Have you ever noticed as July starts to roll in, people become uneasy with this feeling that summer is almost over? Like, June is gone, and I haven't done a thing! No worries, we're here to quell your anxiety with a long list of summer worthy events and festivals coming your way! Hitting the summer festival circuit in Chicago is almost a right of passage . . . they're a time honored summer tradition and the ultimate hang spot with your crew. They also serve as a great opportunity to vibe with locals and make new lifetime connections, or at least until you meet up again . . . on the festival circuit. Chicagoans love our festivals!
Chicago festivals are the casual, immersive cultural events of the season since nearly every neighborhood in the city has them. From Lincoln Park to Pilsen, Lakeview East, Andersonville, West Town, Fulton Market District, downtown, and just about every neighborhood in between - and that's what makes every festival a little special - the local neighborhood flavor that comes into every event! Some may boast similar offerings, but they are strikingly individual at the same time!
1) Grant Park Music Festival. Now - August 16
Up your sophistication level with some classical music at the Grant Park Music Festival now through Aug. 16. Celebrating 90 years, this event is a beloved tradition in the heart of downtown Chicago. The festival features the Grant Park Orchestra and a selection of renowned conductors and musicians. It's music to our ears. And it's free.
Light up your experience with a picnic in the park and grab some dim-sum to go at MingHin Cuisine, or bite into some hearty sandwiches from old school diner, Eleven City Diner.
2) Chicago Food Truck Fest. Every Friday - Oct 3
Who doesn't love a little culinary magic on wheels? Find the goods at Daley Plaza every Friday this summer. And it's not just one truck! Some of the trucks you'll find are Soul & Smoke, El Azteca, Whadda Jerk, and Cajun Connoisseur. The trucks change weekly! The Chicago Food Truck Fest is rolling now. Don't walk, run! It's the ultimate culinary adventure on wheels and a great way to start the weekend.
3) Millennium Park Music Series. Now - Aug 7
Head downtown to the reknowned Pritzker Pavillion at Millennium Park every Monday and Thursday evening to enjoy an extensive collection of genres from established to emerging artists. Click the link for the schedule. We highly recommend this event to guests - it's authentically Chicago . . . and it's FREE! Grab a bit from Millenium Hall at the park (or get it to go), or get something to go from Chicago favorite, Godess & the Grocer - right around the corner from ACME.
4) Chicago Pride Parade June 29
Following up the celebrations of Chicago Pride Fest, show your Pride as the Chicago Pride Parade steps off on June 29th in Boystown. As one of the largest Pride celebrations in the US, it's become a long beloved Chicago tradition. Come out and show the love - Stand together for all the fun and pageantry - As the Beatles famously sang, All you need is love . . .
5) Millennium Park Summer Film Series July 1 - Aug 26
While not technically a "festival". It certainly is an event you need to know about! The Millennium Park Summer Film Series is a local favorite. Why? Because you're watching movies at the stunning Pritzker Pavilion in a beautiful park in the middle of the city, on a Tuesday! Dope! Some of the featured films this summer are The Sandlot, Love and Basketball, Wicked, and Pride and Prejudice.
Grab a blanket, and take a picnic with some Italian eats from Eataly (3 doors down from ACME), or make it more of a classic movie experience with a Tub of popcorn nirvana from the world famous Garrett Popcorn (It's on your way). The Chicago Mix? Yes, please!
6) Windy City Smoke Out July 10/11/12/13
It's nickname is Chicago's County Music Festival. We call it the Bomb. Coz' it's two of our favorite things mashed up into summer! Sounds delicious, right? The event features 20 of the best BBQ joints from across the US . . . local faves include, Green Street Smoked Meats, Smoque BBQ, and Art Smith's Reunion. From Arizona, Hogapalooza, Daynes Craft BBQ from Texas, and Pappy's Smokehouse, from St Louis. And a whole lot more.
Don't worry about a food coma, cause the line up will keep you buzzing. Headliners include Kane Brown, Old Dominion. Bailey Zimmerman and Megan Moroney - It all happens outdoors at the United Center. This one? get to it!
7) Chicago Gospel Festival July 12
While some of us are across town smackin' down some BBQ, for those who love gospel music well, you've hit the jackpot too! The Chicago Gospel Festival returns to bring the joy of gospel music to the public - and it's free. Noon - 9pm. Don't miss this awe-inspiring event. Sit, relax, and enjoy the splendor of the Chicago skyline as your backdrop. Millennium Park.
8) Southport Art Fest July 12/13
Spend a day at the Southport Art Fest and enjoy the sheer talent of local artisans. The fest includes live music, food from local restaurants, and all the art your eyes can take in.
Tucked away on the north side, just a few blocks from Wrigley Field, The Southport corridor is a charming neighborhood boasting plenty of restaurants. If shopping is a your bag - you'll find plenty of independent boutiques peppered along the street. Two of our favorites are Alice & Wonder, featuring women's apparel and chic accessories - Their tagline, Pretty Fun Things - just about says it all. Another favorite is Batik, with a stylish collection of fashion, home accessories, and baby things. Of course Buck Mason is a timeless choice for Men & women's apparel. And there's plenty more in the Southport neighborhood!
9) Taste of River North July 18/19
Just steps from ACME, we can almost taste it! Enjoy the eclectic cuisines from some of River North's most delicious eateries like Joy District, Le Grand Boucheri, Moe's Cantina, and more. There's even a DOG PARADE! So book a room at ACME (Dog friendly), and make it an all-nighter with your dog. You can basically roll outta bed and be there from ACME!
10) Tacos Y Tamales Festival. July 18/19/20
Celebrating rich hispanic and latin culture, Pilsen's Taco Y Tamales Festival is brimming with Live music, endless Tacos, tamales, dance and more.
Authenticity is the word that best describes the historic Pilsen neighborhood . . . with its rich hispanic culture and known for its award winning restaurants, home to the Chicago arts district, 16th street murals where you'll find some of the boldest, most beautiful artwork in the city, it's no wonder that Forbes named it one of the coolest neighborhoods around the world. While you're there explore, and immerse yourself in the colorful culture.
11) West Fest July 18/19/20
One of Chicago's more eclectic neighborhoods brings you West Fest! Located in West Town, the festival includes a kids fest and dog fest rolled into one. Of course there will be plenty to eat and drinks. Plus, what's a festival without live music? The neighborhood (it's ain drag is Division St.), is known for their bumper crop of vintage shops - So if you're a fan of hip yesteryear fashion, check out Lost Girls, Store B Vintage, and Richards Fabulous Finds. Really, it's all pretty fabulous!
12) Roscoe Village Burger Fest July 18/19/20
The Burger's are so good, they had to extend Burgerfest 3 days! Grab the el and get to Roscoe Village, one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city. Not only will you find some of the best burgers in the city - you'll find two Live music stages and a ton of arts and crafts for sale by local artisans.
While you're there explore, and immerse yourself in the colorful culture. - check out the quaint shops Lazy Dog Antiques. If you're into interior design, mosey through Kenneth Ludwig for great finds and inspiration! Or take a burger break and lose yourself in Roscoe Books - An independent neighborhood bookstore. Shop local!
13) Taste of Lincoln Avenue July 25/26
You'll find plenty to savor from the epicenter of Lincoln Park. Celebrating its 40th year, Taste of Lincoln Avenue is a big deal in Chicago. What do you get? An amazing line up of bands, local food favorites, arts, crafts and some of the best people
watching you'll find! There's even a Whiskey & Spirits tasting (tickets sold separately) and of course . . . a Dog parade! If you skip any fests this summer, don't let it be this one! Sidenote: Many future spouses have met at this very festival - - - just sayin'!
Jump on the red line at Grand right around the corner from ACME!
14) Lollapalooza July 31 - Aug 3
Well, there's not much we can tell you about this juggernaut of the summer that you don't already know! Lollapalooza is one of the largest music events in the US. So, how about we just name drop some of the must see headliners! Tyler the Creator, Luke Combs, Gracie Abrams, Olivia Rodrigo, Korn, DJO, Rufus, Sabrina Carpenter . . . and about 100 others . . . If you haven't been - we impel you to experience Lala at least once, coz IYKYO. From ACME, turn right out of he hotel. Walk 2 1/2 blocks to Michigan Avenue - hang a right, cross the bridge - and you're there! Easy! No tickets? Phone a friend!
15) Northalsted Market Days August 8/9/10
It lasts for 3 days, but you won't forget it for years! Celebrating the community, Market Days is a 1/2 mile long music festival with 5 stages. Eat, drink, dance to your hearts content. And the musical line-up is ridiculously on point featuring KeKe Palmer, David Archuleta, Saucy Santana, and lots more! Hit the link for dates and times of shows. ACME - Red Line to Wellington. You're there!
16) Bulls Fest August 23/24
If you're a Chicago Bulls fan, make a full court press to get to Bulls Fest! There will be lots of food and drink, a 3 v 3 tourney, and most importantly, a chance to meet a bunch of Chicago Bulls legends! And, entry is FREE! Don't forget to check out the merch . . . lots of merch - some exclusive, will be available for purchase! Presented by Foot Locker, it's at the United Center.
17) Chicago Jazz Festival Aug 28/29/30/31
FOUR free days of some of the best jazz music you'll find north of the Mason Dixon. Headliners include Monty Alexander, a Jamaican American Jazz pianist who tours the world. The festival will also feature the jazz stylings of Kermit Ruffins, Esperanza Spalding, and Ari Brown. The Jazz festival has been part of Chicago's culture for 40 years . . . and is a must see when visiting the city! It's at Millennium Park . . . and ACME is an easy walk.
Jazz up your experience with a nearby meal - The Gage is located directly across from Michigan avenue for what they call refined, rustic cuisine. You might also try the popular Cindy's Rooftop, known for having a delectable menu, rivaled only by the views from its all-season terrace. You'll need reservations for both!
If the festival gets you jonesing for even more Jazz, head up to Chicago's premier Jazz destination, The Green Mill - A little history, back in the day, this was known as a big hang out for the notorious, Al Capone and his crew.
18) West Loop Art Fest Aug 31 - Sept 1
The vibrant West Loop neighborhood shows up for this 2 day festival featuring 100 artists, live music, a glass-blowing workshop (cool), and great eats by local restaurants. Beyond that, it's a great reason to explore this revitalized urban-chic neighborhood just west of downtown.
The West Loop, also known as restaurant row boasts some of the most exciting spots in the Chicago culinary scene. While you're there, plan a meal at Rose Mary (imagine Italian with a Croatian kicker), Au Chaval , a small hip diner with the best burger, like ever - or Maxwell's Trading, voted best new restaurant in 2024.
19) Printers Row Lit Fest Sept 6/7
The Chicago Lit Fest has been enchanting Chicago for 40 years. It's a free event that celebrates literature, authors, and culture. This year, the featured headline speaker is award-winning writer, novelist, essayist, Sandra Cisneros. Her novel, The House on Mango Street sold over 7 million copies. Expect lots of food, drinks, a full line-up of speakers. Consider it as a day spent enriching your soul!
You'll love the diverse and cultural vibe of the south loop with rich history where old warehouse buildings have been trransformed on the inside to authentic loft living today. Grab a Cuban coffee and sandwich at Cafecito, indulge in a pizza from local favorite, Roots Pizza, or spice up the day at Chicago Curry House. From ACME, hop on the Red Line at Grand, and head south.
20) Lakeview East Festival of the Arts September 13/14
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts is one of Chicago's most iconic neighborhood festivals. Boasting 120 juried artists in every medium imaginable from jewelry to sculpture, photography, and paintings, plus two music stages, and amazing local cuisine.
The Lakeview East community is on the north side and is adjacent to the Lakefront trail along Lake Michigan, with a bike path and running /walking path with the most amazing views of the lake and downtown. Make arriving on the scene part of your adventure by renting a Divvy electric scooter or Bike and take in the gorgeous lakefront!
21) Riot Fest 2025 September 19/20/21
Riot Fest turns it up in Douglass Park with a Kick-A line-up of Blink 182, Weezer, Green Day, Sex Pistols, Bad Religion, and lot's more. Expect a hot, high octane experience of Live music, and everything else that comes with a major music festival experience!
So there you have it . . . the ultimate proof that summer doesn't end in June! Pick your face up off the ground and cross check calendars with your crew and get to Chicago for some of the most unique fun of the summer. And don't forget - When you book direct with ACME, you save the MOST!