May 9, 2017 | Lifestyle
The Windy City comes alive in the warmer months, with fun music, food, and crafts festivals flooding the streets and parks nearly every weekend. Look forward to these 10 cant-miss events.
There’s a reason the Windy City is known as the global blues capital. Catch Gary Clark Jr., William Bell, and Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues at the largest free blues festival in the world. The fest, which is usually held in Grant Park, will make its Millennium Park debut this year. June 9-11, Millennium Park
Pick your poison at this boozy beach bash. Food trucks will also be serving up snacks to cure any cravings. June 24, Montrose Beach
Food and music combine at the lakefront for the 37th annual Taste. Sample good eats from renowned Chicago chefs while you listen to performances by Alessia Cara, Passion Pit, and Ben Harper. July 5-9, Grant Park
Booze, barbecue, and country music—what could be better? Witness the likes of country music stars Jake Owen, Lee Brice, Jana Kramer, and the Eli Young Band as you snack on pulled pork and ribs from 13 pitmasters from around the country. July 14-16, 560 W. Grand Ave.,
Rock and hip hop fans will fall for this indie festival’s lineup, which features headliners A Tribe Called Quest, Solange, and LCD Soundsystem. July 14-16, Union Park
Sip on more than 70 specialty beers crafted by over 35 local and national breweries. Plus, there will be live music. July 22-23, 1010 W. Webster Ave., Lincoln Park
Chicago’s famed music festival features plenty of can’t-miss shows this year. Headliners include everyone from Lorde to Blink-182 to our favorite hometown hero, Chance the Rapper. Grab a group of friends and make a weekend out of it. August 3-6, Grant Park
Local artists, open studios, and live tunes unite at this annual Rogers Park neighborhood fest. Browse handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and clothing from nearly 150 artists, or catch a musical or theater performance. August 18-20 Glenwood Ave. and Morse St., Rogers Park
Put on your dancing shoes and head to Millennium Park for the 39th annual jazz fest. This go-round, the city will pay tribute to 100 years of jazz icons Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonius Monk. August 31-September 3, Millennium Park
Celebrate African culture on Labor Day Weekend, when Washington Park transforms into a simulated African village. Drumming, museum-quality artifacts, colorful textiles, and interactive experiences make this event one you don’t want to miss. September 1-4, Washington Park
COURTESY City of Chicago (Jazz Festival); Jeff Marini (Windy City Smokeout)
