As we approach the second weekend of the second month of summer, the festival season is in full swing and appropriately this weekend is chalk full of festivities across the Chicagoland area. With that being said, here are the top 5 fests you won’t want to miss this weekend.
Taste of Chicago and Lakeview
The 35th annual Taste of Chicago will once again give attendees delicious samplings of more than 200 different styles of local fare served by Chicago’s very own. Held in Grant Park, this festival will span five days from July 8 – 12 including live music, chef demonstrations by Mariano’s, and the Pure Leaf Celebrity Chef du jour exclusive three-course meal prepared by featured chefs from some of Chicago’s top flight restaurants. Also Taste of Lakeview, at the intersection of Belmont and Ashland, will be Saturday and Sunday featuring its own live music and plenty of tasty options to snack on. For more information on Taste of Chicago, visit cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/taste_of_chicago.html and for more information on Taste of Lakeview, go to starevents.com/festivals/taste-of-lakeview/
ArtFest
Magnificent Mile will be Chicago’s mecca for all things art July 10 – 12 at Artfest Michigan Avenuw will feature paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more. This outdoor gallery-style art exhibit will display a wide variety of artwork for sale with prices set to suit all budgets. The event will be all weekend and is open to the public so be sure to stop by to see what Chicago’s most creative artists have in store for you. For more information on ArtFest Michigan Avenue, visit amdurproductions.com/art-fest-michigan-ave/
Irish American Heritage Festival
Whether you’re looking to embrace the luck of the Irish or simply want an authentic way to celebrate your ancestry with those who share it, the Irish American Heritage Festival takes place July 10 – 12 at the Irish American Heritage Center. With Irish Wolfhounds, Men in Kilts, craft beer Irish soda bread, and step dancers it will feel like you’ve crossed the pond for a Saturday party in Dublin. Don’t miss out on this one of a kind celebration of the customs and culture of the many Irish Americans in Chicago. For more information, go to irishfestchicago.com/
Mamby on the Beach
Inspired by a weekly beach party in the early 2000’s, this festival has had a new energy infused into it under new management and now is being brought to you as a two-day annual commemoration of the care-free and fun-loving summer time vibes of Chicago. Taking place July 10 – 12, Mamby on the Beach will feature marquee acts like Empire of the Sun, Passion Pit, and Zhu among others, this will certainly be a day at the beach you won’t soon forget. For ticket information and performance times, go to mambybeach.com/
West Fest
Promoting all things local, this festival, taking place July 11 – 12, celebrates West Town featuring food vendors, fun activities, as well as live music. Also in attendance will be several local artists selling art they’ve created right there at the festival. The festival is also pet and family friendly with individual areas for them in petfest and kidfest. With so much to do and see, West Fest is a great way to get to know the neighborhood while having a great time this weekend. For more information, visit westfestchicago.com.
photograph by REP3.com
