Chicago Summer Festivals – July

Chicago is an amazing city year-round, but there is something special about summers in Chicago. Locals and visitors alike are outside enjoying the city’s multitude of parks, beaches, outdoor dining, Lake Michigan, and, of course, summer festivals, most of which offer free admission and benefit local non-profits.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite summer festivals from Washington Park to Grant Park and from Chinatown to Lincoln Square. Whether you enjoy food, music, art, or celebrating the heritage of Chicago’s neighborhoods, there is something for everyone!

We hope to see you at some of our favorite summer festivals and would love to know your fav fest!

African Caribbean International Festival of Life
Saturday, July 2
Sunday, July 3
Monday, July 4

Held in Washington Park, the 29th African Caribbean International Festival of Life features reggae and world music performances on two stages, Afro-Caribbean food, crafts, and more. A selection of this year’s artists includes Shatta Wale, I-Octane, Mr Killa, Bass Odyssey, Lemoyne Alexander. For a full artist line-up, times, and ticket information, please visit the festival website.

West Fest Chicago
Friday, July 8 (5 – 10 p.m.)
Saturday, July 9 (12 – 10 p.m.)
Sunday, July 10 (12 – 10 p.m.)

Presented by the West Town Chamber of Commerce, West Fest Chicago is an annual street festival held in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood that celebrates the local offerings and talent in the West Town neighborhood including local retailers and restaurants as well as local fine artists. This festival also features Pet Fest with dog activities for charity and Kid Fest with family activities and entertainment. West Fest Chicago is fun for the whole family!

Square Roots Festival
Friday, July 8 (5 – 10 p.m.)
Saturday, July 9 (12 – 10 p.m.)
Sunday, July 10 (12 – 9 p.m.)

This Lincoln Square festival features live music, local restaurants and vendors, and a great selection of craft beer including Dovetail Brewery, Begyle Brewing, Brewer’s Kitchen, Maplewood, Metropolitan Brewing, and Northman Cider Co. The Sunnyside Kid Zone features live music and family fun including the Wiggleworms, the Old Town School Teen String Band, The Lucky Trikes, and much more. For a full artist line-up, please visit the festival website.

Taste of Chicago Grant Park
Friday, July 8 (11 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
Saturday, July 9 (11 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
Sunday, July 10 (11 a.m. – 9 p.m.)

Enjoy over 30 food vendors as well as a designated beer hall, wine tent, and cocktail lounge surrounding the iconic Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. The event also features live music. A selection of food vendors includes Auntie Vee’s Kitchen, Billy Goat, Chicago’s Doghaus, Cynthia’s Gubmbo Express Inc, Esperanza Kitchen Delights, Harold’s Chicken, La Cocinita Food Truck, Ms Tittle’s Cupcakes, Franco’s Ristorante, Robinson’s No. 1 Ribs, Seoul Taco Chicago LLC, and The Original Rainbow Cone. For a full food vendor and live entertainment list, please visit the festival website.

Millennium Art Festival
Friday, July 15 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Saturday, July 16 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Sunday, July 17 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

The Millennium Art Festival features over 130 juried artists across all mediums and price points including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, furniture, and more. There will be live music by French singer Michelet and artist demonstrations.

Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Friday, July 15 (5 – 10 p.m.)
Saturday, July 16 (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
Sunday, July 17 (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.)

Fire up the grills – Roscoe Village Burger Fest returns for the 15th year! Enjoy some of the best burgers in Chicago, two stages of live music, a “Kids Zone,” and more. This year’s burger vendors includes Byron’s Hot Dogs (yes, they serve burgers, too!), Declan’s Irish Pub, Epic Burger, Fatso’s Last Stand, Lola’s Coney Island, Select Cut Steakhouse, and The StopAlong.

Pitchfork Music Festival
Friday, July 15
Saturday, July 16
Sunday, July 17

This year’s Pitchfork Music Festival line-up includes Parquet Courts, Spirit of the Beehive, Ethel Cain, Arooj Aftab, Dry Cleaning, Japanese Breakfast, The Roots, Noname, Toro y Moi, Earl Sweatshirt, and many more. In addition to live music, this festival features specialty record, poster, and craft fairs. For a full artist line-up, please visit the festival website.

Wicker Park Fest
Friday, July 22 (5 – 10 p.m.)
Saturday, July 23 (12 – 10 p.m.)
Sunday, July 24 (12 – 10 p.m.)

Named “Chicago’s Best Street Festival of the Summer” by the Chicago Tribune, Wicker Park Fest offers three days of live music and fun. Drawing from Wicker Park’s unique character, this festival celebrates the neighborhood with eclectic music, and local restaurant and retail vendors.

Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Friday, July 22 (12 – 10 p.m.)
Saturday, July 23 (12 – 10 p.m.)
Sunday, July 24 (12 – 10 p.m.)

The 39th Taste of Lincoln Avenue will take over several blocks in the vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood. Attendees will enjoy live regional and local entertainment on the music stage, local food favorites, arts & crafts, and much more!

Lollapalooza
Thursday, July 28
Friday, July 29
Saturday, July 30
Sunday, July 31

This four day music festival, held in Grant Park, features 9 stages with 170+ bands from all over the world. Headliner artists this year include Metallica, Dua Lipa, Machine Gun Kelly, Kygo, and Green Day. For a full artist line-up and ticket information, please visit the festival website.

Jeff Fest
Friday, July 29 (5 – 10 p.m.)
Saturday, July 30 (2 – 10 p.m.)
Sunday, July 31 (2 – 10 p.m.)

Jeff Fest (Jefferson Park Arts & Music Festival) brings together great music, good food, and family fun. For more information, please visit the festival website.

Randolph Street Market Festival
Saturday, July 30 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Sunday, July 31 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Find a treasure at the Randolph Street Market. The famous European style antique and vintage market returns after a three-year hiatus. Named one of the top flea markets by USA Today, Better Homes & Gardens, and TimeOut Magazine, Randolph St offers a large selection of antique and vintage finds, live music, and lots of tasty treats and libations.

Chinatown Summer Fair
Saturday, July 30 (12 – 10 p.m.)
Sunday, July 31 (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.)

Chinatown Summer Fair starts with a lion dance procession to kick off this neighborhood street festival. Enjoy Asian performances, kung fu demonstrations, a breakdown competition, K-pop entertainment, and a dumpling eating contest. No street festival is complete without delicious food, so enjoy samplings from Chinatown’s restaurants. Unique gift shops, arts & crafts exhibits, street vendors, and a children’s area round out the offerings at this family-friendly festival.