a cabana for you and 11 of your friends, stocked with beer, refreshments and private restrooms.

Spend enough time basking in the smell of barbecued meat, the twangy strains of country music and the sweltering heat at Windy City Smokeout and you might feel like you've been transported to Texas. Taking place in a parking lot outside of the United Center, this annual festival brings together some of the nation's most talented pitmasters and a stacked lineup of Nashville-approved musicians. Headliners for this year's edition of the four-day fest include country stars Carrie Underwood, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum and Thomas Rhett. Come for the delicious smoked meats and stick around for the music.

Celebrate the anniversary of Colombian independence at this festival taking place at Northeastern Illinois University, where you'll find live music, food vendors, a circus, a kids' area, games and more. Headlining acts on the music stage include Grupo Niche, Jorge Celedon, Hernan Gomez, Henry Fiol and more.

The Chicago Craft Beer Festival returns to Jonquil Park this year for a three-day extravaganza of craft brews. There will be multiple sessions each day, limited to 600 people per session (200 for VIP), so snag a tasting ticket to secure your spot and feel free to grab a bite to eat before you begin sampling. GA tickets get you 12 tastings and a commemorative glass, while VIP includes five additional specialty beers and private seating.

This annual fundraiser to support Horner Park will bring together over 30 local breweries for an evening of beer and cider. Sample more than 60 brews, grab a bite to eat from a food truck and enjoy live music from funk group Bumpus while helping to save the planet. We’ll drink to that!

This three-day Pilsen food festival takes its inspiration from the Tianguis, a traditional Mexican and Central American bazaar. As its name suggests, guests are invited to sample plenty of tacos and tamales prepared by local restaurants using techniques from across Latin America. Between bites, cruise vendor stalls, tour stunning art installations, sip a cold one inside the Modelo beer garden and dance to live Latin music.

Pitchfork returns to Union Park during its usual weekend in July—and as ever, the lineups are packed with some of the most of-the-moment indie, hip-hop and electronic acts. Catch headlining sets from psychedelic sold band Black Pumas, English DJ Jamie xx and '90s icon Alanis Morissette.. Plan on arriving early, discovering some new music and weaving your way through the crowds to find a spot in the shade.

Local restaurants bring their most famous dishes outside for three days of tastings at this Lincoln Park street festival. You'll find loads of vendors lining Lincoln Avenue, including area businesses and eateries, as well as one main music stage and a kids carnival area stocked with activities, face painting, games and more. Don't forget to try the fest's whiskey tasting, which offer 16 samples of Midwestern spirits curated by Delilah's.

The stretch of Ravenswood Avenue that's dubbed "Malt Row" hosts this annual festival, which features drinks provided by the neighborhood's diverse craft brewing scene alongside bites from local restaurants, shopping vendors, axe-throwing and live music. The two-day event spotlights beers from Half Acre, Cultivate by Forbidden Root, Dovetail, Spiteful, Hop Butcher for the World, Begyle and more, plus cocktails from KOVAL Distillery—hop heads will want to try some of the special tappings.

River North is home to a diverse collection of restaurants—and you'll be able to try a lot of it at this tasty neighborhood gathering. While you're digesting, enjoy tunes from local cover bands and plenty of beverages. This year's event will also feature a wine tasting on Friday, and a dog parade on Saturday.

GhanaFest is back to celebrate the rich history and culture of the West African country. The 36th annual event will feature a village with vendors in fashion, arts and crafts, as well as a variety of Ghanaian eats, live music and performances, a parade of local chieftains and queen mothers, and more.

One of the largest Latino fests in the Midwest returns to the heart of Pilsen, bringing a carnival, delicious food from local vendors and a lineup of traditional music to the neighborhood's streets. The four-day event takes place along a stretch of Cermak Road (between Ashalnd and Morgan) and can draw as many at one million people every year—we recommend showing up early before the crowds stream in during the evening.

When it comes to street festivals, the annual Wicker Park Fest is usually one of the season's largest (and most crowded) events, attracting thousands of people to a stretch of Milwaukee Avenue that's crowded with bars, chain restaurants, boutiques and shoe stores. Jam out to live music—you'll also find plenty of food from local vendors, well-stocked beer tents, sales at surrounding shops and a dedicated kids area.

Chinatown celebrates the arrival of summer at this annual event—featuring food, art and music—which became a two-day fest beginning in 2021. The festival opens with a traditional lion dance procession and continues with performances (including a K-pop breakdance competition), kung fu demonstrations, arts and craft exhibits and cuisine from Chinatown restaurants. 

The annual Bantu Fest prides itself on bringing people, cuisine and culture from more than 30 different countries together for a two-celebration of Chicago's (and the world's) diversity. When you're not sampling tantalizing dishes from around the globe, you can take in sets from local musicians and enjoy the sights during a summer afternoon on Midway Plaisance.

Make the short trip across state lines to downtown Whiting, Indiana to chow down on Eastern European dumplings and gawk at residents who don pierogi costumes. You can compete in the Pierogi Toss, enter an eating contest, participate in a parade or boogie down in the polka competition, all in honor of the little pierogi.

Pay homage to Bronzeville's history as a hub for jazz and blues at this beloved annual music fest, which returns to King Drive (outside Mariano's Bronzeville) for a day-long roster of performances curated by music producer Frank Goss III, plus food and drinks from local vendors. This year's lineup features Rick Parma, Chris Miskel, Corey Wilkes and Marqueal Jordan.

Chicago's biggest music festival welcomes 400,000 attendees to Grant Park for a four-day music festival that's packed with some of the biggest names in pop, rock and hip-hop. SZA, Tyler, The Creator, Blink-182, The Killers and more headline the fest this year, joined by acts like Future X Metro Boomin, Hozier, Stray Kids, Melanie Martinez and Skrillex. Check out our comprehensive guide to Lollapalooza, including the full lineup and schedule, for more info.

Set amid the Chicago Brewing District, this jam-band focused street festival invites guests to take in multiple sets from live music while enjoying a cold beer. Local brewers will be pouring beer all weekend long, accompanired by an array of West Town restaurants and food trucks. Find a tie dye shirt and get ready to dance.

If you love classic rock, skip Lollapalooza and head to Jefferson Park for a community festival that looks to the past with performances from local cover bands. You'll also find food from neighborhood vendors and a dedicated kids zone where families can hang out and boogie with the little ones.  

This two-day music festival on the South Side brings together acts from all parts of the country, including Mojo Thunder, Caution, Brandon Good, The Leadfoot Band, Stereotypes and more. The tunes will be paired with barbecue-inspired Mexican street fare, so expect to feast on plenty of tacos filled with spicy smoked meats.

The Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago in North Lawndale hosts this community block party, featuring an afternoon of hip-hop performances, breakdancing and more. Guests will also be able to check out a graffiti showcase, a bounce house, games and enjoy barbecue from local vendors.

This community art fest sets up in Printer's Row, with nearly 100 artists showing off jewelry, paintings, upcycled artworks and more interesting items. When you're done shopping, take a break with a drink or snack and some live music. Little ones can hang out in the Kids Art Zone with face painting, art projects and more.

Antique vendors and classic cars fill six blocks of Roscoe Village at this throwback street market, where everything old is new again. The music lineup is usually equally nostalgic, featuring tribute acts that perform hits from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Sundays on State—which shuts down a strip of State Street spanning from Adams to Lake Streets for activations, performances, food and shopping—brings thousands of visitors downtown to check out everything from outdoor dining and browsing opportunities to pop-up karaoke and barre fitness classes. The event returns on two Sundays this year by popular demand. For a full schedule of vendors and events, check out Chicago Loop Alliance's website.

Northalsted Market Days is one of the largest street festivals in the Midwest, welcoming 100,000 people to the streets of Northalsted (formerly known as Boystown) for an LGBTQ-friendly summer celebration of music, food and dance. You can expect a long list of performers across five stages—check out the Northalsted Market Days website for a complete schedule.

This far Northwest Side neighborhood gets in on street festival season fun with a three-day affair packed with live music, activities for the kids and delicious food. Stop by to see a host of performances or show off your skills in a bags tournament before digging into grub served by local vendors. 

This annual River North block party celebrates America's military service members with an evening of live music, delicious food and drinks to sip. Proceeds from the event benefit the USO of Illinois.

For classical music lovers who enjoy taking in a show set beneath Chicago's skyline, the annual Grant Park Music Festival is perennial favorite summer event. This year's series of classical concerts runs from June 12–August 17 with performances ranging from world premiere works and performances of symphonies by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Shostakovich to an evening of classic Broadway arrangements and the annual Independence Day salute. Take a look at the complete schedule of events below and find more information on the Grant Park Music Festival website.

Head to North Center to dig into more than 50,000 pounds of ribs and barbecue across the streets of Lincoln, Damen and Irving Park. The annual celebration of saucy pork brings together more than 20 vendors, lounges where you can sit down to eat and live music to keep you entertained while you're digesting your second rack of ribs. New this year is a whiskey tasting, where guests can sample sample up to 16 local and international spirits.

Humboldt Park transforms into an outdoor tapas bar during this boozy bash, which pairs bites from local restaurants with pitchers of red wine and chopped fruit. Lay our a blanket to sip sangria on the lawn, put color on a canvas at the festival's painting station or watch live salsa and Brazilian dance music.

Infatuation is bringing back EEEEEATSCON, the two-day food festival at the Salt Shed featuring some of the city’s best restaurants plus appearances by celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Common and Chance the Rapper. Participating eateries include 3 Little Pigs, 312 Fish Market, Lilac Tiger, Diego, Soul & Smoke and more.

You'll find more than 100 artists selling paintings, drawings, sculptures, glass, ceramics, pottery, photography, jewelry and more at this popular arts festival in Rogers Park, which is celebrating its 23rd year in 2024. Stroll through the art fair to take home your very own masterpiece and catch performances on two music stages from various acts. Plus, enjoy street food and craft brews from local businesses.

This festival in Evanston features works by more than 150 juried artists along with eats from local food trucks. Attendees can browse a selection of paintings, photographs, handmade jewelry and sculptures, or try to show off their own talents by taking a live painting class.

Head to Pritzker Pavilion on select Mondays and Thursdays from July 1–August 8 for the seven-part Millennium Park Summer Music Series, which showcases a wide range of music from both emerging and well-established performers. Check the official website for the full list of artists and schedule.

Chicago's sole chalk art festival transforms Howard Street into a lovely, chalk art-covered canvas over the course of a single day. Head east of the Howard Red Line stop between Paulina and Ashland to tour 3D chalk designs by internationally-renowned artists and try food from local vendors, or get in on the action yourself by purchasing a 4x4 square of sidewalk to design for $25—don't worry, chalk is included.

Enjoy feta, tzatziki, roasted chicken and more signature Mediterranean flavors at this three-day festival in Greektown, where you'll find lots of tasty dishes cooked by some of the neighborhood's most beloved restaurants. Stick around for performances from Greek and American bands. Opa!

For one weekend each year, Southport Corridor becomes a mecca for taco lovers in Chicago during the Lakeview Taco Fest. More than 10 restaurants offer their take on the tortilla-wrapped dish, serving delicious creations throughout Saturday and Sunday. You'll also be able to take in Mexican wrestling shows, performances from local bands and kid-friendly activities, plus special beer and taco pairings. 

The fourth annual ARC Music Festival is scheduled to take over Union Park during Labor Day weekend, celebrating Chicago's house music roots and welcoming an international lineup of dance music artists. Taking place across three days, the fest features acts like U.K. brothers Disclosure, Belgian techno DJ Charlotte de Witte, New York icon Armand van Helden, Australian house producer Dom Dolla, EDM pioneer Kaskade and more. Additional Chicago performers include local house music legends Derrick Carter and DJ Lady D. See shows at multiple stages spread throughout the park, enjoy food from local chefs and attend afterparties at over 13 venues.

For some, Labor Day weekend means cookouts and enjoying some of the final days of summer among family and friends. For other, it means crowding in front of a stage with a bunch of strangers and dancing to the sound of bone-rattling bass drops. North Coast Music Festival brings some of the biggest names in EDM to Bridgeview, IL for three days of beats and pyrotechnics in and around SeatGeek Stadium. The lineup includes headlining acts like Above & Beyond, ILLENIUM, Seven Lions, SLANDER, Subtronics and Chase & Status. And with multiple stages to explore, you should have no problem finding the house, techno, progressive and trance music that you want to dance to.