2015 Chicago Neighborhood Festival Schedule

by Amanda on June 12, 2015

Chicago summer festivals 2015 Amanda McMillan

The summer months in Chicago are some of the greatest anywhere. Our city bustles with activity as urban dwellers and tourists alike take to the lakefront, sidewalk cafes and parks. South Side, North Side and every neighborhood in between, come alive with people, activities and celebration.

Chicago Neighborhood Festivatl Schedule Download ImageThat’s why I’m extremely excited to provide you with this year’s “Chicago Home Partner City Neighborhood Festival Schedule”, available for download by clicking the image on the left.

For many of you long-time residents, the Chicago street festival season has become a timeless tradition. For those of you newer to Chicago, it’s time to get out and experience everything the city has to offer.

Each one of the festivals listed below has something unique and special about it. Great food, excellent music and neighborhood flavor await you every weekend until the leaves begin to change!

So place download this schedule and place it somewhere to remind you that there’s always something to do in Chicago.

June

Pilsen Food Truck Fest
June 6 & 7, 2015
Pilsen, 18th St. and Allport St.
Chicago, IL 60608
11 am-10 pm
FREE Admission
New this year is Pilsen Food Truck Fest, which will feature and benefit the Illinois Food Truck Association including Mr. Truck, the supplier of volvo parts for semi’s. On June 6 & 7, up to 40+ food trucks from around Illinois will congregate in Pilsen and serve up sample size portions of their best eats in a festive and entertaining atmosphere!

Andersonville Midsommarfest
June 12-14, 2015
Andersonville, 5200-5500 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
Friday, 5-10 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 11 am-10 pm
FREE Admission; $10 suggested donation
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015, this beloved annual event, which according to ChicagoPride, will “help kick off the Chicago summer neighborhood street festival season” and will gather eager Chicagoans for a weekend filled with flavorful international food, lively entertainment, unique artisans and vendors, and a family-friendly array of interactive activities.

Ribfest Chicago XVII
June 12-14, 2015
Northcenter, 4000 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
Friday, 5-10 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12 Noon-10 pm
FREE Admission; $5 suggested donation
Nationally-recognized food and music festival attracts 70,000 attendees to enjoy three nights of fun, 50,000 lbs of pork, 20 local and nationally-touring bands, RibMania, Kids Square, and more!

Uptown Saturday Nights
June 13, 2015
Uptown, various locations
Chicago, IL 60640
Second Saturday, April – December, 2015
Free – This new program will bring free concerts, performances and tours to Chicago’s north side neighborhood of Uptown on the second Saturday of each month through 2015.

Old Town Art Fair
June 13 & 14, 2015
Old Town Triangle, Wisconsin and N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
10 am-6 pm
FREE Admission; $7 suggested donation
This is #1 Art Fair in Chicago, top ten in nation. 66th year with 250 juried artists, range of art mediums. Held in Old Town Triangle, nationally recognized historical Landmarked District.

Wells Street Art Festival
June 13 & 14, 2015
Old Town, 1200-1600 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60610
10 am-10 pm
FREE Admission; $7 gate donation
Iconic early-summer art extravaganza in the historic Old Town neighborhood features the works of nearly 250 juried artists from across the nation.

Fiestas Puertorriquenas (Puerto Rican Festival)
June 18-21, 2015
Humboldt Park, W. Division St. and N. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
Thursday & Friday, 3-10 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12 Noon-10 pm
FREE Admission
This festive 33rd annual celebration of Puerto Rican culture and heritage features food, music, arts & crafts, carnival rides and more.

Southport Art Festival
June 18 & 19, 2015
Wrigleyville, 3700 N. Southport Ave. (Southport at Waveland)
Chicago, IL 60613
12 Noon-10 pm
FREE Admission; $5 suggested donation
Festival fans will visit the beautiful tree-lined streets of the picturesque neighborhood. Just steps away from the friendly margins of Wrigley Field, the two-day festival will showcase some of the city’s best and most diverse artists.

6 Corners BBQ Fest – Band performing onstage at the 6 Corners
June 19-21, 2015
Portage Park, Milwaukee Ave., Irving Park Rd. and Cicero Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641
Saturday, 12 Noon-10 pm; Sunday, 12 Noon-8 pm
FREE Admission; $5 gate donation benefits local arts organizations
The Six Corners district in the heart of Portage Park celebrates Father’s Day Weekend at this 5th annual neighborhood fest.

Taste of Randolph
June 19-21, 2015
West Loop, 900-1200 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60607
Friday, 5-10 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12 Noon-10 pm
FREE Admission; $10 suggested donation
The summer’s #1 street festival is returning to Chicago’s West Loop for its 19th year. As the city’s leading annual celebrations, this three-day cross-cultural celebration will mix extraordinary food, brilliant artisans and diverse musical offerings.

Gold Coast Art Festival
June 20 & 21, 2015
Butler Field in Grant Park
E. Monroe St. and S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60605
10 am-6 pm
FREE Admission; $5 suggested donation
The Gold Coast Art Fair is heralded as the “Granddaddy of American Art Festivals” and is rated as one of the top 30 shows in the nation by Sunshine Artist magazine.

Green Music Fest
June 20 & 21, 2015
Wicker Park, Damen Ave. btwn. North and Schiller
Chicago, IL 60647
12 Noon-10 pm
FREE Admission; $5 suggested donation
One part music, one part environment is the recipe behind the annual Green Music Fest.

Gold Coast Greek Fest
June 26-28, 2015
1017 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60610
Friday, 4-10 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12 Noon-10 pm
FREE Admission
This year’s fest features FREE admission, live music and dancing, tours of the magnificent Cathedral, authentic Greek food and pastries, beer, wine and much more.

2015 Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy
June 27, 2015
Ping Tom Memorial Park2015 Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy
300 W. 19th St.
Chicago, IL 60616
8am-5pm
FREE Admission
The race is held at the beautiful and picturesque Chicago’s Ping Tom Memorial Park, with 28 teams competing in this exciting and fast-paced boat tournament.

Elston Avenue Sausage Fest
June 27 & 28, 2015
3800 N. Elston Ave.
Chicago, IL 60615
12 Noon-10 pm
FREE; $5 gate donation benefits neighborhood parks and schools
Encased meats will be in the spotlight at this ALL-NEW fest just two blocks north of the busy intersections of Addison Street and Elston Avenue.

July

African/Caribbean International Festival of Life (IFOL)
July 3-5, 2015
Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60607
12 Noon-10 pm
Advance tickets $17/$25, Season pass $39, VIP $75/$100
The International Festival of Life, is a celebrating the Independence of countries of The Americas, Africa and others July 4th weekend. This is a fun-time event for live entertainment, branding, sampling, tasting and shopping with some 60,000 patrons, over the holiday weekend.

Windy City Ribfest in Uptown
July 3-5, 2015
Uptown, 4700 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
Friday, 5-10 pm; Saturday, 12 Noon-10 pm; Sunday, 12 Noon-9 pm
FREE Admission; $5 gate donation benefits Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown
Saucy fun is what this 7th annual fest is all about! There will tasty slabs from top Chicago and national ribbers.

Square Roots – Craft Brew & Music Experience
July 10, 11 & 12, 2015
Lincoln Square, 4400-4560 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
Friday, 5-10 pm; Saturday, 12 Noon-10 pm; Sunday, 12 Noon-9 pm
FREE Admission; $10 suggested donation
Renowned craft brew and music festival attracts 30,000 attendees to enjoy three nights of fun, 70 performances, 40 craft flavors and limited release brews, and more!

13th Annual “I Have A Vision” Community Gospel Festival
July 11, 2015
Bessemer Park, 8930 S. Muskegon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617
12 Noon-10 pm
FREE Admission
The annual event will provide the community with one full day of family fun, food, games, a gospel concert and other activities – free of charge.

Uptown Saturday Nights
July 11, 2015
Uptown, various locations
Chicago, IL 60640
Second Saturday, April – December, 2015
Free
This new program will bring free concerts, performances and tours to Chicago’s north side neighborhood of Uptown on the second Saturday of each month through 2015.

Roscoe Village Burger Fest
July 11 & 12, 2015
Roscoe Village, Belmont and Damen (2000 W. Belmont Ave.)
Chicago, IL 60618
11 am-10 pm
FREE Admission; $10 gate donation benefits the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce
The savory patty and a rockin’ music lineup are in the spotlight for Roscoe Village’s 6th annual burger extravaganza.

Taste of Lakeview
July 11 & 12, 2015
Lakeview, 3200 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
Saturday, 12 Noon-10 pm; Sunday, 12 Noon-9 pm
FREE Admission; $5 suggested donation
Located in the heart of Lakeview, at 3200 N. Lincoln Avenue at Belmont, this event is the epitome of iconic Chicago neighborhoods.

West Fest
July 11 & 12, 2015
West Town, Chicago Ave. btwn. Damen and Paulina
Chicago, IL 60622
12 Noon-10 pm
FREE Admission; $5 suggested donation
Located in the heart of Lakeview, at 3200 N. Lincoln Avenue at Belmont, this event is the epitome of iconic Chicago neighborhoods.

Pitchfork Music Festival
July 17-19, 2015
Union Park, Ashland Ave. and Lake St.
Chicago, IL 60607
Friday, 3-10 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12 Noon-10 pm
$65/day or $150/three-day
Three days each summer in Chicago’s Union Park, the internationally recognized Pitchfork Music Festival presents over 40 bands, highlighting the best in new and emerging music.

Taste of River North
July 17-19, 2015
River North, Kingsbury St. and Erie St.
Chicago, IL 60654
Friday, 5-10 pm; Saturday, 12 Noon-10 pm; Sunday, 11 am-8 pm
Free Admission; $5 suggested donation
Now in its 14th season, the Taste of River North will feature River North’s best collection of restaurants and chefs in a party-like atmosphere – along the picturesque riverfront setting of beautiful Ward Park.

The 5th Annual Taste of WVON
July 18, 2015
Lorraine Dixon Park, 87th St. and Dauphin (Ingleside)
Chicago, IL 60619
10 am-8 pm
FREE Admission
WVON 1690AM presents it’s Fifth Annual Taste of WVON – a fun-filled day-long festival featuring great food, merchants, a children’s pavilion, and live entertainment for the whole family! Admission is free.

Chicago Craft Beer Festival
July 18 & 19, 2015
2200 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
12 Noon-10 pm
Daily tasting passes from $40-45
More than 100 specialty microbrews from Chicago, the region and the nation will be showcased at this fourth annual beer lover’s paradise in the Lincoln Park/DePaul neighborhood.

El Gran Festival Colombiano
July 18 & 19, 2015
Jefferson Park, Copernicus Center
5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
Chicago, IL 60630
12 Noon-10:30 pm
$10, Kids 12 under free with paid adult admission
El Gran Festival Colombiano is an annual two-day family event showcasing amazing aspects of Colombian culture, including live entertainment, delicious food offerings, family activities, and creative arts and crafts.

Sheffield Music Festival & Garden Walk
July 18 & 19, 2015
2200 N. Sheffield (at Webster)
Chicago, IL 60614
12 Noon-10 pm
FREE Admission; $7-10 tour donations benefit the Sheffield Neighborhood Association
More than 80 of the neighborhood’s lush residential gardens will be open for the public to explore at this iconic event that is celebrating its 47th year in 2015.

57th Dearborn Garden Walk
July 19, 2015
Near North
45 W. North Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60610
12 Noon-5 pm
$30 advance / $35 gate
Join the North Dearborn Association for a glimpse of nearly 20 rear private gardens, an architectural walking tour of historic Dearborn street along with live music throughout select gardens. This year’s designer garden vignette theme is LOVE IN BLOOM: a garden wedding.

Chinatown Summer Fair
July 19, 2015
2200 S. Wentworth (at Cermak Rd.)
Chicago, IL 60616
10 am-8 pm
FREE Admission
This iconic and popular annual celebration of Far East Culture returns for its 37th festive year. It features the Dragon & Lion Dance Procession, artisans, plenty of great cuisine, activities for families and children, and more.

Taste of Lincoln Avenue
July 25 & 26, 2015
Lincoln Ave. and Fullerton Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
12 Noon-10 pm
FREE Admission; $8 gate donation benefits the Wrightwood Neighbors Association
One of the city’s most iconic summer street happenings celebrates its 32nd year in 2015. The sprawling fest takes place over several city blocks in the heart of Lincoln Park.

Wicker Park Fest
July 25 & 26, 2015
Milwaukee Ave. btwn. North Ave. and Paulina St.
Chicago, IL 60647
12 Noon-10 pm
FREE Admission; $5 suggested donation
The festival described as the “best street fest” by Chicago magazine and one of the Top 10 summer festivals by Chicago Tribune returns for a 12th consecutive year to the Milwaukee Avenue corridor.

August

Taste of Polonia Festival
September 4-7, 2015
Jefferson Park, Copernicus Center
5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
Chicago, IL 60630
Friday, 5-10:30 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12 Noon-10:30 pm; Monday, 12 Noon-10 pm
$7, Kids 12 & under FREE
This annual Labor Day weekend festival at the Copernicus Center offers non-stop LIVE MUSIC with over 30 bands, a variety of Polish food, cultural events, performing arts, cooking classes, kid’s zone and fun for all ages.

Shock Top Oyster Fest
September 11 & 12, 2015
Roscoe Village, 2000 W. Roscoe St.
Chicago, IL 60618
Friday, 5-10 pm; Saturday, 11 am-10 pm
FREE Admission; $7 donation benefits Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce
Bring out the oysters. And beer. And great music. Chicago’s popular post-Labor Day happening returns for its 17th “shell-icious” year!

Festival de La Villita (Little Village Festival)
Little Village, 26th St. and Kostner Ave.
Chicago, IL 60623
Friday, 6-11 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12 Noon-11 pm
FREE Admission
Chicago’s Hispanic community will again celebrate Mexico’s independence from Spain as well as South-of-the Border culture at the 26th annual Festival de La Villita (Little Village Festival), one of the Midwest’s premier outdoor gala of Mexican heritage.

Uptown Saturday Nights
September 12, 2015
Uptown, various locations
Chicago, IL 60640
Second Saturday, April – December, 2015
Free
This new program will bring free concerts, performances and tours to Chicago’s north side neighborhood of Uptown on the second Saturday of each month through 2015.

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts
September 12 & 13, 2015
3200-3450 N. Broadway (Broadway and Belmont)
Chicago, IL 60657
Friday, 7-10 pm; Saturday, 10 am-7 pm; Sunday, 10 am-6 pm
FREE; $5 suggested donation
Annual event featuring 150 juried artists, live music, local cuisine, cooking demos, children and family activities. Explore the City’s largest parklet featuring a landscape oasis.

Lakeview Taco Fest
September 19 & 20, 2015
Lakeview, Southport and Addison (3400-3500 N. Southport)
Chicago, IL 60657
11 am-10 pm
FREE Admission; $5 gate donation benefits the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce
The glorious taco will again be celebrated (along with fall brews from Sam Adams) at this popular annual fest in the heart of the Southport Corridor.

Oktoberfest Chicago
September 25-27, 2015
Lakeview, 1429 W. Wellington Ave. (Southport and Lincoln Avenues)
Chicago, IL 60657
Friday, 5-10 pm; Saturday, 11 am-10 pm; Sunday, 11 am-7 pm
$5 admission on Saturday and Sunday benefits St. Alphonsus Church. FREE on Sunday.
15th annual Bavarian celebration in West Lakeview welcomes fall with plenty of food, music, arts & crafts, and activities for children.

Design Harvest
September 26 & 27, 2015
West Town, Grand Ave. btwn. Western Ave. and Wood St.
Chicago, IL 60612
11 am-8 pm
FREE Admission; $5 suggested donation
Grand Avenue’s Design District puts itself on display for the city each year with the annual Design Harvest festival.

Hyde Park Jazz Festival
September 26 & 27, 2015
Hyde Park, 1130 Midway Plaisance
Chicago, IL 60637
Saturday, 1 pm-12 midnight; Sunday, 1-7 pm
FREE Admission; $5 suggested donation
Standing alone in a class of its own is the one and only Hyde Park Jazz Festival. Chicago’s vibrant jazz scene will be prominently featured for two days during the 9th annual festival dedicated to Chicago’s most critically acclaimed artists as well as nationally and internationally recognized talents.

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