Summer in Chicago
Chicago is finally coming alive after one of the hardest winters we have had in a while. And, bar none, Chicago is one of the most exciting and lively cities in the summer. Boating on Lake Michigan; North Avenue Beach turns into a beach voileyball scene that gives California's Hermosa Beach a run for its money; and outdoor street festivals nearly every weekend. Entry fees area usually reasonable between $5 and $10. Tip: The fees aren't mandatory so you can refuse to pay them. While each festival has its own vive, the makeups are pretty much the same: bands, beer and food.
Some of my favorite festivals include:
May Fest; May 16-18; Ashland and Barry aenues; Local favorite band Mike & Joe take the stage on the 18th at 8 p.m.
Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival; May 31 - June 1; Sheffield and Belmont Avenues; Band lineup to be announced.
Old Town Art Fair; Well Street ; June 14 - 15; Traditional art fair with art vendors lining the streets; festival also has nightly bands.
Taste of Randolph; June 20 - 22; Randolph and Peoria streets; food from area restaurants, wine garden, bands.
Old St. Pat's World's Largest Block Party; July 18 - 19; Madison Street and Des Plaines Avenue; this festival's claim to fame is that more people meet their future husband or wife at it than at any other festival, and while this festival is thrown by a Catholic church, expect a lot of beer, brats and music. You do need to buy tickets, which cost about $35.
Venetian Night; July 26; Monroe Harbor; In my opinion, Venetian Night fireworks are better than the Fourth of July ones. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.
Taste of Lincoln Avenue; July 26 - 27; Fullerton and Lincoln avenues; Food from local restaurants; numerous stages with bands ranging from blues to hard rock.
Taste of Greece; August 23 - 24; Greektown; Worth going to at night for dinner where local Greek restaurants sell some of their best dishes.
For a complete lists of festivals, check out: http://chicago.metromix.com/events/article/chicago-festival-guide-2008/339943/content