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Best Festivals in Chicago: Summer 2016
By Stefanie Strothmann | Student Reporter
Festival Season is here! It’s the perfect time to enjoy great food, warm weather, and live music and create some new memories. Listed below are must-see festivals for this summer!
- Millenium Art Festival
This fest is one of the “Top 50 Art and Design shows” rated by Sunshine Artist Magazine. It has live music, local food vendors, and more than 100 artists showcasing photography, art, jewelry, and the list goes on.
Admission: Free
Lake Street at Michigan Avenue; Friday, June 8: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, June 9: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, June 10: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. - Andersonville Midsommarfest
This festival has been around for more than 50 years! It features live music, dancing, kid’s entertainment, and, of course, delicious food. Restaurants providing food include: Andies Restaurant, Calo Restaurant, Doughy Delights, Hamburger Mary’s, and many more.
Admission: $10 donation supporting innovative programming, events, and services in the community
Clark Street between Foster Avenue and Catalpa Avenue; Friday, June 10: 5 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, June 11: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, June 12: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. - Chicago Blues Festival
This festival, right off the Jackson stop, features a variety of classic tunes and is a chance to get in touch with Chicago culture. This year’s lineup includes Peaches Stanton, Eddie Shaw, Toronzo Cannon, and many more. The festival closes with a tribute to Otis Rush.
Admission: Free
Grant Park; Friday, June 10: 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 11: 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 12: 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. - Ribfest
Ribfest has more than 15 vendors solely dedicated to cooking the best ribs. The “ribcrawl” allows you to try a variety of different ribs to select a winner! Food Network’s Anthony Anderson listed it as one of the 10 best fests in USA Today.
Admission: $5 suggested donation to North Center philanthropy and community programs
Lincoln Avenue, Irving Park Road, and Damen Avenue; Friday, June 10: 5–10 p.m.; Saturday, June 11: 12–10 p.m.; Sunday, June 12: 12–10 p.m. - Chicago Food Truck Fest
Food trucks are beloved in Chicago. This event features more than 40 food trucks. Food ranges from Chicago-style pizza to Cajun food. Finish the festival off with some sweet treats that include donuts, cupcakes, and gelato. There also is a variety of outdoor games to participate in.
Admission: Free
2400 South Dearborn Street; Saturday, June 25: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, June 26: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. - Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Love red meat? This festival appeals to burger lovers all across the city! The Burger Fest features live music on two stages throughout the day.
Admission: $10 donation fee that benefits Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce
Clybourn Avenue between Diversey Parkway and Wellington Avenue; Saturday, July 9: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, July 10: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. - Wicker Park Fest
Right off the CTA Blue Line, Wicker Park Fest is an annual music festival with cutting-edge musical acts, celebrated local restaurants, and unbeatable culture.
Admission: $10 donation that benefits the community
North Avenue and Damen Avenue; Saturday, July 24: 12 p.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, July 25: 12 p.m.–10 p.m - Celebrate Clark Street Festival
This festival is a cultural explosion and features an eclectic lineup of world music. The food also highlights the diversity of the Rogers Park community with food from Senegal, Greece, and many regions of Latin America.
Admission: $5 per person
Clark Street between Morse Avenue and Estes Avenue; Saturday, July 16: 1 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Sunday, July 17: 1 p.m. -10 p.m.
