CHICAGO — June is bringing warmer weather and the return of beloved Chicago festivals, from the Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park (the largest free blues fest in the world) to Ravenswood and Edgewater neighborhood sales to the Gold Coast Art Fair.
There are also Greek fests in Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park, Ribfest, the 57th Street Art Fair in Hyde Park, a free environmental fest in Welles Park, and Hard Core Cider Fest in Rogers Park.
Families can also make and fly their own kites on Rainbow Beach Park in South Shore, dance to live music in Harper Court, stroll through West Loop for a wine walk, and more.
Here’s a roundup of 29 things to do in Chicago this weekend:
All Weekend
Chicago Blues Festival
Millennium Park & Ramova Theatre
The world’s largest free blues fest returns with over 100 performers, including Mavis Staples headlining at Millennium Park. Kick-off is Thursday at the Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport.
Ribfest Chicago
Lincoln Avenue (Irving Park to Berteau)
Enjoy BBQ from 20+ food vendors, whiskey tastings, and live music throughout North Center.
Lincoln Square Summer Greek Fest
2727 W. Winona St.
Indulge in Greek cuisine, music, and dancing at this vibrant community event.
Lincoln Park Greek Fest
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Taste, dance, and celebrate Hellenic heritage in Lincoln Park. Suggested donation: $10.
Gold Coast Art Fair
Grant Park
Showcasing 200+ juried artists with painting, jewelry, sculpture, henna, face painting, and more.
57th Street Art Fair
Hyde Park
The 78th annual Hyde Park art tradition features 150 artists, food trucks, and live music.
Thursday
Harper Court Summer Music Series
Hyde Park | 6–9 p.m.
Catch Grammy-nominated jazz artist Isaiah Collier.
‘Power Through’ Poetry Event
Poetry Foundation | 6–7:30 p.m.
Hear from Midwest poets including Vi Khi Nao & Ruben Quesada.
Friday
West Loop Wine Walk
Madison St. | 4–7 p.m.
Sip wines at 14 locations with bites, raffles & discounts.
Alligator Robb at the Field Museum
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Meet the man who captured “Chance the Snapper” and learn about environmental science.
Say Their Names Community Salon
Experimental Station | 6 p.m.
A night of storytelling and remembrance with food and art.
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The Belonging Bash
Outset Chicago | 6–9 p.m.
A fundraiser supporting youth arts with live DJs and art auction.
Doggie Speed Dating @ Bosly’s
Ravenswood | 6:15–8:15 p.m.
Singles 30–39 meet with furry companions in tow.
Palmer Night Fever Disco Prom
Logan Square | 8–11 p.m.
Dance night by Palmer Bar Runs celebrating their 1st birthday.
Saturday
Edgewater Neighborhood Yard Sale
Entire neighborhood | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Over 200 sales across households and businesses.
Community Climbing Day @ Steelworkers Park
South Lake Shore Drive | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Free rock climbing experience — all gear provided.
Dinopalooza Dino Derby @ Field Museum
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Inflatable dino costume races, paleo-art, and fossil fun.
EcoFest @ Welles Park
Lincoln Square | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Green living vendors, recycling, and live performances.
Thing-O-Rama Market
Logan Square | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Buy quirky, found, and handmade goods.
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Ravenswood Sidewalk Sale
Along Montrose, Damen & more | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Local shopping, restaurant deals, and live music.
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Radical Used Book Fair
Haymarket House | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Hundreds of activist books + treats and drinks.
Sox Crawl: Taste of the Sox
Guaranteed Rate Field | 11:30 a.m.
Pre-game party with drinks, music & a White Sox legend.
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Litty Litty Bang Bang Book Fair
Hopewell Brewing | 12–3 p.m.
Books, Bang Bang! pies, and local beer.
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Logan Art Mart @ Federales
Noon–3 p.m.
Local artisan fair with brunch and cocktails.
Rainbow Beach Park Clean-Up
South Shore | 1–3 p.m.
Volunteer opportunity to beautify the lakefront.
Sunday
Run For The Zoo @ Lincoln Park
7:30 a.m. & 8:15 a.m.
Choose from a 5K, 10K, or kids’ race — all in support of wildlife conservation.
The Great Bake Walk
Lincoln Square | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Stroll & sample baked treats and drinks from local shops.
Kite Flying On Rainbow Beach
11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Family kite-making and flying hosted by the park advisory council.
Hard Core Cider Fest
R Public House, Jarvis Ave | 1–4 p.m.
Local + international ciders, food trucks, and music.
Plan Your Chicago Weekend Right
Whether you’re craving blues rhythms, browsing art fairs, bar-hopping with wine, or bringing the kids to fly kites — this weekend in Chicago offers it all. Most events are either free or low-cost and cater to a range of interests and neighborhoods.
Have a favorite fest or must-see event this weekend? Share your picks in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com!
