Summertime in Chicago is hard to beat, with outdoor concerts, food festivals, art fairs and neighborhood events happening on every corner of the city. While big names like Lollapalooza and the Taste of Chicago often grab the headlines, the Windy City also boasts a lineup of lesser-known festivals that are arguably just as exciting.
Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or art enthusiast, here are eight under-the-radar summer festivals and events to check out this summer.
May 30-June 1 | 4000 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Celebrate Chicago’s most iconic food at the fourth annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest, where attendees are invited to sample creative spins on the classic hot dog and vendors vie for the title of ‘Best Frankfurter.’ With live music and family-friendly activities, including a hot dog eating contest and ‘Top Dog’ parade for furry friends, it’s a fun way to honor a Chicago staple (hold the ketchup!).
June 28-29 | 5248 N. Clark St.
Have you heard of the Back Lot Bash? Hosted in Cheetah Gym’s parking lot in Andersonville, this festival is a women-focused Pride event packed with live performances, DJ sets, and food and drink vendors. Tickets start at $24.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
July 18-20 | 2000 W Belmont Ave.
Prepare for a weekend of burger bliss as the Roscoe Village Burger Fest returns for its 18th year. This Chicago classic brings together the city’s best eateries, each serving up their most mouthwatering and inventive burgers. But the festival isn’t just about the food— attendees will also enjoy two stages of live music, a vibrant arts & crafts market, and a fun-filled kids’ zone. And don’t miss the Best Burger Competition, where you can vote for the city’s ultimate burger champion!
August 16-17 | Navy Pier
Seafood lovers, rejoice! Navy Pier hosts the Midwest’s largest seafood festival with The Great American Lobster Fest. Indulge in ice-cold drinks, live music and freshly cooked lobster flown in daily from the East Coast. The best part? This year’s fest is on the same weekend as the Chicago Air & Water Show, so you get dinner and a show. Tickets start at $65 and include a full lobster and a drink.
August 23 – 24 | Humboldt Park
Sip your way through summer at the 10th annual Sangria Festival in Humboldt Park. This laid-back event showcases Latin American food, music, and of course, plenty of sangria. There’s even a ‘best picnic-scape’ contest and a ticketed Paint & Sip event. It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing summer day with friends.
September 26-October 5 | Multiple venues throughout Chicago
Chicago is known for its vibrant music festival scene, but some of the city’s hidden gems are often overlooked. One such treasure is the World Music Festival Chicago, which brings together 31 talented musicians from 16 countries. Performances will span 11 venues across the city, including cultural landmarks like the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier.
11 a.m.-3 p.m. every Friday through October 3 | Daley Plaza
Why chase food trucks around the city when you can find them all in one spot? The Chicago Food Truck Festival at the Daley Plaza in the Loop features everything from gourmet pizzas and Southern comfort food to decadent desserts – alongside live music.
June – September | Spirit of Movement Garden in Grant Park & Various Chicago Park District Venues
Dance enthusiasts, this one’s for you! Chicago SummerDance offers live music and free dance lessons taught by professional instructors across the city’s open-air dance floors. From salsa and swing to Indian Folk, it’s a perfect excuse to move to the rhythm of summer nights.
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