(Courtesy of Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce)
1. Show up
More than 40 bands perform on a trio of stages at Wicker Park Fest, including Local H and Y La Bamba (Friday); The Happy Fits and Armand Hammer (Saturday); and Cherry Glazerr and NNAMDI (Sunday). Interactive art installations, family activities, and arts, crafts and food vendors round things out.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday along Milwaukee Avenue from North Avenue to Paulina Street. $10 suggested donation / MAP
Find more fests: 2022 Summer Festival Guide
2. Immerse
Bantu Fest showcases food, music and culture from more than 30 different countries, including Belize, Jamaica, Haiti, Ghana and the Dominican Republic.
Details: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Midway Plaisance, 1130 Midway Plaisance. $20; $10 for kids 11 and under / MAP
3. Appreciate
Curated by Chicago youth, From the ‘Go Fest celebrates young creatives and features performances by DJs, a vendor fair, interactive activities and more.
Details: 1-7 p.m. Saturday at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 5700 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Free / MAP
4. Enjoy
El Gran Festival Colombiano – aka Colombian Fest Chicago – seeks to showcase the best of Colombian culture, with live music, festive carnival costumes and family-friendly activities.
Details: 3-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Humboldt Park, 2800 W. Division St. Free-$25 / MAP
5. Mingle
Neighborhood eats, arts and crafts vendors, live music and whisky sampling sessions are on tap for the Taste of Lincoln Avenue. Hosted by Delilah’s Bar, Whiskies on Lincoln will feature 16 Midwestern varieties ($35-$40 for a two-hour tasting session. Tickets are limited).
Details: 3-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday along Lincoln Avenue between Fullerton and Wrightwood avenue. $10 suggested donation / MAP
(Courtesy of Special Events Management)
6. Nosh
Deep dish, tavern-style and artisan pies are on the menu at Pizza City Fest Chicago. Forty pizzamakers, selected by Steve Dolinsky, author of “The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide,” serve up their finest pies, including Forno Rosso, Bonci, Lou Malnati’s, Home Run Inn and My Pi.
Details: Noon-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Local 130 Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington Blvd. $55 single-day ticket; $89 two-day ticket / MAP
7. Stomp
Prehistoric and mythical creatures come to life at the Dino & Dragons Stroll. Get up close and personal with life-sized creatures – with some towering over 28 feet tall and spanning over 60 feet long – as you stroll through exhibits. Story time, craft stations and sensory friendly sessions (8:30 a.m. Saturday) round things out.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. $26.99; free for kids under 2, members of the military and veterans / MAP
8. Sway
The Center for International Performance & Exhibition – aka HotHouse – celebrates its 35th anniversary with the Pocket Jazz Festival. Hear performances by jazz ensembles Burnt Sugar Arkestra, Trio W.A.Z. and The Fred Jackson Quintet. Event will also be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.
Details: 3-7 p.m. Saturday at 3953 S. Michigan Ave. Free / MAP
9. Meow
The latest and best feline films make their big screen debut at CatVideoFest. Expect to see animations, music videos and classic internet stars. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Red Door Animal Shelter.
Details: Showtimes 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 7:15 p.m. July 26 at Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. $8-$11 / MAP
10. Be seen
Live music, games and entertainment take over an iconic downtown street at Sundays on State. This weekend, expect to see Irish dancers, ballet performances, dance classes, art installations, a pop-up library and more.
Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 4 along State Street between Lake and Monroe streets. Free / MAP
(Courtesy of Chicago Loop Alliance)
Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before you head out the door. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future roundup? Send us an email.
