Ultimate 2015 Neighborhood Street Festival Guide

Summer is right around the corner, making up for the months of brutal winter we endured. With summer comes one of the absolute best parts of relishing in the city of in Chicago – neighborhood street festivals. From sidewalk sales to garden walks, art shows, tastings and fairs, this list has something for every weekend to fill your calendar with great food, art and live music this summer:

MAY

Mayfest
When: May 15 – 17
Where: Lakeview | 3100 North Ashland Ave.
Hours: Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Admission: $10
What the city says: Mayfest kicks Chicago’s street festival season in to high gear with their 20th annual celebration, bringing fun, music, and food to Lakeview.

Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest
When: May 23 – 24
Where: Lakeview | 3200 N. Sheffield Ave.
Hours: Noon – 10 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 donation benefits Central Lake View Merchants Association)
What the city says: This popular warm weather festival in the heart of the Lakeview neighborhood unofficially kicks off Chicago's summer outdoor street fest season.

Do Division Street Fest & Sidewalk Sale
When: May 29 – 31
Where: Wicker Park | 2000-2200 W. Division St. – Division St. at Damen Ave.
Hours: Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, Noon-10 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 suggested donation)
What the city says: This annual Chicago street festival mixes music, shopping and fun under the summer sun.

Millennium Art Festival
When: May 29 – 31
Where: The Loop | N. Michigan Avenue and E. Lake Street
Hours: Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
What the city says: Located two blocks from Chicago’s bustling Millennium Park, the Millennium Art Festival returns to downtown Chicago’s iconic Michigan Avenue for its fifth year.

JUNE

Pilsen Food Truck Fest
When: June 6 – 7
Where: Pilsen | 18th & Allport Streets
Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Admission: Free
What the city says: New this year is Pilsen Food Truck Fest, which will feature and benefit the Illinois Food Truck Association. On June 6 & 7, up to 40+ food trucks from around Illinois will congregate in Pilsen and serve up sample size portions of their best eats in a festive and entertaining atmosphere!

Andersonville Midsommarfest
When: June 12 – 14
Where: Andersonville | 5200-5500 N. Clark St.
Hours: Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Admission: Free ($10 suggested donation)
What the city says: Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015, this beloved annual event, which according to ChicagoPride, will “help kick off the Chicago summer neighborhood street festival season” and will gather eager Chicagoans for a weekend filled with flavorful international food, lively entertainment, unique artisans and vendors, and a family-friendly array of interactive activities.

Ribfest Chicago XVII
When: June 12 – 14
Where: Northcenter | 4000 N. Lincoln Ave.
Hours: Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, Noon-10 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 suggested donation)
What the city says: Nationally-recognized food and music festival attracts 70,000 attendees to enjoy three nights of fun, 50,000 lbs of pork, 20 local and nationally-touring bands, RibMania, Kids Square, and more.

Old Town Art Fair
When: June 13 – 14
Where: Old Town Triangle | Wisconsin and N. Lincoln Ave.
Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission: Free ($7 suggested donation)
What the city says: This is #1 Art Fair in Chicago, top ten in nation. 66th year with 250 juried artists, range of art mediums. Held in Old Town Triangle, nationally recognized historical Landmarked District.

Wells Street Art Festival
When: June 13 – 14
Where: Old Town | 1600 N. Wells St.
Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Admission: Free ($7 gate donation)
What the city says: Iconic early-summer art extravaganza in the historic Old Town neighborhood features the works of nearly 250 juried artists from across the nation.

Fiestas Puertorriquenas (Puerto Rican Festival)
When: June 18 – 21
Where: Humboldt Park | W. Division Street and N. California Avenue
Hours: Thursday & Friday, 3-10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, Noon-10 p.m.
Admission: Free
What the city says: This festive 33rd annual celebration of Puerto Rican culture and heritage features food, music, arts & crafts, carnival rides and more.

Taste of Randolph
When: June 19 – 21
Where: West Loop | 900-1200 W. Randolph St.
Hours: Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, Noon-10 p.m.
Admission: Free ($10 suggested donation)
What the city says: This street festival returns to Chicago’s West Loop for its 19th year. As the city’s leading annual celebrations, this three-day cross-cultural celebration will mix extraordinary food, brilliant artisans and diverse musical offerings.

Pride Fest
When: June 20 – 21
Where: Halsted Street in Boystown
Hours: N/A
Admission: Free (Voluntary donation accepted at entrance into festival)
What the city says: The annual Pride Celebration commemorates the rebellion of LGBT patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York City's Greenwich Village in response to a routine police raid on June 27, 1969. Following the two-day festival is the world-famous Chicago Pride Parade, which takes on Sunday, June 28.

6 Corners BBQ Fest
When: June 20 – 21
Where: Portage Park | Milwaukee Avenue, Irving Park Road & Cicero Avenue
Hours: Saturday, Noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, Noon-8 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 gate donation benefits local arts organizations)
What the city says: The Six Corners district in the heart of Portage Park celebrates Father's Day weekend at this 5th annual neighborhood fest.

Gold Coast Art Festival
When: June 20 – 21
Where: Loop| Butler Field in Grant Park
Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 suggested donation)
What the city says: The Gold Coast Art Fair is heralded as the “Granddaddy of American Art Festivals” and is rated as one of the top 30 shows in the nation by Sunshine Artist magazine.

Green Music Fest
When: June 20 – 21
Where: Wicker Park | Damon Avenue between North Avenue & Schiller
Hours: Noon-10 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 suggested donation)
What the city says: One part music, one part environment is the recipe behind the annual Green Music Fest.

Elston Avenue Sausage Fest
When: June 27 – 28
Where: Irving Park | 3800 N. Elston Ave.
Hours: Noon-10 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 gate donation benefits neighborhood parks and schools)
What the city says: Encased meats will be in the spotlight at this all new fest just two blocks north of the busy intersections of Addison Street and Elston Avenue.

JULY

Windy City Ribfest in Uptown
When: July 3 – 5
Where: Uptown | 4700 N. Broadway
Hours: Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, Noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, Noon-9 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 gate donation benefits Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown)
What the city says:Saucy fun is what this 7th annual fest is all about! There will tasty slabs from top Chicago and national ribbers.

International Festival of Life in Union Park
When: July 3-5
Where: Union Park | 1501 West Randolph Street
Hours: 12 p.m. until 10 p.m. each day. 
Admission: $20 at the gate until 4 p.m. and $25 after 4 p.m.
What It Is: IFOL is a full family festival with several components and activities, including more than 200 vendors and entertainers such as Tessanne Chin of "The Voice" fame and Chante Moore, among others. 

Square Roots – Craft Brew & Music Experience
When: July 10 – 12
Where: Lincoln Square | 4400-4560 N. Lincoln Ave.
Hours: Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, Noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, 12 Noon-9 pm
Admission: Free ($10 suggested donation)
What the city says: Renowned craft brew and music festival attracts 30,000 attendees to enjoy three nights of fun, 70 performances, 40 craft flavors and limited release brews, and more!

13th Annual “I Have A Vision” Community Gospel Festival
When: July 11
Where: Bessemer Park | 8930 S. Muskegon Ave.
Hours: Noon-10 p.m.
Admission: Free
What the city says: The annual event will provide the community with one full day of family fun, food, games, a gospel concert and other activities – free of charge.

Roscoe Village Burger Fest
When: July 11 – 12
Where: Roscoe Village | Belmont and Damen
Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Admission: Free ($10 gate donation benefits the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce)
What the city says: The savory patty and a rockin' music lineup are in the spotlight for Roscoe Village's 6th annual burger extravaganza.

Taste of Lakeview
When: July 11 – 12
Where: Lakeview | 3200 N. Lincoln Ave.
Hours: Saturday, Noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, Noon-9 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 suggested donation)
What the city says: Located in the heart of Lakeview, at 3200 N. Lincoln Avenue at Belmont, this event is the epitome of iconic Chicago neighborhoods.

West Fest
When: July 11 – 12
Where: West Town, Chicago Ave. btwn. Damen and Paulina
Hours: 12 Noon-10 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 suggested donation)
What the city says: West Fest is known best for its cutting edge music. West Fest provides the stage to show why West Town is one of the hottest up-and-coming neighborhoods in the city.

Pitchfork Music Festival
When: July 17 – 19
Where: Union Park | Ashland Avenue and Lake Street
Hours: Friday, 3-10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 12 Noon-10 p.m.
Admission: $65 for one-day pass or $150 for three-day pass
What the city says: Three days each summer in Chicago’s Union Park, the internationally recognized Pitchfork Music Festival presents over 40 bands, highlighting the best in new and emerging music.

Taste of River North
When: July 17 – 19
Where: River North | Kingsbury and Erie Streets
Hours: Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, 12 Noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 suggested donation)
What the city says: Now in its 14th season, the Taste of River North will feature River North’s best collection of restaurants and chefs in a party-like atmosphere – along the picturesque riverfront setting of beautiful Ward Park.

The 5th Annual Taste of WVON
When: July 18
Where: Ingleside | Lorraine Dixon Park | 87th St. and Dauphin
Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free
What the city says: WVON 1690AM presents it’s Fifth Annual Taste of WVON – a fun-filled day-long festival featuring great food, merchants, a children’s pavilion, and live entertainment for the whole family! Admission is free.

Chicago Craft Beer Festival
Where: July 18 – 19
Where: Lincoln Park |2200 N. Sheffield Ave.
Hours: Noon-10 p.m.
Admission: $40-$45 for daily tasting passes
What the city says: More than 100 specialty microbrews from Chicago, the region and the nation will be showcased at this fourth annual beer lover's paradise in the Lincoln Park/DePaul neighborhood.

El Gran Festival Colombiano
When: July 18 – 19
Where: Jefferson Park | Copernicus Center | 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
Hours: Noon-10:30 p.m.
Admission: $10; children under the age of 12 free with paid adult admission
What the city says: El Gran Festival Colombiano is an annual two-day family event showcasing amazing aspects of Colombian culture, including live entertainment, delicious food offerings, family activities, and creative arts and crafts.

Sheffield Music Festival & Garden Walk
When: July 18 – 19
Where: Lincoln Park |2200 N. Sheffield (at Webster)
Hours: Noon-10 p.m.
Admission: Free ($7-10 tour donations benefit the Sheffield Neighborhood Association)
What the city says: More than 80 of the neighborhood's lush residential gardens will be open for the public to explore at this iconic event that is celebrating its 47th year in 2015.

Chinatown Summer Fair
When: July 19
Where: Chinatown |2200 S. Wentworth (at Cermak Road)
Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free
What the city says: This iconic and popular annual celebration of Far East Culture returns for its 37th festive year. It features the Dragon & Lion Dance Procession, artisans, plenty of great cuisine, activities for families and children, and more.

Taste of Lincoln Avenue
When: July 25 – 26
Where: Lincoln Park | Lincoln and Fullerton Avenues
Hours: Noon-10 p.m.
Admission: Free ($8 gate donation benefits the Wrightwood Neighbors Association)
What the city says: One of the city's most iconic summer street happenings celebrates its 32nd year in 2015. The sprawling fest takes place over several city blocks in the heart of Lincoln Park.

Wicker Park Fest
When: July 25 – 26
Where: Wicker Park| Milwaukee Avenue between North Avenue and Paulina Street
Hours: Noon-10 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 suggested donation)
What the city says: The festival described as the “best street fest” by Chicago magazine and one of the Top 10 summer festivals by Chicago Tribune returns for a 12th consecutive year to the Milwaukee Avenue corridor.

AUGUST

EdgeFest
When: August 1 – 2
Where: Edgewater | 5900 N. Broadway (at Thorndale Avenue)
Hours: Saturday, Noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 gate suggested donation)
What the city says: Edgewater pulls out all the stops for this street festival in the middle of Broadway Ave featuring two live music stages, local vendors, and the best food in the neighborhood from local restaurants.

Chicago Hot Dog Fest
When: August 7 – 9
Where: Lincoln Park | 1601 N. Clark St.
Hours: Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 gate suggested donation)
What the city says: The fabulous frankfurter will be celebrated at this third annual outdoor event at the south end of Lincoln Park that benefits the Chicago History Museum. Also features a music stage and kids' activities.

60th Annual Ginza Holiday Festival
When: August 7 – 9
Where: Lincoln Park | 435 W. Menomonee St.
Hours: Friday, 5:30-9 p.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: $7 for adults; $6 for students and senior citizens; special 3-day pass $15 (Saturday after 7:00 p.m., $12 for Yoko Noge concert)
What the city says: A large Japanese festival featuring stage performances, master craftspersons from Japan, merchandise, Japanese cultural displays and food. Yoko Noge and Japanesque will play on Saturday night.

Retro on Roscoe
When: August 7 – 9
Where: North Center | 2000 W. Roscoe
Hours: Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, Noon-10 p.m.
Admission: Free ($10 gate suggested donation)
What the city says: Referred to by Patch as a “Generation X haven”, Chicagoans looking for a blast from the past don’t need to look further than the 20th annual Retro on Roscoe festival. Go back in time with music enthusiasts, families, and gearheads for a fun-filled weekend.

Wrigleyville Summerfest
When: August 8 – 9
Where: Wrigleyville | 3309 N. Seminary Ave.
Hours: Saturday, 12 Noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, Noon-9 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 gate suggested donation)
What the city says: Batter up! It’s time to take the mound for the 13th annual Wrigleyville Summerfest along with fest fanatics in one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods.

Festa Italiana
When: August 13 – 16
Where: West Side | Taylor Street at Ashland Avenue
Hours: Thursday, 5-10 pm; Friday & Saturday, 12 Noon-11 pm; Sunday, 12 Noon-10 pm
Admission: Free ($5 gate suggested donation)
What the city says: Festa Italiana will fill your senses with la dolce vita of Italy. The 10th annual Festa stretches along Taylor Street between Ashland Avenue and Racine Street. Longtime family-owned restaurants and neighborhood newcomers will offer some of the best food in the city.

Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest
When: August 15 – 16
Where: Rogers Park | Glenwood and Morse Avenues
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Admission: Free
What the city says: Experience art of all disciplines, music, theater, food and drink on the cobblestone streets of the Glenwood Avenue Arts District in Chicago’s historic Rogers Park neighborhood.

Clark After Dark
When: August 20
Where: River North | Hubbard Street at Clark Street
Hours: 4-10 p.m.
Admission: Free ($10 suggested donation)
What the city says: Show your patriotism long after the 4th of July by coming out to Clark After Dark. Sport your red, white and blue or camo for this spirited festival!

Albany Park World Fest
When: August 22 – 23
Where: Albany Park | Lawrence and Kimball Avenues
Hours: Saturday, 12 Noon-10 pm; Sunday, 12 Noon-9 pm
Admission: Free ($5 gate donation benefits Albany Park Neighbors)
What the city says: The eclectic northwest side neighborhood will celebrate its melting pot diversity at this 2nd annual festival. Features global music, food, arts & crafts and carnival rides.

Chicago Food Social
When: August 22 – 23
Where: West Town | Milwaukee Avenue between Divison Street and Noble
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 suggested donation)
What the city says: This year Chicago Food Social moves to West Town – smack down the middle of Milwaukee Avenue! In addition to the best mix of local food trucks, chef driven restaurants and live music programmed by Empty Bottle Presents, Chicago Food Social 2015 will now also feature the renowned Frontier Oyster Shucking Competition.

Taste of Greektown
When: August 22 – 23
Where: Greek Town | 400 S. Halsted St.
Hours: Noon-11 p.m.
Admission: Free
What the city says: Hellenic pride will take center stage when this annual culinary fest in Chicago's West Loop returns for its 26th year.

Chicago Fashion Fest
When: August 29 – 30
Where: Wicker Park | 1900-1700 W. Division St. between Damen Avenue and Paulina Street
Hours: Noon-10 p.m., Wicker Park After Dark runway shows 8 p.m.
Admission: Free ($5 suggested donation)
What the city says: Chicago Fashion Fest outdoor runway show, in Wicker Park’s and West Town’s neighborhood, that features a live music stage, an extravagant runway stage, fashion shows an outdoor shopping experience featuring 50+ exclusive booths of Chicago’s local fashion designers, boutiques and salons.

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