Are you trying to plan out all of 2008, with visits to your family, weddings, vacations, etc but still wnat to enjoy all that Chicago has to offer as America’s best summer city? Well festival season is months away, but you can get a jump on summer plans with this quick look at some of next year’s top crowd pleasers (compliments of MetroMix).
Looptopia – May 2
312-782-9160
May 2: The all-night bash returns in ’08 to mark the city’s second annual “white night” bash.
Chicago Mayfest – May 16-17
773-665-4682
May 16-17: The 13th annual fest includes beer, food, live music and arts and crafts vendors.
Memorial Day Parade — Downtown Chicago – May 24
312-744-3315
May 24: One of the largest parades in the country with more than 25,000 participants and 250 marching units.
Chicago Turkish Festival – May 28-31
312-933-4635
May 28-31: Sixth annual fest features whirling dervishes, music, folk dance performances, fashion shows, films, art and craft demos, handmade goods, food vendors, kids’ activities and more.
24th Annual Chicago Gospel Music Festival – May 30/June 1
312-744-3315
May 30-June 1: Three-day festival features more than 50 performances from some of the top gospel acts in the world.
Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival – May 31/June 1
773-868-3010
May 31-June 1: The 24th annual fest features national, regional and local bands, plus food, beer, arts and crafts and fashion displays.
25th Annual Chicago Blues Festival – June 5-8
312-744-3315
June 5-8: The largest free outdoor blues event in the world features local, national and international entertainment on six stages with more than 70 performances. In celebration of the quarter centennial event, the festival is preceded by a month of blues music-themed activities throughout
43rd Annual Andersonville Midsommarfest – June 14-15
773-665-4682
June 14-15: A celebration of the neighborhood’s Swedish heritage.
Chicago Summerfest in Lincoln Park – June 21-22
773-665-4682
June 21-22: Formerly called Lincoln Park Fest, the two-day celebration features live music, arts and crafts and kids’ entertainment.
Pizza Fest – June 21-22
773-868-3010
June 21-22: The second annual fest features a variety of thin, deep dish and stuffed pies, plus live music and a “best pizza” contest with celeb judges.
28th Annual Taste of Chicago – June 27/July 6
312-744-3315
June 27-July 6: You’ll find everything from hot dogs to haute cuisine at this 28th annual mega-food fest. The 10-day party features dishes from more than 70 restaurants, plus live music, cooking demos, a wine garden and more.
Race to Taste – June 29
312-744-3315
June 29: The 16th annual 5K run and 2-mile walk is held in conjunction with the Taste of Chicago.
15th Annual Rock Around the Block – July 12-13
773-665-4682
July 12-13: More than 30 bands perform on three stages.
Chicago Outdoor Film Festival-Grant Park – July 15-Aug 26
312-744-3315
July 15-Aug. 26: Grab a blanket, pack a picnic and spend Tuesday nights watching classic movies for free under the stars.
Seventh Annual Summer on Southport – July 19-20
773-665-4682
July 19-20: Live music, food and craft vendors, kids’ entertainment and more.
51st Annual Venetian Night – July 26
312-744-3315
July 26: Approximately 35 lighted boats participate in this year’s “
14th Annual Retro on Roscoe – Aug 2-3
773-665-4682
Aug. 2-3: This “flashback” weekend features an antique car and motorcycle show, craft vendors, ethnic food, beer vendors, games and live music from the ’70s through the ’90s.
North Side Summerfest – Aug 15-16
773-665-4682
Aug. 15-16: Third annual fest in the
50th Annual Chicago Air & Water Show – Aug 16-17
312-744-3315
Aug. 16-17: More than 2 million people swarm the lakefront for the oldest and largest free show of its kind in the country. Get great views and play-by-play coverage from
!Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival – Aug 23-24
312-744-3315
Aug. 23-24: More than 2 million people swarm the lakefront for the oldest and largest free show of its kind in the country. Get great views and play-by-play coverage from
30th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival – Aug 29-31
312-744-3315
Aug. 29-31: The city’s longest-running lakefront music festival features local, national and international performers on several stages. Past performers have included Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis and Nancy Wilson.
Celtic Fest Chicago – Sep 13-14
312-744-3315
Sept. 13-14: The 12th annual salute to Celtic music, dance and traditions features live entertainment, beer, food, arts and crafts vendors and more.
Chicago Country Music Festival – Oct 11-12
312-744-3315
Oct. 11-12: Local and national artists take the stage at a new location and a little later in the year for the 18th annual fest.
Posters out now (March 15, 2008) list the Air and Space Show on July 26-27th this year, not in August, as it was last year (2007).
Which is correct? The posters are put up by City of Chicago I think.
Accodingthe teh City Website, teh air and water show is set for Aug 16-17
http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalContentItemAction.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@1000922421.1205642102@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccfadediikilglcefecelldffhdfhl.0&contentOID=536893925&contenTypeName=COC_EDITORIAL&topChannelName=Dept&entityName=Special+Events&deptMainCategoryOID=-536884615&blockName=Special+Events/Content&context=dept