The best festivals in Chicago for 2024, from street to summer fests

The South Side Jazz Coalition hosts a series of free monthly jazz performances every summer on the steps of St. Moses the Black Parish in Greater Grand Crossing. Bring a lawn chair, some snacks and prepare to hear some top-notch music from the Chicago jazz community—plus, every performance ends with a jam session. 

No, you haven’t stumbled into an early Oktoberfest—this is just how Lincoln Square welcomes street-festival season and the beginning of spring. Hoist a stein, grab a pretzel, watch some lederhosen- and dirndl-costumed dancers and embrace the neighborhood’s German heritage over the course of one fun-filled weekend.

Kick off the start of summer festival season at Do Division, the street shindig with live music booked by Empty Bottle and Subterranean in West Town. Catch performances at two stages—including acts like Divino Niño, Arm's Length, Susto and Avey Tare—and check out food trucks, a fashion show, vendors for shopping and a Family Fun Fest area with kids activities, among other attractions.

Electronic dance festival Beyond Wonderland makes its Chicago debut this summer at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. Held across two days, the fest will take attendees down the rabbit hole to discover multiple storybook-themed areas inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The music lineup is headlined by big name acts including Tiësto, Diplo, Benny Benassi, Kaskade and RL Grime.

The Chicago Gospel Music Festival will bring a roster of choirs and contemporary artists to Pritzker Pavilion for a day of family-friendly music. Highlights include performances from three-time Grammy winners The Clark Sisters, Chicago singer-songwriter Todd Dulaney, contemporary gospel artist Chandler Moore and global recording artist Anita Wilson—for a full lineup, visit the festival's website.

This annual fest and conference celebrating the iconic dance music genre born in Chicago brings a full day of DJ sets to Millennium Park. Acts this year include Wayne Williams, Alan King, Farley Jackmaster Funk, Tony Touch, DJ Slugo and more. The live music will be preceded by and open house and panel discussions touching on key House topics at the Chicago Cultural Center. For a full list of programming, visit the DCASE Chicago House Music Festival and Conference website.

The oldest juried craft fair in Hyde Park features paintings, sculptures, jewelry and ceramics from nearly 200 artists. The event also features blues and jazz acts, presented by Buddy Guy's Legends, as well as a family-friendly activity area and various food vendors. Attendees can shop for artwork created in a variety of mediums, including glass, jewelry, leather, photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, wood, ceramics or fiber.

Whether you like your hot dogs dragged through the garden or topped with ketchup, this Portage Park fest has you covered. Local favorites, including Byron’s, Chicago Doghouse and Lola’s Coney Island, will compete to see who makes the best frankfurter, as voted on by fest-goers. In addition, there will be live entertainment, arts and craft vendors, a kids area, a top dog parade and a hot dog eating competition.

The street in front of St. George Greek Orthodox Church hosts three days of gyros, spicy feta spread, dancing, traditional music and more during Lincoln Park's annual celebration of Hellenic culture. Show up to feast on Greek delicacies, shop for gifts at the craft fair or catch some live music.

The oldest music festival in North America plays host to more than 100 shows throughout summer, featuring big-name headliners like James Taylor, Violent Femmes, Ben Platt and Samara Joy. Check out the full schedule of artists coming to Highland Park this year and don't forget to pack a picnic.

Make your way to Harper Court in Hyde Park on four Thursdays throughout the summer for free outdoor concerts. This year's lineup stars DJ Eric "ET" Taylor, Funkadesi, Sam Thousand & The Soul Vortex and an open mic night.

Chicago honors its legacy as a city of 12-bar melodies and wailing guitar solos by hosting this annual blues music festival, bringing living legends and local players to Millennium Park for four days of electrifying performances. This year's lineup includes headlining sets from soul and Americana singer Shemekia Copeland, “The Mississippi Blues Child,” Mr. Sipp, and Memphis soul and roots band Southern Avenue. When you need to refuel, head to Wally's BBQ Pit to feast on delicious barbecue in between acts.

Andersonville's beloved summer street fest returns to Clark Street for its 58th year of Swedish-themed festivities. Catch live entertainment across five stages from dozens of musical and entertainment acts. Plus, shop local vendors for gifts and food. And of course, don't miss out on Swedish heritage activities, including a traditional dance around the Midsommar Maypole.

Celebrate Humboldt Park's vibrant Puerto Rican culture and history at this annual fest, which returns to the park of the same name this year with music, food, carnival rides and other community-centric festivities. You'll find attractions like a dominoes tournament, music stage, merengue dance performances, a shopping market, street food stands and more; plus, don't miss the 46th annual Puerto Rican People's Parade Day along Division Street on Saturday. PSA: Tickets are free for community day on Thursday. 

See the work of more than 200 juried artists and purchase original photography, paintings, jewelry and more at this two-day fest in Old Town. Food options include fare from local restaurants, and live entertainment from 16 Candles, Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press and more will play throughout the weekend.

Take a stroll and browse the work of more than 200 artists on the streets of Old Town at this annual two-day art fair. Attendees can also take a self-guided tour of more than 50 local gardens, enjoy live music from local performers and explore a selection of food and drinks provided by area restaurants and vendors. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

For classical music lovers who enjoy taking in a show set beneath Chicago's skyline, the annual Grant Park Music Festival is perennial favorite summer event. This year's series of classical concerts runs from June 12–August 17 with performances ranging from world premiere works and performances of symphonies by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Shostakovich to an evening of classic Broadway arrangements and the annual Independence Day salute. Take a look at the complete schedule of events below and find more information on the Grant Park Music Festival website.

Local hip-hop blog and music video production house Lyrical Lemonade brings its Summer Smash festival back to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview for another year, hosting a lineup of both established and rising rappers. Cactus Jack (Travis Scott), Playboi Carti and Chief Keef headline the fest. Other highlights on the lineup include Big Sean, Kodak Black, Denzel Curry and Lil Yachty. As usual, the undercard is filled with rising acts—for those looking for a glimpse of the future of hip-hop, you'll probably see it at the Summer Smash.

Taking place on the same street occupied by some of Chicago's best-known restaurants, this West Loop fest boasts six blocks of food, drinks and music. You'll find bites from more than 16 restaurants (on Randolph Street and beyond) as well as two stages packed with performances throughout the day. This year's lineup includes Local H, Lucky Boys Confusion, Ramona Flowers, Phantom Planet and more. Proceeds from the festival support the West Loop Community Organization.

Head to North Center to dig into more than 50,000 pounds of ribs and barbecue across the streets of Lincoln, Damen and Irving Park. The annual celebration of saucy pork brings together more than 20 vendors, lounges where you can sit down to eat and live music to keep you entertained while you're digesting your second rack of ribs. New this year is a whiskey tasting, where guests can sample sample up to 16 local and international spirits.

Grant Park's Bulter Field hosts one of the biggest art fairs of the summer, with 250 juried artists show off paintings, ceramics, jewelry, sculptures and more in tents set up throughout the park. Plus, curious art enthusiasts can make their own masterpieces during live painting classes.

Celebrate Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., with a free family-friendly festival hosted by It Takes A Village Family of Schools at Douglass Park. The day will be filled with games, rides, delicious food and live performances from India Arie, Dead Prez and Domani.

The Back of the Yards neighborhood knows how to throw a party, shutting down two blocks to make room for carnival rides, games, food vendors and live music. Head down to 47th Street and Ashland if you want to eat a taco, take a ride on a Ferris wheel and win a gigantic stuffed animal.

With performances taking place in the Navy Pier Beer Garden and at Polk Bros Park, the Chi-Soul Fest returns to the lakefront for two days of free music. The lineup includes artists that embrace classic and contemporary interpretations of soul music, including Ariel Posen, New Black Renaissance, Meagan McNeal and more.

Sundays on State—which shuts down a strip of State Street spanning from Adams to Lake Streets for activations, performances, food and shopping—brings thousands of visitors downtown to check out everything from outdoor dining and browsing opportunities to pop-up karaoke and barre fitness classes. The event returns on two Sundays this year by popular demand. For a full schedule of vendors and events, check out Chicago Loop Alliance's website.

Chicago Pride Fest brings two days of music, drag, vendors and LGBTQ-friendly event to Northalsted in celebration of Chicago Pride Month. Swing by to catch headlining sets from Natasha Bedingfield, JoJo Siwa, Kaleena Zanders, Amber Riley and more. Plus, browse arts and crafts from more than 150 vendors and don't miss out on the Proud Pet Parade at noon on Sunday. Once you've had your fill, head to one of the best gay bars in Chicago to keep the party going.

Vegandale returns to Chicago this summer with over 100 vendors from around the world. Check out over-the-top plant-based eats—including products not yet available in stores—as well as interactive art installations, free samples and performances by 2 Chainz, Saweetie and more.

An array of paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography and furniture go on display along a portion of Lake Street in the Loop during the annual Millennium Art Festival. Guests can browse the offerings, speak with more than 100 artists, listen to live music and make purchases during the three-day event—no reservations are required to attend and walk-ups are welcome throughout the weekend.

Stages, tents and food trucks will once again spring up around the Illinois Centennial Monument this year for the annual Logan Square Arts Festival. The beloved community fest celebrates local art, food, beer and music—while raising money for neighborhood non-profits.

Head to Pritzker Pavilion on select Mondays and Thursdays from July 1–August 8 for the seven-part Millennium Park Summer Music Series, which showcases a wide range of music from both emerging and well-established performers. Check the official website for the full list of artists and schedule.

NASCAR returns to Chicago for another weekend of street racing, sending cars going over 100 miles per hour down Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive and other downtown thoroughfares. You can purchase tickets to watch all the action from reserved seats and designated viewing areas, and also enjoy concerts by The Chainsmokers, The Black Keys, Keith Urban and Lauren Alaina.

For three decades, the African Caribbean International Festival of Love has brought reggae and world music performances, Afro-Caribbean food, games, crafts and more to Washington Park. This year, the fest will take place over Independence Day weekend, with performances from a variety of artists.

The Chicago Craft Beer Festival returns to Jonquil Park this year for a three-day extravaganza of craft brews. There will be multiple sessions each day, limited to 600 people per session (200 for VIP), so snag a tasting ticket to secure your spot and feel free to grab a bite to eat before you begin sampling. GA tickets get you 12 tastings and a commemorative glass, while VIP includes five additional specialty beers and private seating.

Spend enough time basking in the smell of barbecued meat, the twangy strains of country music and the sweltering heat at Windy City Smokeout and you might feel like you've been transported to Texas. Taking place in a parking lot outside of the United Center, this annual festival brings together some of the nation's most talented pitmasters and a stacked lineup of Nashville-approved musicians. Headliners for this year's edition of the four-day fest include country stars Carrie Underwood, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum and Thomas Rhett. Come for the delicious smoked meats and stick around for the music.

Local music collective the Chosen Few DJs takes over Jackson Park for a day of house sets from Wayne Williams, Jesse Saunders, Tony Hatchett, Alan King, Andre Hatchett, Terry Hunter, Mike Dunn and special guests. Stop by to watch a crowd of people dancing to the beat, or jump into the fray and show off your moves.

This Hyde Park street festival outside of the Promontory brings together some of the biggest names in Afrobeat music, a genre pioneered by musician Fela Kuti, who fused Nigerian instrumentation and rhythms with contemporary pop, funk and jazz. You'll catch sets from DJs spinning global tunes, plus access to local food, a photo installation, outdoor laser tag and more fun activities.

One of Chicago’s premier celebrations of Latin music will bring together some of the biggest names in the industry across a variety of genres, including reggaeton, salsa, bachata, banda and rock. The two-day fest boasts a lineup of exciting acts, such as Kali Uchis, Junior H, Los Angeles Azules, Sante Fe Klan and more, plus delicious local eateries, talented artists, a full carnival experience and plenty of micheladas.

The Southport Corridor hosts its annual two-day art festival, bringing together a variety of artists and local vendors near neighborhood landmarks like the Music Box Theatre. Guests can peruse pieces, shop at Southport Avenue stores, take kids to an area packed with interactive games or sit down on a patio to enjoy food and drink specials throughout the weekend. All proceeds benefit the Southport Neighbors Association.

Infatuation is bringing back EEEEEATSCON, the two-day food festival at the Salt Shed featuring some of the city’s best restaurants plus appearances by celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Common and Chance the Rapper. Participating eateries include 3 Little Pigs, 312 Fish Market, Lilac Tiger, Diego, Soul & Smoke and more.

This midsummer block party staple brings alt-country, folk and Americana jams—plus craft brews and snacks from local food vendors—to Lincoln Square. Admission is free, but consider tossing in a donation to benefit small business workshops, community efforts and scholarship programs at the Old Town School of Folk Music. 

West Town's rollicking street festival returns to Chicago Avenue for three days of music, food and shopping from local vendors. Empty Bottle Presents will curate West Fest's musical lineup, and you can also catch jockeys spinning vinyl on the Bass By the Pound DJ Stage. Plus, browse tons of local vendors and don't miss the Pet Fest area, which features charming attractions like a dog obstacle course and pet painting.

If you love classic rock, skip Lollapalooza and head to Jefferson Park for a community festival that looks to the past with performances from local cover bands. You'll also find food from neighborhood vendors and a dedicated kids zone where families can hang out and boogie with the little ones.  

Show up to St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church in Edgewater to experience "philoxenia" (Greek hospitality) at this annual festival, where chicken, gyros, pork souvlaki and pastitsio (Greek lasagna) are on the menu all weekend long. Stick around for live Greek music and hits from DJ Yianni, as well as fun and games for kids.

Pack your own popcorn, bring a blanket and enjoy another season of free outdoor movie screenings during the Millennium Park Summer Film Series. You can grab a seat in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or spread out on the Great Lawn as you watch flicks on a 40-foot LED screen. This year's lineup includes E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, Coco, Barbie, American Fiction, Wonka and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. For the full schedule, check the official site.

Pitchfork returns to Union Park during its usual weekend in July—and as ever, the lineups are packed with some of the most of-the-moment indie, hip-hop and electronic acts. Catch headlining sets from psychedelic sold band Black Pumas, English DJ Jamie xx and '90s icon Alanis Morissette.. Plan on arriving early, discovering some new music and weaving your way through the crowds to find a spot in the shade.

This three-day Pilsen food festival takes its inspiration from the Tianguis, a traditional Mexican and Central American bazaar. As its name suggests, guests are invited to sample plenty of tacos and tamales prepared by local restaurants using techniques from across Latin America. Between bites, cruise vendor stalls, tour stunning art installations, sip a cold one inside the Modelo beer garden and dance to live Latin music.

Millennium Park celebrates its 20th anniversary with a special four-day event, featuring free performances by Fruko y Sus Tesos, the Grant Park Orchestra, Common and The S&S Chicago Experience. Family-friendly programming, new public art and on-site activations will also take place throughout the weekend.

Dance on the sand at Chicago Sport and Social Club's annual Volleywood festival, which boasts a day of live music, food and interactive experiences on the sands of North Avenue Beach (it's the city's last remaining beachfront music fest). British DJ TroyBoi and electronic duo The Knocks headline the EDM-centric event—snag general admission tickets or spring for a cabana for you and 11 of your friends, stocked with beer, refreshments and private restrooms.

River North is home to a diverse collection of restaurants—and you'll be able to try a lot of it at this tasty neighborhood gathering. While you're digesting, enjoy tunes from local cover bands and plenty of beverages. This year's event will also feature a wine tasting on Friday, and a dog parade on Saturday.

Celebrate the anniversary of Colombian independence at this festival taking place at Northeastern Illinois University, where you'll find live music, food vendors, a circus, a kids' area, games and more. Headlining acts on the music stage include Grupo Niche, Jorge Celedon, Hernan Gomez, Henry Fiol and more.

It's no secret that we unabashedly love burgers, so you can imagine how much we're anticipating Roscoe Village's annual celebration of succulent, beef patty cuisine. Loosen your belt and prepare to taste grilled creations from local restaurants while enjoying live music and ample libations. Don't forget to vote for your favorite—the most popular burger of the weekend earns the visitors' choice award.

The stretch of Ravenswood Avenue that's dubbed "Malt Row" hosts this annual festival, which features drinks provided by the neighborhood's diverse craft brewing scene alongside bites from local restaurants, shopping vendors, axe-throwing and live music. The two-day event spotlights beers from Half Acre, Cultivate by Forbidden Root, Dovetail, Spiteful, Hop Butcher for the World, Begyle and more, plus cocktails from KOVAL Distillery—hop heads will want to try some of the special tappings.

This annual fundraiser to support Horner Park will bring together over 30 local breweries for an evening of beer and cider. Sample more than 60 brews, grab a bite to eat from a food truck and enjoy live music from funk group Bumpus while helping to save the planet. We’ll drink to that!

When it comes to street festivals, the annual Wicker Park Fest is usually one of the season's largest (and most crowded) events, attracting thousands of people to a stretch of Milwaukee Avenue that's crowded with bars, chain restaurants, boutiques and shoe stores. Jam out to live music—you'll also find plenty of food from local vendors, well-stocked beer tents, sales at surrounding shops and a dedicated kids area.

One of the largest Latino fests in the Midwest returns to the heart of Pilsen, bringing a carnival, delicious food from local vendors and a lineup of traditional music to the neighborhood's streets. The four-day event takes place along a stretch of Cermak Road (between Ashalnd and Morgan) and can draw as many at one million people every year—we recommend showing up early before the crowds stream in during the evening.

The annual Bantu Fest prides itself on bringing people, cuisine and culture from more than 30 different countries together for a two-celebration of Chicago's (and the world's) diversity. When you're not sampling tantalizing dishes from around the globe, you can take in sets from local musicians and enjoy the sights during a summer afternoon on Midway Plaisance.

GhanaFest is back to celebrate the rich history and culture of the West African country. The 36th annual event will feature a village with vendors in fashion, arts and crafts, as well as a variety of Ghanaian eats, live music and performances, a parade of local chieftains and queen mothers, and more.

Chinatown celebrates the arrival of summer at this annual event—featuring food, art and music—which became a two-day fest beginning in 2021. The festival opens with a traditional lion dance procession and continues with performances (including a K-pop breakdance competition), kung fu demonstrations, arts and craft exhibits and cuisine from Chinatown restaurants. 

Local restaurants bring their most famous dishes outside for three days of tastings at this Lincoln Park street festival. You'll find loads of vendors lining Lincoln Avenue, including area businesses and eateries, as well as one main music stage and a kids carnival area stocked with activities, face painting, games and more. Don't forget to try the fest's whiskey tasting, which offer 16 samples of Midwestern spirits curated by Delilah's.

Make the short trip across state lines to downtown Whiting, Indiana to chow down on Eastern European dumplings and gawk at residents who don pierogi costumes. You can compete in the Pierogi Toss, enter an eating contest, participate in a parade or boogie down in the polka competition, all in honor of the little pierogi.

Chicago's biggest music festival welcomes 400,000 attendees to Grant Park for a four-day music festival that's packed with some of the biggest names in pop, rock and hip-hop. SZA, Tyler, The Creator, Blink-182, The Killers and more headline the fest this year, joined by acts like Future X Metro Boomin, Hozier, Stray Kids, Melanie Martinez and Skrillex. Check out our comprehensive guide to Lollapalooza, including the full lineup and schedule, for more info.

Pay homage to Bronzeville's history as a hub for jazz and blues at this beloved annual music fest, which returns to King Drive (outside Mariano's Bronzeville) for a day-long roster of performances curated by music producer Frank Goss III, plus food and drinks from local vendors. This year's lineup features Rick Parma, Chris Miskel, Corey Wilkes and Marqueal Jordan.

Set amid the Chicago Brewing District, this jam-band focused street festival invites guests to take in multiple sets from live music while enjoying a cold beer. Local brewers will be pouring beer all weekend long, accompanired by an array of West Town restaurants and food trucks. Find a tie dye shirt and get ready to dance.

This far Northwest Side neighborhood gets in on street festival season fun with a three-day affair packed with live music, activities for the kids and delicious food. Stop by to see a host of performances or show off your skills in a bags tournament before digging into grub served by local vendors. 

Northalsted Market Days is one of the largest street festivals in the Midwest, welcoming 100,000 people to the streets of Northalsted (formerly known as Boystown) for an LGBTQ-friendly summer celebration of music, food and dance. You can expect a long list of performers across five stages—check out the Northalsted Market Days website for a complete schedule.

This community art fest sets up in Printer's Row, with nearly 100 artists showing off jewelry, paintings, upcycled artworks and more interesting items. When you're done shopping, take a break with a drink or snack and some live music. Little ones can hang out in the Kids Art Zone with face painting, art projects and more.

Antique vendors and classic cars fill six blocks of Roscoe Village at this throwback street market, where everything old is new again. The music lineup is usually equally nostalgic, featuring tribute acts that perform hits from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Navy Pier hosts this Air and Water Show weekend feast featuring mountains of fresh seafood flown in from the East Coast. At the Great American Lobster Festival, hungry attendees can sign up for the Lobster Meal Experience that includes one drink voucher and a 1.25-pound steamed red lobster or a lobster roll served with corn on the cob, potatoes, a dinner roll, lemon wedges and melted butter. Once you're full, head to the stage, where you can catch live music and the Air and Water Show all weekend.

This annual River North block party celebrates America's military service members with an evening of live music, delicious food and drinks to sip. Proceeds from the event benefit the USO of Illinois.

You'll find more than 100 artists selling paintings, drawings, sculptures, glass, ceramics, pottery, photography, jewelry and more at this popular arts festival in Rogers Park, which is celebrating its 23rd year in 2024. Stroll through the art fair to take home your very own masterpiece and catch performances on two music stages from various acts. Plus, enjoy street food and craft brews from local businesses.

Humboldt Park transforms into an outdoor tapas bar during this boozy bash, which pairs bites from local restaurants with pitchers of red wine and chopped fruit. Lay our a blanket to sip sangria on the lawn, put color on a canvas at the festival's painting station or watch live salsa and Brazilian dance music.

This festival in Evanston features works by more than 150 juried artists along with eats from local food trucks. Attendees can browse a selection of paintings, photographs, handmade jewelry and sculptures, or try to show off their own talents by taking a live painting class.

Chicago's sole chalk art festival transforms Howard Street into a lovely, chalk art-covered canvas over the course of a single day. Head east of the Howard Red Line stop between Paulina and Ashland to tour 3D chalk designs by internationally-renowned artists and try food from local vendors, or get in on the action yourself by purchasing a 4x4 square of sidewalk to design for $25—don't worry, chalk is included.

The Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago in North Lawndale hosts this community block party, featuring an afternoon of hip-hop performances, breakdancing and more. Guests will also be able to check out a graffiti showcase, a bounce house, games and enjoy barbecue from local vendors.

For some, Labor Day weekend means cookouts and enjoying some of the final days of summer among family and friends. For other, it means crowding in front of a stage with a bunch of strangers and dancing to the sound of bone-rattling bass drops. North Coast Music Festival brings some of the biggest names in EDM to Bridgeview, IL for three days of beats and pyrotechnics in and around SeatGeek Stadium. The lineup includes headlining acts like Above & Beyond, ILLENIUM, Seven Lions, SLANDER, Subtronics and Chase & Status. And with multiple stages to explore, you should have no problem finding the house, techno, progressive and trance music that you want to dance to.

The fourth annual ARC Music Festival is scheduled to take over Union Park during Labor Day weekend, celebrating Chicago's house music roots and welcoming an international lineup of dance music artists. Taking place across three days, the fest features acts like U.K. brothers Disclosure, Belgian techno DJ Charlotte de Witte, New York icon Armand van Helden, Australian house producer Dom Dolla, EDM pioneer Kaskade and more. Additional Chicago performers include local house music legends Derrick Carter and DJ Lady D. See shows at multiple stages spread throughout the park, enjoy food from local chefs and attend afterparties at over 13 venues.

As is Labor Day weekend tradition in Chicago, some of the biggest names in jazz will gather for a series of shows at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center during this annual festival. Visit the Chicago Jazz Festival webpage for the full lineup and schedule.

In need of some new home decor? Shop more than four blocks of art available for purchase at this family-friendly festival, where you'll also find two days of live music and plenty of solid dining options nearby.

Feast on potato pancakes, kielbasa, pierogi, blitzes and more at this annual Polish celebration (the largest in the country) during Labor Day weekend. Once you're full, stick around to take in performances from polka bands and tribute acts, grab drinks in a beer garden, shop from local vendors, watch traditional dance groups or try your luck in a casino.

The yearly festival—which celebrates art, music and food from across the African diaspora—returns this Labor Day weekend. Head to Washington Park to wander around a recreated African village complete with vendors, stilt walkers, African fine art and fabrics, a quilt pavilion, drum circles and more interactive features; plus, catch live music from various acts. When you get hungry, swing by the Bank of the Nile food court that features food from across the African continent and beyond. 

The Taste of Chicago is again being held in September this year instead of its usual first weekend of July. The annual festival will feature dozens of vendors and food trucks, plus musical performances. And just like last year, the Taste of Chicago will be preceded by a series of day-long fests throughout the summer (at Rogers Park, Pullman Park and Marquette Park) before heading to Grant Park for the three-day main event.

For one weekend each year, Southport Corridor becomes a mecca for taco lovers in Chicago during the Lakeview Taco Fest. More than 10 restaurants offer their take on the tortilla-wrapped dish, serving delicious creations throughout Saturday and Sunday. You'll also be able to take in Mexican wrestling shows, performances from local bands and kid-friendly activities, plus special beer and taco pairings. 

Calling all book nerds! The Midwest’s biggest free outdoor literary festival returns this September for its 39th year with everything from a huge outdoor book market spanning five blocks (Dearborn Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Polk Street, and Polk Street from State Street to Clark Street) to talks with artists and authors.

This two-day music festival on the South Side brings together acts from all parts of the country, including Mojo Thunder, Caution, Brandon Good, The Leadfoot Band, Stereotypes and more. The tunes will be paired with barbecue-inspired Mexican street fare, so expect to feast on plenty of tacos filled with spicy smoked meats.

Enjoy feta, tzatziki, roasted chicken and more signature Mediterranean flavors at this three-day festival in Greektown, where you'll find lots of tasty dishes cooked by some of the neighborhood's most beloved restaurants. Stick around for performances from Greek and American bands. Opa!

Celebrate the arrival of fall in Lincoln Square at the Chicago German-American Oktoberfest, which sets up two gigantic tents in the neighborhood to serve liters of beer, stacks of pretzels and more German delicacies. The weekend also features a parade up Lincoln Avenue, live performances from four German bands and carnival games for the kids.

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with the inaugural Grito Fest, which will be the first time in over a decade city-sanctioned festivities take place downtown. You can expect to enjoy authentic food and drink offerings from a variety of local vendors, mariachi and ballet folklórico performances, family-friendly activities and much more.

Take a look at art from more than 150 juried artists at this annual event in Lakeview East, where you can also catch live music. Visit a variety of food and drink booths when you get hungry, or head over to the Kidzone to entertain little ones with origami demos, circus performances, live music and other attractions. The fest, which stretches along Broadway from Belmont to Hawthorne, goes until 7pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Take a stroll down Ravenswood Avenue to see art, live music and theater at this local festival centered around the neighborhood's industrial corridor, showcasing dozens of artists and local venues including Begyle Brewery, Lillstreet Art Center, Koval Distillery, VIN312 Winery and more. This year—the festival's 22nd—swing by the outdoor beer garden for local brews and food trucks, or listen to some live tunes across two stages.

Get ready, punk rockers! Riot Fest is returning from September 20-22 with a laundry list of rock, punk and emo artists. It's one of the biggest music fests in Chicago every year thanks to a must-see lineup of both legacy acts and emerging newcomers. This year's lineup stars a reunion performance by Slayer.

The Hyde Park Jazz Festival returns to venues throughout its namesake neighborhood in September. As always, Hyde Park Jazz Festival's shows are free to attend—for a complete list of performances, visit the festival's website.

Chicago Gourmet, the annual food festival hosted by the Illinois Restaurant Association, returns this year with a four-day slate of programming and events in celebration of the city's dining scene. Nosh on a variety of delicious bites and sip wines at events like Tacos & Tequila, Hamburger Hop, Grand Cru and the brunch-centric Rise & Shine Gourmet. You can view a full festival schedule on Chicago Gourmet's website, where you can also buy tickets to individual events. 

Taking place in and around Lakeview’s St. Alphonsus church, this autumn fête features the requisite selection of suds, brats, pretzels and two stages of Bavarian music (and a bunch of cover bands). Stick around for a separately-ticketed craft beer festival on Friday and Saturday night.

Explore music from around the globe during this annual festival, now in its 24th year, which brings a wide array of performers to venues across the city for free musical performances. Experience sounds and subgenres from regions like Brazil, South Korea, Senegal and more. For a full list of performances, visit the festival's website. 

Artists take over neighborhood shops during the annual West Town Art Walk, which showcases the creative talents of area residents and businesses. The festival celebrates all kinds of art, including visual, fashion, musical and culinary—choose your own adventure by customizing where you start your art walk, which can be launched at any of the fest's participating businesses as well as two main event headquarters. Need assistance walking? Flag down one of the art walk's free pedicabs for a ride.