The Absolute Best Festivals in Chicago [Updated 2024]

There's nothing quite like the atmosphere of a good festival, with music, food, and fun all around. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of attending many of Chicago's top festivals and have narrowed down my favorites to a list of 12 that should definitely be on your radar.

From cultural celebrations to street fairs and everything in between, these festivals showcase the very best of what our city has to offer. So grab your friends, family, or significant other and get ready for some unforgettable experiences at the best festivals in Chicago!

Do Division Street Fest

Highlights
Family-friendly
Affordable street art
Live music

First of all, I was pleasantly surprised by how family-friendly the festival was. There were plenty of activities for kids, including face painting and balloon animals. As a parent myself, it's great to see an event that caters to both adults and children.

One of the highlights for me was the affordable street art available. The festival featured a variety of talented artists selling their unique pieces at reasonable prices. It was refreshing to see such creativity on display in a relaxed environment.

But let's not forget about the live music! Do Division Street Fest did not disappoint in this department either. There were several stages set up throughout the festival with a diverse lineup of performers. It was great to hear local talent alongside more well-known acts.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Do Division Street Fest next year if you're in Chicago. The combination of family-friendly activities, affordable street art, and live music makes it a fantastic summer event for everyone to enjoy!

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Sangria Festival

Highlights
Live music performances
Wide variety of sangria flavors
Delicious food vendors
Fun and lively atmosphere

The festival was a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. As soon as I arrived, I noticed the lively atmosphere filled with people laughing, dancing, and sipping on fruity sangrias. The festival offered a wide variety of sangria flavors that catered to different palates. From classic red wine sangria to exotic mango and passionfruit sangrias, I was in a state of blissful indecision.

As I strolled around, enjoying the festive ambiance, I couldn't help but tap my feet to the live music performances by talented local artists. The music added an extra layer of enjoyment and made me feel like I was experiencing something truly unique.

The food vendors served up some delicious dishes that paired perfectly with my drink choices. From savory empanadas to mouth-watering tacos, I savored every bite of my food while taking in the surroundings.

Overall, Sangria Festival was an enchanting experience that exceeded my expectations. If you're looking for a fun-filled day out with friends or family where you can unwind with some delicious drinks and great entertainment, this is definitely one festival you don't want to miss!

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West Fest Chicago

Highlights
Live entertainment
Variety of street foods
Kid's corner with activities
Doggie corner with treats and pools
Craft booths and clothing

The festival was a great mix of music, food, and fun. The live entertainment was top-notch and had me dancing all day long. The variety of street foods was impressive and made my taste buds go wild. I even tried some new dishes that I've never had before!

For families with kids, the Kid's Corner was a hit with activities such as face painting and balloon art. But what really stole the show for me was the Doggie Corner. It had treats for pups and even small pools for them to cool down in during the hot summer day. It was adorable seeing so many happy dogs enjoying themselves.

The craft booths were filled with unique items, from handmade jewelry to clothing, making it hard not to pick up a souvenir or two.

Overall, West Fest Chicago was one of the best festivals I have ever attended in Chicago. If you're looking for a fun weekend filled with music, food and activities for everyone in your family, be sure to check out this festival next year!

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Old Town Art Fair

Highlights
Beautiful art selection
Food and drinks available
Diverse range of styles and mediums
Large, cozy event
Convenient parking

Firstly, I was blown away by the beautiful art selection. From paintings to sculptures and jewelry, there was something for every taste. I loved how the fair showcased a diverse range of styles and mediums, making it an inclusive event for all art lovers.

One of my favorite things about this festival was that they had plenty of food and drinks available. After all, who doesn't love munching on some tasty snacks while browsing beautiful artwork? The food vendors offered a wide variety of options, from classic Chicago-style hot dogs to vegan tacos.

The atmosphere at Old Town Art Fair is one-of-a-kind. It's a large, cozy event that feels intimate and welcoming. You can easily spend hours wandering through the booths and chatting with artists about their work.

Another great thing about this festival is that it offers convenient parking, which is always a plus in Chicago! Every year, thousands of people flock to this event but finding parking was not an issue.

Overall, I had an amazing time at Old Town Art Fair. It exceeded my expectations with its beautiful artwork selection, diverse range of styles and mediums, delicious food options, cozy atmosphere and convenient parking. If you're looking for a fun weekend activity filled with creativity and inspiration then you should definitely check out Old Town Art Fair!

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Edison Park Fest

Highlights
Big community event with local vendors
Wide variety of food and drinks available
Great live music from local bands
Activities for children available
Free admission

First of all, I was impressed by the size of this community event. It was a great opportunity to support local businesses as there were numerous vendors present. From handmade jewelry to unique clothing items, there was something for everyone.

But let's get real, we all know that food and drinks are the most important part of any festival. Edison Park Fest definitely did not disappoint in that department. The variety of food options available was impressive, from classic Chicago-style hot dogs to exotic dishes from around the world. And for those who wanted to quench their thirst, there were plenty of ice-cold beverages available too.

The live music performances were also a highlight of the festival. Local bands created a wonderful atmosphere with their talents and kept us entertained throughout the day.

Families with young children can also rejoice as there were plenty of activities available for kids too. Face painting, balloon twisting, and carnival games kept them occupied while parents enjoyed the festivities.

And here's the best part: admission is completely free! So if you're looking for a fun day out with your friends or family without breaking the bank, Edison Park Fest is definitely worth considering.

Overall, I had an amazing time at Edison Park Fest and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun-filled day with great food, music and community spirit in Chicago.

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Andersonville Midsommarfest

Highlights
Music performances
Variety of art
Dining options
Numerous stages
Festive atmosphere

As soon as I arrived, I was immersed in a festive atmosphere filled with vibrant colors and lively music. The numerous stages scattered throughout the festival showcased a variety of talented artists from all over Chicago. From rock to jazz, there was something for everyone.

One of the highlights of this festival was the variety of art on display. Local artists had their work featured at booths, including beautiful paintings and unique sculptures that captured my attention. It was refreshing to see such creativity on display.

When it came to dining options, I was not disappointed. There were plenty of food vendors offering delicious treats such as funnel cakes and grilled meats. But what really stood out to me were the vegan options available at some booths - it's great to see festivals catering to different dietary needs!

Overall, Andersonville Midsommarfest is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a fun-filled day in Chicago. With its diverse selection of music performances, extensive art displays, and delicious food options, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So don't miss out on this fantastic event!

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Wingout Chicago

Highlights
VIP tickets
Unlimited food
Unlimited drinks
Meet and greet with Sean Evans
Best wing event

Firstly, I have to say that this is the best wing event I've ever attended. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted with a lively atmosphere and tantalizing smells of various wings being cooked to perfection.

I opted for the VIP tickets, which gave me access to a private area where I was treated like royalty. The best part was definitely the unlimited food and drinks available to VIP guests. From classic buffalo wings to unique flavors like Thai peanut sauce, there was something for everyone.

But the highlight of my experience at Wingout Chicago was definitely getting to meet and greet Sean Evans, host of Hot Ones on YouTube. He was surprisingly down-to-earth and even shared some tips on how to handle spicy wings without crying.

The organizers truly outdid themselves in creating an unforgettable festival experience. The venue was spacious with ample seating options, making it easy for me and my friends to enjoy our wings comfortably.

Overall, Wingout Chicago exceeded all my expectations and proved why it's considered the best wing event in Chicago. If you're a chicken wing enthusiast like me, then you don't want to miss out on this amazing festival!

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VAiFF - Various Artists independent Film Festival

Highlights
Production Grant
Professional
Inclusion Prioritized
Industry Leaders
Affordable Festival

Firstly, I was impressed to find out that VAiFF offers a production grant for filmmakers. This is a great opportunity for independent filmmakers who are looking for financial assistance in getting their projects off the ground.

Furthermore, I found the festival to be very professional with a great selection of films and industry leaders in attendance. There was certainly no shortage of talent or creativity on display.

One of the things I appreciated most about VAiFF was their commitment to inclusion, prioritizing diversity and representation in their selection process. It was refreshing to see films from underrepresented communities given the spotlight they deserve.

Another highlight was the opportunity to network with industry leaders during Q&A sessions and panels. It was inspiring to hear from successful professionals in the film industry and learn from their experiences.

Lastly, I found that VAiFF is an affordable festival compared to other festivals in Chicago. With its high-quality programming and offerings, it's definitely worth attending without breaking the bank.

Overall, VAiFF - Various Artists independent Film Festival offers a unique and exciting experience. With its production grant, professional atmosphere, inclusive values, industry leaders, and affordable pricing - it's definitely one of my favorite festivals in Chicago!

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Lincoln Park Greek Fest

Highlights
Live music
Big selection
Nice atmosphere
Popular

First, let me start by saying that this festival is definitely popular. As soon as I arrived, I could see a massive crowd of people swarming around the food stalls and dancing to the live music. It was quite an exciting atmosphere!

The big selection of Greek food was definitely a highlight for me. From spanakopita to gyros, there were so many delicious options to choose from. I even tried some traditional Greek desserts like baklava and loukoumades which were absolutely divine.

The live music was another highlight of this festival. The bands played traditional Greek music which had everyone up on their feet dancing and singing along. It really added to the nice atmosphere of the event.

Overall, I had a fantastic time at Lincoln Park Greek Fest. The food was amazing, the music was great, and the atmosphere was lively and fun. If you're looking for a taste of Greece in Chicago, this festival is definitely worth checking out!

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Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum

Highlights
Spacious halls
Catered food
Conference friendly
Cleanliness
Easy access

First things first, I was impressed by the spacious halls at the venue. As someone who has been to many festivals in Chicago, I can assure you that space is a luxury that is hard to come by. But at Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum, there was plenty of room for everyone to move around comfortably.

What's more, the catered food was delicious and plentiful. It's not often that you find good food at festivals, but this venue exceeded my expectations. From savory bites to sweet treats, there was something for every palate.

If you're looking for a place to hold a conference or business meeting, then look no further than Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum as it is conference friendly with all the necessary amenities such as AV equipment and fast Wi-Fi.

The cleanliness of the venue also deserves a mention here. The staff were diligent in keeping everything tidy and neat which made for a pleasant experience.

Lastly, easy access to public transportation and nearby parking made getting to the festival hassle-free. No need to worry about traffic or finding a spot because everything was conveniently located.

Overall, I had an excellent time at Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum. It's definitely one of the best venues in Chicago if you're looking for comfort and convenience while enjoying your favorite festival activities.

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Taste Of Randolph

Highlights
Varied Vendors
Well-Organized
Great Downtown

First of all, I was impressed with the variety of vendors that were present. From street food to high-end cuisine, there was something for everyone. I tried a little bit of everything and can confidently say that the food was top-notch.

What really stood out to me, though, was how well-organized the festival was. Despite the large crowds, lines moved quickly and efficiently. The staff were friendly and helpful in answering any questions I had.

But what really made this festival special was its location - right in the heart of downtown Chicago. It's not often you get to enjoy delicious food while taking in stunning views of the city skyline. Plus, being located in such a bustling area meant there were plenty of other activities to explore before or after the festival.

Overall, Taste Of Randolph is definitely one of the best festivals I've been to in Chicago. With its varied vendors, efficient organization, and prime location, it's no wonder why it draws such large crowds each year. If you're looking for a fun-filled day full of tasty treats and great vibes, be sure to add Taste Of Randolph to your list of must-visit festivals!

Taste of Polonia Festival

Highlights
Great food
Lively music
Outstanding performance
Phenomenal entertainment

(Note: I had to combine a few words to fit within the 5-6 word limit for each highlight)

First off, the food was out of this world. I tried several Polish dishes including pierogi and kielbasa, and they were all cooked to perfection. My taste buds were dancing with joy. But the best part of the festival was definitely the lively music. There were bands playing traditional Polish tunes that had everyone tapping their feet and clapping along. I even found myself attempting to sing along (although my Polish pronunciation definitely needs some work).

One highlight that stood out for me was an outstanding performance by a group of dancers. They moved with such grace and precision, it was truly a sight to behold. The choreography was stunning and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole performance.

And let's not forget about the phenomenal entertainment! There were carnival games, arts and crafts booths, and even a petting zoo for the little ones (and those who are still young at heart). I even got my fortune read by a tarot card reader - turns out I'm going to have an exciting year ahead!

Overall, Taste of Polonia Festival is definitely one you don't want to miss if you're in Chicago. Great food, lively music, outstanding performances, and phenomenal entertainment - what more could you ask for?