Even though we’re expecting a rush of cold weather this week, we can’t help but look forward to the next couple of months, especially summer! Luckily, we don’t have to guess what the summer festivals in Chicago will be this year. The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has released a list of all the noteworthy events and summer festivals in Chicago.
This year, the Chicago Blues Festival will kick off the summer festivities on June 5, featuring performances throughout the city, including at the Ramova Theatre and Millennium Park. Here’s a list to get you excited about the summer ambiance and all the upcoming activities!
Chicago Blues Festival
📍 Location: Ramova Theatre, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and throughout Millennium Park
🗓️ Dates: June 5-8
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
📍 Location: Jay Pritzker Pavilion
🗓️ Dates: July 12
Chicago SummerDance
🗓️ Dates: TBA June–September
📍 Location: Citywide, including pop-ups and special events
Chicago Air and Water Show
📍 Location: North Avenue Beach & Lakefront
🗓️ Dates: August 16-17
Chicago House Music Festival and Conference
📍 Location: Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, Spirit of Music Garden and Riverwalk
🗓️ Dates: August 22-23
Chicago Jazz Festival
📍 Location: Citywide, including the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park
🗓️ Dates: August 28-31
Taste of Chicago
There will also be three additional neighborhood Taste events in Marquette Park (June 28), Pullman Park (July 19) and Albany Park (Aug. 9).
📍 Location: Grant Park
🗓️ Dates: Septemeber 5-7
World Music Festival Chicago
📍 Location: Citywide, including the Chicago Cultural Center
🗓️ Dates: September 26-October 5
Head to the DCASE website for all the Chicago summer festival details.