About Festivals in Chicago, IL
Chicago is a world-class city on the coast of Lake Michigan with Midwestern roots and hospitality. Infused with an eclectic art scene and a multicultural vibe, the “Second City” boasts an iconic skyline with modern architecture, a die-hard sports milieu and unlimited options in both comfort food and five star cuisine, providing a first-rate experience for tourists and denizens alike. Festivals like Lollapalooza, the Chicago International Film Fest, Pitchfork and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade garner attention beyond city limits, and the summer street festival season further showcases Chicago’s fun-loving spirit.
Top Chicago Festivals
Lollapalooza Grant Park This behemoth of a music festival has been rockin' since 1991, and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Grant park comes alive with over 100 music acts spanning alternative rock, rap, electronic and many other popular genres.
Taste of Chicago Grant Park If you're a die-hard foodie, take your taste buds on the culinary journey of a lifetime at Taste of Chicago. Celebrity chefs, local restaurants and other food vendors bring their mouth-watering recipes to Grant Park every year to satisfy thousands of hungry stomachs.
Chicago Blues Festival Millennium Park The city of Chicago is considered a blues music hotspot, so you definitely can't go wrong at the world-renowned Chicago Blues Festival. You'll witness local musicians and legendary acts perform across five different stages, and admission is completely free of charge.
Spring Awakening Addams/Medill Park Known as the ‘Largest Dance Music Festival in the Midwest,” Spring Awakening features some of the biggest names in EDM, outlandish costumes, carnival rides and unbeatable vibes. It's the ultimate visual and audio experience in Chicago.
Chicago Beer Classic Soldier Field Thirst-quenching suds on a lovely spring day? The Chicago Beer Classic has dozens of local and regional brews for you to sample at Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears. Try every delicious style, meet and chat with master brewers, play beer pong and eat some tasty grub.
Pitchfork Music Festival Union Park Pitchfork is all about discovering the next big thing. With over 40 acts in the lineup, the iconic music festival features emerging acts spanning multiple genres including alternative and hip-hop. Hit up Chicago's Union Park to discover music you may have never heard before.
Riot Fest Location Unconfirmed Those who want to escape the mainstream music scene will find a lot to love about Riot Fest. Its focus on emerging punk and metal bands, indie acts, alternative rock bands and more established headliners across five stages.
Ribfest Chicago Lincoln Avenue We hope you're hungry, because Ribfest Chicago cooks up 50,000 pounds of smoking barbecue as well as many other finger-licking recipes. When you're not eating, there are exceptional music performances to catch from renowned rock n' roll bands.