1. Mingle
Celebrate the first official weekend of summer at the 34th annual, all-ages World’s Largest Block Party on the grounds of Old St. Patrick’s Church. The live music lineup includes Maggie Speaks and Mike & Joe (Friday); and Seventh Heaven and Dave Matthews cover band Trippin Billies (Saturday). Extras: Food trucks, a bags tournament, face painters and bounce houses.
Details: 5-10:30 p.m. Friday; 2-10:30 p.m. Saturday at Monroe and DesPlaines Streets. $10 / MAP
Find more summer festivals in our 2018 guide
2. Cheer
Elaborate floats, marching bands, rainbow flags and decorated vehicles wind their way through multiple North Side neighborhoods during the 49th annual Chicago Pride Parade. Orlando “El Fenomeno” Cruz, the first openly gay, active professional boxer, serves as this year’s grand marshal.
Route: Parade steps off noon Sunday at the corner of Broadway and Montrose Avenue, south along Broadway to Halsted Street, south along Halsted to Belmont Avenue, east on Belmont to Broadway, south on Broadway to Diversey Avenue, east on Diversey to Cannon Drive. Free / MAP
3. Foam
Locally made brews and spirits from Band of Bohemia, Begyle Brewing Co., Spiteful Brewing and KOVAL Distillery highlight the third annual Ravenswood on Tap festival. Rounding things out are food vendors and trucks, handmade goods and live music from Chicago Afrobeat Project (Saturday) and pianist Paul Brinnel and his Personnel (Sunday), among other bands.
Details: Noon-9 p.m. Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday along Ravenswood Avenue from Berteau to Belle Plaine Avenues. $5 suggested donation / MAP
4. Delight
Indulge your sweet tooth with one of nature’s sweetest fruits at the Long Grove Strawberry Festival. Vendors serve up dozens of strawberry-centric dishes, like deep friend strawberries on a stick, chocolate-strawberry popcorn, strawberry ice cream and strawberry kabobs – plus other fruity treats and savory dishes like barbecue. Carnival rides, three stages of live music, retail vendors, games and entertainment for kids and pie-eating contests (Satuday and Sunday) round things out. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are also welcome to attend.
Live music highlights: Wedding Banned (Friday), High Infidelity (Saturday) and Mr. Blotto (Sunday).
Details: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday at 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove $5; free for kids under 12 / MAP
5. Stroll
Admire the gardens and outdoor spaces of more than 40 homes during the annual Northcenter Neighborhood Garden Walk. The self-guided tour includes entertainment by local bands and musicians. Proceeds benefit the Common Pantry.
Details: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday beginning at Alexander Graham Bell School, 3730 N. Oakley St. $5 suggested donation / MAP
6. Appreciate
Paintings, jewelry, ceramics and other works from 100 artists highlight the Evanston Chamber Artisan SummerFest – formerly known as the Fountain Square Art Festival, billed as the North Shore’s oldest fine arts fair. Extras: craft beer and food vendors, street performers and activities for kids.
Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Sherman and Church Streets in downtown Evanston. $5 suggested donation / MAP
7. Groove
Listen to an eclectic live-music lineup at Mamby on the Beach, the city’s only beachfront music festival features headliners Common, Spoon and Grizzly Bear (Saturday), and Cold War Kids, Russ and Richie Hawtin (Sunday). Extra activities include yoga, beach volleyball and a massive daily water balloon flight. Check out the full music lineup here.
Details: Noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Oakwood Beach, 4100 S. Lake Shore Drive. $79-$94 single-day tickets; $109 two-day general admission / MAP
8. Gather
Embrace the cultural diversity of a hot Chicago neighborhood at the Logan Square Arts Festival. Organizers say they “aim to create a festival that is a reflection of our community,” by including artists that celebrate the cultures of Puerto Rico, Mexico and Central America. Live music, art installations and brews from local Revolution Brewing are also on tap.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Illinois Centennial Monument, 3200 W. Logan Blvd. $5 suggested donation / MAP
9. Play ball
See how America’s favorite pastime was played in 1858 at a Vintage Baseball Game. Learn to cheer and jeer in fine Victorian fashion as two local teams play for your favor. Pack a picnic, grab the kids and take in an afternoon ball game.
Details: 2 p.m. Sunday at Elmhurst College Mall, 190 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Free / MAP
10. Learn
Meet Abraham Lincoln, watch battle reenactments and hear the Battlefield Balladeers perform at Civil War Reenactment Weekend. Discover what life was like for ordinary folks who lived during the war in addition to catching the camp tours, drills and skirmishes.
Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Fischer Farm, 16W680 Grand Ave., Bensenville. Free / MAP
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.