Summer Guide Search
Gold Coast Art Fair
Sat-Sun 6/29-6/30: 10 AM-6 PM
847-926-4300Fairs & Festivals
Live art demos, speed painting, family activities, live music, and food are among the amenities at this art fair with 350 juried artists.
North Michigan Avenue Art Festival
7/5-7/7: Fri-Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun 10 AM-5 PM 561-746-6615Fairs & Festivals
Hundreds of artists present their work at this street fest; visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists, commission specific pieces, and purchase fine art.
Eye on India
Through 7/14: various times 630-886-0817Fairs & Festivals
Now in its third year, the festival showcases Indian classical and world music, literature, art, film, theater, and dance. prices vary
Taste of Chicago
Wed-Sun 7/10-7/14: 11 AM-9 PM 312-744-3315Fairs & Festivals
Pop-up restaurants, prix-fixe meals, a beer garden, a wine bar, and musical performances by Robert Plant, Neon Trees, and Estelle.
Taste of Chicago: Fun., Robert Plant, Kelly Hogan, Canasta, and others
7/10-7/14: Wed-Sun 11 AM-9 PMMusic Festivals, Fairs & Festivals
Headliners at Petrillo Music Shell include Fun., Robert Plant, Jill Scott, Robin Thicke, Canasta, and Kelly Hogan.
Taste of River North
7/19-7/20: Fri 5 PM, Sat noon, Sun 11 AMFairs & Festivals
A foodie fest featuring local chefs and performances by the Sheepdogs, Lucky Boys Confusion, Sixteen Candles, and Rock Candy.
Lollapalooza: The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, New Order, Queens of the Stone Age, and others
8/2-8/4: Fri-Sun 11:30 AMMusic Festivals, Fairs & Festivals
The megafestival features the Cure, Mumford & Sons, Nine Inch Nails, the Postal Service, Queens of the Stone Age, the National, Local Natives, Cat Power, Alt-J, and more.
Ferrari Festival at the Italian Village
Thu 8/8, 11 AM-2 PMFairs & Festivals
Ferrari-only parking takes over Monroe Street for one day of car ogling. In addition to a slew of Ferraris there will be face painting, live music, open wine and cappuccino bars, and lunch buffet. $30
Grant Park Music Festival
Through 8/17: every Wed, Fri, and Sat (as well as Tue 7/30 and Thu 8/1) 312-742-1168Music Festivals
A string of collaborations between the Grant Park Orchestra, guest conductors, and musicians from around the globe—this summer’s lineup runs the gamut from a Shostakovich symphony to a performance by Pink Martini.
Chicago Food Social
Sat., Aug. 24, 11 a.m.Fairs & Festivals
A food festival featuring local food trucks and cooking demonstrations from prominent local chefs.
Chicago Jazz Festival: Wadada Leo Smith, Atomic, Robert Glasper, Jason Moran, and others
8/29-9/1: Thu noon-6:30 PM, Fri 2-10 PM, Sat-Sun noon-10 PMMusic Festivals, Fairs & Festivals
Wadada Leo Smith, Atomic, Robert Glasper, and Jason Moran are a few of the the notable names performing. Opening day takes place at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington), before moving to Pritzker Pavilion that night.
Chicago Jazz Festival
8/29-9/1, various timesFairs & Festivals
The melodies of Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, and Billie Holiday are revived in this series of jazz performances throughout the Loop, beginning at the Chicago Cultural Center and moving into Millennium Park.
Windy City BBQ Classic
Sun 9/1, 11 AM-9 PMFairs & Festivals
Enjoy live blues music by the lakefront as 30 BBQ masters compete for the grand championship using a wood-only grill. $79
Windy City Wine Festival
9/6-9/7: Fri 4-10 PM, Sat 3-9 PMFairs & Festivals
Wine, live music, and cooking demonstrations. $10-$29
Chicago Fringe Festival
Through 9/8: various timesFairs & Festivals
The festival features “untried” and eccentric performances. Performance groups are selected by lottery and the festival itself seeks to engage non traditional audiences. $10 per performance
