Once the blistering winds take a back seat to spring sunshine, the city of Chicago becomes the spot for lively street festivals. Ranging from food fests to nationally-ranked music festivals (Lollapalooza and Riot Fest), entire blocks of our fair city become a destination spot for everything culture.
Chad Honeycutt of The Northalsted Business Alliance suggests that street festivals are of the plenty because of the city’s diversity.
“Chicago’s diverse population creates the perfect environment for street festival culture,” says Honeycutt. “Each community has its own flavor and identity, and therefore its own way to celebrate summer when the weather is prime for outdoor activities.”
With a wave of festivals ready to splash onto the scene, mark your calendars—our favorite season is here.
Taste of Chicago: July 11-15
Celebrate the diversity of Chicago’s dining community at the 38th annual Taste of Chicago. This outdoor summer food fest features a wide array of tastes from around town, from classic bites to ethnic finds. In between bites, guests can immerse themselves in local culture by ambling through Street Art & Graffiti Alley with live paintings by local artists or by experiencing live performances by local dance companies at The Stomping Grounds Chicago area. Nosh on a few of Chicago’s favorites and park it in front of the stage for live music every night. Admission to the festival is free, but taste tickets are available for purchase.
Windy City Smokeout: July 13-15
Award-winning country music and world-renowned barbecue? Throw on your country best because Windy City Smokeout is returning for its sixth consecutive year. The Academy of Country Music Awards-nominated festival held at Grand Avenue along the Chicago River, offers a weekend full of live music from country’s biggest names like Brett Young and Brothers Osborne, paired with craft brews and finger-lickin’ barbecue.
Culling ‘cue from around the country, the 2018 lineup features returning pitmaster champs paired with newcomers, including Barb-B-Que from Brooklyn and Home Team from Charleston. Going beyond ‘cue, the festival will also feature Nashville hot chicken from The Budlong and Tex Mex from Chicago’s very own Hondo Taqueria. With curated events from the “Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer” to a once-in-a-lifetime cooking class with barbecue legends, all we can say is yee-haw! Offering day and full weekend passes, tickets start at $40 for general admission. VIP tickets start at $175 and include access to an elevated area next to the stage, express entrance, and on-site concierge service.
Lollapalooza: August 2-5
Eight stages, 170 local and international bands, and food from over 35 award-winning local chefs and restaurants—that’s Lollapalooza for you. The four-day internationally recognized festival returns to Grant Park the first weekend in August. From rock to pop to indie beats, this year’s star-studded lineup includes Arctic Monkeys, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, and hundreds of other bands. For noshing needs, head to “Chow Town” for Chicago favorites, including MAD Social and The Smoke Daddy. There is even a mini fest for kiddos, Kidzapalooza. Tickets are on sale now, but they are going fast!
Food Bowl: August 8-26
Originating from Los Angeles, the three-week-long festival, Food Bowl, is coming to Chicago. Presented by Chicago Tribune, Food Bowl will collaborate with national and international culinary talent, including chefs, restaurateurs, mixologists, and more. Presenting over 100 curated happenings all across the city, these culinary-forward events will include specialty classes, pop-up bars, test kitchens, and food panels.
The festival concludes with a three-day “Night Market” held at The Lakefront Green at Theatre on the Lake. Over 30 of Chicago’s favorite restaurants will participate in the street food market so guests can get a taste of new restaurants and/or rediscover classic haunts. Stay in the know by visiting ctfoodbowl.com.
Northalsted Market Days: August 11-12
Encompassing six blocks of Chicago’s Boystown/Lakeview neighborhood, more than 180,000 people will descend onto Halsted Street for the return of Northalsted Market Days—an event sure to be jam-packed all weekend long. Over 400 vendors will be on-site, filling the area with bites from area restaurants, unique art, live DJ sets and dancing, and of course, fun! The annual two-day festival wouldn’t be complete without live entertainment, and Market Days impresses with live music and acts on five stages placed throughout the festival. With 30-plus years under its belt, Market Days is something to celebrate.
By Morgan Carter
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