By Chloe Konrad By Chloe Konrad | April 1, 2022 | Lifestyle Feature
From Taste of Chicago to Lollapalooza, the Windy City knows how to throw a good fest. Don't forget to mark these 11 standouts on your calendar.
Chicago Blues Festival
The annual Blues Festival is a summertime must for music fans. Pay tribute to the city's oldest musical tradition, and listen to some of the best blues, soul, R&B, gospel, rock and hip hop creators in Millennium Park. June 9-12, Millennium Park
Taste of Chicago
Summertime in the city is not complete without a stop at Taste of Chicago—the world's largest food festival. The main event will take place in Grant Park for three days, but this year featuring a smaller-than-usual selection of 30 to 40 eateries in accordance with COVID protocols. Don't want to wait to get your grub on? Head to the three pop-up events throughout the city this June. Grant Park, July 8-10; pop-ups June 11, 18, 28, multiple locations
Pitchfork
Pitchfork is an annual tradition at Union Park. This year's lineup ranges from The National on Friday to Japanese Breakfast on Saturday and The Roots on Sunday. There's also no shortage of great cuisine from local vendors. Go just one day or all three—the choice is yours. July 15-17, Union Park
Lollapalooza
Chicagoans and visitors from around the world just couldn't get enough of Lollapalooza—so they added a fourth day in 2016. The iconic fest taking over Grant Park each year always offers a stellar lineup on all nine stages, as well as some of the city's best bites. This year, more than 170 acts including headliners Dua Lipa, Green Day and Machine Gun Kelly are on the roster. July 28-31, Grant Park
Windy City Smokeout
Known for its country music and out-of-this-world barbecue, Windy City Smokeout is a guaranteed good time. Headliners this year include big names like Miranda Lambert, Willie Nelson and Family, Sam Hunt and Tim McGraw. Don't miss the BBQ Brunch on Sunday, an enormous gathering for the love of the grill. Aug. 4-7, Outside of United Center
Northalsted Market Days
This year is the street festival's 40th iteration, and it features a half-mile of six stages and 250 vendors selling arts, crafts, and food and drink. Grounded in values and appreciation for the LGBTQ+ community, Northalsted Market Days began in 1982 in the city's first recognized gay village. Performers this year include Todrick Hall, Greyson Chance and Trixie Mattel. Aug. 6-7, Northalsted from Belmont to Addison on N. Halsted St.
Ribfest
Chicago foodies love this North Center festival, Ribfest. Entering its 22nd year, the event will have 50,000 pounds of pork, more than 30 food vendors for the more than 60,000 attendees. Roam the vendor-filled stretch of Lincoln Avenue and take in the wafting aromas and tastes of some of the world's best barbecue. Aug. 19-21, 4000 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago Air & Water Show
Chicago's Air & Water Show is a beloved tradition that draws thousands to the lakefront each year. One of the few festivals that can be partially viewed from most buildings in the city, this action-packed event thrills with spectacular plane maneuvers and boat shows. Aug. 20-21, North Avenue Beach
Chicago Jazz Festival
Another one of the city's top music fests is the Chicago Jazz Festival. With the goal of bringing awareness to the art of jazz and providing access to all, this Labor Day tradition has hosted some of the best musicians in the biz for the past 40 years and is a perfect way to close out the summer. Sept. 1-4, Millennium Park
World Music Festival Chicago
The World Music Festival Chicago has been a cherished event since 1999, and since then it has featured musicians from more than 30 countries each year. Well-known instrumentalists and emerging artists will perform at venues all over the city this year. Guests can hear everything from traditional Indian music to Afrobeats at this high-energy event. Sept. 30-Oct. 30, multiple locations
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
The best way to ring in the holidays is at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. Each year, Chicagoans gather in celebration of the holiday season where Michigan Avenue is decked with thousands of lights, along with a parade to kick things off. Stay until the end for an awe-inspiring fireworks show. Nov. 19
Photography by: Photo by Greg Noire for Lollapalooza 2021
