Summer in Chicago is absolutely magical because the city’s streets and parks will be filled with diverse communities ready to have fun! The Windy City is a festival-goer’s paradise every year, and this year is no different.
From music to food to all sorts of creative expressions, there is a festival for anyone and everyone this summer. So, find below a list of some fantastic and historical festivals to explore from July to September.
Chicago Bound: The Great Migration of the Blues (July 6 – September 6, 2024)
The Chicago Bound: The Great Migration of the Blues festival is the perfect event for music enthusiasts and history buffs. This concert series is hosted in various public parks across the city. Free performances would bring to life the rich legacy of Chicago Blues.
The festival honors the songs and stories of legendary artists like Muddy Waters, Memphis Minnie, Willie Dixon, Otis Rush, Koko Taylor, Lillian Green, and many others. Each performance captures the soulful essence and raw emotion that define Chicago Blues, transporting audiences back to an era in which this genre shaped the city’s cultural fabric. Need we say more?
It is accessible to everyone and encourages a diverse crowd to participate. So, whether you and your group are blues fans or new to the genre, the storytelling you are set to witness will be worth every minute.
Edison Park Fest (August 2 – August 4, 2024)
This far Northwest Side neighborhood enjoys the excitement of street festivals for three days, complete with live music, kid-friendly activities, and great food. Before indulging in food provided by neighborhood vendors, stop over to take in a variety of entertainment or demonstrate your abilities in a bag competition.
Millennium Park Summer Music Series (Until August 8, 2024)
This seven-part series, which features established musicians and up-and-coming performers, offers diverse musical performances. It is hosted at the magnificent Pritzker Pavilion on certain Mondays and Thursdays.
Every concert has a unique vibe, so there’s something for every music lover to like. With its cutting-edge acoustics and spectacular architecture, there is no better place for this music series than the Pritzker Pavilion.
Attendees may enjoy the concerts under the expansive Chicago sky, which improves the listening experience thanks to the open-air design. The atmosphere is warm and energizing, whether you decide to picnic on the Great Lawn or sit near the stage. And the entire series is more about the experience than the music.
Jazz’n on the Steps (Until August 25, 2024)
Do you love jazz and want a place where you can be absolutely lost in it? Then, the South Side Jazz Coalition’s “Jazz’n on the Steps” festival is a-must-see. What’s more? It is a perfect opportunity for anyone to experience Chicago’s thriving local music scene.
This free monthly performance series takes place on the steps of St. Moses the Black Parish in Greater Grand Crossing and provides a cozy, neighborhood-focused venue for enjoying excellent jazz. Going to this festival is an experience of a lifetime.
You’ll be treated to fantastic performances by some of the top performers in the Chicago jazz scene as you relax in your lawn chair with some munchies. It’s easy to lose yourself in the rhythm and soul of the performances in this laid-back, outdoor setting that makes for a soothing and engaging musical experience.
The festival’s inclusive and participatory aspects are among its best features. At a vibrant jam session following each show, artists and audience members are welcome to participate and build spontaneous partnerships.
The festival’s element of spontaneity and community encapsulates the essence of jazz, generating a feeling of camaraderie and mutual delight among participants.
Harper Court Summer Music Series (Until September 5, 2024)
Harper Court is one of the most colorful summer festivals Chicago offers. This outdoor concert series (which takes place on four Thursdays throughout the season) provides the neighborhood with diverse music.
What’s more? It fosters a welcoming, joyous atmosphere for everyone. The intriguing roster for this year includes performances by DJ Eric “ET” Taylor, Funkadesi, Sam Thousand & The Soul Vortex, and an open mic night where local talent is encouraged to shine. Attendees can expect a varied and captivating musical experience as each artist contributes their distinct flavor to the series.
Apart from the music, the series offers a great chance to discover the surrounding environment. Harper Court is close to a lot of dining options and retail establishments. So, you and your party (if you have one) can simply stay longer by dining or shopping before or after the performances.
Printers Row Lit Fest (September 7 – September 8, 2024)
Book nerds, this one is for you! This September, the Midwest’s largest free outdoor literary festival will celebrate its 39th year. There will be talks with authors and artists and a sizable outdoor book market spanning five blocks (Dearborn Street from State Street to Clark Street and Polk Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Polk Street).
Ravinia Festival (Until September 15, 2024)
Picture this: the best music in the most serene environment. That is what the Ravinia Festival offers. It is a delightful summertime institution located in the charming suburb of Highland Park, Illinois.
It is also the country’s oldest outdoor music festival and features a diverse schedule that includes jazz, pop, rock, and classical music. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s concerts are a particular highlight. You will have a fantastic evening beneath the stars whether you picnic on the verdant grass or in the Pavilion.
The park’s well-maintained amenities, food selections, and friendly ambiance offer everyone a comfortable and pleasurable time. The event is easily accessible by car or Metra train. This year, we will see artists like Melissa Etheridge, James Taylor, Samara Joy, Crowded House, and Elena Moon Park & Friends.
Chicago Gourmet (September 26 – September 29, 2024)
The Illinois Restaurant Association’s annual food festival, Chicago Gourmet, is back this year with a four-day schedule of events. These events will honor the city’s culinary culture like every year before.
You can enjoy wine while savoring a range of delectable appetizers at events like Rise & Shine Gourmet, Hamburger Hop, Grand Cru, and Tacos & Tequila. Maybe bring a friend, family, or a partner – it sure would be fun.
