(Courtesy of St. George Greek Orthodox Church)
1. Immerse
Be Greek for a day – or all weekend – at the Lincoln Park Greek Fest, where you can dine on hummus, gyros, souvlaki, baklava, moussaka and other Mediterranean fare. Entertainment includes modern and traditional Greek music and dance performances, plus a craft fair.
Details: 5-11 p.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-10 p.m. Sunday at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2701 N. Sheffield Ave. Free; donations accepted / MAP
Find more summer festivals in our 2018 guide
2. Feast
Chow down on all the chicken wings you can eat at WingOut Chicago. More than 20 varieties from classic buffalo to honey chili and spicy garlic will be dished out from more than a dozen vendors. Wash it all done with cold drinks and live music (tickets include one 16-ounce beer, wine or beverage).
Details: Sessions at 2 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at 1633 N. Cleveland Ave. $55 / MAP
(Green Curtain Events / Facebook)
3. Toast
Craft beer aficionados, this one’s for you: more than 200 craft beers flood Grant Park at Chicago Ale Fest, including what organizers say are “impossible-to-get beers” unavailable in Chicago. Bears fans who splurge on VIP tickets ($99) can get in early and raise a glass with Mike Ditka. Live music and food trucks round things out.
Details: Sessions available at 7-10 p.m. Friday and 3-6 p.m. Saturday at Butler Field in Grant Park, Lake Shore Drive and Monroe Street. $49-$59; VIP tickets cost $99 / MAP
(Hilary Higgins)
4. Uncover
Inspired by the city’s legacy as being home to many talented underground and alternative comic book artists, Chicago Alternative Comics Expo spotlights the community’s work through exhibitions, workshops and panel discussions.
Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted Ave. Free / MAP
5. Prost
Hitch up your ledenhosen or dress up in a dirndl – it’s time to grab a stein and gather round the maypole. Maifest Chicago features German brews and fare, cultural performances, live music on two stages, a covered dining hall, a Friday night keg tapping (8 p.m.) and a maypole dance. In Germany, the celebration of spring features a maypole decorated to show off the history and crafts of the local village or town. In Lincoln Square, the fest celebrates Chicago’s German heritage.
Details: 5-9:30 p.m. Thursday; 5-11 p.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-10 p.m. Sunday at 4700 N. Lincoln Ave. Free / MAP
(Monica Jirak / DANK Haus)
6. Sample
Tacos, flautas and enchiladas from more than 20 Little Village restaurants are among the drool-worthy menu items at the Taste of Mexico. Arts and crafts, live music and carnival rides are also on tap.
Details: 3-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 26th Street and California Avenue. Free (carnival rides are $3.75 for kids; $7.50 for adults; $30 all-day pass) / MAP
7. Preach
Hear the angelic voices of traditional choirs and contemporary performers, including LaVargna Hubbard, Elder Thomas Singers and The Canton Spirituals at the 33rd annual Chicago Gospel Music Festival. The two-day celebration includes a special edition of free summer workouts on Saturday to the sounds of gospel music. Expect increased security, including a bag check, at Millennium Park.
Details: Noon-4 p.m. Friday at the Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.); 5:30-9:30 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday at Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.). Free.
(Courtesy City of Chicago, DCASE)
8. Find
Stroll through an open-air market featuring works by more than 200 exhibitors at the 57th Street Art Fair. Browse jewelry, paintings, sculptures, prints and ceramics and more. Feeling artsy? Participate in one of the activities hosted by local artists at the fair.
Details: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday along 57th Street between Kenwood and Woodlawn avenues. Free / MAP
(57th Street Art Fair / Facebook)
9. Wander
Rock out to live music programmed on two stages by renowned music venues The Empty Bottle and Subterranean at the Do Division Street Fest. Check out neighborhood restaurants, shops and boutiques, plus runway shows featuring local designers and DJs.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday along Division Street between Damen Avenue and Leavitt Street. $10 suggested donation / MAP
10. Sip
More than 50 breweries will be pouring beers and ciders at the annual Hyde Park Brew Fest, including Burnt City Brewing, Around the Bend and Old Irving Brewing Co. Live music and food vendors are also on tap.
Tasting tickets: Get 10 for $25; 20 for $40. (Tastings run from 1-7 p.m. daily.)
Details: Noon-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 53rd Street and Harper Court. Free admission; tickets for beer required / MAP
(Quinn Dombrowski / Flickr)
Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before you head out the door. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future roundup? Send us an email.
