By Susan Fong
Editor’s note: Readers may go to this article on Gazette Chicago’s e-edition or on Gazette Chicago’s home page, and hyperlinks in this article may be clicked on to go to those websites.
During summertime in Chicago, a variety of events provide fun for kids and adults alike. Take advantage of the season through Gazette Chicago’s annual Summer in the City guide, which will help you enjoy unique activities and events.
ART FAIRS
The Gold Coast Art Fair will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 18 and 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Grant Park’s Butler Field behind the Art Institute (Monroe Street and Lake Shore Drive). The juried fair will showcase work by more than 200 artists from around the world as well as food, drinks, and live music. Watch the artists in action. For more information, go to https://amdurproductions.com/event/2022-gold-coast-art-fair/.
The 14th annual Millennium Art Festival, at Michigan Avenue and Lake Street, will be held Friday through Sunday, July 15 through 17. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Browse paintings, ceramics, photography, and furniture from more than 120 artists. Log on to https://amdurproductions.com/event/2022-millennium-art-festival.
The Old Town Art Fair will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12, in the heart of the Old Town Triangle Historic District at Lincoln Avenue and Wisconsin Street. Hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This juried fine art fair will feature work by more than 200 artists along with a garden walk, live music, food court, and children’s corner. Go to www.oldtownartfair.org or call (312) 337-1938.
The Printer’s Row Art Festival, 701 S. Dearborn St., runs Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13 and 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The juried festival offers a buying opportunity for art lovers of all ages. See art in all price points by 80 painters, street artists, jewelers, upcycling artists, artisans of all kinds, photographers, and mixed media artists. Area restaurants and bars will serve up their Chicago specialties. Go to https://amdurproductions.com/event/2022-printers-row-art-fest/.
The 47th annual Wells Street Art Festival will be held on Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12, from 10 a.m. to dusk. The juried festival offers a diverse mix of about 200 artists from across the nation. Musical acts will include Classical Blast, Happiness Club, and Hello. Entertainment runs noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday and until 7 p.m. on Sunday. The festival also will showcase food from neighborhood restaurants, and educational workshops. Go to https://www.wellsstreetartfest.us or email [email protected].
DOWNTOWN AND LAKEFRONT
View the Chicago Air and Water Show along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point, on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20 and 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For programming, log on to https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_air_and_watershow.html.
The Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the calendar for free events, performances, and exhibitions. Tour this historical venue or attend free gallery talks. Visit www.chicagoculturalcenter.org for updated visitor information, including schedules.
Chicago Greeter and Choose Chicago continue their free guided architecture, landscape, and public art walks. Register at least ten business days in advance for a free two- to four-hour guided walk. Guides customize walks based on your choice of neighborhoods, language, and interests, or take a free hour-long tour of downtown Fridays through Sundays. For information on both programs, go to http://chicagogreeter.com.
Chicago SummerDance runs Wednesday,July 6, through Saturday, Sept. 17, in Millennium Park and at parks throughout the city. Dancers of all ages and skill levels are invited to enjoy introductory dance lessons by professional instructors, followed by live music and dancing. For exact dates, music and venues, go to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_summerdance.html.
The Grant Park Music Festival runs Wednesday, June 15, through Saturday, Aug. 20. The festival showcases classical music, performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus, bringing a transformative experience to concert goers and the city at large. For dates, music, and performers, go to www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2022-season
Maggie Daley Park, 337 E. Randolph St., is a 20-acre lakefront park and recreation center offering multi-sensory experiences such as the play garden and bungee area. The center of the skating ribbon holds two structures that form a climbing park. On the skating ribbon, participants may use their own equipment; nonmotorized scooters, rollerblades, and roller skates are permitted, and masks are required. For family fun, enjoy an 18-hole miniature golf course that features replicas of several iconic Chicago structures. For complete details and times, go to http://maggiedaleypark.com.
Millennium Park is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north, and Monroe Street to the south. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., it features the Chase Promenade, with views of the Cloud Gate (also known as “the Bean”); Promenade Central; Boeing Galleries and Exhibitions; the BP Bridge between Millennium Park and the Lurie Garden; Crown Fountain; Wrigley Square; and the McDonald’s Cycle Center, offering bike rentals and repairs. For more information, go to www.choosechicago.com/search/?q=Millennium%20Park or www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/mp_calendar.html.
The Millennium Park Summer Film Series shows films on Tuesdays from June 14 through August 30 at 6:30 p.m. Guests may take a seat at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or lounge on the Great Lawn to enjoy crowd-pleasing movies on the 40-foot LED screen. For a list of films, go to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park7.html.
The Millennium Park Summer Music Series happens on select Mondays and Thursdays from June 20 through August 18, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, it presents a wide variety of music from established and emerging artists at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Log on to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park9.html.
Navy Pier at 600 E. Grand Ave. has new hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The pier has a slate of free arts and cultural programs through mid-September. For a complete list of activities, programs, and schedules (including fireworks), visit https://navypier.com.
Pride in the Park,Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26, will spotlight LGBTQIA performers, artists, and vendors. Two-day general admission passes start at $100. For tickets, log on to https://prideparkchi.com.
Sundays on State returns July 24 through Sept. 4, with portions of State Street closed to vehicular traffic on select Sundays. Join this free, interactive block party, presenting local attractions. For exact dates, go to https://loopchicago.com/events/sundays-on-state/.
Taste of Chicago,Friday through Sunday, July 8 through 10, offers a bite-sized version of the classic lakefront extravaganza, showcasing an estimated 30 to 40 eateries and food trucks each day plus three mainstage evening concerts. Prior to the main event, a series of Taste of Chicago pop-ups will return this year with food and music events in several Chicago neighborhoods in June. Admission is free; tickets for food and beverages are sold in strips of 14 for $10. Log on to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/taste_of_chicago.html.
The United States Sail Grand Prix (SailGP) at Navy Pier will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 18 and 19, featuring exciting, up-close action as teams race identical F50 catamarans—highly technical, hydro foiling race boats that boast highway speeds—in an annual global championship held in some of the most iconic cities around the world. Ten national teams will compete, comprising the best athletes in the sport representing the United States, Great Britain, France, Denmark, Spain, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, plus two new franchises from Canada and Switzerland. The F50s will race on Lake Michigan directly in front of the Chicago skyline, marking the first time the championship has competed on fresh water. Tickets for single-day waterfront viewing access begin at around $40. See www.sailgp.com.
MUSIC AND DANCE
The Chicago Blues Festival runs through Sunday, June 12, citywide and in Millennium Park. With a diverse lineup, the festival recognizes the blues’ contributions to soul, R&B, gospel, rock, and hip hop. For performance information, go to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_blues_festival.html.
The Chicago Jazz Festival runs Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 1 through 4, citywide and in Millennium Park. Schedule highlights include Henry Threadgill and Zooid, Bill Frisell, William Parker and his quintet, Miguel Zenón, Linda May Han Oh, and Jazzmeia Horn. See www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_jazz_festival.html.
Lollapalooza will be held in Hutchinson Field in Grant Park Thursday through Sunday, July 28 through 31, on eight stages with more than 170 American and international bands highlighting alternative rock, punk rock, heavy metal, hip hop, and electronica. Lollapalooza will feature interactive areas with giveaways, merchandise, a food court, and a mini-fest for children running parallel to the main concerts. Go to www.lollapalooza.com/.
The Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash Festival featuring three days of hip-hop will be held Friday through Sunday, June 17 to 19, at Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr. Along with more than 60 musicians, the festival will offer a culinary village, immersive art experiences, and an arcade. For pricing and tickets, go to https://www.thesummersmash.com.
Make Music Chicago, known internationally as Fete de la Musique, is a free, citywide, do-it-yourself celebration of the musician in us all to be held on Monday, June 21. The fest will celebrate the Summer Solstice across 800 cities in 120 countries. Unlike a typical music festival, Make Music Chicago is open to anyone who wants to take part. Every kind of musician—young and old, amateur and professional—will take to the streets, parks, plazas, and porches of Chicago to share music of all genres with friends, neighbors, and strangers. To find locations, call (312) 265-0754 or go to http://makemusicchicago.org/.
The Southport Art & Music Fest will take place at Waveland and Southport Avenues on Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10, and showcase some of the city’s best and most diverse artists and musicians. Admission is free. Go to www.starevents.com/event/southport-art-fest/.
Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., will host three music festivals. The Pitchfork Music Festival will run Friday to Sunday, July 15 to 17, highlighting up-and-coming music from around the world along with special performances from touring legends. Single day general admission tickets start at $99 while the three-day, general admission pass is $200. For more information, go to https://pitchforkmusicfestival.com.The Ruido Music Festival runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 19 to 21, with Latin alternative music headlined by Café Tacuba. Log on to https://ruidofest.com/. The ARC Music Festival runs Labor Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3 and 4, with house music and a new immersive dance music event. Log onto http://arcmusicfestival.com for the artist lineup.
The Windy City Smokeout is scheduled for Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 4 through 7, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. This popular country music festival is known for drawing in the industry’s top names including Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, and Willie Nelson. The event also presents some of the world’s best pitmasters, as barbecue pros from all over the country highlight styles from Kentucky, Nashville, Missouri, and Chicago. Log on to www.windycitysmokeout.com/ for information and tickets.
OUTDOOR FUN
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), 111 W. Wacker Dr., has opened new and updated exhibits in its 10,000 square feet of galleries, presenting scale models of new building designs from around the world. Its current exhibit focuses on how society can move toward a carbon free environment. CAC also offers new walking tours as well as 90-minute river tours on Chicago’s First Lady that tell the history of more than 50 buildings and how Chicago grew to become a world class city. https://www.architecture.org.
The Chicago Park District offers classes, events, and entertainment for young and old throughout Chicago’s neighborhood parks. Check the website for a complete listing. Register early, as many classes and events have limited spaces. Go to https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Farmers Markets throughout Chicago sell fresh seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods, unique Chicago-made products, and rare finds. Visit Chicago’s longest running farmers market on Daley Plaza and check out the historic Maxwell Street Market and a dozen more community markets in neighborhoods across Chicago. Most run through the end of October. For locations, dates, and times, go to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/farmers_market.html.
IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS
The Chicago Children’s Theatre,100 S. Racine Ave., offers its Performing in the Park series, a variety of one- or two-week camps, from Monday, June 20, through Friday, Aug. 12. Children will learn all facets theater craft. For a list of classes, call (773) 227-0180 or log on to chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, 1801 S. Indiana Ave., will host events throughout the summer. Get details at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/chicago-womens-park-and-gardens#Events. This year’s annual Lakeside Bank Concert in the Park, Clarke House Concert, will be held Wednesday, July 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. It starts with a drum circle for family, friends, and kids at 6:30 p.m., followed by band and jazz band performances at 7 p.m.. Go to www.vandercook.edu/event/concert-in-the-park-hosted-by-lakeside-bank-tentative-2/.
The Chinatown Summer Fair, 2200 S. Wentworth Ave., will be held Saturday, July 30, noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday, July 31, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This neighborhood street festival will open with a lion dance procession at 12:30 p.m., followed by Asian-themed performances including kung fu demonstrations. Enjoy a petting zoo and children’s area at 24th Place and Wentworth. Log on to www.ccc-foundation.org/summer-fair/ or call (312) 326-5320.
The annual Dragon Boat Race for Literacy at Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 W. 19th St., is scheduled for Saturday, June 25, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This 2,000 year old sport remains popular among Asian communities all over the world. For the past 20 years, Chicago’s Chinatown of Commerce has held the races to promote culture and raise funds for its neighborhood literacy programs. Log on to www.chicagochinatown.org or call (312) 326-5320.
Fiesta del Sol runs Thursday through Sunday, July 28 through 31, on eight blocks of Cermak Road in Pilsen. Come enjoy food, fun, and varied entertainment. See www.fiestadelsol.org or call (312) 666-2663.
Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., is a 19th century landmark that offers 75-minute guided tours by trained docents on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Reserve tickets at go to http://glessnerhouse.org.
After a two-year hiatus, the Logan Square Arts Festival returns Friday through Sunday, June 24 through 26, at the Illinois Centennial Monument at 3150 W. Logan Blvd. and will feature two stages of live music plus food and drinks. For times and more information, log on to www.logansquareartsfestival.com.
The 37th Printer’s Row Lit Festival runsSaturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in historic Printers Row on South Dearborn Street, between Ida B. Wells Drive and Polk Street. Over the decades, the event has grown into the Midwest’s largest book festival. For a list of 2022 authors, artists, and performers, see https://printersrowlitfest.org.
Taste of Greektown will be held on the 300 block of south Halsted Street between Van Buren and Adams Streets. Dates are Friday through Sunday, Aug. 26 through 28. Events occur Friday and Sunday, 4 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Log on to https://chicagoevents.com/events/taste-of-greektown/.
Onesti Entertainment is planning for the return of the Taylor Street Festa Italiana Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 11 through 14, on Taylor Street east of Ashland Avenue. Enjoy Italian food, entertainment, and merchandise. Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. Friday, and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
MUSEUMS, GALLERIES, AND ZOOS
Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., offers both in person and virtual programs. Experience the solar system and galaxies and discover what it means to observe something in the sky—and how to see it for yourself—with the planetarium’s astronomy educators. Check for summer dates and times at www.adlerplanetarium.org.
Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., this summer features the massive retrospective exhibit Paul Cezanne, offering a new look at this “artist’s artist” in the museum’s first show about this still influential 19th century painter in more than 70 years. Also this summer, visit one of the Art Institute’s special events, attend a lecture, explore the permanent collection, or enjoy an online gallery with thousands of artworks. For more information, go to www.artic.edu or call (312) 443-3600.
The Chicago Artists Coalition, 2130 W. Fulton St. (312) 491-8888, is a non-profit arts organization that supports Chicago artists and curators to advance art and demonstrate its importance in Chicago’s cultural development. For upcoming exhibitions, go to https://chicagoartistscoalition.org.
Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., is open Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring the kids and enjoy the many educational and creative opportunities such as various play labs and art studios for children of varying ages. Visit new installations such as Boats: Captain Your Own Adventure, the New Art Experience, and Cloud Buster. For more information, go to www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org.
The Chicago Museum of Illusions, 25 E. Washington St., (312) 722-6780, is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Illusions challenge us to see things differently and reveal much about how our brains interpret reality. Across more than 80 visual and educational exhibits, the museum presents holograms, stereograms, optical illusions, and immersive rooms designed to tease the senses and trick the mind. For ticket information, go to www.museumofillusions.us.
The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Temporary exhibits include Wild Color, and Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep. Enjoy the permanent exhibit Native Truths: Our Voices and Our Stories (about native communities), Griffin Hall of Evolving Planets, and Sue the T. Rex, and explore 4.5 billion years and 27,000 square feet of exhibits telling the story of evolution and the many creatures that have roamed the earth through fossils, animated videos, and interactive displays. To learn more, call (312) 922-9410 or go to www.fieldmuseum.org.
The Hyde Park Art Center,5020 S. Cornell Ave., (773) 324-5520, helps develop, support, and exhibit works of emerging artists. An incubator for artists and the community, it develops ideas, helps effect social change, and makes connections. For information on current exhibits, go to www.hydeparkart.org.
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., (312) 742-2000, offers a place for children and adults to learn about animals and discover the wonders “where nature isn’t just an escape, but a priority,” according to zoo officials. Learn about animal care, conservation, and community. Make reservations and obtain a complete schedule of events by calling (312) 742-2000 or logging on to www.lpzoo.org.
At the Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., (312) 939-2438, visit the newest exhibit, Look Nature in the Eye, to behold wonders of the aquatic animal world. The museum offers 4-D experiences, tours, and touch experiences. For a schedule, log on to www.sheddacquarium.org.
The WNDR Museum has reopened and offers an immersive art and interactive technology experience with installations from artists, collectives, and studios. The museum is at 1130 W. Monroe St. Log onto wndrmuseum.com.
Woman Made Gallery, 2150 S. Canalport Ave. Suite 4A-3, is open Thursday, noon to 6 p.m.; Friday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m., or by appointment. The gallery supports women and non-binary artists through exhibitions, membership, and community dialogues. This summer, exhibitions are Generations: 30 Years of Woman Made Gallery, from Saturday, June 11, through Saturday, July 16, and Age of the Bimbo, Saturday, July 30, through Saturday, Sept. 10. For upcoming shows or membership information, go to https://womanmade.org.