?School’s out for summer

We’ve got the early scoop on a season’s worth of festivals we wait all winter for

By Trent Modglin

It’s that time of year again, when Chicago rapidly vaults up the list of the world’s best cities. The summer months are on the horizon, and that means street festivals, and lots of them. Sundresses, sunburns and sunglasses. Music, beer and the inevitable choice between a slice of deep dish or another ear of corn dripping with butter. Art to peruse, trinkets to search through, old friends to run into.

Yes, it’s a great time of year, and we’ve decided to get you geared up for the festival season so you can enjoy it to the fullest, before it’s time to replace those shorts with sweaters.

What follows is a list of Chicago’s major festivals this summer. Enjoy!

MAY

Lakeview Mayfest — May 19-21
Location: 3100 N. Ashland, at the intersection of Ashland and Barry.
Highlights: The popular Lakeview neighborhood kicks things off for the summer with some live music, local restaurant fare, arts and crafts, a pet parade, the crowning of Miss Mayfest and a second annual Thank You celebration for the city’s armed forces personnel.
Hours:
May 19: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
May 20: noon - 10 p.m.
May 21: noon - 10 p.m.
What it’ll cost you: A $5 donation benefits The Festival Foundation, whatever that is.
For more information on the currently unreleased band lineup, call (773) 665-4682.

JUNE

Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival — June 3-4
Location: 3200 N. Sheffield, at the corner of Sheffield and Belmont Avenues. Runs north on Sheffield to School.
Highlights: This is the 22nd year of the Belmont/Sheffield experience, so they must be doing something right. The urban, hip Belmont fashion scene is prevalent here with plenty of displays.
Hours:
June 3: noon - 10 p.m.
June 4: noon - 9 p.m.
Music lineup:
Saturday
Noon: Tangleweed
1:30 p.m.: Chico Banks
3 p.m.: A Girl Named Craig
4:30 p.m.: Hairbanger’s Ball
6:30 p.m.: Bumpus
8:30 p.m.: Dave Wakeling’s English Beat
Sunday
Noon: Ross Hubbell Trio
1:30 p.m.: Gizzae
3:30 p.m.: Cat Fight
5:30 p.m.: Hello Dave
7:30 p.m.: Liquid Soul
What it’ll cost you: A $5 donation benefits Central Lakeview Merchants’ Association.
For more information, call (773) 868-3010.

Chicago Blues Festival — June 8-11
Location: Grant Park. That’s 300 S. Columbus if you don’t make it downtown very often.
Highlights: Tons of local and national artists tell Chicago what ails them at the world’s largest free outdoor blues event. Four days, six stages and better than 750,000 people in search of the blues.
Hours:
June 8: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
June 9: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
June 10: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
June 11: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
What it’ll cost you: Nada, nothing, zilch.
For more information on who’s playing where, check out www.cityofchicago.org or call the mayor’s office of special events at (312) 744-3370.

Wells Street Art Festival — June 10-11
Location: 1300 N. Wells, running from North Avenue to Division.
Highlights: An extensive showcase of fine art, with dozens of tents offering everything from sculptures, paintings, photography and glasswork. Just be prepared to have your checkbook handy if something strikes your fancy, as the prices can raise eyebrows. Plenty of food and beer vendors (lots of Heineken) and live music, which is conveniently stationed in the lot behind O’Brien’s restaurant. One of the best festivals to people-watch, as this gem draws out all kinds.
Hours:
June 10: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
June 11: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Music lineup:
Saturday
1:30 p.m.: Matt Pinizotto Organ Trio
3 p.m.: Copper Box
4:15 p.m.: Jesse White Tumblers
4:45 p.m.: Down the Line
6:15 p.m.: The Mauds
8:30 p.m.: Trippin' Billies
Sunday
1:30 p.m.: Situation Davis
3 p.m.: Good Luck Joe’s
4:45 p.m.: Jesse White Tumblers
5:15 p.m.: Rico
7:30 p.m.: American English
What it’ll cost you: Either a $5 or $7 donation, depending on when you walk through the gate. The cash benefits Old Town Merchants and Residents Association, in case you care.
For more information, call (773) 868-3010.

Andersonville Midsommarfest — June 10-11
Location: 5200 N. Clark, at the corner of Clark and Foster.
Highlights: In case you don’t make it this far north very often, this is your excuse to check out the quaint Andersonville neighborhood and explore its strong Swedish heritage. International food, art and crafts and more kids’ activities (face painting, games) than other festivals offer highlight the weekend. Four stages play host to live music and folk dancing.
Hours:
June 10: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
June 11: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
What it’ll cost you: A $5 hand-over at the gate benefits the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, call (773) 665-4682.

Old Town Art Fair — June 10-11
Location: 1763 N. Park Avenue. The main gate is at Lincoln Avenue and Wisconsin Avenue for this afternoon event.
Highlights: This art fair features 260 invited artists displaying their wares and is located only a couple blocks north of the Wells St. Art Festival, held on the same weekend. The two are often confused with one another.
Hours:
June 10: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
June 11: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
What it’ll cost you: A $5 donation benefits local youth groups, preservation projects and schools, according to the Old Town Triangle Association.
For more information, call: (312) 337-1938.

Ribfest Chicago — June 10-11
Location: 4000 N. Lincoln Avenue. At the corner of Irving Park.
Highlights: This Northcenter neighborhood features, um, ribs. Shocker, I know. The heart-clogging treats are prepared by local restaurants, and there is no shortage of napkins, so go wild. Featured chefs scheduled to appear include Chef/Owner Joel Nickson of Wishbone, Chef Jim Hoban (Brownstone, Schoolyard Tavern & Gaslight) and Chef Calvin Woods (Smokin’ Woody’s & Calvin’s BBQ). Live music on two stages.
Hours:
June 10: noon - 10 p.m.
June 11: noon - 8 p.m.
What it’ll cost you: A $5 donation benefits the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, call (773) 525-3609 or log on to www.ribfestchicago.com.

Pride Fest and the Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade — June 24-25
Location: 3700 N. Halsted. The Pride Fest (June 24) is held on Halsted, at the corner of Waveland, while the parade on Sunday begins at the Halsted/Belmont corner and heads north on Halsted to Broadway and then south on Broadway to Diversey.
Highlights: For the 36th straight year, it’s the place to be for the Midwest’s gay and lesbian community on Saturday for the festival and Sunday for the parade, featuring floats and outfits you’re not likely to see at any other festival, not to mention almost every politician in the state.
Hours:
June 24: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
June 25: Parade starts at noon.
What it’ll cost you: A $5 donation goes to the Northalsted Area Merchants Association on Saturday. Sunday’s parade is free.
For more information, call (773) 868-3010.

JULY

Taste of Chicago — June 30-July 9
Location: Grant Park.
Highlights: If you’ve lived in Chicago for at least one summer and don’t know about “The Taste,” you should really get out more, or move to Iowa. A total of 60 local restauranteurs and some 3,000,000 visitors munch their way toward the Tums in the Midwest’s largest food festival. Cooking demonstrations, kids’ activities and a wine garden add to the allure. Weekend evenings are a good time to avoid massive crowds and still get your grub.
Hours: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. daily.
Music lineup at the Petrillo Music Shell:
June 30: 5:30 p.m., The O’Jays
July 1: 3 p.m., Glen Campbell, Yonder Mountain String Band
July 2: 3 p.m., Joe Dee Missina, SheDaisy
July 3: 7:30 p.m., Grant Park Symphony Orchestra Independence Eve Concert and Fireworks
July 4: 3 p.m., Ray Davies, Mike Doughty
July 5: 5:30 p.m., India.Arie
July 6: 5:30 p.m., Train
July 7: 5:30 p.m., Macy Gray, Liquid Soul
July 8: 5 p.m., TBA
July 9: 3 p.m., Dennis DeYoung, Kenny Wayne Shepherd
What it’ll cost you: It’s free to get in, and tickets can be purchased at a reasonable price for food items.
For more information, call (312) 744-3370 or visit www.cityofchicago.org.

Lakeview Music Fest — July 8-9
Location: 3600 N. Sheffield, at the corner of Addison, in the shadows of Wrigley Field.
Highlights: This festival used to be called the Addison-Clark Street Fair, when it ran down through the heart of Clark Street. Live bands, local merchant stands, fashion shows and food tastings keep a steady flow of fun-seekers coming through the gates. And with the ample supply of Wrigleyville bars nearby, the party doesn’t stop when the bands do.
Hours:
July 8: noon - 10 p.m.
July 9: noon - 9 p.m.
Music lineup:
Saturday
Noon: Chicago Cubs Dixieland Band
1:30 p.m.: Hurricane Gumbo
3:30 p.m.: Mike & Joe
5:15 p.m.: Fashion Show
6:15 p.m.: Carey Ott
8:30 p.m.: 10,000 Maniacs
Sunday
3:30 p.m.: Hairbangers Ball
7:30 p.m.: Big Wu
What it’ll cost you: A $5 donation benefits the Lakeview Citizens’ Council.
For more information, call (773) 868-3010.
Old St. Pat’s World’s
Largest Block Party — July 14-15
Location: 650 W. Madison. At the corner of Madison and Des Plaines in the West Loop.
Highlights: If the folks at Old St. Pat’s (the church is the city’s oldest public building) don’t put on the world’s largest block party, they come awfully close. Formerly tabbed as a serious meat market for singles (supposedly where 70 now-married couples first met), that reputation was waned a bit in recent years, as now it’s considered more of an open party for everyone. National acts like Blues Traveler, Counting Crows, Better Than Ezra and the BoDeans have made a summer stop at Old St. Pat’s in the past. An estimated 25,000 people turn out, but with everything strategically spread out, you never feel cramped unless you choose to approach the stage, and the line for beer is always manageable.
Hours:
July 14: 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
July 15: 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Music lineup:
Friday
5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.: TBA
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: TBA
9:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.: Cake
Saturday
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.: TBA
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: TBA
9:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.: Rusted Root
What it’ll cost you: $35 in advance or $40 at the door gets you five drink tickets, good for beer, wine or soda. Proceeds benefit the expansion efforts for Old St. Patrick’s Church and its numerous outreach programs. Order tickets early at www.worldslargestblockparty.com or by phone at (312) 648-1021.
Rock Around the Block — July 15-16
Location: 3600 N. Lincoln Avenue, at Addison running south to Roscoe.
Highlights: Food and drink vendors, arts and crafts and 30 bands on three different stages. National acts like the Old 97’s and the Spin Doctors have played here in recent years.
Hours:
July 15: noon - 10 p.m.
July 16: noon - 10 p.m.
What it’ll cost you: Either $5 or $10, depending on how late you show up. The donation benefits the Festival Foundation, though no one knows what that is.
For more information, call (773) 665-4682.

Summer on Southport — July 22-23
Location: 3800 N. Southport, running from Waveland to Byron.
Highlights: This is one of the city’s newer summer festivals, located on one of the great summer streets in the city. Live sounds from two stages, art shows and food and drink stands dot the street. This may not be the raucous event other festivals are, as a lot of the set-up is geared toward children and seniors, but stay tuned.
Hours:
July 22: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
July 23: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
What it’ll cost you: A $5 donation benefits the Southport Neighbors Association.
For more information, call (877) 244-2246.

Wicker Park Summerfest — July 22-23
Location: 1600 N. Damen, at the busy Damen/North/Milwaukee intersection.
Highlights: Wicker Park is often considered to be the musical hub of Chicago, and the hip scene figures to produce some up-and-coming indie music on its two stages. Walk in any direction to find plenty of quality places to eat or enjoy a drink afterward.
Hours:
July 22: noon - 10 p.m.
July 23: noon - 10 p.m.
What it’ll cost you: A donation of $5, which goes into the hands of the Wicker Park/Bucktown Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, dial (773) 868-3010.

Sheffield Garden Walk — July 22-23
Location: 2200 N. Sheffield Avenue, at Webster.
Highlights: In its 38th year, this festival is one of the summer’s favorites, offering access to more than 100 private gardens and architectural tours through one of the city’s truly historic neighborhoods. A recent shift of the band stage to an area parking lot helped spread things out and make it more comfortable.
Hours:
July 22: noon - 9:30 p.m.
Jul. 23: noon - 9:30 p.m.
What it’ll cost you: Varies from $6 to $8, with proceeds going to the Sheffield Neighborhood Association.
For more information, call (773) 929-9255.
Taste of Lincoln Avenue — July 29-30
Location: 2400 N. Lincoln Avenue, from Fullerton to Wrightwood.
Highlights: To veterans of the Chicago social scene, this six-block blowout is widely considered one of year’s can’t-miss events. With five entertainment stages, more than 300 vendors, fashion displays and a carnival for children, there’s a little something for everyone. There is no shortage of rooftop and deck parties in the surrounding area, leading into the festival and capping it off.
Hours:
July 29: noon - 10 p.m.
July 30: noon - 10 p.m.
Music lineup:
Saturday
Fullerton Stage
2:30 p.m.: Forte
4 p.m.: Gufs
6 p.m.: Bumpus
8:30 p.m.: Cherry Poppin Daddys
Altgeld Stage
8:30 p.m.: Siegel-Schwall Band
Gin Mill Stage
3 p.m.: Backyard Tire Fire
4:30 p.m.: Kashmir
Bordo’s Stage
3 p.m.: Cat Fight
5 p.m.: IADT Fashion Show
6 p.m.: Underwater People
8 p.m.: Hello Dave
Sunday
Fullerton Stage
2 p.m.: Distance
6 p.m.: Off Broadway
8 p.m.: Blue Oyster Cult
Altgeld Stage
8:30 p.m.: Larry McCray
Gin Mill Stage
Noon: Seven Day Run
2 p.m.: Sunday Runners
3:30 p.m.: Kimi Hayes
5 p.m.: Dave Tamkin
Bordo’s Stage
3 p.m.: Then Again
6 p.m.: Mike & Joe
8 p.m.: Hairbanger’s Ball
What it’ll cost you: A $7-$10 donation goes to the Wrightwood Neighbors Association.
For more information, call (773) 868-3010.
North Halsted Market Days
Location: 3500 N. Halsted.
Highlights: The 25th annual Lakeview event, billed as the Midwest's largest outdoor two-day festival, features arts and crafts, food and more than 40 musical acts on three stages.
Hours:
August 5: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
August 6: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
What it’ll cost you: Your $6 donation goes to the North Halsted Area Merchants Association.
For more information, call (773) 868-3010.

AUGUST

Retro on Roscoe — Aug. 5-6
Location: 2000 W. Roscoe, at the corner of Damen.
Highlights: Step back in time to a “cooler” age at this Roscoe Village specialty. Besides a chili cook-off, antique car show, art vendors and carnival games, you’ll hear live music from the ’70s up through today on four stages and have plenty of ethnic food and beer to indulge in. Popular acts like Hairbangers Ball, Mike & Joe, Mr. Blotto and Tributosaurus are scheduled to provide the tunes. Keep an eye out for those who are looking for an excuse to break out the old Travolta outfit. You may want to duck out a bit early to grab a spot in the beer garden at the Village Tap.
Hours:
August 5: noon - 10 p.m.
August 6: noon - 10 p.m.
What it’ll cost you: A $5 offering benefits the Roscoe Village Neighbors.
For more information, call (773) 665-4682.

28th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival — Aug. 31-Sept. 3
Location: Grant Park
Highlights: This festival has featured such jazz greats as Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Wynton Marsalis and Nancy Wilson, among many others. An art fair and wine garden are popular aspects as well. Look for more information on a city-hosted week of jazz performances in a variety of venues during the week leading up to the actual festival.
Hours:
August 31: 7:30 p.m.
September 1: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
September 2: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
September 3: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
What it’ll cost you: Nothing, other than your mode of transportation downtown.
For more information, call (312) 744-3370 or log on to www.cityofchicago.org.

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