With kids out of school and summer heating up, it’s time to fill up your family summer fun list. Take the family out to some of the dozens of festivals Chicagoland is known for.
You’ll find the perfect fit, whether you have a family of art lovers, music devotees or foodies, you’re sure to find something you all will love. Looking for more fairs and fests? Check out the latest events on our calendar.
Festivals in Chicago
Switch on Summer 2022 at Buckingham Fountain
May 14, 2022
- Address: Grant Park, 301 S. Columbus Dr., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Celebrate the start of summer in Grant Park at Buckingham Fountain for ComEd’s 8th annual Switch on Summer. This event will feature family-friendly activities, entertainment, local food vendors, fun giveaways and special guest appearances.
Chicago Beer Fest
May 20-22, 2022
- Address: 205 N. Peoria St., Chicago
- Cost: $27.50-$40
Beer lovers can join the Chicago Craft Beer Fest as it returns for its 10th year at its new Fulton Market location! Sample from more than 40 specialty beers crafted by 35-plus local, regional and national breweries. The event is also kid-friendly.
Lincoln Roscoe Spring Art & Craft Fair
May 21-22, 2022
- Address: Lincoln Avenue from Roscoe Street to School Street, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Come shop original art and handmade crafts from 60 artists. Also, live music, art activities for kids, food and more.
Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest
May 28-29, 2022
- Address: 3200 N. Sheffield Ave.., Chicago
- Cost: $5 suggested donation
This festival, held at the busy Lakeview intersection is teeming with top local tribute bands on the main stage, a second community entertainment stage, food and drinks and other performers.
75th Annual 57th Street Art Fair
June 3-5, 2022
- Address: Between Woodlawn and Kenwood Avenues, Hyde Park
- Cost: Free
It’s the Midwest’s oldest juried art fair. An in-person celebration featuring nearly 200 artists, live music presented by Buddy Guy’s Legends and a Food Court presented by the Ray School PTA. It’s held on the streets of the historic Hyde Park neighborhood and offers art lovers a fantastic opportunity to view and shop original works of art from around the country.
Do Division Street Fest
June 3-5, 2022
- Address: Division St. from Ashland to Leavitt, Chicago
- Cost: $10 donation
The event features two live music stages, local designer runway shows, DJs, local retail and food vendors and a children’s area with family activities. The kid’s zone (from noon-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday) will have a mega slide, petting zoo and musical performers tailored towards kids.
Lincoln Park Greek Fest
June 3-5, 2022
- Address: St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2701 N. Sheffield, Chicago
- Cost: $10 suggested donation
Authentic Greek cuisine, music, dance performances and Greek culture and Hellenic pride are celebrated at this festival outside of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. There will also be a craft fair.
Windy City Hot Dog Fest
June 3-5, 2022
- Address: Portage Park, 4000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Contact for details
This hot dog festival will have live music, kid’s activities, arts and craft vendors and of course tons of hot dogs.
Andersonville Midsommarfest
June 10-12, 2022
- Address: 5217 North Clark, Chicago
- Cost: $10 donation
Experience the Swedish celebration of the Andersonville Midsommarfest. Dance around the Maypole, test flavorful international food and enjoy live music, plus family friendly activities include a pet parade and face painting.
Wells Street Art Festival
June 11-12, 2022
- Address: Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street, Chicago
- Cost: $8 suggested donation
There will be 125-plus juried artists from both the region and across the nation. Other weekend highlights include the tasty cuisine from local restaurants, music stage acts and kids’ art activities.
Chicago Pride Fest
June 18-19, 2022
- Address: Halsted from Addison to Grace, Chicago
- Cost: $15 suggested donation
The festival features live music by popular artists, three stages, food and drink, more than 100 vendors, drag shows, pet parade, giveaways, games, DJ’s and more.
Gold Coast Art Fair
June 18-19, 2022
- Address: Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $10/admission, free/ages 12 and under
The fair returns and welcomes 200 juried artists from across the country for its 64th year. Purchase jewelry, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media and more. There will be live music, food, beer, wine and sangria.
Logan Square Arts Festival
June 24-26, 2022
- Address: Logan Square Monument Park, 2579 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free; suggested donation at the gate
The Logan Square Arts Festival features art installations across the neighborhood, great local music, craft beer, food from neighborhood restaurants and family fun.
Pride in the Park in Chicago
June 25-26, 2022
- Address: Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $75-$210; Free/10 and under with a paying adult
Expanded to two days, this fest in Grant Park celebrates gay pride and the LGBT community with national and local music acts running the gamut from EDM to hip hop/rap to 80s hits to pop.
Navy Pier Pride
June 25, 2022
- Address: 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families with kids of all ages can enjoy this family-friendly event that spreads pier-wide. There will be a variety of performances all day long. Experience music, dance, storytelling and other activities.
Chosen Few DJs Picnic & Festival
July 2, 2022
- Address: Jackson Park, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $250-$425/underground tickets, $325-$475/house tickets, free/ages 12 and under
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the day-long festival features non-stop DJ performances and special musical guests.
Taste of Chicago
July 8-10, 2022
- Address: 331 E. Randolph St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Taste of Chicago pop-ups will return this year with food and music events in three Chicago neighborhoods in June and then in Grant Park for three days in July. This event will showcase about 30–40 eateries and food trucks each day and three mainstage evening concerts.
West Loop Summer Fest
July 9-10, 2022
- Address: 120 N. Sangamon St., Chicago
- Cost: Contact for details
See yacht-rock and tropical-inspired tribute bands, and enjoy tasty food and beverages at this annual festival in the West Loop.
Millennium Art Festival
July 15-17, 2022
- Address: Lake Street at Michigan Avenue, Chicago
- Cost: Free
The three-day festival showcases more than 110 juried artists with an array of original artwork, including paintings, ceramics, photography and furniture.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
July 15-17, 2022
- Address: 2000 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $10 suggested donation
Come out to this festival to try and vote for Chicago’s Best Burger. In addition to food, there will be music, arts/crafts and a “Kids’ Zone” for children and families to enjoy.
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
July 22-24, 2022
- Address: 2500 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Contact for details
Enjoy a main stage with local and regional entertainment, food, arts and crafts and more.
Jeff Fest
July 19-31, 2022
- Address: Jefferson Park, 4822 N. Long Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Contact for details
This annual fest, also known as the Jefferson Park Arts and Music Festival, offers food, music and a kids zone with fun, family activities.
Chinatown Summer Fair
July 30-31, 2022
- Address: Chinatown, Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road, Chicago
- Cost: Free
There will be a lion dance procession, Asian performances, Kung Fu demonstrations, food, arts and crafts exhibits, street vendors, children’s area, breakdancing competition, and a dumpling eating contest.
Chicago Ducky Derby
Aug. 4, 2022
- Address: The Wrigley Building, 400 Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free; $5 to adopt a duck
Spectators cheer on more than 50,000 yellow rubber ducks during the annual Chicago Ducky Derby to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.
Chicago Hot Dog Fest
Aug. 5-7, 2022
- Address: Stockton and LaSalle Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $5/suggested donation, $20/suggested family donation; fees for food
This three-day festival offers hot dogs and other various foods, activities for kids, live music shows and much more.
Northalsted Market Days
Aug. 6-7, 2022
- Address: 3400 N. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: Contact for details
There will be six stages, food, drinks, arts and crafts, DJ’s, sponsor booth and over 250 unique vendors at this annual.
Retro on Roscoe
Aug. 12-14, 2022
- Address: Roscoe Village, 2000 W. Roscoe St., Chicago
- Cost: $10 suggested donation
There will be live music on three stages, antique vendors and merchants and a family area. The family area features inflatables, face painting, balloon artists, rides, crafts and more.
Printer’s Row Art Fest
Aug. 13-14, 2022
- Address: 701 S. Dearborn St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Art at all price points by painters, street artists, jewelers, upcycling artists, photographers, mixed media artists and more. The local restaurants and bars will serve up their Chicago specialties.
Ribfest Chicago
Aug. 19-21, 2022
- Address: 4000 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Contact for details
Enjoy ribs and other food and listen to bands while the kids hang out at “Kids Square” featuring entertainment, inflatables and games. Plus, celebrity-judged “Best Ribs” award and amateur and professional rib-eating competitions.
Taste of Greektown
Aug. 26-28, 2022
- Address: 315 S. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: Contact for details
This annual event returns for its 31st year. It features Greek food, music and entertainment, including Greek bands, artisans and games for both kids and families.
Taste of Polonia Festival
Sept. 2-5, 2022
- Address: 5216 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $5/before 3 p.m., $10/after 3 p.m., free/kids 12 and under
Features four stages of music with more than 30 performances including Rock, Pop, Polka, Classical, 80s music and Top 40. They will offer carnival rides, games, inflatables, climbing wall, casino, tastings and cooking classes and more.
Bulls Fest
Sept. 3-4, 2022
- Address: United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
The two-day festival will feature a 3v3 basketball tournament, live music, art exhibitions, kid-friendly activities and food and drinks. The festival’s 3v3 basketball tournament, now open for registration with early-bird pricing through April 30 and it welcomes participants ages 8 and older.
West Loop Art Fest
Sept. 3-4, 2022
- Address: W. Fulton St. and N. Sangamon St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy four blocks of art in all different mediums as talented artists showcase and sell creative work. Plus, enjoy local food, live music and more.
Throwback Music Festival
Sept. 9-11, 2022
- Address: 6030 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $7-$15
Features music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Tons of live performances, pet costume parade, car show, contests and more. Kids activities will be from 1-5 p.m. daily and include face painting, inflatables, arts and crafts and photo booth.
Lakeview Taco Fest
Sept. 17-18, 2022
- Address: 3500 N. Southport, Chicago
- Cost: $10 suggested donation
There will be tacos, music, beer and taco pairings, Mexican wrestlers, a kids’ activity area and arts and crafts at this event.
Festivals in North/Northwest Suburbs
Long Grove Chocolate Festival
May 20-22, 2022
- Address: 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove
- Cost: $5/admission
The fest is known for its chocolate dipped treats like strawberries, donuts, cupcakes, cake pops, truffles, croissants, eclairs, funnel cakes and more. There will also be tons of live entertainment on multiple stages throughout the town.
Art in the Park
May 21-22, 2022
- Address: Northbrook Village Green Park, 1810 Walters Ave., Northbrook
- Cost: Free
Come out to Northbrook Village Green Park to see more than 85 artists showing paintings, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and more. The event features live music in the gazebo, youth art activities and festival food.
Barrington Art Festival
May 28-29, 2022
- Address: S. Cook St. & E. Station St., Barrington
- Cost: Free
This fest features 130 artists in all media including paintings, sculpture, jewelry and more. Live music and youth art activities, too.
Lincolnshire Art Festival
June 4-5, 2022
- Address: 100 Village Green, Lincolnshire
- Cost: Free
This festival showcases the work of more than 80 juried artists from around the world in a variety of mediums. There’s also live music, a selection of beers, festival food and more.
Juneteenth Independent Festival
June 18-19, 2022
- Address: Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin
- Cost: Free
Join Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and the African-American Coalition of Kane County for their Juneteenth Celebration. There will be live bands, BBQ, DJ night and a parade.
Winnetka Music Festival
June 18, 2022
- Address: 610 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
- Cost: $25-$500, free/children under 11
Listen to music and enjoy food and drinks from an array of food trucks and local restaurants. Music by The Record Company, GUSTER and more. The family stage will be free from 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Long Grove Strawberry Fest
June 24-26, 2022
- Address: 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove
- Cost: $5/guest, free/kids 6 and under; Free admission 2 p.m. Friday
Attendees of the annual festival will experience everything from strawberry-infused food and drinks, live music and family entertainment.
Deer Park Art Show
June 25-26, 2022
- Address: 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park
- Cost: Free
This juried fine art and craft show features dozens of artists, live performances, art demonstrations, food from local restaurants and art activities for kids. This is a stroller-friendly event.
Lincolnwood Fest
July 28-31, 2022
- Address: Henry A. Proesel Park, 6915 Kostner Ave., Lincolnwood
- Cost: Contact for details
This fest features live music, carnival rides, games, bingo, classic car show, arts and crafts and more.
Lake Forest Festival & Fireworks
July 4, 2022
- Address: Deerpath Community Park, 400 Hastings Road, Lake Forest
- Cost: Contact for details
This annual family friendly event will feature fireworks, music, food, entertainment, activities and more.
Glencoe Festival of Art
July 23-24, 2022
- Address: 700 Vernon Ave., Glencoe
- Cost: Free
More than 90 juried artists from across the country will showcase their work in a variety of different mediums including painting, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry and wood. There will also be live music, food and activities for kids.
Art at the Glen
July 30-31, 2022
- Address: The Glen Town Center, 2030 Tower Drive, Glenview
- Cost: Free
See the art of more than 140 juried artists from across the country. Artists will be available at their booths to give demonstrations and one-on-one conversations about their artistic processes.
DOGwood Day
Aug. 7, 2022
- Address: Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville
- Cost: Free for visitors and dogs
Enjoy one day of puppy love at this annual every for you and your doggie at Lambs Farm.
Evanston Art Fest
Aug. 19-21, 2022
- Address: 800 Church St., Evanston
- Cost: Free
Shop the works of art from over 130 juried artists from around the country at their ninth annual art fest.
Little Bear Ribfest
Aug. 19-20, 2022
- Address: Century Park, 1002 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills
- Cost: $5/entry fee, free/ages 5 and under
The entertainment will be awarding winning blues artists. Bring your own lawn chairs to set up by the lake to listen to music. Multiple restaurants will be selling ribs and side dishes. Beverages for sale will include beer, wine, bourbon and soda.
Lake Forest Music Festival
Aug. 20, 2022
- Address: Lake Forest City Hall, 220 E Deerpath Road, Lake Forest
- Cost: Contact for details
The entertainment will be awarding winning blues artists. Bring your own lawn chairs to set up by the lake to listen to music. Multiple restaurants will be selling ribs and side dishes. Beverages for sale will include beer, wine, bourbon and soda.
Port Clinton Art Festival
Aug. 27-28, 2022
- Address: 600 Central Ave., Highland Park
- Cost: Free
This annual festival is celebrating its 39th year. It offers fine art from more than 260 of the world’s most celebrated artists.
Art on the Fox
Sept. 10-11, 2022
- Address: Main St. and Washington St., Algonquin
- Cost: Free
This art festival will feature the work from over 75 of the nation’s top juried artists, family-friendly activities, live musical performances and more.
Truck Off: Food Truck Festival
Sept. 10, 2022
- Address: McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock
- Cost: $5-$20, free/children 12 and under accompanied by an adult; fees for food
All ages can snack from tons of food trucks at the Truck Off festival, which will feature live music, family-fun events and a beer tent.
Festivals in South Suburbs
Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival
June 19, 2022
- Address: Homewood-Flossmoor High School South Parking Lot, 999 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor
- Cost: Free
The HF Juneteenth Festival is a celebration of African American culture as expressed through food, music, dance and arts. There will be a parade, live music, vendors, food trucks and more.
Pierogi Fest
July 29-31, 2022
- Address: 119th St., Whiting, Indiana
- Cost: Free; fees for food
Only 30 minutes from downtown Chicago. this fest features food, entertainment, kids’ play area, polka parade and pierogi eating contest.
Burr Ridge Art Fair
Sept. 24-25, 2022
- Address: 701 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge
- Cost: Free
Artisans and makers will be showing and selling items from art to food, clothing to lotions, stationary to furniture, and candles to home decor. Also enjoy food vendors and live music.
Festivals in Western Suburbs
Highland Games & Scottish Festival
June 17-18, 2022
- Address: Park Blvd. & Pierce Road, Itasca
- Cost: Adults: $17+/Friday, $25+/Saturday, free/ages 12 and under; Ticket prices will be higher at the gate so purchase online in advance
This annual festival is celebrating its 36th year and will feature an extravaganza of activities and attractions – from the Caber Toss to Highland Dancing to the Dogs of Scotland.
Lemont Food Truck Festival
July 2, 2022
- Address: The Forge Adventure Park & Ziplines, 1001 Main St., Lemont
- Cost: $5-$15, free/kids 10 and under with a paying adult
This fest features 10+ of the region’s best food trucks, live music, a beer garden and local business vendors. Plus, all the fun activities that The Forge offers like climbing adventure, archery, laser tag and axe throwing.
Festa Italiana
Aug. 5-7, 2022
- Address: Naperville Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
- Cost: Contact for details
Families can enjoy live Italian and rock music, shopping, meatball eating contest, Italian food, and kid’s activities and rides.
Wheaton Art Walk
Aug. 6-7, 2022
- Address: Hale Street and Karlskoga Avenue, Wheaton
- Cost: Free admission and parking, pre-registration is required
The Wheaton Art Walk will showcase the work of many juried artists from around the country in a variety of mediums, including painting, jewelry, ceramics, fiber, glass, sculpture and more.
Naperville Last Fling
Sept. 2-5, 2022
- Address: 100 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville
- Cost: Free
Celebrate the end of summer at this Labor Day festival. It includes an entertainment stage, food vendors, business expo vendors, family activities, parade and carnival.
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