Summertime in Chicago is not complete unless you’ve attended at least one festival or event in the city. It’s a great way to truly experience the best in food, people and places the Windy City has to offer.
Here’s our guide for events and festivals going on throughout Chicago this summer on the weekend.
With hot temperatures on tap for Father's Day weekend, this particular guide comes in handy if the beaches and public pools are overcrowded. There is something for everyone.
For Dad…
Father’s Day BBQ at Brookfield Zoo
When: Starts at 12 p.m. on Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices range from $29 to $49
Buzz: Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet with BBQ strip loin, baby back ribs, and chicken. Seating is limited and reservations required.
For International Flavor…
2012 Fiesta Puertorriquenas in Humboldt Park on 1440 N. Sacramento Avenue
When: 2 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Admission: Free
Buzz: In its 30th year, this festival remains deeply rooted in Puerto Rican pride. Music, food, art vendors, carnival rides and much more to do at the festival.
Puerto Rican Pride Parade downtown on Columbus and Balbo Drives
When: Begins at 12:00 p.m. Saturday
Admission: Free
Buzz: The parade offers a taste of Puerto Rico through floats, folk dancers, reggaetón music groups and salsa dancers.
Lincoln Park Greek Fest on 2701 N. Sheffield, Chicago, IL
When: 12 p.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday and 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday
Admission: Donation (Coupon available for $5 off food and one free beer)
Buzz: This Greek festival promises to deliver kefi, the Greek word used to describe a fun and lively atmosphere. Enjoy Mediterranean food catered for both carnivores and vegetarians while listening to music and looking at artwork. Opa!
For Foodies…
Taste of Randolph in the West Loop on Randolph Street from Peoria to Racine
When: 12 p.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday and 12p.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday
Admission: $10
Buzz: This 15th Annual Street Festival is for anyone who loves Chicago street festivals, wants to take in live music, check out cool merchants and enjoy food from some of the best restaurants in the city.
Chicago Pizza Fest in Uptown on Wilson Avenue and Broadway
When: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Admission: $5 Suggested Donation
Buzz: Sample some of Chicago’s finest deep dish, thin crust and gourmet pizzas at this festival, which is makes it come back this weekend after a three-year hiatus.
Oakley Festa Pasta Vino on Oakley Avenue and 24th Street
When: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday
Admission: Unknown
Buzz: Enjoy authentic cuisine and wine at this 23rd annual block party celebrating Italian food and culture.
6 Corners BBQ Fest in Portage Park on Milwaukee Avenue near Irving Park Road and Cicero
When: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday
Admission: $5 suggested donation
Buzz: This BBQ Fest is looking to break a Guinness World Record for the most people wearing sunglasses in the dark for ten minutes on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in the Portage Theater. Singer/songwriter Corey Hart will introduce the event and lead into his 1983 cult top 10 classic “Sunglasses at Night.”
For Laughs...
Just for Laughs – Check out website for locations
When: Various times on Saturday and Sunday. See website for more information
Admission: Varies. Please check website for more admission
Buzz: Enjoy some of the best comedians to Chicago but the lineup is no joke. Featuring acts such as Hannibal Buress, Patten Oswalt, Jeff Ross, Vince Vaughn, Kevin Smith and many more.
For Music Lovers...
Journeys Backyard Barbeque in Orland Square at Orland Square Mall
When: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday
Admission: Free
Buzz: Some of the world’s best pro action sports athletes will tear it up alongside new music artists at the east parking lot of Orland Square Mall.
Spring Awakening Music Festival at Soldier Field
When: Saturday and Sunday
Admission: $120 for a 2-day pass; $200 VIP 2-day pass
Buzz: Skrillex, Afrojack, Benny Benassi, Moby, Flux Pavilion, and Carl Cox are just a few of the electronic dance music (EDM) headliners taking the stage for this all dance festival at Soldier Field.
For Fun...
Navy Pier Fireworks
When: 10:15 p.m. Saturday
Admission: Free
Buzz: Fireworks blast off over Lake Michigan and can be seen all along the lake while enjoying the skyline. But those who make the trip to the pier will enjoy music to go with the fireworks show.
Custer's Last Stand Art Festival in Evanston on 600 Main Street
When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Admission: Donations
Buzz: This kid-friendly festival features 250 artist and craftspeople, 150 local businesses, and more than 30 food vendors celebrates it’s 41st year on the North Side this weekend.
If you end up attending one of theses events, don’t forget to share the experience and send us a picture through Twitter using the hashtag #Chicagogram or emailing it to isee@nbcchicago.com. We may select your picture to use in a photo gallery or in next weekend's guide, so be sure to include your name and where the picture was taken.
