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Look no further than this comprehensive list of events in the Chicago area. Check website for updates before going. Love this city and all that it offers.
CHECK OUT THIS LIST OF MY FAVORITE 2022 THINGS TO DO IN CHICAGO!
What a summer it will be!
THROUGHOUT SUMMER:
MILLENIUM PARK SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL Mondays and Thursdays, June 20- August 18. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park. Free
MILLENIUM PARK SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL Tuesdays, July 12- August 30. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park. Free
FIREWORKS WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS. May 28th until September 3rd. 10:15-10:25pm. Along lakefront near Navy Pier. Free
April 3 through December 18. The festival is a long-standing Chicago tradition enriched with crafts, resale houseware and clothing, live music and street food.
RAVINIA FESTIVAL. May 20-September 18
Suburban Highland Park is scheduled to open its park for their performance series featuring more than 100 concerts, featuring artists like Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pitbull, Stevie Nicks and Ziggy Marley.
Grant Park Music Festival June 15-Aug 21
The festival is holding shows 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
The line up consists of musical mixes of contemporary compositions and classical favorites, including Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty and Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Events also include Independence Day celebrations and shows such as Lights on Broadway show and Cirque Goes to Hollywood with live aerialists.
JUNE
Chicago Blues Festival June 9-12
Get a feel for the Chicago-born blues at Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
The festival will return to its regular programming with a pre-pandemic size-and-scope event filled with a diverse cast of music rooted in the long-standing blues tradition.
For over 40 years, the festival has welcomed fans to tune in for FREE.
Andersonville Midsommarfest June 10-12
Back for the first time in two years, the Andersonville Midsommarfest rings in its 56th year of celebrating the neighborhood’s Swedish culture and history.
Come enjoy live music, vendors, food and free activities. Over 50 music and entertainment acts will be on queue to perform.
A $10 admission donation is suggested by organizers.
Old Town and Welles Street Art Fair. June 11-12
The festival will return this year in the heart of the Old Town Triangle.
Over 200 nationally acclaimed artists will gather to display their work for an estimated 10,000 attendees at the outdoor festival. A garden walk, live music, food court and activities for children also will be available.
Taste of Chicago July 8-10
The world’s largest food festival just so happens to be a Chicago summer staple. From city specialties to international creations, the Taste of Chicago samples a variety of flavors.
The festival will host a bite-sized version of the classic lakefront event with over 30 eateries and food trucks showcased each day.
Summer Smash June 17-19
The festival brought by Lyrical Lemonade, an Illinois-made multimedia company,
Over 75 artists, including A$AP Rocky, Lil Baby, Lil Uzi Vert, Swae Lee and Baby Keem, performed at the Douglass Park Golf Course.
Taste of Randolph June 17-19
The Taste of Randolph will bring big names to its 25th culinary exposition in the West Loop. More than 16 restaurants can be expected to sample their flavors alongside an array of artists performing on the festival’s two stages. https://www.starevents.com/event/taste-of-randolph/ $10 donation.
Chicago Pride Fest June 18-19
The weekend before the city’s pride parade takes place, the Chicago Pride Fest sets off celebrations on Halsted Street.
Access to live music, over 100 creative vendors, drag shows, pet parades and food will all be mixed in as the festival’s main events.
A $15 donation is suggested by organizers.
Ravenswood on Tap June 18-19
A stretch of Ravenswood Avenue, also nicknamed “Malt Row,” has earned a reputation of housing a diverse craft brewing community. The festival will spotlight the local cast of breweries over a two-day event filled to the brim with drinks and music.
Taste brews from KOVAL Distillery, Urban Brew Labs, Dovetail Brewery and others from Malt Row, while also enjoying activities, live music and local food. www.ravenswoodchicago.com
Michelada Fest June 24-26
The festival calls all michelada enthusiasts to its fourth annual cultural celebration, which will spill over three days this summer. In Harrison Park, 1824 S Wood. https://chimicheladafest.squarespace.com/
Logan Square Arts Festival June 24-26
Logan Square’s festival will incorporate two stages of live music, food and drinks to celebrate the neighborhood’s diversity and raise money for local non-profit organizations with a “renewed focus on creating a one-of-kind experience. https://www.logansquareartsfestival.com/
Pride in the Park June 25-26
Pride in the Park will take over Grant Park with an outdoor festival with a series of national and local artists expected to take the stages.
Tickets start at $90 for an individual two-day general admission pass.
Summerfest in Milwaukee weekends June 23-July 9
Justin Bieber, Jaden and Halsey will don the main stage at Milwaukee’s popular festival, which will spill over three weekends from June to July.
Summerfest will highlight over 1,000 performances, 12 stages, food, drinks and interactive activities. www.summerfest.com
Chicago Food Truck Fest June 25-26
Located in the city’s South Loop neighborhood, the Chicago Food Truck Fest and Summer Music Pop-Up Series returns this summer with a wide array of fare and live tunes.
The festival will be back for its ninth season from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. General admission is free, but tickets are available for VIP options here.
Another food truck festival is scheduled for this upcoming fall on Oct. 1 and 2 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Chicago’s La Bagh Woods.
JULY
Square Roots Festival July 8-10
With Old Town School of Folk Music and LIncoln Sq and Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce surrounding Welles Park. Featuring tasty local delights, craft beer community, and an incredible 3-days of music together! www.squareroots.org
Pitchfork July 15-17
Pitchfork Music Festival is set for its return to Union Park with headliners like The National, Mitski and The Roots.
By bringing back a few of its original headlining groups alongside several newer acts, the festival will pay an ode to the “rising indie class.” www.pitchfork.com
Mas Flow Fest July 15-17
The first ever Mas Flow Fest is bringing a over 40 reggaeton stars to Chicago’s Calument Park.
Don Omar, Zion & Lennox and Ivy Queen are among the artists set for the event, which is presented by Grass Root Events and Chicago Michelada Fest. https://masflowchi.squarespace.com/
Wicker Park Fest July 22-24
The festival, which aims to reflect the rich music and cultural heritage of Wicker Park.
Year after year, the festival draws in a crowd with its lineup of musical acts, local food, arts and crafts and retail vendors.
Lollapalooza July 28-31
Crowds can hit Grant Park to catch artists perform at Chicago’s biggest music festival.
Metallica, Dua Lipa, J. Cole and Green Day are slated to headline Lollapalooza, with Doja Cat, Machine Gun Kelly, Lil Baby, Kygo, Glass Animals and Big Sean among others also billed to perform at the festival. https://www.lollapalooza.com/
Jeff Fest July 29-31
Also known as the Jefferson Park Arts and Music Festival, Jeff Fest is ringing in its 21st anniversary.
The festival offers a spread of tunes, food and activities for all ages throughout its grounds. https://chicagoevents.com/events/jeff-fest/
Chinatown Summer Fair July 30-31
Chinatown’s neighborhood street festival will start with a lion dance procession and be followed by performances from Asian artists. Kung fu demonstrations, samplings from local restaurants, arts exhibits and more events will be held throughout the weekend. https://www.ccc-foundation.org/summer-fair/
AUGUST
Windy City Smokeout August 4-7
The outdoor country music and BBQ festival will give fans a taste of headliners like Sam Hunt and Miranda Lambert, as well as dozens of local and national BBQ pitmasters and restaurants.
United Center. www.windycitysmokeout.com
C2E2 August 5-7
Chicago Comic and Entertainment Exposition, the largest pop culture convention in the Midwest, invites entertainment fans of all kind to the McCormick Place .
A band of celebrities, exhibitors, comic artists and literary authors will gather throughout the weekend. Fans can interact with top exhibitors, autograph sessions, panels, screening rooms and other exclusives.Guest panelists include Ariel Diaz, Dante Basco, Nick Spencer and more. https://www.c2e2.com
Northalsted Market Days August 6-7
The live music street festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community is set to take place on North Halsted.
Over 250 arts and crafts vendors, food and drink, dancing and sponsor booths $15 suggested donation. Www.northalsted.com/marketdays
Illinois State Fair in Springfield, IL August 11-21
Pop singer Demi Lovato will hit the Illinois Grand Lottery stage alongside at least six other popular artists in August.
Headliners announced range in genre from country, pop, reggae to rock: Sam Hunt, Brooks & Dunn, TLC and Shaggy, Jon Pardi and Disturbed are billed to perform
Also, the fair will include activities fit for all ages from petting zoos to exploration with “Conservation World,” a 30-acre tract of rolling hills and woodlands. www2.illinois.gov/statefair
Edison Park Fest August 12-14
Edison Park’s street festival, which functions as a fundraiser and community celebration at 6730 N Olmsted.
The festival features a handful of attractions, including a craft fair, live entertainment, various games, a dog show, beer gardens and a kid’s zone. www.edisonparkfest.org
Ruido Fest August 19-21
Ruido Fest has brought a class of Latin alternative music to Chicago’s Union Park since 2015. Los Fabulosos Cadillacs headlining the first night. www.ruidofest.com
Ribfest Chicago August 19-21
Annually over the course of three days, the festival serves, on average, 50,000 pounds of pork to more than 60,000 attendees.
For its 22nd year, the festival will smoke up the streets of Lincoln, Damen and Irving Park and inviting BBQ masters in the area to compete for the title of “Best Ribs” and “People’s Choice.”
The festival also hosts two stages that spotlight original music from local and national indie acts. www.ribfest-chicago.com
Chicago Air and Water Show August 20-21
The Chicago Air and Water Show will take flight over the shores Lake Michigan for the first time in two years.
In light of the pandemic in 2021, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels put on a reimagined, solo demonstration. This year, a full force is expected to soar the skies. .
Year of Chicago Dance Showcase. August 27th Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park. Free
Taste of Greektown. August 26-28
A mix of Greektown businesses and food vendors will fill foodies up with flavors of Greek dishes.
Greek artists and dance troupes will perform throughout the weekend, and attendees can participate in various activities like a gyro eating contest.
SEPTEMBER
Chicago Jazz Festival September 1-4
Having started in 1974 as the city’s first festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival has a rich history that runs deep with the city and it will return in full swing from Sept. 1–4 at Millennium Park.
FREE. www.chicago.gov
ARC September 2-4
After debuting in 2021, ARC is no longer a rookie to Chicago’s festival scene.
ARC will ring dance music throughout Union Park over Labor Day weekend for a newly-expanded three days instead of two from Sept. 2-4.
The festival’s lineup includes Adam Beyer x Cirez D, Carl Cox, Charlotte De Witte, DJ Tennis and Skream among others. www.archmusicfestival.com
North Coast September 2-4
North Coast also is kicking off Labor Day celebrations athttps://www.seatgeekstadium.com/ in Chicago’s Bridgeview neighborhood, the festival will spotlight electronic artists like
Illenium, Diplo, Kaytranada, Armin van Buuren and Madeon and others.
Riot Fest September 16-18
Riot Fest is locked in to bring alternative, punk, metal and hip-hop artists to Douglass Park with artists including My Chemical Romance and The Original Misfits.
Three-day tickets on sale a nd Organizers launched a merchandise fundraiser in support of Ukraine in which 100% of the proceeds will be donated to organizations supporting the country. According to its website, the festival currently has raised $65,000 for the cause.
Chicago Summer Dance Celebration. September 17 Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park free
Hyde Park Jazz Festival September 24-25
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival is scheduled to commence at S Woodlawn Ave and Midway Plaisance. Suggested $5 donation.
Last year’s free festival presented 30 bands across 14 stages and welcomed over 15,000 people.
