Admit it, you’ve totally gone on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Snapchat and scrolled past a post that made you feel like you missed out. “The Pride Parade was today?” “The Taste of Chicago is this weekend?” “I missed all you can drink wine tasting in Millennium Park? These are just a few things I’ve said to myself in past years, so avoid any FOMO (fear of missing out), here’s a guide of events happening in our beautiful City of Chicago this summer:
1. June 17-19: Taste of Randolph Street
900 W. Randolph
“Get a taste of Restaurant Row without the reservation” at the Taste of Randolph Street. This fest is full of food, live performances and after parties.
2. June 18-19: Chicago Pride Fest
Halsted and Waveland
We all know nobody celebrates Pride better than Chicago, so come hang out with Jordin Sparks, Daya, Dumblonde and many more in Boystown on the 18th.
3. June 19-21: 6 Corners BBQ Fest
Milwaukee at Irving & Cicero
Celebrate Father’s Day with some BBQ for a meat-lover’s dream-come-true. Enjoy live music, a marketplace and even a children’s play area while you stuff your face with all the meat you can handle.
4. June 25: Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party
1145 S. Morgan
Party for a good cause this summer at a historic landmark. This block party (ages 21+) donates funds to social justice initiatives, outreach programs and more. You’ll also experience music from 7th Heaven, JD McPherson and Passion Pit.
5. June 26: Pride Parade
Broadway/Halsted/Belmont
Experience the energy of Chicago’s vibrant LBGT community at this year’s parade. This is an event one must experience and cannot just read about.
6. July 6-10: Taste of Chicago
Grant Park
Taste what Chicago is all about with endless dining options at the Taste of Chicago. You’ll experience traditional restaurants as well cuisine from pop-ups and food trucks. Several stages are also set up in the park for endless live entertainment.
7. July 15-17: Pitchfork Music Festival
Union Park, Chicago
Pitchfork Music Festival is all about presenting new and emerging music. The fest is three days long and offers activities beyond the music. Vendors, specialty fairs and local business are promoted at the fest.
8. July 23-24: Chicago Craft Beer Festival
Sheffield (between Webster & Fullerton)
A fest all about the brew! Experience specialty, seasonal and small batch beers from local, regional and national craft brewers. You can sample from more than 40 brewers each afternoon.
9. July 28-31: Lollapalooza
Grant Park
Lolla is a fest that once you go your first time, you’re almost guaranteed to return year after year. Experience one day or three days of music on eight stages and over 170 bands. (Hint: you can win tickets from different social media profiles!)
10. August 12-14: Retro on Roscoe
2000 W. Roscoe
Retro on Roscoe is a blast from the past and is referred to as “Generation X Haven.” Fest-goers will experience music throwbacks all weekend, snack on small bites and will be able to purchase from antique vendors in an offbeat shopping atmosphere. An Antique and Class Car and Motorcycle Show will also be featured in the fest.
11. August 13-14: Northalsted Market Days
Halsted (Belmont & Addison)
Experience the largest outdoor street festival in the Midwest, famous for it’s array of national talent, unique vendors, arts, crafts and food and drink. To add to the mix, live performances also line Halsted.
12. August 20-21: Chicago Air & Water Show
North Avenue Beach
This two-day performance features military and civilian fight aerobatics, historic aircraft, simulated water rescues and parachute teams. It’s a great way to conclude summer with friends or family.
13. September 2-4: North Coast Music Festival
Union Park
North Coast Music Festival, or “Summer’s Last Stand,” is a collaborative fest of independent musicians in Chicago. Headliners this year include Odesza, Bassnectar and Zedd. Over 20 food vendors are present at the fest and after parties will be named soon!
14. September 9-10: Windy City Wine Festival
Buckingham Fountain
Taste more than 300 wines from around the world. That’s literally all you need to know.
