Chicago Summer Festivals – June
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 Hyde Park to Andersonville and from Humboldt Park to Millennium Park. 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!
Maifest Chicago
Friday, June 2 (5 – 9:30 p.m.)
Saturday, June 3 (12 – 11 p.m.)
Sunday, June 4 (12 – 10 p.m.)
Located in Lincoln Square, Maifest is the traditional German celebration of the arrival of spring and celebrates the neighborhood’s German heritage. Enjoy German and American food, drinks, and live entertainment all weekend long!
Lincoln Park Greek Fest
Friday, June 3 (5 – 11 p.m.)
Saturday, June 4 (12 – 11 p.m.)
Sunday, June 5 (12 – 10 p.m.)
The Lincoln Park Greek Fest, hosted by St. George Greek Orthodox Church and the Lincoln Park Greek Community, is fun for the whole family! Enjoy authentic Greek food, music, and lots of fun – opa!
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
June 4 (3 – 9 p.m.)
Chicago was the birthplace of gospel music over 80 years ago. The Chicago Gospel Music Festival celebrates the music genre with top gospel artists from across the country at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millenium Park.
The 57th Street Art Fair – Celebrating the 75th year on 57th Street
Saturday, June 4 (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Sunday, June 5 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Celebrate the arts in the heart of Hyde Park at the 75th year of the 57th Street Art Fair, the oldest juried art fair in the Midwest. 132 artists spanning a variety of mediums from photography to printmaking, jewelry to digital arts, and painting to sculpture will be featured.
Tuesdays on the Terrace at the MCA
Every Tuesday, June 7 – August 31 (5:30 – 8 p.m.)
(please see MCA website for full artist line-up)
Chicago features an internationally renowned jazz community. Every Tuesday, the MCA’s Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden showcases local jazz artists. Food and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase and attendees are able to bring their own picnic (no outside alcoholic beverages allowed) to enjoy on the lawn. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Chicago Blues Festival
June 9 – 12
(please see festival website for full artist line-up)
Calling all Blues music fans, this is the festival for you! This music festival, held in Millennium Park, features a bevy of artists celebrating the past, present, and future of blues. Whether you are a Blues aficionado or just enjoy some good tunes, this is a must attend music festival!
Andersonville Midsommarfest
Friday, June 10 (5 – 10 p.m.)
Saturday, June 11 (12 – 10 p.m.)
Sunday, June 12 (12 – 10 p.m.)
The 56th year of the Andersonville Midsommarfest, hosted by the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, celebrates Andersonville’s Swedish heritage, LGBTQ+ pride, and the vibrant local neighborhood community. This year’s festival will feature over 50 music and entertainment acts on five stages.
Wells Street Art Festival
Saturday, June 11 (10 am. – dusk)
Sunday, June 12 (10 a.m. – dusk)
The Wells Street Art Festival is an Old Town neighborhood tradition featuring artists from across North America. In addition to art, the festival features live entertainment, a children’s play area, and over 20 food and drink vendors.
Old Town Art Festival
Saturday, June 11 (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
Sunday, June 12 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Taking place in the Old Town Triangle Historic District, the Old Town Art Fair is fun for the whole family. Over 200 juried artists will be featured along with a garden walk, live music, a food court featuring local vendors, and a children’s corner.
Ravenswood on Tap
Saturday, June 11 (12 – 10 p.m.)
Sunday, June 12 (12 – 6 p.m.)
Ravenswood boasts one of the most thriving craft brewing communities in the country, Malt Row. Enjoy your favorite brews from Malt Row, libations from KOVAL Distillery, live music, local food vendors, special tappings, axe throwing, and more at this summer festival that celebrates local.
Puerto Rican Festival
June 16 – 19
This Humboldt Park festival celebrates the culture, art, and food of Puerto Rico. This is the 40th anniversary of the Puerto Rican Festival in Chicago.
Chicago Pride Fest
Saturday, June 18
Sunday, June 19
Chicago Pride Fest is the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade (June 26) in Northalsted, the first recognized LGBTQ+ community in the United States. This lively festival includes live music on three stages, over 150 arts and crafts vendors, DJs and dancing, drag shows, a pet parage, food and drink, games and so much more.
Millennium Park Summer Music Series
June 20 – August 18
(please see music series website for full artist line-up and dates)
One of the great joys of summer is packing a picnic, grabbing a spot on the lawn, and enjoying a free concert with friends while enjoying the views of Jay Pritzker Pavilion and the surrounding Chicago skyline. The summer series spans multiple genres including jazz, R&B, disco, pop, country, and more!
Logan Square Arts Festival
June 24 – 26
(please see festival website for hours)
The three-day Logan Square Arts Festival takes place over the first official weekend of summer. This year’s festival will feature local artists, live music on two stages, food, drinks, and much more!
