Who says tradition is boring? Give us our ethnic dancing in the park, those wonderful illuminated boats along the lakefront and, of course, those pigout festivals that you can indulge in just about everywhere in the city. City festivals are here and we’ve got ’em.
May
PRINTER’S ROW BOOK FAIR: New, used, rare and antique books, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 31-June 1, Dearborn Street from Congress Parkway to Polk Street. 312-987-1980.
SPORTFEST CHICAGO: Multi-sport event with international rugby tournament along with softball, hockey, football, basketball and volleyball, live music, street vendors, family entertainment. Pre-registration party, 6-10 p.m. May 30; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. May 31; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 1; 2200 W. Winnemac Ave. $2. 773-472-9046.
WARM UP FOR CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL: Activities include Blues on the Pier, Illinois Market Place at Navy Pier, noon May 31. 312-832-0010; Classic Blues Singers, Noon June 2. Daley Center Plaza, 312-744-6630; Lose Your Blues Hour, Chicago Music Mart, 333 S. State St., 5 p.m. June 5. 312-362-6700.
June
HELLENIC HERITAGE 1997 PARADE: Celebrating Greek independence and culture, 2 p.m. June 1. Parade will be held on Halsted Street between Monroe and Van Buren Streets in Chicago’s Greek Town 773-775-4949.
RUN FOR THE ZOO AND ZOOFEST ’97: A daylong festival of running races, kids competitions and free family activities, 7 a.m. June 1, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive. Race entry fees $18, day of race, $22. 773-404-2372.
TASTE OF SPRING FESTIVAL: Midwestern chefs will prepare dishes, foods, plants and flowers for sale, cooking and planting classes, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. June 1; Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie St. Fee $25; free children 10 and under. 312-977-4468.
MIDSOUTH PLANNING BOARD’S 5TH ANNUAL BLUES FESTIVAL: Performances by talented Blues students, 3:30-5:30 p.m. June 4; King Service Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave. 312-747-2300.
14TH ANNUAL CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL: June 5-8. See summer roundup in the Music segment.
13TH ANNUAL BELMONT AVENUE STREET FAIR: Musical stages, children’s stage, arts and crafts, and other activities, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. June 7, 8, on Belmont Avenue between Sheffield Avenue and Clark Street. Includes Donation $3 per person or $5 per family. 773-868-3010.
DOG DAY OF SUMMER: Baseball fans share an afternoon with their pets at a White Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles game. Also pick up grooming tips for pets, get advice from veterinarians, games, doggie treats and enter pets in a doggie Sox Costume contest, noon June 7; Comiskey Park, 333 W. 35th St. 312-674-1000.
CELEBRATION ’97: A variety of music: Rock, ’50s-’60s, country & western, blues, jazz. Food booths. 6-10 p.m. June 13, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. June 14, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. June 15; St. Michael’s Plaza, 500 W. Eugenie St. $3. 312-266-1445.
HEART OF ITALY STREET FEST: Live entertainment, local restaurant booths, crafts, bingo and children’s activities, 5-11 p.m. June 6; noon-11 p.m. June 7; noon-9 p.m. June 8; along South Oakley Avenue between 24th and 26th Streets. 773-625-0506.
CELEBRATE ON STATE STREET FESTIVAL: Three stages will have entertainment, arts, crafts, food and children’s activities, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. June 18-21; State Street between Wacker Drive and Van Buren Street. 312-782-9160.
“ARTISTS OF THE WALL” FESTIVAL: Live entertainment, arts and crafts, children’s events and food vendors, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. June 7-8; 6800 N. Sheridan Rd. along the lakefront between Pratt Boulevard and Morse Avenue in Rogers Park. 773-338-6863.
NATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COLLEGE POW WOW: Dancing competition, singing, drumming, arts, crafts, food, 4 p.m. June 13, 10 a.m. June 14, 15; Mather Park, Peterson and California Avenues. $6 adults, $3 seniors and children, free to children under 6.
A GATHERING OF HERBS FESTIVAL: Chefs will prepare unique dishes for sampling, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. June 14; Quigley Preparatory Seminary, 103 E. Chestnut St. $15; free children 17 and under. 312-787-8625.
13TH ANNUAL CHICAGO GOSPEL FESTIVAL: June 14-15 in Grant Park. See summer roundup in the Music segment. 312-744-3370.
PUERTO RICAN PARADE: Begins at noon June 14; Dearborn Street between Wacker Drive and Van Buren Street. 773-292-1414.
ANDERSONVILLE MIDSOMMARFEST: Neighborhood fest with music, food, crafts, children’s activities, 11 a.m.-dusk June 14; noon-dusk June 15; Clark Street between Foster and Balmoral Avenues. $2. 773-728-2995.
OLD TOWN ART FAIR: 240 booths with 31 new artists featuring fine art, jewelry, sculptures, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 14; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 15; Lincoln Park West and Wisconsin Street. Fee $3. 312-337-1938.
WELLS STREET ART FESTIVAL: Best in original art from over 225 painters, sculptors and jewelry designers, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 14-15; North Wells Street from Scott Street to North Avenue. $3. 773-868-3010.
NEW PLAYS FESTIVAL: Women’s Theatre Alliance spotlights 10 new scripts by Chicago women playwrights, 7 p.m. June 18-22 and June 25-29; Chicago Dramatists Workshop, 1105 W. Chicago Ave. $5. 312-408-9910.
CHOREOGRAPHER’S FESTIVAL: Sixteen choreographers showcase their works ranging from ballet to postmodern dance, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, June 20-22 and June 27-29; Links Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield Ave. $8. 773-281-0768.
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART’S SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION: Celebrate the museum’s one-year anniversary with musical performances, poetry readings, gallery tours, 7 p.m. June 20 to 7 p.m. June 21, to coincide with the summer solstice; 220 E. Chicago Ave. $10. 312-280-2660.
JAPANESE CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL: Cultural displays, martial arts demonstration, sushi, noodles. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. June 21-22, Buddhist Temple of Chicago, 1151 W. Leland Ave. Donation admission $3 for families, $1.50 for individuals. 773-334-4661.
OSAKA GARDEN SUMMER FESTIVAL: Series of Japanese cultural events including Bonsai, kite making, flower arranging and Aikido; 12:30 p.m. tours and 1 p.m. events begin Saturdays, June 21-Aug. 23. Osaka Garden is on the Wooded Island in Jackson Park behind the Museum of Science and Industry, 57th and Lake Shore Drive. 312-747-2474.
GRANT PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL: Opens with Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky, 8 p.m. June 21. Other concerts June 22, July 19 and 20, July 30 and Aug. 1, Aug. 2 and 3, Aug. 6 and 8, Aug. 9 and 10, Aug. 13-15, Aug. 16-17, Aug. 20 and 22, Aug. 23 and 24. Featuring the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra. Grant Park. Free. 312-741-7638.
BELGIAN BEER FEST: Samples of Belgium’s most popular beers, including Belgian-style ales and finger foods, 1-4 p.m. June 22; River West Restaurant & Brewery, 925 W. Chicago Ave. $27. 847-692-2337.
“MADE IN THE U.S.A.” SPARKLING WINE FESTIVAL: Featuring more than 36 sparkling wines from the U.S. Jazz, appetizers. 7-9 p.m. June 24-25; Pops for Champagne, 2934 N. Sheffield Ave. $22. 773-472-1000.
CHICAGO COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL: Kicks off Taste of Chicago, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. June 27-28; Grant Park. 312-744-3370.
TASTE OF CHICAGO: More than 65 area restaurants offer a variety of traditional and exotic cuisine, Ferris wheel, skydiving show, live music and family entertainment, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. June 27-July 6. Grant Park. 312-744-3370.
ST. VIATOR COUNTY FAIR: Games, crafts, live entertainment, petting zoo, pig roast, barn dance. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. June 28-29; 3644 W. Kedvale Ave. Outdoor activities, free; indoor entertainment, $5 adults, $1 children. 773-286-4040.
GAY & LESBIAN PRIDE PARADE & FESTIVAL: Parade starts at 2 p.m. at Halsted Street and Belmont Avenue, travels north on Halsted, south on Broadway, then east on Diversey Parkway to Sheridan Road (festival at 3:30 p.m. features live entertainment, informational tables); 3000 N. Lake Shore Drive. Free. June 29. 773-348-8243.
July
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: In conjunction with the Taste of Chicago Festival, 7:30 p.m. July 3; Grant Park, Columbus Drive and Jackson Boulevard. 312-744-3370.
METROGOLF’S “FORE-TH OF JULY” FEST: July 4. MetroGolf Illinois Center, 221 N. Columbus Drive. 312-616-1234.
HOWARD W. CARROLL FOUNDATION 4TH OF JULY GALA: Free celebration features fireworks and music, 6-10 p.m. July 6, Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave. 773-743-5015.
CHICAGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY 4th of JULY CELEBRATION: A parade led by the world’s tallest Uncle Sam, Chicago Pop Concert Band, color guards, historical figures and speeches. The old-fashioned celebration will also include the Brown Bess muskets’ salute. Inside the museum, climb aboard the Pioneer, a 161-year-old locomotive, 10 a.m.-noon July 4; Clark Street and North Avenue. 312-642-4600.
TASTE OF IRELAND FESTIVAL: 5 p.m. July 11, noon July 12, 13. Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. 773-282-7035.
OBON ODORI FESTIVAL: Traditional Japanese folk dance, costumes and music, 7-9:30 p.m. July 12; Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee St. 312-943-7801.
ST. SYMPHOROSA PARISH FESTIVAL: Carnival rides, live entertainment, bingo, food, games and children’s activities, 6-11 p.m. July 10; 6 p.m.-midnight July 11; 1-5 p.m. July 12; 1-10 p.m. July 13; 62nd Street and Austin Avenue. 773-767-1523.
CHICAGO YACHT CLUB “RACE TO MACKINAC”: Approximately 8-10 a.m. July 12. Starts at Monroe Street Harbor. 312-861-7777.
CHRISTOPHER ZORICH FOUNDATION 5K RUN, WALK, & KIDS’ DASH: Led by Chicago Bear Chris Zorich 9 a.m. July 13; Dearborn Street between Polk and Harrison Streets. Proceeds benefit the Chris Zorich Foundation. $15 before July 4; $20 after July 4; $7 Kids’ Dash before July 4; $10 Kids’ Dash after July 4. 773-868-3010.
BAHAMIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: Noon, July 15. Daley Civic Center, Washington and Dearborn Streets. 312-744-6630.
BLACK EXPO CHICAGO: July 18-20; McCormick Place, 22nd Street and Lake Shore Drive. 312-791-7000.
OLD ST. PATRICK’S WORLD’S LARGEST BLOCK PARTY: 5-10:30 p.m. July 18, 19. 700 W. Adams St. 312-648-1021.
MAYOR’S CUP SOCCER FEST: July 19, 20. Montrose Avenue and Lake Shore Drive. 312-744-3370.
RAZZ-MA-TAZZ: Food, music and entertainment, noon-dusk July 19, 20; on Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson Avenues and in Welles Park. 773-728-3890.
ROCK AROUND THE BLOCK: July 19, 20; Lincoln Avenue between Belmont Avenue and School Street. 773-665-4682.
SHEFFIELD GARDEN WALK AND FESTIVAL: Music, food and walk, noon-9 p.m. July 20, 21; Sheffield and Webster Avenues. 773-929-WALK.
ST. ALPHONSUS SUMMERFEST: Live bands, food, refreshments, 3 p.m.-midnight July 19; 1-10 p.m. July 20; 1429 W. Wellington St. 773-525-0709.
CHINATOWN SUMMER FAIR: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. July 20. Wentworth Avenue between Cermak Road and 24th Street. 312-225-0303.
COLOMBIAN INDEPENDENCE PARADE: 11 a.m. July 20; Dearborn Street from Wacker Drive to Van Buren Street. 773-463-7700.
39TH ANNUAL DEARBORN GARDEN WALK: More than 50 award-winning private gardens, noon-6 p.m. July 20. Along North Dearborn Parkway, State, Astor and LaSalle Streets and Sandburg Terrace, between Division Street and North Avenue. $5 donation requested. 773-472-6561.
FIESTA DEL SOL: July 24-27. Blue Island Avenue between 18th and 22nd Streets. 312-666-2663.
NEWBERRY LIBRARY BOOK FAIR: July 24-26, 60 W. Walton Pl. 312-255-3700.
GREEK FOOD FEST: Dancing, church tour, pastries, raffle, 5-11:30 p.m. July 25; 4-11:30 p.m. July 26; noon-11 p.m. July 27; Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1017 N. LaSalle Blvd. 312-664-5485.
TASTE OF LINCOLN AVENUE: Live music on four stages, restaurants, vendors, Kid’s Karnival, games, July 26, 27. Along Lincoln Avenue between Fullerton and Wrightwood Avenues. 773-472-9046.
VENETIAN NIGHT: Parade of illuminated boats, fireworks display to synchronized music, dusk July 26; Grant Park and the lakefront. 312-744-3370.
August
OZ FESTIVAL: Food, arts and crafts and music, Aug. 1-3; Cannon Drive east of Lincoln Park Zoo. 773-929-8686.
SHOOT-THE-BULL 3-ON-3 CLASSIC: Aug. 2, 3. Grant Park, Congress Parkway and Columbus Drive. 312-455-4000.
DANNON SPRINKL’IN KIDS TRIATHLON: For children ages 7-14. Aug. 2, Foster Avenue Beach. 773-404-2372.
15TH ANNUAL MRS. T’s TRIATHLON: Aug. 3. Monroe Street Harbor. 773-404-2372.
CHASE CORPORATE CHALLENGE 3.5 MILE RUN: 6:45 p.m. Aug. 7. Begins in Grant Park, Columbus and Balbo Drives. 773-274-6792.
CARING FOR KIDS DAY: Entertainment, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 8; Alcocks Downtown Sports Bar, 411 S. Wells St. Proceeds benefit fight against juvenile diabetes. 312-922-1778.
BUD BILLIKEN PARADE AND PICNIC: Begins at 10 a.m. Aug. 9. From 39th Street and King Drive to 55th Street and into Washington Park. 312-225-2400.
OLD WICKER PARK 20TH ANNUAL GREENING FESTIVAL: Walk through historical district; artisans, food and live entertainment; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 9, 10; Milwaukee and North Avenues. $2 per person; $5 per family. 773-868-3010.
TASTE OF RIVER NORTH: Noon-9 p.m. Aug. 9; noon-8 p.m. Aug. 10. At the corner of Erie and LaSalle Streets in the heart of River North. 312-645-1047.
GINZA HOLIDAY: JAPANESE CULTURAL FESTIVAL: Summer celebration of Japan’s art, culture and cuisine, Aug. 15-17. Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee St. 312-943-7801.
KOREAN STREET FESTIVAL: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 16; Bryn Mawr Avenue between Kedzie and Kimball Avenues. 773-583-1700.
NO CRIME DAY FESTIVAL: Noon-7 p.m. Aug. 16; Washington Park, 57th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. 773-978-0868.
LINCOLN SQUARE CAR SHOW: Antique and classic cars, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 17; Lincoln Square, Lincoln, Lawrence and Webster Avenues. 773-728-3890.
CHICAGO AIR AND WATER SHOW: Aerial and aquatic acrobatics featuring civilian and military air and watercrafts, Aug. 23, 24; Grant Park, Columbus Drive and Jackson Boulevard. 312-744-3370.
“NEW” EDISON PARK FEST: Sidewalk sale, arts and crafts sale, Taste of Edison Park Food Fair, raffle, bingo, live entertainment, children’s activities. Free admission. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 23-24. 6800 block of Northwest Highway and 6700 block of Olmsted Avenue, Chicago. 773-631-0063.
RANCH TRIANGLE’S GOOSE ISLAND MICROBREW FEST: Windy City Chili Cook-off, live music, children’s entertainment, noon-dusk Aug. 23, 24; 1800 N. Clybourn Ave. 773-472-9046.
CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL: Aug. 28-31, see summer roundup in the Music segment. 312-744-3370.
TASTE OF POLONIA: Aug. 28-Sept. 5. Polish food, music and dance will be presented at the Copernicus Center 5216 W. Lawrence Ave. 773-777-8898.
September
REHAB CHALLENGE 5K RUN/WALK, KIDS’ DASH AND 10K WHEELCHAIR RACE: Start times are as follows: 8:15 a.m., 10K wheelchair race; 9 a.m., 5K run/walk; 10:15 a.m. kids’ dash, Sept. 6. Start and finish at Columbus and Roosevelt Drives. Proceeds benefit Wadsworth Wirtz Sports Program. $10-$20 includes T-shirt and post-race brunch. 773-868-3010.
BERGHOFF OKTOBERFEST: Sept. 9-13; Adams Street between State and Dearborn Streets. 312-427-3170.
20TH ANNUAL FEAST OF SAN GENNARO: An Italian street festival celebrates the patron saint of Naples with food, entertainment and carnival. 6-11 p.m. Sept. 12; noon-11 p.m. Sept. 13; noon-11 p.m. Sept. 14; Little Italy neighborhood, Morgan and Taylor Streets. 312-458-0648.
MISERICORDIA’S FAMILY FESTIVAL: Ethnic food, music and entertainment, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 7; 6300 N. Ridge Rd. Proceeds benefit Misericordia. $5 adults; $3 children, seniors in advance; $7 adults; $4 children, seniors at door. 773-973-6300, ext. 2270.
26TH STREET MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE: Sept. 14; 26th Street from Albany Avenue to Kostner Avenue. 773-521-5387.
VIVA! CHICAGO LATIN MUSIC FESTIVAL: Latin music from local, national and internationl artists, Sept. 13, 14. Columbus Drive and Jackson Boulevard. 312-744-3370.
LINCOLN SQUARE APPLE FEST: Live music, food and fresh veggies and fruit, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 13; Lincoln Square, Lincoln, Lawrence and Western Avenues. 773-728-3890.
CHINATOWN MOON FESTIVAL: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 14; Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road. 312-326-5320.
GERMAN-AMERICAN FEST: Dancing, entertainment and German food, 6:30 p.m.-midnight Sept. 19; 2 p.m.-midnight Sept. 20; noon-11 p.m. Sept. 21; Lincoln Square, Lincoln, Lawrence and Western Avenues. 773-728-3890.
PARK NEWBERRY FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS: Classical, ethnic music and food vendors; art auction and preview party, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 26; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 27, 28. Washington Square Park, Dearborn, Walton and Clark Streets at Delaware Place. $2 donation adults; $1 children 5-15. 312-642-7007.
HARVEST FESTIVAL: Sept. 27; Dr. German House, 10924 S. Prospect Ave. 773-881-1831.
11TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL: Theme: “Games, Giggles and Grins,”; learn the different and similiar ways that kids around the world have fun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 27, 28; Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave. 312-527-1000.
AIDS WALK CHICAGO: Begins at Monroe Harbor, proceeding 6.2 miles along the lakefront. 8:30 a.m. registration Sept. 28. 312-422-8200.
QUIGLEY FESTIVAL: Storytellers, chefs from 15 Michigan Avenue-area restaurants, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 28; Quigley Seminary, Rush and Pearson Streets. $15; $2 children under 16. 312-787-8625.
