Weekends (and some weekdays) throughout the summer feature a plethora of street fairs, festivals, and other community events. Admission fees listed for most neighborhood festivals are suggested donations for charity or community projects. —Sam Worley
May
Chicago Gaelic Park Irish Fest An exhibit from the Irish Music Archives, Connemara ponies, exhibition Gaelic football and hurling matches, carnival rides, live music, and more. 
5/28-5/31, Fri 3-11 PM, Sat-Sun noon-11 PM, Mon noon-8 PM, Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th, Oak Forest, 708-687-9323, chicagogaelicpark.org, $15, $12 for seniors and kids 4-12, free for kids under 4.
International Mr. Leather This huge annual event for leatherfolk and sundry fetishists features contests, party upon party, and the crowning of International Mr. Leather 2010. 5/28-5/31, Fri 11 AM-2 AM, Sat 11 AM-2 AM, Sun 11 AM-4 AM, Mon 4 PM-4 AM, Hyatt Regency, 151 E. Wacker, 312-565-1234, imrl.com, $165-$195 weekend passes; prices for individual events vary.
Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival Trippin Billies and Wedding Banned headline. 5/29-5/30, Sat noon-10 PM, Sun noon-9 PM, Sheffield between Belmont and School, $5.
Randolph Street Market Festival The biggest attractions here are the Chicago Antique Market, with 150 vendors selling furnishings, housewares, clothing, jewelry, and more, and the Indie Designer Market, where you can buy directly from the designers and artists. Smaller markets include a vinyl swap meet, a “Fancy Food Market” promising truffles and rare olive oils and spices, a bazaar for artisans from Chicago’s ethnic communities, and the “Do-It-Yourself Estate Sale.” On Sun 5/30 admission is free for participants in Bike the Drive. 5/29-5/30, 6/19-6/20, 7/24-7/25, 8/28-8/29, 9/25-9/26, Sat 10 AM-5 PM, Sun 10 AM-4 PM, Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington, 312-421-1010, randolphstreetmarket.com, $10, $8 advance, $5 students.
June
Mayfest Chicago You’ll find good old-fashioned gemütlichkeit and an actual maypole at this Lincoln Square festival. 6/3-6/6, Thu 5-9:30 PM, Fri 5-11 PM, Sat noon-11 PM, Sun noon-10 PM, 4700 N. Lincoln (at Leland), mayfestchicago.com. 
Beer Hoptacular Craft brewers talk up and sample out their wares in three sessions, each with food pairings provided by Whole Foods. 6/4-6/5, Fri 6:30-10:30 PM, Sat 1-5 PM and 6:30-10:30 PM, Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence, 773-561-9500 or 312-559-1212, beerhoptacular.com, $45.
Eastside Millennium Art Festival 150 artists on three blocks, with live music and food. 6/4-6/6, Fri 11 AM-5 PM, Sat-Sun 10 AM-5 PM, Lake and Michigan, amdurproductions.com/f-eastside-public.html.
57th Street Art Fair The oldest juried art fair in Chicago includes an “art-buying boot camp” (a guided tour of the booths to show you what to look for). The fair is alcohol-free. 6/5-6/6, Sat 11 AM-6 PM, Sun 10 AM-5 PM, 57th and Kimbark, 773-493-3247, 57thstreetartfair.org.
June Jam Family-friendly street fair with music, kid-oriented games and activities, and food. 6/5-6/6, Sat noon-10 PM, Sun noon-9 PM, 3500 N. Hoyne, starevents.com/festivals-events/june-jam/, $5.
Constructor Craft Fair “Bad-ass crafters unite under one roof to overthrow the western suburbs,” promise the organizers of this festival. Crafts from more than 30 vendors, food, and free gift bags for the first 50 arrivals. Sun 6/6, 10 AM-6 PM, Fitzgerald’s, 6615 Roosevelt, Berwyn, 708-788-2118 or 866-468-3401, constructorcraftfair.com.
Sketchbook Collaboraction’s annual performing arts festival features short original works (seven minutes or less), plus live music and visual art. 6/10-6/27, Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, collaboraction.typepad.com, $20-$35.
Taste of Bryn Mawr Food samples and sales on merchandise from participating Edgewater businesses. Thu 6/10, 6-9 PM, starts at 1058 W. Bryn Mawr, 773-506-4016, edgewaterdev.org, $35, $25 in advance, $10 kids under 12.
Party at St. Mike’s This annual event, timed to coincide with the Old Town Art Fair, features a beanbag tournament and live music, including headliners Better Than Ezra. 6/11-6/13, Fri 5-10 PM, Sat 3:30-10 PM, Sun 3-9 PM, Saint Michael’s Church, 1633 N. Cleveland, 312-642-2498, st-mikes.org, $5 Fri and Sun, $10 Sat, $12 weekend pass.
Andersonville Midsommarfest Celebrating Andersonville’s Swedish heritage with eats and entertainment. 6/12-6/13, 11 AM-10 PM, Clark between Foster and Catalpa, starevents.com/festivals-events/andersonville-midsommarfest, $5.
Chicago Botanic Garden Wine Festival More than 200 wines, along with cooking demos, food vendors, wine seminars, and live music. 6/12-6/13, noon-6 PM, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, 847-382-1480, chicagobotanicgardenwinefestival.com, $35, $25 advance, $10 designated driver ticket.
Drinking & Writing Festival Sponsored by Drinking & Writing Brewery (“exploring the connection between creativity and alcohol since October 17, 2002”), the sixth iteration of this annual festival is dedicated to beloved Chicago journalist Mike Royko. Speakers include Northwestern prof Bill Savage, urban social scientist Denese Neu, Chicago Bar Project’s Sean Parnell, and special guest David Royko. Sat 6/12, noon-5 PM, Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark, 773-334-9851, drinkingandwriting.com, $25, $20 in advance.
Humboldt Park Art Fair Put on by emerging artists for emerging artists, this year’s fair features dozens of artists and musical acts. Sat 6/12, noon-9 PM, Humboldt Park Boat House, 1301 N. Sacramento, 312-742-7549, graffitizone.org. F
Old Town Art Fair Juried show of more than 260 artists, plus live music and activities for kids. 6/12-6/13, 10 AM-6 PM, Lincoln and Wisconsin, 312-337-1938, oldtowntriangle.com, $7.
Wells Street Art Fair One of the city’s bigger art fairs, with music from Trippin Billies and Rock Candy. 6/12-6/13, 10 AM-10 PM, Wells between North and Division, chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=141, $7-$10.
Chi-Town Kruze More than 500 hot-rod owners show off their vehicles in a parade that begins and ends at Standard Bank Stadium, followed by a classic car show from 10 AM to noon. Benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Sun 6/13, 8-10 AM, Standard Bank Stadium, 14011 Kenton, Crestwood, 708-489-2255, chitownkruze.com.
Greater Chicago Jewish Festival Now in its 30th year, this festival includes a kosher food fair, an art fair, activities for kids, and musicians David Broza, the Guy Mendilow Band, and others. Sun 6/13, 11 AM-6 PM, Cook County Forest Preserve, Oakton west of Lehigh, Morton Grove, 847-933-3000, jewishfestival.net, $5.
Fiestas Puertorriquenas For nearly a week, attendees celebrate Puerto Rican heritage with food, carnival rides, dance, and live music. The 44th annual Puerto Rican Day Parade is Sat 6/19 at noon, starting at Columbus and Balbo. 6/15-6/20, Tue-Fri 4-10:30 PM, Sat-Sun 1-10:30 PM, Humboldt Park, 1440 N. Sacramento, 773-292-1414, prparadechicago.org.
Grant Park Music Festival Guest conductors and instrumentalists season the Grant Park Orchestra’s renditions of everything from Vivaldi to Dvorak. 6/16-8/21, every Wed, Fri, and Sat (except 7/2 and 7/3) and a few other days, Jay Pritzker Pavilion Stage at Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph, grantparkmusicfestival.com.
Just for Laughs Five nights, 12 venues, and more than 100 comedians, including Ellen DeGeneres, Cedric the Entertainer’s Urban Circus, Denis Leary, and Aziz Ansari. Venues include the Vic, the Park West, and the Chicago Theatre. 6/16-6/19, various times, justforlaughschicago.com, prices vary.
Bronzeville Cultural Festival Includes a book fair, film festival, and opening gala with live music and an awards ceremony. 6/17-6/18, Film Row Cinema, Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash, eighth floor, 773-651-0700, bronzefest.com, $25 for opening gala/all other events are free.
SummerDance Concerts in a variety of genres preceded by free dance lessons in the relevant style. 6/17-8/29, Thu-Sat 6-9:30 PM, Sun 4-7 PM, Spirit of Music Garden, Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan, 312-742-4007, chicagosummerdance.org.
Festa!Pasta!Vino! Italian Street Festival Italian festival with live entertainment, food from local restaurants, and imported merchandise. 6/18-6/20, Fri 5-11 PM, Sat noon-11 PM, Sun noon-10 PM, Oakley and 24th, oshows.com, $3-$7.
Midsummer Festival Another Scandinavian solstice festival, with live music, arts and crafts, and activities for kids. 6/18-6/20, Fri 6-10 PM, Sat noon-10 PM, Sun noon-8 PM, Bryn Mawr between Lincoln and Western, chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=203, $5.
Scottish Festival & Highland Games Celebration of Scottish culture including bagpipe music, Highland dancing, Scotch whisky tastings, rugby sevens, live music, and more. 6/18-6/19, Fri 4-10 PM, Sat 8 AM-9 PM, Oak Brook Polo Grounds, 700 Oak Brook, Oak Brook, 630-368-6428, chicago-scots.org, $9-$15, kids under 13 free, VIP pass $75, $70 advance.
Cantigny Art Festival Annual art fair with more than 150 vendors. 6/19-6/20, 10 AM-5 PM, Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield, Wheaton, 630-668-5161, cantigny.org.
Custer’s Last Stand Art festival with 30 food vendors, commercial stands from 150 local businesses, and live music. 6/19-6/20, 10 AM-9 PM, Chicago and Main, Evanston, 847-328-2204, custerfair.com.
Latino Theatre Festival The Goodman presents the fifth biennial installment of this festival. Some events are free, including Insects, a show by Catalan street theater troupe Sarruga that “transforms Millennium Park’s Chase Promenade into a fantasy world” replete with giant ants, spiders, and praying mantises (7/16-7/18). 6/19-7/25, various locations, 312-443-3800, goodmantheatre.org, prices vary.
Latin Street Salsa Congreso 2010 Formerly the Chicago Salsa Festival, this event includes five nights of dancing, performance, and workshops, as well as qualifying rounds for the World Salsa Championships. Locations include the Palmer House Hilton, Navy Pier, Excalibur Nightclub, and Grant Park. 6/23-6/27, Wed 6-9 PM, Thu 10 PM, Fri 7 PM-4 AM, Sat 7 PM-3 AM, Sun 1 PM-2 AM, 312-427-2572, latinstreetcongreso.com, $10-$25 per event.
Bloomington Gold Corvette Show National Corvette show, now in its 38th year. 6/24-6/27, 7 AM-5 PM, Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main, Saint Charles, 309-888-4477, bloomingtongold.com, $20, $15 advance, four-day pass $50, $40 advance.
Chicago Arabesque Food, handicrafts, music, and dance from across the Middle East. 6/24-6/26, Thu-Fri 10 AM-6 PM, Sat 11 AM-7 PM, Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington, 312-744-3315, chicagoarabesque.com.
Cans Music Fest Headliners this year are Coolio and Wang Chung. 6/25-6/26, 4 PM, Cans Bar and Canteen, 1640 N. Damen, 773-227-2277, cansbar.com/chicago, $5.
Chicago Pride Fest Arts and crafts, food, and live entertainment on two stages, including performances by Sixteen Candles and Wedding Banned. 6/25-6/27, Fri 3-10 PM, Sat 11 AM-10 PM, Halsted and Waveland, chicagopridecalendar.org, $7.
Long Grove Strawberry Festival Strawberries, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry baked goods, and more. Fri-Sun 6/25-6/27, Long Grove Historic Village, Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin, Long Grove, 847-634-0888, longgroveonline.com/strawberry.html, $2.
Chicago Caribbean Jerkfest Celebration of pan-Caribbean culture with food, live music, and crafts, dedicated to raising awareness of HIV/AIDS in communities of color in the midwest and the Caribbean. Sat 6/26, 11 AM-10 PM, Stateway Gardens, 3658 S. State, chitownjerkfest.com, $10, free for seniors and kids under 11.
Chicago Dyke March This more political, less commercial alternative to the pride parade left its longtime Andersonville home a few years ago, and now moves around the city every two years; this year it’s in South Shore. A rally kicks off the event, and DJs and performances follow. The starting point is 7054 S. Jeffery, and the march moves north to end at Jackson Park (63rd and Hayes). Sat 6/26, 2:30 PM, chicagodykemarch.wordpress.com.
Chicago Summerfest Art show, family area, and live music. 6/26-6/27, Sat noon-10 PM, Sun noon-9 PM, Lincoln Park, Clark and Armitage, 773-665-4682, starevents.com/festivals-events/summerfest, $5.
Fountain Square Art Festival Juried fine arts fair with more than 200 artists. 6/26-6/27, 10 AM-6 PM, Sherman and Church, Evanston, chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=123.
Tour de Fat A bike parade followed by a car funeral, rides on art bikes, and plenty of beer from New Belgium. One preselected person will renounce driving and trade his or her car for a new bike (to enter the contest, go to newbelgium.com/trade). Sat 6/26, 9 AM-4 PM, Palmer Square, 3100 W. Palmer, 773-782-9471, newbelgium.com/tour-de-fat.
Pride Parade The 41st annual parade travels north on Halsted from Belmont to Broadway, south on Broadway, and east on Diversey to Cannon. Sun 6/27, noon, chicagopridecalendar.org.
July
Naperville Ribfest Sammy Hagar, the Charlie Daniels Band, LeAnn Rimes, and Blue Oyster Cult headline. Sixteen rib vendors are promised, along with fireworks on the fourth. 7/1-7/4, noon-10 PM, Knoch Park, 724 S. West, Naperville, 630-779-2702, ribfest.net, $12, free for kids under 12.
Bastille Day 5K Run, Walk, and Block Party After the run/walk, there’s a block party with food, beer, and live music. Wed 7/7, 7:30-10 PM, Lincoln Park, Cannon north of Fullerton, chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=100, $5.
BenFest This family-friendly block party to benefit the schools and parish of St. Benedict has a lineup that includes How Far to Austin, Infinity, Open to Suggestions, Eric Howell’s Greatest Hitch, and Send in the Clones. 7/9-7/10, 4-10 PM, Saint Benedict Church, 2215 W. Irving Park, 773-588-6484, benfest.com, $10, $5 before 8 PM.
Boulevard Bash This three-day event features artists, food and drink, and a lot of live music. Proceeds benefit St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. 7/9-7/11, Fri 5-10 PM, Sat noon-10 PM, Sun noon-9 PM, Logan and Milwaukee, 773-235-5420, stlukesls.org, $5.
Great Performers of Illinois A 7,000-square-foot “urban corn maze,” chain-saw carvings, Abe and Mary Todd Lincoln impersonators, wine tasting, square dancing, and more. A Sunday evening concert features Rachel Barton Pine, violinist and recipient of this year’s Great Performer of Illinois award. 7/9-7/11, Fri 6:30-10 PM, Sat 7 AM-11 PM, Sun 11 AM-10 PM, Millennium Park, Michigan and Randolph, 312-742-1169, explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/tourism/great_performers_of.html.
Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party Two stages of live music, with the Barenaked Ladies headlining on Friday night. 7/9-7/10, 5:30-10:30 PM, Madison and Des Plaines, worldslargestblockparty.com, $45, $40 in advance, $70 two-day pass.
Jeff Fest Live music at this Jefferson Park neighborhood celebration includes Rock Candy, Libido Funk Circus, and Too White Crew. There’s also a bike parade and classic car show. 7/10-7/11, Fri 6:30-10:30 PM, Sat noon-10:30 PM, Higgins and Milwaukee, jeffersonpark.net, $5 suggested donation.
Rock Around the Block Stretched over four Lakeview blocks—which center around the intersection of Belmont, Lincoln, and Ashland—this festival claims to have “thirty of the Windy City’s best bands.” 7/10-7/11, Sat noon-10 PM, Sun noon-9 PM, 773-665-4682, starevents.com/festivals-events/rock-around-the-block, $5.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest Formerly Belmont Arts and Music (BAM!) Festival, this neighborhood event has been retooled into a festival that “celebrates the burger.” Food and drinks are for sale; headliners this year are Gin Blossoms and 10,000 Maniacs. 7/10-7/11, noon-10 PM, Belmont between Damen and Leavitt, 773-327-5123, rvcc.biz, $5, $7 after 5 PM.
Halsted Tastes Better All-you-can-eat chow from North Halsted neighborhood restaurants. There’s also live music and a Waitperson’s Race. Mon 7/12, 6-9 PM, Aldine and Halsted, 773-883-0500, northalsted.com, $30, $25 in advance.
Festival of the Lakes Polka, pontoon rides, and beer gardens are some of this festival’s assets. So are its opening night musical acts: En Vogue and Boyz II Men. Various locations, Hammond, Indiana. 7/13-7/18, times vary; see schedule for details, festival.gohammond.com.
Windy City Ribfest Last year, this festival was inaugurated in Union Park; this time around it’s in Uptown, and still includes tons of ribs and performers like Tonic, Canasta, and Sister Hazel. 7/16-7/18, Fri 5-10 PM, Sat-Sun noon-10 PM, Lawrence and Broadway, chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=190, $5.
Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival Flags of more than 100 nations surround this lakefront festival, which includes live music, dance, juried artwork, and food. 7/17-7/18, noon-7 PM, Dawes Park, 1700 Sheridan, Evanston, 847-448-8260, cityofevanston.org/departments/parks/ethnic.shtml.
Sheffield Garden Walk Self-guided tours of more than 100 gardens, plus food and music. Headliners this year are Rusted Root and Cowboy Mouth. 7/17-7/18, noon-dusk, Webster and Sheffield, 773-929-9255, sheffieldfestivals.org, $10, $7 before 3 PM.
Southside Neighborhood Gospel Festival Gospel musicians, food, a senior pavilion, and a kids’ zone. Sat 7/17, 10 AM-8 PM, Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine, 312-747-6572.
Taste of River North Neighborhood restaurants, live music, and local artists and merchants. 7/17-7/18, Sat noon-10 PM, Sun 11 AM-8 PM, Erie Park, 630 N. Kingsbury, 312-742-7898, rnrachicago.org, $5.
Chinatown Summer Fair Live music, food, crafts, a petting zoo, and more; a lion dance procession starts at 12:45 PM. Sun 7/18, 10 AM-8 PM, Wentworth between 24th and Cermak, chicagochinatown.org.
Dearborn Garden Walk Tours of more than 20 gardens, live jazz and classical performances, and a narrated architectural tour. Sun 7/18, noon-5 PM, Goethe and Dearborn, dearborngardenwalk.com, $35, $30 in advance.
Edgebrook Festival Arts and crafts festival with live music, a beer garden, and a kids’ corner. 7/23-7/24, Fri 5-11 PM, Sat 10 AM-11 PM, Kinzua and Devon, Edgebrook, edgebrookchamber.com.
Pierogi Fest Vendors come from Cleveland and Canada, the chamber of commerce calls itself the Pierogatory, and even the dogs don babushkas in honor of the humble Polish dumpling. Fri-Sun 7/23-7/25, 119th and Indianapolis, Whiting, Indiana, pierogifest.net.
Celebrate Clark Street Rogers Park art and food festival with music on two stages. 7/24-7/25, Sat 1-11 PM, Sun 1-10 PM, Clark between Morse and Touhy, 773-508-5885, celebrateclarkstreet.com, $5 per person, $10 per family.
Taste of Lincoln Avenue Lincoln Park’s longest block party, with 350 vendors, 40 bands on five stages, and a block-long kids’ carnival. 7/24-7/25, noon-10 PM, Lincoln between Fullerton and Wrightwood, wrightwoodneighbors.org/Taste.htm, $7-$10.
Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club Family Fest Carnival rides, games, a $10,000 jackpot drawing, and beer. 7/28-8/1, Wed-Fri 6-11 PM, Sat-Sun 2-11 PM, Rockwell and Irving Park, 773-463-4161, nbgc.org.
Fiesta del Sol Huge Pilsen street festival with food, rides, and lots of Latin music. 7/29-8/1, Thu 5-10 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-11 PM, Sun 11 AM-10 PM, Cermak between Loomis and Morgan, fiestadelsol.org.
Chicago Luxury Ice Cream Festival Chefs, creameries, and pastry artists create unusual ice creams for sampling. 7/29-7/31, Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon, 773-755-5100, chicagoicecreamfestival.com, $25.
Ghanafest Billed as the “largest and most spectacular Ghanaian cultural exposition of its kind in the diaspora,” with arts, crafts, traditional foods, and more. Sat 7/31, 11 AM-10 PM, Washington Park, 5531 S. King Dr., 773-256-1248, ghananationalcouncil.org, $5, free for kids under 13.
Lincoln Park Arts and Music Festival Visual art and live music; proceeds benefit the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce. 7/31-8/1, Sat noon-10 PM, Sun noon-9 PM, Racine between Fullerton and Webster, chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=189, $7.
Summer on Southport Food, an art show, and live music. 7/31-8/1, Sat 11 AM-10 PM, Sun 11 AM-9 PM, Southport and Waveland, 773-665-4682, southportneighbors.com/sos_festival.html, $5.
August
Serbfest Traditional Serbian food, dancing, and music. Sun 8/1, Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, 5701 N. Redwood, 773-693-3366, stsavaacademy.org.
Taylor Street Festa Italiana Italian festival with live entertainment, food from local restaurants, imported merchandise, and a Sunday Mass. 8/6-8/8, Fri 5-11 PM, Sat noon-11 PM, Sun noon-10 PM, Taylor and Ashland, oshows.com, $3-$7.
Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival Visual art, plus live jazz and classical music. 8/7-8/8, 11 AM-6 PM, Dawes Park, 1700 Sheridan, Evanston, 847-448-8260, cityofevanston.org/departments/parks/lakeshore.shtml.
Northalsted Market Days Joan Jett and the Blackhearts headline this year; there’s also music from Jon Secada, Jennifer Holliday, and American Idol finalist Blake Lewis, and 400 vendors sell art, crafts, and food. 8/7-8/8, 11 AM-10 PM, Halsted between Belmont and Addison, 773-883-0500, northalsted.com, $7.
Retro on Roscoe Antique vendors, bands, and a 25-chef chili cook-off, plus antique, classic, and muscle cars. 8/7-8/8, noon-10 PM, Roscoe and Damen, explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/mose/retro_on_roscoe.html, $6.
Veggie Fest Food vendors, cooking demos, health talks, and live music to demonstrate “the many spiritual, physical, mental and social benefits of being vegetarian.” 8/7-8/8, time TBA, Science of Spirituality, 4S175 Naperville Rd., Naperville, 630-955-1200, veggiefestchicago.com.
World of Faeries Festival There’s live music, but the costumed patrons are the main attraction. 8/7-8/8, Sat 10 AM-7 PM, Sun 10 AM-5 PM, Vasa Park, 35 W. 217 Route 31, South Elgin, 815-788-1630, theworldoffaeries.com, $10, $8 seniors, free for kids under 13.
Augustfest Live music, carnival rides, food, and more. 8/13-8/15, Fri 5-10 PM, Sat 1-11 PM, Sun 10 AM-10 PM, Saint Agnes of Bohemia Catholic School, 2647 S. Central Park, 773-522-0143, stagnesofbohemia.org.
Ginza Holiday Midwest Buddhist Temple celebrates an array of Japanese cultural traditions, including ikebana (flower arrangement), various martial arts, taiko drumming, calligraphy, and more. Food, such as a grilled chicken teriyaki dinner, is available, and so is Japanese beer. On Sat 8/14, 8 PM, Yoko Noge and the Japanesque Band performs. 8/12-8/15, Fri 5:30-9 PM, Sat 11:30 AM-9:30 PM, Sun 11:30 AM-6 PM, Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee, 312-943-7801, ginzachicago.com, $5, $4 students and seniors, free for kids under 12.
Chicago Air & Water Show If you work downtown, you’ll probably see some of this annual spectacle/military recruitment stunt/disaster waiting to happen, whether you want to or not. 8/14-8/15, 11 AM-4 PM, North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Dr., explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/special_events/mose/chicago_air___water.html.
Wrigleyville Summerfest Food, kids’ activities, music, and more, hosted by Resurrection Lutheran Church. 8/14-8/14, Sat noon-10 PM, Sun 10 AM-9 PM, 3350 N. Seminary, wrigleyvillesummerfest.com, $5.
Riverfest Express Craft show, trolley rides, car show, fireworks, and live entertainment including Parrothead Express and the Neverly Brothers. 8/19-8/22, times vary, Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water, South Elgin, 847-774-1151, riverfestexpress.net.
Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival Arts, crafts, an open-studio tour, live music, food, and more. 8/20-8/22, Fri 6-10 PM, Sat-Sun noon-9 PM, 6900 block of N. Glenwood and 1400 block of W. Morse, glenwoodave.org/GAAF.
Gold Coast Art Fair 450 juried artists, food, and live music. This year the festival moves to new digs in Grant Park, at the corner of Monroe and Lake Shore Drive. 8/20-8/22, Fri noon-5 PM, Sat-Sun 10 AM-5 PM, amdurproductions.com/f-goldcoast-public.html.
Northside Summerfest North Center offers live music, food and drink, and arts and crafts. 8/20-8/22, Fri 5-10 PM, Sat noon-10 PM, Sun noon-9 PM, 4050 N. Lincoln, explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/mose/north_side_summerfest.html, $5.
Windy City Rodeo Fri-Sun 8/20-8/22, Six Guns Ranch and Arena, 26926 State Line, Crete, 708-646-9666, ilgra.com.
Chicago Carifete Caribbean festival featuring live calypso, soca and reggae, food and drink, and a parade. 8/21-8/22, Sat 10 AM-9 PM, Sun noon-9 PM, Midway Plaisance Park, 731 E. 60th, 312-745-2470, cariblifecentral.com/group/chicagocarifete2010.
Ukrainian Festival Ukrainian crafts, music, food, and entertainment. 8/21-8/22, noon-10 PM, Smith Park, 2526 W. Grand, 773-252-1228, uccaillinois.org, $5.
Chicago Dancing Festival Three nights of events—like lectures and performances by members of the Joffrey Ballet and Lar Lubovitch Dance Ensemble, among other troupes—make up this acclaimed annual festival, which is free but requires reservations. Locations vary, and include the Harris Theater and Pritzker Pavilion, both in Millennium Park, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. 8/26-8/28, chicagodancingfestival.com.
Bucktown Arts Fest Art, poetry, music, theater, film, and food. 8/28-8/29, 11 AM-7 PM, Senior Citizens Memorial Playlot Park, 2238 N. Oakley, 312-409-8305, bucktownartsfest.com.
Taste of Greece Souvlaki, gyros, ouzo, and more from Greektown restaurants. 8/28-8/29, noon-11 PM, Halsted between Van Buren and Monroe, greektownchicago.org.
Italian Village Ferrari Festival Sixty vintage Ferraris on display, as well as music, food, wine, and activities for children. Proceeds benefit Children’s Memorial Hospital. Sun 8/29, 11 AM-2 PM, Italian Village, 71 W. Monroe, 312-332-7005, italianvillage-chicago.com, $30, free for kids under 6.
September
Bash on Wabash South Loop neighborhood festival with art, food, a “corn bags tournament,” and live music. 9/4-9/5, 11 AM-10 PM, Wabash between 13th and 14th, greatersouthloop.org/bash.html, $5.
Festival de la Villita This festival celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spain with more than 100 food vendors, entertainment for kids, and a dance pavilion with lessons in traditional dancing. The 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade, which starts at noon at 26th and Albany on Sunday, ends at the festival. 9/10-9/12, Fri 6-11 PM, Sat-Sun noon-11 PM, 26th and Kostner, chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=131.
German American Fest A parade Saturday (starting at 2 PM at 4000 N. Lincoln) commemorates the life of Baron Friedrich von Steuben, who volunteered to serve under George Washington during the Revolutionary War. At the festival, expect music, dancing, and copious amounts of German food and beer. 9/10-9/12, Fri 5-11 PM, Sat noon-11 PM, parade at 2 PM, Sun noon-10 PM, Lincoln, Leland, and Western, 630-653-3018, germanday.com.
Windy City Wine Festival More than 200 wines from around the world, seminars, cooking demos, live music, and food. 9/10-9/11, Fri 4-10 PM, Sat 3-9 PM, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, S. Columbus & E. Congress Pkwy., windycitywinefestival.com, $35, $25 advance, $10 designated driver, under 21 free with paying adult.
Auburn-Gresham 79th Street Renaissance Festival Festivities, food, and entertainment. Sat 9/11, 10 AM-6 PM, 79th and Racine, 773-483-3696, gagdc.org.
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts More than 150 juried artists, food and music, a sculpture garden, and more. 9/11-9/12, Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun 10 AM-5 PM, Broadway between Belmont and Roscoe, 773-348-8608, lakevieweastfestivalofthearts.com.
Lincoln Park Art Faire 100 vendors, food, live music, and an open-air studio with supplies for festivalgoers to make their own art. 9/11-9/12, 11 AM-6 PM, Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West, 312-742-7726.
Renegade Craft Fair Put on by Renegade Handmade, this fair features crafters from all over the country. 9/11-9/12, 11 AM-7 PM, Division between Damen and Paulina, renegadecraft.com/chicago.
Wells Street Fall Fest Formerly “Wine Crush in Old Town” and then “Crush, Music, & Comedy Fest,” this annual wine and food festival introduces a fair of juried fine artists this year. There’s also live music. 9/11-9/12, Sat 11 AM-10 PM, Sun 11 AM-6 PM, Wells between North and Schiller, chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=199, $7.
Graue Mill’s Cornfest At this “old-fashioned family picnic,” barbecue is served alongside roasted corn and homemade pie; a German band provides the music. Sun 9/12, 11:30 AM-4 PM, Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 York, Oak Brook, 630-655-2090, grauemill.org.
Lebowski Fest Abide a while at this year’s Lebowski Fest events: on Friday, Portage Theater screens the film The Big Lebowski at 8 PM, and on Saturday, Diversey Rock and Bowl offers bowling, trivia, costumes, and more. 9/17-9/18, 8 PM, lebowskifest.com, $40 two-day pass; $22/$18 advance Fri, $30/$25 Sat.
Naperville Wine Festival More than 200 wines, along with cooking demos, food vendors, wine seminars, and live music. 9/17-9/18, Fri 4-10 PM, Sat 3-9 PM, Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster, Naperville, 630-420-6010, napervillewinefestival.com, $35, $25 advance, $10 designated driver ticket.
Guiness Oyster Festival Live music, Guinness and Harp, and fresh oysters. Sat 9/18, 11 AM-10 PM, Damen and Roscoe, myfountainsquare.com/oyster.
Oktoberfest Chicago Beers, bands, and bratwurst. 9/24-9/26, Fri 5-10 PM, Sat 11 AM-10 PM, Sun noon-6:30 PM, Saint Alphonsus Church, 1429 W. Wellington, 773-525-0709, stalphonsuschgo.org/Ofest/Oktoberfest.html, $5.
Chicago Gourmet The list of participants in this culinary celebration—including Shawn McClain, Graham Elliot Bowles, Gale Gand, and a few dozen more—reads like a who’s who of local talent. The schedule hasn’t been announced yet, but expect seminars, demos, and lots of food and wine tastings. 9/25-9/26, Sat noon-6 PM, Sun noon-5 PM, Millennium Park, Michigan and Randolph, 312-380-4128, illinoisrestaurants.org/associations/2039/chicagogourmet/index.cfm, $90-$175.
Edgewater GRalley An official event of the World Music Festival, this street fest includes music, food, a silent auction, and an “Artists’ Alley.” Sat 9/25, 12-10 PM, Granville and Glenwood, 773-761-1782, edgewatergralley.com, $10, $5 under 18 and seniors, $25 family package.
Eli’s Cheesecake Festival Cooking demos, cheesecake-eating contests, and music by Karen Hart Band, June’s Got the Cash, Band on the Run, and more. There’s also a classic car show on Sunday. 9/25-9/26, Sat 10 AM-5 PM, Sun 11 AM-5 PM, Eli’s Cheesecake Cafe, 6701 W. Forest Preserve, 773-205-3800, elicheesecake.com/festival.aspx, 773-308-7000.
Hyde Park Arts & Crafts Adventure Paintings, photography, dolls, pottery, jewelry, and more. 9/26-9/26, Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun 10 AM-5 PM, 1526 E. 55th, americansocietyofartists.org.