Summer is the best season in Chicago, and not just because it’s no longer covered in snow or bitterly cold. Chicago residents have a lot to look forward to between tons of music and food festivals. If you’re anxious to get your groove on, or eat some delicious food, here are some upcoming festivals in Chicago, happening between April and June.

April

International Pop Overthrow

Red Line Tap, 7006 N. Glenwood Ave
Tickets: $10
Friday April 21, 2017 to Saturday April 29, 2017

The International Pop Overthrow (IPO) is a pop music festival that has been held in Los Angeles for the past 18 years, and has branched out to many different locations, including Chicago, San Diego, Vancouver, Liverpool, and Stockholm. The event features 25 to 180 of the best global pop bands. This year, IPO up-and-coming bands include Mike Vanderbilt & the Suburban Garage Sound, The Jeremy Band, Big Plastic Buddha and many more.

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May

28th Annual McGee’s Headsucker’s Ball

McGee’s Tavern & Grille, 950 West Webster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614
Tickets: $200 for 4 people
Saturday, May 20, 2017 (11am to 3pm)

McGee’s is celebrating the 28th installment of its much-loved Cajun party by bringing in 2,500 lbs of fresh crawfish straight from the bayou. The crawfish are then served up with their famous jambalaya & gumbo, free flowing all day (or until supplies last)! Paired with beverage specials and your favorite Zydeco jams, it’ll be an event you don’t want to miss!

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Mole de Mayo

Ashland Ave. & W. 18th St, Chicago IL
Friday May 26, 2017 (5pm to 10pm) to Sunday May 28, 2017 (noon to 9pm)

Prepare for a Mexican food festival like no other! Mole de Mayo pits different chefs from all over Chicago against each other in a competition to determine whose version of this Mexican staple is truly the best. Besides an intense focus on mole, this summer 2017 Chicago food festival features an open air mercado (market) filled with local food vendors and crafters, 2 stages of live music, and a lucha libre wrestling ring at the heart of it all.

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Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival

Vic Theatre, 3145 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago
Suggested donation: $5
Saturday May 27, 2017 to Sunday May 28, 2017 (noon to 10pm)

Now on its 33rd year, the Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival kicks off Chicago’s outdoor festival season, and will make your Memorial Day weekend one you won’t forget. Showcasing the region’s favorite tribute bands such as Boy Band Review, Wedding Banned, One Night Band and Eliminator, the event is free but requests a $5 donation to benefit Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce.

Book Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival Parking

June

Lincoln Park Greek Fest

St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Sheffield between Diversey & Schubert, Chicago
Friday June 2, 2017 (5pm to 11pm) to Sunday June 4, 2017 (noon to 10pm)

Yiasou! Chicagoans, prepare for a weekend of anything and everything Greek as the St. George Greek Orthodox Church brings you a taste of Greece at their Annual Greek Fest! Feast on some Gyros, Tzatziki, Moussaka and more while experiencing the Greek filoxenia (hospitality), along with some great music and dancing.

More Info

 

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park
Friday June 2, 2017 to Saturday June 3, 2017, noon to 8:30pm

The Chicago Gospel Festival celebrates how Gospel music came together in Chicago, from its ceremonial music origins in Africa, hymns of the South ,and jazz/blues of the North. Now in its 32nd year, the festival celebrates the love for joyous congregational singing of the African Americans that migrated to Chicago from the South. This year’s headliners include The Rance Allen Group, Jonathan McReynolds, and VaShawn Mitchell.

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Ribfest Chicago

Lincoln / Irving Park / Damen
Tickets: $10 suggested donation at the gate ($20 per family)
Friday June 9, 2017 (5pm to 10pm) to Sunday June 11, 2017 (noon to 10pm)

Ribfest Chicago, named one of the 10 best food fests by USA Today, will be holding their 19th annual installment in 2017. Enjoy finger lickin’ good ribs, accompanied by 20 hours of live music from premier touring bands of different genres: everything from honky tonk to indie to rock. Stick around for Ribmania VIII, the rib eating contest, to see who will reign supreme!

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Spring Awakening Music Festival

Addams-Medill Park Chicago
Tickets start at $69
Friday June 9, 2017 to Sunday, June 11, 2017

There are tons of summer music festivals in Chicago, and Spring Awakening is one that’s highly anticipated each year. This gigantic congregation of electronic dance music (EDM) lovers features 5 stages and 80 DJs/artists over 3 days of nonstop partying! This year’s lineup features headliners like Armin van Buuren, Marshmello, Afrojack, Martin Garrix, and Alesso – to name a few!

Book Spring Awakening Music Festival Parking

Chicago Blues Festival

Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, 205 E Randolph St, Chicago
Friday June 9, 2017 to Sunday, June 11, 2017 (11am to 9:30pm)

The world’s largest free blues festival is back this year with even more pizzazz than previous years. This 3 day event, which started in 1984, expects over half a million attendees to show the world why Chicago is the blues capital of the world. Past performers include Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt, and the late Koko Taylor. This year’s headliners include Texas blues guitarist Gary Clark Jr., Stax Records soul singer-songwriter William Bell, and Ronnie Baker Brooks.

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Pilsen Food Truck Social

18th Street at Allport, Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood
Tickets: $20
Saturday June 10, 2017 to Sunday June 11, 2017, 11am to 10pm

Over 25 Illinois food trucks are rolling out onto Chicago’s Lower West Side for a weekend of good eats and lively beats. The $20 sampler ticket gives you 6 sample sized portions from the food trucks and restaurants onsite, and samples from other local vendors. Other food and beverages are also available at their regular prices. A $5 optional donation benefits four different non-profit organizations.

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Country LakeShake Festival

Huntington Bank Pavilion, 1300 S Linn White Dr, Chicago
Tickets: $99.50 to $599.50
Friday June 23, 2017 to Sunday June 25, 2017 (2pm to 11pm)

Some of country music’s biggest names, including Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts and Little Big Town, will share the stage at the Huntington Bank Pavilion in Chicago’s Northerly Island for the Midwest’s biggest country music festival. Get your tickets on their website, and don’t forget your cowboy hat! Tickets start at $99.50 for a one day pass.

Book Country LakeShake Festival Parking

Which one of these Chicago festivals will we be seeing you at? Tweet your excitement at @ParkWhiz!

If you love getting involved with Chicago’s iconic events as a spectator or as a participant, you’re sure to be pumped for the upcoming Bank of America Chicago Marathon. We’re in awe of those who have trained so hard to get to this point, and will be cheering them on… while sitting in a comfortable chair, with snacks and other goodies nearby. 

Here’s all the ParkWhizdom you’ll ever need regarding the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and how to enjoy it whether you’re running your heart out or sitting on the sidelines eating a donut.

Basic Info | Spectator Guide | Street Closures | Parking and Hotels

Bank of America Chicago Marathon: Basic Information

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of six World Marathon Majors, with sister races in Boston, New York, London, Berlin and Tokyo. Runners come from all 50 states and over 100 countries to compete (and complete) this bucket list race.

This year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place on October 9, 2016. Start corrals and other pre-race amenities are in Grant Park.

Here’s the full schedule of events for the weekend:

Friday, October 7
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo; Packet pick-up
McCormick Place; Lakeside Center, Hall D
9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday, October 8
International Chicago 5K
7:30 a.m.

Abbott Health & Fitness Expo; Packet pick-up
McCormick Place; Lakeside Center, Hall D
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday, October 9
Grant Park, Chicago

5:30 a.m. – Gear check opens
5:30 a.m. – Start corrals open
7:20 a.m. – Wheelchair Start
7:22 a.m. – Handcycle Start
7:23 a.m. – Athletes with Disabilities Start
7:30 a.m. – Wave 1 Start
8 a.m. – Wave 2 Start

Bank of America Chicago Marathon 27th Mile Post-Race Party
Grant Park, Butler Field
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Times are subject to change.

For more information, visit the official website.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon: Spectator Guide

Unfortunately, general spectators won’t have access to race start and finish areas within Grant Park on the race day. These areas are only open to:

• participants with event-issued bib numbers
• event staff (with proper credentials)
• ticketed guests

But there are certainly a great number of spectacular viewing options. Want to see off a loved one? Make sure to register to escort your runner to the start line, or greet them at the finish line. For everyone else, find a place to show your support that doesn’t get in the way of race proceedings. You may just opt to meet your runner at the 27th Mile Post-Race Party in Grant Park’s Butler Field.

A couple other recommendations for spectator viewing areas:

• To watch runners closest to the start line, a best bet is Grand Avenue, between Columbus Drive and State Street, near Mile 1, or anywhere along State Street, between Grand Avenue and Jackson Boulevard
• To watch runners closest to the finish line, go to the Bank of America Cheer Zone at Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road

Another option for seeing your runner in action is to track their progress through the Bank of America Chicago Marathon runner tracking. You’ll be able to predict at what time they’ll reach a certain area based on their pace and checkpoints. Please note that this method requires a little bit of pre-planning and coordination!

Street Closures

During the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, approximately 45,000 runners will run through the streets of Chicago. The great thing about the 26.2 mile course is that runners will make their way through every major Chicago neighborhood, with mini-celebrations throughout specific to whatever neighborhood they’re currently running through. What’s not so great? Already awful Chicago traffic becomes worse with street closure confusion. Take the time to figure out where to park ahead of the event, and take note of street closure information, with specific details available on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon website.

Parking and Hotels

No Parking Zones along the course are enforced until 1:00 AM on Sunday, October 11. Street closures along the course will be enforced from 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM on race day. With that, city streets will reopen shortly after the final runners have finished the race. Make sure not to block (or attempt to block) the race course at any given time!

We have tons of parking options near hotels and the course. Make plans now so you can enjoy yourself on race day, whether you are aiming for a new personal best or walking around with a sandwich. 

 

You deserve a break, and luckily Labor Day is right around the corner. Here are some of our top picks for Labor Day activities in Chicago, including the weekend before!

Chicago Jazz Festival
September 1-4

Chicago’s oldest free lakefront music festivals happens to fall on Labor Day weekend. The 38th year of this festival kicks off with an afternoon full of live performances, all at the Chicago Cultural Center.

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Chicago SummerDance
September 2-4

Visit Chicago’s Grant Park to take part in expressive art forms practiced around the world. There are free dance lessons and different live bands all on an outdoor dance floor, all summer long!

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North Coast Music Festival
September 2-4

You’ll need a full weekend to make the most out of (and recover from) this music festival. Experience an eclectic mix of bands from various genres in Union Park. Headliners include Odesza, Bassnectar and Zedd.

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African Festival of the Arts
September 2-5

Watch as Washington Park is transformed into a lively bazaar, complete with handcrafted artwork, vibrant musical performances, authentic cuisine and so much more. Activities are family fun and kid friendly!

More Info

Taste of Polonia
September 2-5

Celebrate all things Polish in Jefferson Park. Chicago has a huge Polish community!

More Info

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks
September 3

If you haven’t yet been to Navy Pier, their spectacular fireworks are a pretty good excuse to make your way through the tourist traffic.

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Great American Lobster Fest
September 2-3

Another reason to check out Navy Pier, even if you’re a Chicago local? Their seafood feast set right on the waterfront. Yum! 

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Black Harvest Film Festival
September 1 (begins Aug. 5)

The Black Harvest Film Festival celebrates the stories of the black experience. Take in dozens of films at Gene Siskel Film Center during this event.

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Kinky Boots
September 1 – 4 (begins Aug. 30)

Have you seen Kinky Boots yet? It’s based on a true story about a shoe factory owner and a drag queen. This Broadway musical’s joyful score was created by Cyndi Lauper.

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Magic Lounge
August 29 – September 29

Do you love old-school magic shows? Check out Chicago Magic Lounge with close-up magic, bar magic, table-hopping magicians, and main stage acts. It all takes place at the at beautiful Uptown Underground venue.

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Summer WingFest –
September 3

What could be a better way to spend Labor Day in Chicago than by binging on chicken wings? The Summer WingFest offers unlimited restaurant wings, live music, outdoor games, a vendor market, craft beer, and more!

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Museums

Take in some art, history, and culture with various Chicago museum exhibits during Labor Day in Chicago:

Amphibians and Stingray Touch – Shedd Aquarium
Brick by Brick – Museum of Science and Industry 
China’s First Emperor and His Terracotta Warriors – The Field Museum 
Lincoln’s Undying Words – Chicago History Museum 
Zoom Room – Chicago Children’s Museum 

Parking for Chicago Museums:
Shedd Aquarium
The Field Museum
Chicago History Museum
Chicago Children’s Museum 

Whether you want to take in some culture at the museum or binge eat delicious fatty foods, you won’t be bored this Labor Day. Make the most of your extra day off with these Labor Day activities in Chicago. Where will you be on your day off?