Summer Festivals for Families in Chicagoland

Fill out your calendar with these kid-friendly festivals featuring arts, food and more fun.

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

Photo courtesy: Choose Chicago, credit: Special Events Management Belmont Sheffield Music Fest

Switch on Summer 2022 at Buckingham Fountain

May 14, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the day-long festival features non-stop DJ performances and special musical guests.

Photo Credit: Taste of Chicago

Taste of Chicago

July 8-10, 2022

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

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

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

Enjoy a main stage with local and regional entertainment, food, arts and crafts and more.

Jeff Fest

July 19-31, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Port Clinton Art Festival, photo from Amdur Productions

Long Grove Chocolate Festival

May 20-22, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This fest features live music, carnival rides, games, bingo, classic car show, arts and crafts and more. 

Lake Forest Festival & Fireworks

July 4, 2022

This annual family friendly event will feature fireworks, music, food, entertainment, activities and more. 

Glencoe Festival of Art

July 23-24, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo credit: Amdur Productions

Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival

June 19, 2022

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

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

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

Photo credit: iStock/kostsov
Photo credit: Eyes to the Skies Festival

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

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

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

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. 

This post is updated regularly.


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