Chicago summers get pretty busy—between concerts, food, and neighborhood festivals, it’s almost impossible to keep up with what’s happening in the city. We’ve created this list so you’ll never miss out on whatever you are drawn to—country music, house music, vintage shopping… and so on. Here is our Chicago Festivals 2024 guide.
June Festivals
Summer Smash (June 14-16)
📍Location: SeatGeek Stadium
👀 What we can expect in 2024: The premier hip-hop music festival, Summer Smash is back! This expansive music festival has three incredible stages, premium food, bars, vendors, and art installations throughout. Listen to your favorite artists, such as Cactus Jack, Playboi Carti, Chief Keef, and more!
Hyde Park Summer Fest (June 17-18)
📍Location: Hyde Park
👀 What we can expect in 2024: This festival began in 2014 as Hyde Park Brew Fest and has expanded into a community-centric festival. One of the best music festivals in Chicago, the lineup features some of the best artists from around the globe, including 2 Chainz, Robert Glasper, Tobe Nwigwe, and others.
Juneteenth Village Fest (June 15)
📍Location: North Lawndale
👀 What we can expect in 2024:Juneteenth Village Fest highlights Black communities’ resilience, solidarity, culture, and progress in Chicago and around the US. The Fest will feature musical performances by Angie Stone, Talib Kweli, Marsh Ambrosius, and more, along with local performers, food vendors, a Ferris wheel, carnival rides, and community-based organizations.
Chicago Pride Fest (June 22-23)
📍Location: Lakeview
👀 What we can expect in 2024: This legendary Chicago street festival is held in Lakeview annually and features live music at three stages, food and drinks, art vendors, giveaways, and so much more. Join thousands of others to celebrate LGBTQ+ during Pride Month.
July Festivals
Windy City Smokeout (July 11-14)
📍Location: United Center
👀 What we can expect in 2024: This annual outdoor fest takes place outside the iconic United Center and combines barbecue and country music into one legendary Chicago weekend. Indulge in savory southern delights and enjoy the impressive musical lineup featuring country superstars and up-and-coming talent.
West Fest (July 12-14)
👀 What we can expect in 2024: West Fest Chicago is one of the only festivals in Chicago that reflects the eclectic West Town community. Head to West Town and enjoy neighborhood restaurants, local artists, cutting-edge live music programmed by Empty Bottle Presents, and electric music sets from Bass By The Pound DJ Stage.
📍Location: West Town
📅West Town, July 7-9
Roscoe Village Burger Fest (July 19-21)
📍Location: Roscoe Village
👀 What we can expect in 2024: This tasty annual fest will partner with at least a handful of Chicago eateries that is sure to impress every burger aficionado. Along with more than a dozen burger options, there will be two stages of rockin’ music, arts, and crafts.
Colombian Fest (July 19-21)
📍Location: Humboldt Park
👀 What we can expect in 2024: The summer festivals in Chicago bring joy to all who enter, and the Colombian Fest is no expectation. This Chicago summer event celebrates the love for Colombian and Latin Culture through song, dance, food, and community.
Faces of Fitness (July 27-28)
📍Location: River North: Fitness Festival Field
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Get ready for an incredible fitness festival at Faces of Fitness Chicago! This year, the event spans two days and features a diverse range of top studio classes, expert instructors, and wellness activities for all fitness levels.
Attendees can participate in unlimited classes and indulge in complimentary swag, experiential offerings, and engaging activities provided by over 60 sponsors. It’s an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in a holistic wellness experience and connect with like-minded fitness enthusiasts.
August Festivals
Lollapalooza 
Photo: Taylor Regulski for Lollapalooza📍Location: Grant Park
👀 What we can expect in 2024: One of the largest music festivals in Chicago and the country, Lollapalooza is an annual American four-day event in Grant Park featuring trending artists’ hip-hop, techno, and alternative rock performances. The lineup this year includes Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Odesza, and more.
Bronzeville Neighborhood Jazz Festival
📍Location: Martin Luther King Drive from 39th to 37th
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Head to the Bronzeville Neighborhood Jazz Fest to dance to the tunes of jazz music and celebrate the rich history. Curated by music manager Frank Goss, the festival pays homage to the historical neighborhood of Bronzeville, known for its rich music history of Jazz and Blues. The music lineup includes Buddy Fambro, Marqueal Jordon, Joan Collaso, and Smooth Willie Fultz, featuring Skinny Williams.
Dancing in the Streets
📍Location: West Town
👀 What we can expect in 2024: West Town Brewing District’s Dancing in the Streets will highlight West Town’s beer scene with a vast selection of craft beer, live music, dancing, and local food vendors and makers. If you’re a follower of Dead and Company or any jam band, this festival is for you—which was even named after Grateful Dead Song; you’ll be swinging to the tunes of soft rock. The lineup includes Rock & Rye, Peach Jam, Terrapin Flyer, Old Shoe, and more.
Thirsty Ears Festival
📍Location: Uptown
👀 What we can expect in 2024: For two days, Wilson Street between Hermitage and Ravenswood is closed to feature stellar ensembles and soloists performing music from Beethoven to Shostakovich to Reich and everything on the main stage.
Chicago Ducky Derby
📍Location: 401 N Michigan Ave
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Every summer, tens of thousands of yellow ducks splash into the Chicago River in a lip-biting race to the finish line to raise money for Special Olympics. Flock to the downtown area and line up on bridges and along the riverwalk to watch the spectacle, with many adopting a duck or five in the hope of winning big and supporting the Special Olympics in the process.
Bud Billiken Parade
📍Location: 3509 S King Drive
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Every summer since 1929, “The Bud” has united African-Americans throughout the city of Chicago in music, dance, food, and laughter. It’s one of the only spaces where we can openly and emphatically praise the historic roots that planted us into the South Side of Chicago.
Retro on Roscoe
📍Location: Roscoe Village
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Retro on Roscoe Street will be spread out across six blocks, featuring amazing local food, antique vendors and cool merchants, family-friendly games and activities, and of course, the best hits across three stages guaranteed to keep the party moving.
My House Music Festival
📍Location: Lower West Side
👀 What we can expect in 2024: My House Music Festival is a two-day music experience and nonprofit organization commemorating the origins, growth, and popularity of the House Music Movement. In addition to the wide-ranging styles of house music played throughout the weekend, the Festival will showcase Chicago’s top food trucks in addition to local neighborhood food vendors serving up treats the whole family will love.
Northalstead Market Days
📍Location: Lakeview
👀 What we can expect in 2024: This Chicago festival is a weekend-long, live music street festival celebrating community in Chicago’s landmark Northalsted/Lakeview neighborhood. The 1/2 mile-long summer festival features all-day lineups of live music on five stages, 250+ vendors, food and drink, dance exhibitions, drag performances, and more!
Clark After Dark
📍Location: River North
👀 What we can expect in 2024: The event will feature live music by 16 Candles, Liquidated Damages, and the Moxie Sisters, military vehicle displays, food and drink specials, a raffle, and much more!
Japan Festival Chicago
📍Location: Chicago Cultural Center
👀 What we can expect in 2024: The Japan Festival Chicago is an annual event that celebrates Japanese culture, cuisine, and art. It offers a day of immersive experiences where you can enjoy traditional and contemporary performances such as taiko drumming, dance forms like kabuki, martial arts demonstrations, and live music concerts featuring Japanese instruments. The Chicago festival also showcases a diverse range of Japanese artwork, including paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and origami.
Chicago Air and Water Show
📍Location: Chicago Lakefront
👀 What we can expect in 2024: The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the Golden Knights Army Parachute Team, and multiple other performers will take to the skies from 10 am until 2 pm for two scintillating shows free of charge. This year another full-scale show is expected to attract 2 million spectators who flock to watch the aerial daredevil feats each year.
Chicago Jazz Festival
📍Location: Millenium Park
👀 What we can expect in 2024: The Chicago Jazz Festival returns this Labor Day weekend, promoting all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming. The festival showcases Chicago’s local talent alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and celebrate the city’s most beloved art forms.
September Festivals
ARC Music Festival
📍Location: Union Park
👀 What we can expect in 2024: ARC will be heading into its third year with a glittering lineup of house and techno music talent over three exhilarating summer days. It may as well be designated as a fan-favorite in the global festival circuit. Eric Prydz HOLO, FISHER, and Hot Since 82 are all coming back for the 2023 edition, as are reputed local DJs Derrick Carter, Gene Farris, and Hiroko Yamamura, who all make their third appearance in three years.
North Coast Music
📍Location: SeatGeek Stadium
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Ask any Chicagoan, and chances are they’ve heard of the North Coast Music Festival. The annual house and electronic music festival is held on Labor Day weekend every year and always hosts incredible prominent artists. This year features Alesso, Flume, Marshmello, DJ Snake, and more.
Taste of Polonia
📍Location: Copernicus Center
👀 What we can expect in 2023: The largest Polish festival in America returns to Chicago Labor Day weekend. This annual weekend taste fest offers live music, food, and an entertainment-filled four days. Along with carnivals, games, a casino, exhibits, and more, there will be over 30 vendors serving delicious Polish-forward food, and a craft beer tends to pair with it.
West Loop Art Fest
📍Location: West Loop
👀 What we can expect in 2024: West Loop is a lively and vibrant neighborhood in Chicago, and their annual Art Fest returns Labor Day weekend for its fifth year. It’s a lovely festival for some late summer art shopping. The ambient evening will have a diverse range of art, wine tasting, live music, and more! Whether you want to spend the whole day there or hop to Fulton Market afterward, it will be splendid!
WingOut Chicago
📍Location: Gallagher Way
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Inches from Wrigley Field, Wing lovers can indulge in all the flavors from Chicago’s top vendors while also enjoying adult beverages and live music. From Classic Buffalo, Honey Chili, Jerk, Wood Smoked, Sweet and Spicy, Spicy Garlic, Buffalo Blue, Asian Ginger, Southern BBQ, Habanero Hot and more.
German American Oktoberfest
📍Location: Lincoln Square
👀 What we can expect in 2024: While Chicago isn’t Germany, and we’re a long way from the Hofbräu Haus, you’ll still find authentic German food and traditional drinks at the German American Oktoberfest. Dance to the music of German bands, spend the evening with friends and enjoy a fabulous festival.
Taste of Chicago
📍Location: Grant Park
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Returning to its Grant Park home near Buckingham Fountain for 2023, Taste of Chicago will once again showcase the vibrant diversity of the City of Chicago’s culinary offerings alongside world-class musical performances. Some spectacular food vendors include Tacotlan, Tandoor Char House, Original Rainbow Cone, Yvolina’s Tamales, and more. While the food trucks include Harold’s Chicken, Cynthia’s Gumbo Express, Soul & Smoke, and more!
World Dumpling Fest
📍Location: Logan Square
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Join the Chicago Cultural Alliance to celebrate and experience diverse cultures throughout Chicago and the world through performance, art, and dumplings! You can purchase tasting tickets to sample all the dumplings the event has in store—and trust us, with all the delicious vendors, you might have a dumpling hangover after this.
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts
📍Location: Lakeview
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Get to Broadway ASAP this weekend because the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts will showcase more than 150 juried artists featuring paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry, and more. These original pieces are for sale at a wide range of prices.
Renegade Craft Fair
📍Location: Wicker Park
👀 What we can expect in 2024: At Renegade Craft Fair, you’ll find the best of the best in jewelry, sauces, soap, ceramics, and more! Featuring a sprawling 400+ of the best craft artists, designers, and makers from Chicago and beyond. It’s their 20th time putting together the Flagship Fair, Renegade Chicago, so show up and celebrate with them!
Riot Fest
📍Location: Douglass Park
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Founded in 2005, Riot Fest is one of the most notable Chicago festivals. The multi-day music festival specializes in punk, rock, alternative, metal, and hip-hop. This year comprises unbelievable talent and might be their best lineup yet. With the Foo Fighters, Postal Service, The Cure, Death Cab For Cutie, Turnstile, and more. Also, look out for carnival Rides, amazing food vendors, sideshow performers, and an electrifying atmosphere.
Edgewater Arts Festival
📍Location: Edgewater
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Experience Edgewater’s vigorous art culture while listening to live music from local musicians and bands. Since 2011, the Edgewater Arts Festival has been a space for artists and art lovers, and this year, we expect artist showcases, family-friendly activities, booths with art for sale, delicious food, drinks, and more!
Ravenswood Artwalk
👀 What we can expect in 2024: We love art in Chicago, and if you think you’ve seen it all, think again. Ravenswood ArtWalk (RAW) is a weekend-long celebration of our local creative community. It features open studios and galleries, pop-up performances and activations, and an outdoor art market featuring 50+ local makers, live music and dance, food trucks, and a Malt Row beer garden.
West Loop Bavarian Block Party
📍Location: West Loop
👀 What we can expect in 2024 Another Oktoberfest celebration, the Bavarian Block Party benefits the Haymarket Center. This sober-friendly Oktoberfest is fun for all ages and lifestyles! Grab a brat, don your lederhosen, and get ready for a weekend everyone can enjoy.
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
📍Location: Hyde Park
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Hyde Park Jazz Fest closes the Summer Season with a weekend of incredible music, food, and community. You won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind event that celebrates the culture and impact of Jazz.
Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Chicago Festival (Sept. 30 – Oct. 1)
📍Location: Lincoln Square
👀 What we can expect in 2024: One of the last Chicago festivals before fall has officially commenced. Dozens of vendors participate in this annual event, selling everything from candy apples to scarves and hats. Stop by and pick up a freshly baked apple pie, a bushel of apples, or hot apple cider, or choose from a variety of apple-themed dishes from their local food vendors.
October Festivals
Lincoln Park Wine Fest
📍Location: Jonquil Park
👀 What we can expect in 2024: For the seventh year, Lincoln Park will host its annual wine festival. Jonquil Park will transform into an open-air market featuring wine and food pavilions. If you’re a wine aficionado, this is the Chicago festival for you!
Chicago Beer Festival
📍Location: Field Museum
👀 What we can expect in 2024: The Chicago Beer Festival is on Oct 7th from 7 pm to 11 pm, featuring over 65 breweries. Attendees will get to sample their fall seasonal beers and access to a select number of the museum’s exhibits open to attendees. Early admission is $65 and general admission is $50.
Indigenous Peoples Day Chicago Arts & Music Festival
📍Location: Chop Shop
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Indigenous Peoples’ Day Chicago is an annual, artistic, and cultural event to showcase Native American musicians and officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the City of Chicago. The concert brings together the Native Americans, Indigenous communities, and the general public in Chicago to celebrate a more inclusive holiday.
Slow & Low: Chicago Lowrider Festival
📍Location: Navy Pier
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Established in 2011, Slow & Low: Chicago Lowrider Festival returns to Navy Pier’s Festival Hall to celebrate Lowrider’s heritage. This curated community and cultural exhibition explores and presents lowrider culture as an original form of American folk and contemporary art.
April Festivals (past festivals)
The Other Art Fair (April 11-14)
📍Location: Artifact Events
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Prepare to immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of emerging artists as The Other Art Fair returns for its 6th Chicago edition at Artifact Events from April 11-14, 2024. The Other Art Fair Chicago will feature original works of art from 110+ independent Artists and will kick off with an Opening Night event on Thursday, April 11, Interactive Workshops, Guest Artists, DJ Sets, Art Swap Shop, and so much more.
Northwest Brewfest (April 14)
📍Location: Albany Park
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Northwest Brewfest is a celebration #GlobalRootsLocalHeart with the diverse Brewers on the Northwest side of Chicago. Taking place on April 13th from 12pm to 5pm, Northwest Brewfest will be located Meeting Tomorrow. There are currently 10 local breweries, cideries, and meaderies representing the Northwest Side of Chicago with the list growing everyday. The Tasting Floor will open to General Admission and DD ticket holders at 1 p.m. to provide unlimited samples and unlimited fun!
Chicago Pickle Fest (April 27)
📍Location: Wrigleyville
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Pickles aficionados. Get ready to relish this; Chicago Pickle Fest will be the ultimate festival in Chicago. In honor of this tangy, delicious treat, there will be a street fest-style party at the best bar in Wrigleyville next month! Grab a ticket to the Chicago Pickle Fest—dance to a live band, take a complimentary pickle-back whiskey shot, drink special pickle cocktails & mocktails, and devour a special pickle-focused food menu.
One of a Kind Spring Show (April 26-28)
📍Location: The Merchandise Mart
👀 What we can expect in 2024: The iconic annual One of a Kind Show + Sale is returning for Spring this April 26-28 at THE MART. Shop the booths of 350 talented small business owners, independent artists, and makers all in one place!
May Festivals
Sueños Music Festival (May 25-26)
📍Location: Grant Park
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Prepare to create unforgettable festival memories with a world-class curated experience. The Sueños Stage will feature over 15 talented Reggaeton & Latin artists, including both established giants and the best up-and-coming talent
Randolph Street Market (May 25-26)
📍Location: West Loop
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Calling all vintage lovers. This festival features 200 top independent vendors, makers, dealers, and designers across America. Randolph Street Market features an ultra-curated, high-quality selection of antiques and modern goods ranging from fashion to art, jewelry, décor, retro home furnishings, and more.
Mole de Mayo Street Festival (May 25-28)
📍Location: Pilsen
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Pilsen’s annual street festival, Mole de Mayo, celebrates traditional Mexican mole sauce with a variety of tasty bites, wrestling competitions, traditional dances, performances, and, of course, plenty of delicious sauce!