Chicago’s Top 10 : Festivals & Events – Top 10 Sports Teams & Events

1. Chicago Blues Festival

   The
   raucous weekend-long Blues Festival kicks off summer in Chicago. An
   estimated 750,000 listeners converge on Grant Park for the world’s
   largest free blues event. The main stage line-up spans traditional
   bluesmen like Honey Boy Edwards, jazz interpreters such as Mose Allison,
   and blues-inflected popsters like Bonnie Raitt. Smaller side stages
   offer a more intimate audience experience.

   • 312 744 3315

   • Late May–early Jun

2. Chicago Summer Neighborhood Festivals

   Chicago
   is a city of neighborhoods with upwards of 100 neighborhood festivals
   to prove it. Virtually every summer weekend features an event or three
   ranging from the gay-oriented North Halsted Market Days to the ethnic
   Korean Street Festival.

   • 312 744 3315

   • May–Sep

   
   

   
   
   

   Neighborhood festival in Chinatown

3. Chicago Gospel Music Festival

   For
   three days Grant Park resounds with stirring choirs and impassioned
   soloists. Headliners have included R&B-star-turned-Memphis-preacher,
   Al Green.

   • 312 744 3315

   • Early Jun

4. Old Town Art Fair

   This
   50-year-old fair installs 250 artist booths along Old Town’s historic
   and leafy lanes. The artwork is supplemented by food vendors, kids’
   entertainment, and garden tours.

   • 1763 N. Park Ave.

   • 312 337 1938

   • 
     www.oldtowntriangle.com
     

   • Jun

   • Adm.

5. Ravinia Festival

   The
   summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Ravinia stages concerts
   (classical, jazz, and pop) in suburban Highland Park. Sheltered seats
   are available but it’s more fun to pack a picnic and join the crowds on
   the lawn.

   • 1 847 266 5100

   • 
     www.ravinia.org
     

   • Jun–Sep

   • Adm.

6. Taste of Chicago

   Chicago’s
   signature foods including deep dish pizza star during the nearly
   two-week long Taste. Musical entertainers, a carnival with rides, and
   cooking demonstrations entertain at the sprawling Grant Park event.

   • 312 744 3315

   • Late Jun–early Jul

7. Venetian Night

   On
   this night, boat owners dress up their ships and form a festive marine
   parade that culminates with fireworks over the lake. For the best views
   try Monroe Harbor at the lakefront.

   • 312 744 3315

   • Late Jul/early Aug

8. Chicago Air & Water Show

   This
   massive display of military power features historic aircraft flybys, a
   staged amphibious attack, and precision flying teams. Prime beachfront
   viewing spots are from Oak Street to Montrose Beach.

   • 312 744 3315

   • Mid-Aug

9. Chicago Jazz Festival

   Just
   as the Blues Fest ushers in summer, the smaller Jazz Fest caps it.
   Music fans are drawn to Grant Park for free concerts by a range of jazz
   greats like Branford Marsalis and Roy Hargrove.

   • 312 744 3315

   • Late Aug/early Sep (inc. Labor Day weekend)

10. Magnificent Mile Holiday Lights Festival

    Merchants
    mark the start of the holiday season by lighting the shops, lampposts,
    and trees along Michigan Avenue. The parade and fireworks above the
    Chicago River on the Saturday night before Thanksgiving warrant braving
    the inevitable chill.

    • Mid Nov–end Dec

Top 10 Sports Teams & Events