Must-attend summer festivals
ChicagoPride.com
June 10, 2017
Andersonville Midsommarfest kicked off Chicago's summer neighborhood street festival season on June 9, unofficially opening that time of year to enjoy some sun, fine art, music - and, of course, people watching.
Here's where to look for some summer fun in Chicago!
Andersonville Midsommarfest kicked off Chicago's summer neighborhood street festival season on June 9, unofficially opening that time of year to enjoy some sun, fine art, music - and, of course, people watching.
Here's where to look for some summer fun in Chicago!
The two-day festival held a week before the city's annual Pride Parade is a celebration of the city's LGBT community. Music stars Taylor Dayne, Thelma Houston and Kristine W. are among the entertainment line-up, featuring a mix of national acts, local talent and a new Pride Pageant, making for 2 full days of non-stop entertainment in Boystown. Pride Fest takes place 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 17 and 18. Donations benefit the Northalsted Business Alliance and The Legacy Project.
Where: North Halsted from Addison to Grace
Cost: $10 (donation)
Now in its 48th year, the Chicago Pride Parade will step off at noon on Sunday, June 25 at Broadway and Montrose, then the 150 festive and colorful entries will march the 21-block parade route before ending on Diversey in Lincoln Park. "Orange is the New Black" star Lea DeLaria will serve as this year's Grand Marshal.
Another cool Pride event that takes place in Chicago's diverse and vibrant Andersonville neighborhood, the outdoor women's festival Backlot Bash Chicago June 24 and 25.
Where: 5238 N. Clark (Behind Cheetah Gym)
Cost: $20 - $100 (tickets)
Pride North (Rogers Park)
Also on Sunday, June 25, Chicago's far north side gets into the act with the Pride North street festival in the Glenwood Arts District just off the Morse Red Line stop. The chill festival from noon until 2 a.m. and includes plenty of great entertainment.
Top local and national ribbers will again mix saucy slab offerings that are complemented with an eclectic music lineup from Friday June 30 - Sunday, July 2. Noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday - Noon to 9 p.m. Benefits Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown.
Where: 4800 N. Broadway
Cost: $5 (donation)
LCD Soundsystem, A Tribe Called Quest and Solange are headlining this longstanding Chicago music festival, July 14-16.
Where: Union Park
Cost: $75 (single-day passes); $175 (three-day passes)
The Midwest's largest street festival returns Aug. 12 and 13 as Northalsted Market Days 2017 takes over Boystown. Donations benefit the Northalsted Business Alliance and The Legacy Project.
Where: North Halsted from Belmont to Addison
Cost: $10 (donation)
The arts festival features over 100 artists open studios, and live entertainment on three outdoor stages. The festival kicks off Aug. 18 with the Friday Night Cobblestone Jam and is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 and Sunday, Aug. 20.
Where: 6900 N. Glenwood Ave. (Glenwood Avenue Arts District)
Cost: Free
In its 13the year, the art fair features more than 150 artists, live music and family activities.
Where: Broadway (between Belmont and Hawthorne
Cost: $5 (donation)
The neighborhood festival celebrates local artists specializing in ceramics, photography and handmade jewelry. There will also be live music, food and beverage options, a student art show and a puppy costume parade.
Where: 1040-1190 W. Granville Avenue
Cost: $5 (donation)