The City of Chicago released a 2019 Chicago-area festivals list Tuesday.
Want a head start to planning your adventures for next year? We've got you covered.
Here's a list, along with all the information you need to know with festivals to look forward to once the new year rings:
21st Annual Chicago Kids and Kites Festival (May 4, 2019 at Cricket Hill in Lincoln Park; Lake Shore Dr. and Montrose Dr.)
Considered “a timeless spring tradition,” according to the City of Chicago. Free kite kits will be available for children to construct, decorate and fly (while supplies last), along with other family activities (professional kite flying demonstrations, face painting, balloon artists and the Big Kite Candy Drop) weather permitting.
Chicago Memorial Day Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony (May 25, 2019 at State St. from Lake St. to Van Buren St.)
Local
Meant to honor all men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country. The parade is preceded by a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the eternal flame on Daley Plaza.
2018 Chicago Fall Festival Guide
4th Annual Chicago House Music Festival (Memorial Day Weekend, 2019 in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.; Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.; and other citywide locations)
Various sounds and styles of house music including DJs and live performances will showcase the musical form born in Chicago.
34th Chicago Gospel Music Festival (May 31–June 1, 2019 in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.; and Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.)
Considered the largest free, outdoor gospel music festival of its kind—this festival features local and national artists from traditional choirs to contemporary urban styles.
36th Annual Chicago Blues Festival (June 7–9, 2019 in Millennium Park; 201 E. Randolph St.)
Features live music performances of over a hundred national, international and local artists celebrating the city’s rich Blues tradition while also highlighting the genre’s contributions to soul, R&B, gospel, rock hip-hop etc.
Millennium Park Summer Music & Film Series (June–Aug., 2019 in Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion; 201 E. Randolph St.)
Enjoy the free outdoor movies and concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Simply grab a seat in the pavilion or bring a picnic for the Great Lawn.
23rd Annual Chicago SummerDance (Wednesdays–Sundays, June 27–Aug. 24, 2019 in Grant Park; Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan Ave.; and other Chicago Park District locations)
Considered the largest outdoor social dancing series in the United States. Individuals of all ages and dance skill levels are invited to take part in introductory, one-hour dance lessons by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing. Swing, waltz, cha-cha...or simply enjoy the music in the series that culminates at the SummerDance Celebration, highlighting the city’s diverse dance community in Millennium Park on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019.
39th Annual Taste of Chicago (July 10–14, 2019 in Grant Park; Jackson St. & Columbus Dr.)
The nation’s premier free outdoor food festival, showcases the diversity of Chicago’s dining scene, alongside a smorgasbord of cooking demonstrations, music concerts, dance performances, art activations, family activities and more.
61st Annual Chicago Air and Water Show (Aug. 17–18, 2019 at North Avenue Beach; 1600 N. Lake Shore Dr.)
Considered one of the largest and longest-running free admission events of its kind. The annual show features military and civilian flight aerobatics, historic aircraft, simulated water rescues and parachute teams.
41st Annual Chicago Jazz Festival (Aug. 23–Sept. 1, 2019 in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.; Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.; and other citywide locations)
The festival showcases the top jazz artists from Chicago and around the world across the city during new, extended festival dates. The Chicago Jazz Festival is programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago.
21st Annual World Music Festival Chicago (Sept. 13–29, 2019 in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.; Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.; and other citywide locations)
The multi-venue festival features award-winning artists from around the world, including 50 artists and ensembles representing over 20 countries and regions of the world.
106th Annual Christmas Tree and Holiday Celebrations (November—December 2019 in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.)
The ceremony includes the official Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting, with some holiday tunes at Caroling at Cloud Gate on Friday evenings and gliding across the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink.
