From an arts fest in Evanston to a celebration of spicy foods in Highwood, here are 15 free ways to enjoy Chicago summer.
Green City Market at Gallagher Way
Thursdays starting at 6:30 p.m.
Gallagher Way
Green City Market, Chicago’s largest and first year-round sustainable farmers’ market, will showcase chef demos, beer and wine pairings, prepared food, and locally sourced vendors.
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
June 1: 12pm-9:30am; June 2: 11am-9:30pm
Millennium Park
Celebrating the great influence of the music genre born in this city 80 years ago, this fest features local and national artists from traditional choirs to contemporary styles.
Lincoln Park Greek Fest
Friday, June 1: 5pm to 11pm; Saturday, June 2: Noon to 11pm; Sunday, June 3: Noon to 10 pm
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Authentic Greek cuisine, music, dance performances, kids’ activities, and Hellenic culture and pride are celebrated at this lively annual happening.
Taste of Mexico in Little Village
Friday June 1: 3-10pm, Saturday June 2 and Sunday June 3: 12-10pm
Little Village
Fans of authentic Mexican street foods can rejoice at this festival, when restaurants serve up an array of signature and authentic dishes. Enjoy music, arts, and crafts, as well.
35th Annual Chicago Blues Festival
Jun 08, 5:00 PM — Jun 10, 10:00 PM
Millennium Park
This fest features live music performances from over 100 national, international, and local artists celebrating the city’s rich Blues tradition.
Wells Street Art Festival
Jun 09, 10:00 AM — Jun 10, 10:00 PM
Wells Street, Old Town
This art extravaganza is known as one of Chicago’s most popular fairs, thanks to works from more than 200 fine artists. Expect live music, kids’ activities, and eats from local restaurants.
Gold Coast Art Fair at Grant Park
Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm
Butler’s Field
Kick off summer with this neighborhood art fair, a celebration of more than 300 juried artists from around the world.
Friday Art Market at Daley Plaza
June 22, 8:00 AM — 6:00 PM
Daley Plaza
Art lovers can explore a variety of crafts (including jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, and paintings) from more than 75 juried artists at this summer art festival.
Logan Square Arts Festival
Jun 22, 5:00 PM — Jun 24, 10:00 PM
Logan Square
This fest is presented by local nonprofit organization I Am Logan Square, with music curation and cocktails by The Whistler, 30 bands, 50 art vendors, and food from neighborhood restaurants.
Evanston Chamber Artisan SummerFest
Jun 23, 11:00 AM — Jun 24, 6:00 PM
Evanston, IL
This annual North Shore art happening features the works of nearly 100 juried artists, as well as more than 25 artists focusing on eco-friendly and recycled pieces.
Inferno Fest
June 27, 4:30 PM — 9:30 PM
Everts Park
This fest tests the taste buds of the most daring food enthusiasts with the spiciest foods and drinks. Expect creations like spicy pasta dishes, peppery nuts, hot wings, and more — plus, live music.
Windy City Ribfest in Uptown
Jun 29, 12:00 PM — Jul 01, 9:00 PM
Uptown, Chicago
Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and, of course, tons of tasty slabs of ribs from local and national rib enthusiasts.
West Fest
Jul 06, 5:00 PM — Jul 08, 10:00 PM
West Town, Chicago
This locally planned festival features retailers, restaurants, artists, crafters, and more, reflecting the eclectic West Town community. Another bonus? Its cutting-edge live music.
Southport Art Festival
Jul 14, 10:00 AM — Jul 15, 6:00 PM
Lakeview
This festival will showcase the work of more than 75 of the city’s most diverse artists who work in a variety of mediums, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, jewelry, sculpture, and photography.
Sheffield Music Festival & Garden Walk
Jul 21, 12:00 PM — Jul 22, 10:00 PM
Lincoln Park, Chicago
This fest features self-guided tours of more than 80 Gardens, guided Architectural Tours, live entertainment by some of Chicago’s best-known bands, and plenty of food and drink.
