Top 5 Chicago Summer Festivals
Summer in the Windy City means three things (well, maybe a few more, but we'll keep it simple). First up, the crowds. Whether you're walking, hopping a ride on the El, or attempting to hail a taxi, you'll notice an unusually large amount of people everywhere you go. Perhaps this phenomenon has something to do with factor number two, the extremely nice weather . Chicago is known for its moderate Midwestern temperatures, averaging around 75 degrees in July and August. But we're willing to place our bets on all the amazingly fun outdoor events the city offers during this time, namely the many crowd-pleasing summer festivals. Music, food, beer, art, sun...yeah, there's way more than three reasons to explore Chicago in the summertime, here's a sampling of what you have to look forward to.
No self-respecting music fan passes up a chance to see Lollapalooza. As one of the most anticipated music festivals in the Midwest, Lolla is definitely worth traveling a long distance for. Taking place each year in late July or early August, the music festival brings acts from a variety of genres, including rock, hip hop, punk, dance, and even stand-up comedy performances. Notable headliners of previous festivals have included Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kanye West, Daft Punk, Lady Gaga and Green Day. The three day event at Grant Park runs over the course of a weekend, and tickets can be purchased daily or as a package. Festival-goers can also enjoy food from local vendors, a special stage for kids called Kidzpalooza, and several craft booths.
They don't call this city the "Blues Capital of the World" for no reason. Many a fine bluesmen and women originated in Chicago, or at least felt right at home among their fellow musicians upon arriving. The annual Chicago Blues Festival is a summertime tradition, and a living legacy of the great blues players from the past and present. Taking place for three days each June at Grant Park, the festival gets bigger every year. With more than 600,000 attendees, it's by far the most popular summer music event in Chicago. Previous headliners have included B.B. King, Bo Diddley, Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt and Buddy Guy. And the best part, is that this event is absolutely free to attend.
Chicago has a reputation when it comes to food. Deep dish pizza. Big Death Metal Burgers (courtesy of Kuma's Corner). The kosher, all-beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun (a.k.a. the Chicago-style hot dog). The Taste Of Chicago features all kinds of flavors you have to try for yourself. Foodies and gourmets flock every summer to this annual food, drink, and music festival at Grant Park. With more than 70 participating area restaurants, live music by local and nationally-touring bands, and a special area for children, this event features 4 days of family-friendly fun. Admission to the park grounds is free, but you'll have to pay for your plates! Typically runs late June and early July.
On the outskirts of Chicago's bustling Lincoln Park neighborhood rests a quaint historic spot known as Old Town. Each summer, the area hosts one of the longest-running juried art fairs in the U.S. The Old Town Art Fair features nearly 300 exhibitors , a performance stage, children's activities, food, garden tours and more. The festival takes place for two days in early to mid June.
Get ready to bust out your best tango, salsa and cha cha moves, the annual Viva Chicago Festival is a two day Latin music festival that won't allow your feet to rest. Expect performances by Grammy award-winning musicians playing a broad range of musical selections from Spanish pop to reggae-ton. A variety of fresh Latin cuisine is available for purchase. This free two-day event takes place, you guessed it, in Grant Park in late August.