Summer in Chicago means festival season.
From smaller music festivals like Square Roots in Lincoln Square to larger yet lesser-known showcases like the Chicago Mexican Folk Festival and the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Most of the events feature highlights of their community, from local musicians to food vendors.
And as the birthplace of house music, Chicago’s festival season means there are plenty of opportunities to party alongside some of the DJs and artists keeping the tradition alive. Jazz music also gets an annual spotlight at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival and the Chicago Jazz Festival.
Going into summer, some festival organizers have voiced warnings about mounting costs, including for security. At least one major festival, Michelada Fest, was canceled by organizers due to issues with artist visas and the current “political climate.” But the calendar remains strong through September for many perennial events. Here’s a select list of fests that feature local and global talent, food vendors, family activities and more.
Chicago Pride Fest
This two-day street festival during Pride Month is celebrating its 24th year. Participate in the Proud Pet Parade, enjoy food and merch from more than 150 vendors and watch performers across three stages. Jesse McCartney, Deborah Cox and Confidence Man are among the headliners this year. Halsted Street from Addison Street to Grace Street. June 21-22; $20 suggested donation.
Hyde Park Jazz Festival Benefit Concert
This benefit concert is a warm-up for the free, 19th annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival in September. Pharez Whitted Quintet, a musician who’s performed at presidential inaugurations, the Billboard Music Awards, Carnegie Hall and other major jazz festivals, will close out the performances before the reception. The Promontory. June 26; tickets from $250.
All Of Us Festival
The two-day music fest in Grant Park celebrates electronic music of all kinds. Slated to perform are headliners Disclosure and Arca, and there will be DJ sets from James Blake, Cobrah, TRQPiTECA and more. Single-day and two-day passes are available. 18+. Grant Park. June 27-28; tickets from $56.64.
Millennium Art Festival
Just steps away from Millennium Park, this free festival hosts more than 100 local artists. Attendees can browse thousands of paintings, jewelry, sculptures and much more. The fest includes a live music stage with local performers, plenty of food trucks, live demos and face painting. 180 N. Stetson Ave. June 28-29; free entry.
Back Lot Bash
In its 21st year, the Back Lot Bash was founded to increase the representation of women in LGBTQ+ spaces. The festival partners with local vendors, community organizations and charities in the neighborhood to attract more than 6,000 guests each year. Jojo Siwa headlines the 2025 fest alongside performances from The Fly Honeys, Travis Fiero, Rose Garcia, DJ Sandra Suave and more. Andersonville. June 28-29; tickets from $24.35.
International Festival of Life
This annual festival has celebrated all things Afro-Caribbean culture and music for 32 years, featuring reggae and dancehall genres, as well as a variety of food from across the Caribbean. This year, the fest moves from Washington Park to the South Loop’s Park 540, located on 24th Street between State and Federal. Headliners include Jah Vinci, Elephant Man and Richie Stephens. Park 540. July 11-13; tickets from $20.
Square Roots Festival
Hosted by the Old Town School of Folk Music and the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, this annual fest offers a robust lineup of live music, bites from local restaurants and vendors, craft beer, cocktails and more. Headliners include Calexico, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, The Mekons and Alejandro Escovedo. This year’s Kid Zone is bigger than ever, taking over Leavitt Street at Sunnyside Avenue. Lincoln Square. July 11-13; suggested donation.
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, this festival is a celebration of all things gospel music. It’s free to attend and welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. Grammy-winning gospel artist Chandler Moore is slated to headline. Millennium Park. July 12; free entry.
Sonic Odyssey: A Kids Music Festival
This one-day festival for kids in Berwyn’s iconic live music venue Fitzgeralds celebrates the fusion of sound, color and motion with live performances, workshops and interactive activities. Chicago’s very own Dave Hamilton, a.k.a. Mr. Dave, performs alongside Nathan Graham for a fun-filled, family-friendly event. Children 11 months and under get in for free. Fitzgeralds. July 12; tickets from $15.
Chosen Few DJs Music Festival & Picnic
This festival bills itself as the longest-running house music festival in the world. The lineup includes Chosen Few founders Wayne Williams and Jesse Saunders, along with DJs Tony Hatchett, Terry Hunter and Alan King. Jackson Park. July 12; tickets from $72.41.
Barrio Arts Festival
In its 25th edition, this year’s Barrio Arts Fest in Humboldt Park features more than 50 vendors showcasing original art, clothing and more. There will also be workshops, live dance and musical performances that celebrate Puerto Rican culture, plus games of dominoes in the museum’s courtyard. The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture. July 12-13; free entry.
The Chicago Mexican Folk Festival
This theatrical showcase, hosted by local Mexican dance company La Academia, celebrates folkloric Mexican dance and music traditions. The event features performances from various local and national dance companies, including Ballet Folklorico Sones Mexicanos and Banda el Pueblo. Thalia Hall. July 13; tickets from $20.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
For the last 18 years, Chicago’s top chefs have competed here for the crown that comes with being named Chicago’s best burger. Along with arts vendors, a kids zone and tons of food and drink options, this festival will feature two stages full of live music performances. Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce. July 18; $10 suggested donation.
Roaring Nights at Brookfield Zoo
Enjoy the zoo’s summer concert series with special after-hours performances alongside the lions, tigers and bears, with a Third Eye Blind concert in July and performances by Better Than Ezra and Tonic in August. Attendees are encouraged to purchase additional admission to the zoo for the full experience. Brookfield Zoo. July 18 and Aug. 16; tickets from $60.
Tacos y Tamales Festival
This Pilsen festival is inspired by Mexican tianguis, a traditional open-air market that feels like a block party. Attendees can enjoy tacos and tamales inspired by different regions of Latin America from dozens of vendors. There will also be local merchants and artisans, a lineup of local musicians and DJs and alcoholic beverages sold on-site. Pre-registration for attendance is advised. Pilsen. July 18-20; $7 suggested donation.
Volleywood
Billed as Chicago’s biggest beachfront music fest, this year’s lineup includes world-renowned DJs Claptone and Hayden James and features Chicago-grown favorites like Sherm and Jake Shore. The one-day music fest will also feature curated cocktails and food vendors. 21+. North Avenue Beach. July 19; tickets from $76.81.
Wicker Park Fest
The three-day festival in Wicker Park celebrates the eclectic reputation of the neighborhood, featuring a musical lineup of indie bands, local food and bar pop-ups, arts and crafts vendors and more. Headliners include performances from rock bands Hotline TNT and Letters to Cleo, with more from Deep Sea Diver, Evening Elephants and Future Rootz. Wicker Park. July 25-27; $10 suggested donation.
Jollof Festival Chicago
Jollof is one of West Africa’s most flavorful and important dishes, said to be the predecessor of jambalaya. This rice competition is coming to Chicago for a day of food and live musical performances. Attendees will get to cast their vote for Best Jollof Rice. The Promontory. July 26; tickets from $25.90.
Jeff Fest
This annual festival features a community stage for local talent to shine. 2025 marks the 24th year of the two-day celebration on the Northwest Side of Chicago. Families can enjoy a kids zone, food and beverages from local vendors and much more. Jefferson Park. Aug. 1-2; free entry.
Chicago Drum Festival
The weekly Argyle Night Market will host the Chicago-based Tsukasa Taiko drum school as part of the Chicago Drum Festival, an annual celebration of global drumming traditions, on Aug. 14. The Night Market attracts around 5,000 visitors each week, with Asian street food from local vendors, live performances and a market. Argyle Night Market. Aug. 14; free entry.
Grant Park Music Festival
This year, the festival is celebrating 90 years of a 10-week concert series that puts classical music in the spotlight. All concerts are free to attend, but RSVPing online is encouraged. Among those slated to perform this year are the Grant Park Orchestra and violin superstars Joshua Bell and Augustin Hadelich. Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Through Aug. 16; free entry.
Chicago House Music Festival and Conference
Chicago is the home of house music, and each year, this free annual festival takes over Millennium Park for a weekend. This year’s lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s sure to be filled with performances from top house DJs. Conference events will be hosted at the Chicago Cultural Center. This year’s wind-down events will happen along the Chicago Riverwalk on Aug. 24. Millennium Park. Aug. 21-24; free entry.
Lakeview Taco Fest
This family-friendly festival returns to the Southport Corridor for the 12th annual Lakeview Taco Fest. The three-day bonanza will celebrate tacos of all kinds, and attendees can vote for Chicago’s Best Taco. The taco fest includes two live music stages, beer and taco pairings, kids activities and Mexican wrestling. Southport Avenue between Roscoe Street and Addison Street. Aug. 22-24; $10 suggested donation.
Noche Caribeña
A night of Caribbean music is coming to one of Chicago’s largest tourist attractions, thanks to the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance. The free concert at Navy Pier’s Lake Stage at Polk Bros Park will blend genres from across Puerto Rico, including Afro-Caribbean folk music, bomba y plena, salsa, Latin pop and more. Navy Pier. Aug. 23; free entry.
Chicago Jazz Festival
This annual festival, programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago, features local talent and national stars for a night of appreciation of one of the city’s most important musical genres. Attendees are not allowed to bring alcohol to the outdoor venue, but there are several places to purchase some on-site. Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park. Aug. 28-31; free entry.
ARC Music Festival
House music never stops playing in Chicago, and at this three-day festival, attendees can enjoy performances from dozens of artists in the genre. This year, organizers are bringing back Eric Prydz in celebration of the fest’s fifth-year milestone. Other artists on the lineup include Jamie xx, Amelie Lens and Illinois native John Summit. Union Park. Aug. 29-31; tickets from $169.
Evanston Folk Festival
This two-day festival in Evanston is returning for a second year of music for all ages, with headliners Iron & Wine and Margo Price. More than 30 artists will take three stages, with plenty of food and beverage vendors abound. After sunset, the party continues with performances at Cahn Auditorium, about five minutes up the road by car. Children under 12 get in for free. Dawes Park. Sept. 6-7; tickets from $99.50.
‘90s Throwback Festival
The throwback festival in Rogers Park is an annual tradition, and this year’s celebration will have attendees feeling like they’ve walked through a time portal, with cover bands playing all the greatest hits from the 1990s. Expect fashion, food and games too. Glenwood Alfresco. Sept 6; free entry.
Taco and Tequila Fest
This suburban festival is a celebration of tacos, tequila and musical throwbacks. Guests can enjoy a chihuahua beauty pageant, a tequila tasting lounge, live lucha libre matches and more. This year’s lineup includes Ludacris, Timbaland, Paul Wall, Trina and DJ Ashton Martin. 21+. Northwestern Medicine Field, Geneva. Sept. 20; tickets from $79.
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
This free annual fest celebrates the history and ongoing development of jazz in Chicago. Local talent, especially from the South Side, will be featured alongside nationally-acclaimed jazz bands and solo musicians. The festival is in its 19th year on the South Side. Midway Plaisance Park. Sept. 27-28; $10 suggested donation.