FESTIVALS

Beyond the festivals produced by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (see 3/25/2016 post) from May through September there are many more festivals all around the city. This is a great way to explore Chicago beyond the city center, enjoy the neighborhoods and meet the locals. Some events celebrate food, music, art, ethnic traditions, special holidays or all the neighborhood has to offer. Most festivals are advertised as FREE but some ask for a "suggested donation" of $5-$10. So make your plans to visit Chicago to attend the festivals of your choice. Click on the links for details about and directions to the festivals.


MAY FESTIVALS

May Fest - May 20-22, 2016 Lakeview $10 suggested donation

Mole de Mayo - May 27-29, 2016 Pilsen $5 suggested donation

Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest - May 28-29, 2016 noon to 10PM (22:00) Lakeview. This event features the best local tribute bands. $5 suggested donation


JUNE FESTIVALS

Do Division Street Festival and Sidewalk Sale - June 3-5, 2016 West Division Street $5 suggested donation

Lincoln Park Greek Festival - June 3-5, 2016 Lincoln Park $5 suggested donation

The People's Promenade and Community Festival - June 4, 2016 various locations along the 606 Trail

Andersonville Midsommarfest - June 10-12, 2016 Andersonville $10 suggested donation

Pilsen Food Truck Social - June 11-12, 2016 Pilsen $5 suggested donation

Remix Chicago - June 11-12, 2016 Logan Square $5 suggested donation

Wells Street Art Festival - June 11-12, 2016 Old Town $7 suggested donation

Taste of Randolph - June 17-19, 2016 West Loop $10 suggested donation

Gold Coast Art Fair - June 18-19, 2015 Grant Park FREE

6 Corners BBQ Fest - June 18-19, 2016 Six Corners/Portage Park $5 suggested donation

Green Music Fest - June 18-19, 2016 Wicker Park $5 suggested donation

Elston Avenue Sausage and Music Fest - June 25-26, 2016 N. Elston $5 suggested donation


JULY FESTIVALS

35th Anniversary Chicago Music Awards - July 1, 2016 Union Park Children under 12 free

African-Caribbean International Festival of Life - July 1-4, 2016 Union Park Children under 12 free

Windy City Ribfest in Uptown - July 2-4 Uptown $5 suggested donation

West Fest - July 8-10, 2016 West Town $5 suggested donation

Roscoe Village Burger Fest - July 9-10, 2016 Roscoe Village $10 suggested donation

Celebrate Clark Street World Music Festival - July 16-17, 2016 Rogers Park $5 suggested donation

Columbian Fest/El Gran Festival Colombiano - July 16-17, 2016 Jefferson Park Children under 12 free

Chinatown Summer Fair- July 17, 2016 FREE

Taste of River North  July 22-24, 2016 $5 suggested donation

Sheffield Music Festival and Garden Walk - July 23-24, 2016 North Sheffield $7-$10 suggested donation

Wicker Park Fest  - July 23-24, 2016 $10 suggested donation

Fiesta del Sol - July 2-31, 2016 Pilsen FREE

Jeff Fest - July 29-31, 2016 Jefferson Park $5 suggested donation



AUGUST FESTIVALS 

EdgeFest - August 6-7, 2016 Edgewater $5 suggested donation

Taste of Lincoln Avenue  - August 6-7, 2016 Lincoln and Fullerton Avenues $8 suggested donation

Wrigleville Summerfest - August 6-7, 2016 Wrigleville $5 suggested donation 

61st Annual Ginza Holiday Festival -  August 12-14, 2016 $6 suggested donation Senior and student discounts 

Albany Park World Fest - August 20-12, 2016 $5 donation. 

Glenwood Avenue Art Fest - August 20-21, 2016 FREE. 

Motor Row Craft Beer and Wine Fest - August 27-2, 2016 FREE (beverages not included). 

Taste of Greektown - August 27-2, 2016 Greektown FREE



SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS

Shock Top Oyster Fest - September 9-10. 2016 Roscoe Village $7 suggested donation

Festival de La Villita -  September 9-11, 2016 Little Village FREE

Sam Adams' Lakeview Taco Fest - September 17-1, 2016 Lakeview $7 suggested donation

Oktoberfest Chicago - September 23-25, 2016  Lakeview $5 suggested donation.


So that’s it for this week.  Next week I will showcase the Chicago Public Library and even more free activities - it's MUCH more than books.
 
Thank you, again, to my fellow volunteer Chicago Greeter, Bill Feldman, for his invaluable input to this post!
 
 All information as correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the DCASE website cityofchicago.org/dcase to get the most up-to-date information.
 
 If you know of a free event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at chicagofreeforall@gmail.com
 
Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com
 
I plan to publish a new post every Friday so until then I hope to see you in Chicago!