By Chloe Konrad By Chloe Konrad | May 18, 2023 | Lifestyle Feature Guides
From Taste of Chicago to Lollapalooza, the Windy City knows how to throw a good fest. Don’t forget to mark these 11 standouts on your calendar.
Chicago Blues Festival
The annual Blues Festival is a summertime must for music fans. Pay tribute to the city's oldest musical tradition, and listen to some of the best blues, soul, R&B, gospel, rock and hip hop creators in Millennium Park. June 8-11, Millennium Park
Pitchfork
Pitchfork is an annual tradition at Union Park. This year's lineup ranges from The Smile on Friday to Big Thief on Saturday and Bon Iver on Sunday. There's also no shortage of great cuisine from local vendors. Go just one day or all three—the choice is yours. July 21-23, Union Park
Lollapalooza
Chicagoans and visitors from around the world just couldn't get enough of Lollapalooza—so they added a fourth day in 2016. The iconic fest taking over Grant Park each year always offers a stellar lineup on all nine stages, as well as some of the city's best bites. This year, more than 170 acts including headliners The 1975, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Billie Eilish are on the roster. Aug. 3-6, Grant Park
Windy City Smokeout
Known for its country music and out-of-this-world barbecue, Windy City Smokeout is a guaranteed good time. Headliners this year include big names like Zach Bryan, Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, Zac Brown Band and more. Don't miss the BBQ Brunch on Sunday, an enormous gathering for the love of the grill. July 13-16, Outside of United Center
Northalsted Market Days
This year is the street festival's 41st iteration, and it features a half-mile of five stages and more than 200 vendors selling arts, crafts, and food and drink. Grounded in values and appreciation for the LGBTQ+ community, Northalsted Market Days began in 1982 in the city's first recognized gay village. Performers this year include Ada Vox, Anastacia, Ginger Minj and more. Aug. 12-13, Northalsted from Belmont to Addison on N. Halsted St.
Ribfest
Chicago foodies love this North Center festival, Ribfest. Entering its 23rd year, the event will have 50,000 pounds of pork, more than 15 food vendors for the more than 60,000 attendees. Roam the vendor-filled streets of Lincoln, Damen and Irving Park Road, and take in the wafting aromas and tastes of some of the world's best barbecue. Aug. 18-20, 4000 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago Air & Water Show
Chicago's Air & Water Show is a beloved tradition that draws thousands to the lakefront each year. One of the few festivals that can be partially viewed from most buildings in the city, this action-packed event thrills with spectacular plane maneuvers and boat shows. Aug. 19-20, North Avenue Beach
Chicago Jazz Festival
Another one of the city's top music fests is the Chicago Jazz Festival. With the goal of bringing awareness to the art of jazz and providing access to all, this Labor Day tradition has hosted some of the best musicians in the biz for the more than 40 years and is a perfect way to close out the summer. Sept. 1-4, Millennium Park
World Music Festival Chicago
The World Music Festival Chicago has been a cherished event since 1999, and since then it has featured musicians from more than 30 countries each year. Well-known instrumentalists and emerging artists will perform at venues all over the city this year. Guests can hear everything from traditional Indian music to Afrobeats at this high-energy event. Sept. 22-Oct. 1, multiple locations
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
The best way to ring in the holidays is at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. Each year, Chicagoans gather in celebration of the holiday season where Michigan Avenue is decked with thousands of lights, along with a parade to kick things off. Stay until the end for an awe-inspiring fireworks show. Nov. 19
Taste of Chicago
Summertime in the city is not complete without a stop at Taste of Chicago—the world's largest food festival. The main event will take place in Grant Park for three days, but this year, it's been moved to September. Don't want to wait to get your grub on? Head to the three neighborhood events throughout the city throughout the summer. Grant Park, Sept. 8-10; Humboldt Park, June 24; Pullman Park, July 15; Marquette Park, Aug. 5
Photography by: Photo by Greg Noire for Lollapalooza 2021
