Tear this out, pin it up, save it all summer: Fest season is fast approaching, and we’ve got the goods to help guide you through it. Mark your calendars now and check metromix.com often for more information and updates.
MAY
10th Annual Lakeview Mayfest
Noon-4 p.m. May 20. Noon-10 p.m. May 21-22. $5. Ashland and Barry Avenues, 3100 N. Ashland Ave. 773-665-4682
In 10 words or less: music, food, beer
Don’t miss: the Miss Mayfest Competition, the pet parade
Need a break? Rest weary feet and cool off with a cocktail at nearby Bungalow Lounge (1622 W. Belmont Ave. 773-244-0400).
JUNE
21st Annual Chicago Gospel Music Festival
June 3-5. Free. Millennium Park, 55 N. Michigan Ave. 312-744-3370
In 10 words or less: More than 40 gospel groups perform.
Don’t miss: The Williams Brothers, The Rance Allen group
Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival
Noon-10 p.m. June 4-5. TBA donation. Sheffield and Belmont Avenues, 3200 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-868-3010
In 10 words or less: bands, booze, vendors
Need a break? Sheffield’s (3258 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-281-4989) offers one of the neighborhood’s nicest beer gardens.
22nd Annual Chicago Blues Festival
June 9-12. Free. Grant Park, 300 S. Columbus Drive. 312-744-3370
In 10 words or less: world’s largest free, outdoor blues event
Don’t miss: Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Mavis Staples
What readers say: “The best free entertainment I’ve had in a long time.” –Anil Gopi
40th Annual Andersonville Midsommarfest
11 a.m.-10 p.m. June 11-12. $5. Foster Avenue and Clark Street, 5200 N. Clark St. 773-665-4682
In 10 words or less: international fest with Swedish flavor; food, pet parade, music
Need a break? Hop into the Hopleaf (5148 N. Clark St. 773-334-9851); this bar stocks more than 200 international brews.
What readers say: “The musical variety offered … is awesome: R&B, country, folk and, of course, rock.” –C. Lee
Taste of Randolph Street
5-10 p.m. June 17. 2-10 p.m. June 18-19. TBA donation. Randolph Street and Racine Avenue, 1200 W. Randolph St. 312-458-9401
In 10 words or less: live music, plus plenty of eats from area restaurants
What readers say: “Slightly crowded one-way traffic, but interesting vendors and music. Good people watching of 20- to 30-year-old crowd.” –Marlene Suvada
JULY
Old St. Patrick’s World’s Largest Block Party
5-10:30 p.m. July 15-16. $35-$40. Madison Street and Des Plaines Avenue. 650 W. Madison St. 312-458-9401
In 10 words or less: World’s largest block party. Enough said.
What readers say: “Been going for the last four years and have proposed marriage each time. Might as well make it No. 5.”
–Sean O’Reilly
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Noon-10 p.m. July 30-31. TBA donation. Lincoln Avenue from Fullerton to Wrightwood Avenues, 2400 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-868-3010
In 10 words or less: Six-block fest features music and more than 300 vendors.
Need a break? Take a load off in the cool, serene, white-walled Gramercy (2438 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-477-8880).
AUGUST
Northalsted Market Days
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 6-7. TBA donation. Halsted Street between Belmont Avenue and Addison Street, 3500 N. Halsted St. 773-868-3010
In 10 words or less: live music, queer-friendly crowd, food and vendors
What readers say: “A place to see and be seen.” –Rick
11th Annual Retro on Roscoe
Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 13-14. $5. Roscoe Street from Damen to Hoyne Avenues, 3400 N. Damen Ave. 773-665-4682
In 10 words or less: “flashback” weekend with antique car show, food and music
Need a break? Grab a barstool and a beer at low-key neighborhood hang Village Tap (2055 W. Roscoe St. 773-883-0817).
SEPTEMBER
African Festival of the Arts
10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 2-5. $10-$30. Washington Park, 5100 S. Cottage Grove Ave. 773-955-2787
In 10 words or less: Celebrate Africa’s influence on music, food and arts.
What readers say: “The highlight of the festival each year is the Saturday night concert, which always features a top-flight R&B or old-school headliner. It’s a great way to spend Labor Day weekend.” –C.J.
85th Annual German-American Festival
Sept. 9-11. Free. Lincoln Square, 4700 N. Lincoln Ave. 630-653-3018
In 10 words or less: German ale, German eats, German oom-pah-pah
Don’t miss: the annual Von Steuben Parade
Need a break? Top off the evening with a pint at local haunt Heuttenbar (4721 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-561-2507).
Celtic Fest Chicago
Sept. 17-18. Free. Grant Park, 300 S. Columbus Drive. 312-744-3370
In 10 words or less: ninth annual salute to Celtic music, dance and tradition
Need a break? Stroll over to nearby pub Kitty O’Shea’s (720 S. Michigan Ave. 312-294-6860) for a plate of fish and chips.
On schedule
Don’t miss these citywide favorites
Chicago Outdoor Film Festival
June 12-Aug. 23. See metromix.com for days and times. Free. Butler Field, 100 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-744-3315
In 10 words or less: classic movies screened at dusk in the park
Don’t miss: “Citizen Kane,” “E.T.,” “Star Wars”
What readers say: “A great time overall, makes me glad to live in Chicago. Guys, this is a very good spot to bring a date (just pack a little picnic).” –Brad
Taste of Chicago
June 24-July 4. Free. Grant Park, 300 S. Columbus Drive. 312-744-3315
In 10 words or less: food, food and more food; plus big-name music acts
Don’t miss: Lauryn Hill, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Santana, Los Lonely Boys
What readers say: “There are many ways to save [money] at the Taste: You can bring your own sodas; buy cheaper tickets beforehand at Dominicks; and they have cheaper taste portions that you can get at most stands.” –Marlena G.
Pride Fest
Noon-9 p.m. June 25. TBA donation. Halsted Street and Waveland Avenue, 3700 N. Halsted St. 773-868-3010
Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade
Noon-3 p.m. June 26. Free. Halsted Street and Belmont Avenue, 3200 N. Halsted St. 773-348-8243
In 20 words or less: Day 1: LGBT community celebration with music, food, drink; Day 2: 36th annual parade with floats, bands, politicians
Need a break? Keep the party going after-hours at Hydrate (3458 N. Halsted St. 773-975-9244), open until 4 a.m., 5 a.m. Saturdays.
