Can you believe it’s already mid-June? Hello, Summer! Slow down already. But before you freak out and think half of your summer has already slipped away, trust us — if the lineup of remaining summer festivals in any indication, it’s just getting started.
Here’s a list of our favorite Chicago summer festivals that’ll be sure to keep you dancing, partying, playing and most importantly – eating straight through summer.
Photo credit: The City of Chicago’s official site
Bonus June Event:
Chicago Food Truck Fest | June 24-25 | Neighborhood: South Loop
With over 50 food trucks participating, this is a Chicago summer highlight. This festival features the most diverse food truck lineup and if the current list is any indication – it will be the greatest mix of food trucks the event has had yet. Check it out, tickets are super affordable!
5 Food Related Festivals To Do In July
West Fest | July 7-9 | Neighborhood: West Town
What makes West Fest so unique? Since 2004 West Fest stands out from the rest because it is locally planned and managed by the West Town Chamber of Commerce, thus the emphasis is on local offerings and local talent. West Fest features neighborhood retailers and restaurants, fine artists, crafters, and more. The event reflects the eclectic and hip West Town community, and is also known for cutting edge live music.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest | July 8-9 | Neighborhood: Roscoe Village
Beef burgers, turkey burgers, veggie burgers — oh my. It’s a festival about burgers, and if that weren’t enough to convince you, there’s music from bands like Kongos, 16 Candles and more. But yeah, it’s a festival about burgers. You should probably just go.
Windy City Smokeout | July 14-16 | Neighborhood: River West
Country music, BBQ and craft beers—a trio of delight! Drawing close to 50,000 guests, this country fest will draw some of the best BBQ and brewing talent of the Midwest, as well as top country acts. This year’s artists include Jake Owen, Kip Moore, Jana Kramer and Lee Brice.
Wicker Park Fest | July 27-28 | Neighborhood: Wicker Park
One of Chicago’s most popular street festivals, Wicker Park Fest attracts music lovers with more than 40 bands performing on three different stages. The eclectic neighborhood is celebrated with great local food, arts and crafts vendors, and a kids’ area for little hipsters.
Taste of Lincoln Avenue | July 29-30 | Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Deemed the second largest festival in the region, the Taste of Lincoln Avenue spans six city blocks and boasts more than 250 vendors and four music stages hosting more than 40 acts. Also check out the Lill Street Art Fair for a selection of juried art and handmade crafts.
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Honorable Mentions / Coming Later This Summer:
Taste Of Chicago | July 5-9 | Grant Park
No explanation needed. The largest Chicago food festival can speak for itself.
49th Annual Sheffield Garden Walk and Festival | July 22-23 | Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
This fest is popular, and for good reason. With over 80 beautiful neighborhood gardens on display via self-guided walking tour, plus a kids corner with its own exclusive food vendors, entertainment stage and activities (don’t worry, adults have their own, too), this is a great fest for families. Be sure to check out We The Kings — the festival’s closing band — on Sunday.
Renegade Craft Fair | September 7-8 | Neighborhood: Wicker Park
A favorite of indie art enthusiasts, the touring Renegade Craft Fair comes back to Chicago for the 11th year (it actually started in Chicago and then became a touring festival — making stops in Brooklyn, Austin and even London). Here you can check out a diverse lineup of handmade artists selling goods from screen-printed clothing to custom furniture. And of course there’s music plenty of artisanal food and drink to be had.
Oktoberfest | September 29 – October 1| Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Three days full of handmade bratwursts, plenty of cold beer and music from authentic German bands and fest favorites alike. Celebrate traditions and the unfortunate end of festival season with Oktoberfest! Don’t worry – we have plenty of time to enjoy before this time comes.
Get out there and enjoy all that a Chicago summer has to offer. We know we will. Have any favorite summer festivals that we didn’t include above? Share them with us below!
Wishing you a happy summer festival season from all of us at Chicago Food Planet. Cheers!
