End June with a BANG! (because Chicago certainly will)

Are you in Chicago this weekend? While June might be drawing to a close, that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing left to do this month! This weekend is packed with unique Chicago festivals, so if you’re visiting or you live in the area, be sure not to miss out on these summer-tastic events!

Chicago Pride: June 24 – 26

Join in the ninth annual LGBTQ community celebration in Boystown at Halsted and Waveland. Two stages will have live music, drag shows, and even pet parades from 5-10 PM on Friday and 12-9 PM on Saturday. Food vendors, arts and crafts, and more will all be available, showcasing artists and performers in Chicago’s gay community. And don’t forget the iconic Pride Parade on Sunday, which marches from Halsted and Belmont to Cannon Dr in Lincoln Park. This year’s theme is “Pride around the World” (how perfect!) so get out there and rep your country with PRIDE! $7 donation before 5 PM, $10 after.

Chicago Summerfest: June 25 – 26

Check out Lincoln Park on Saturday or Sunday for food and drink vendors, crafts and fine arts for sale, kid-friendly entertainment, and a non-stop line-up of live music at the Chicago Summerfest. Visitors can also take advantage of the historical or architectural tours of the mid-North area offered by the Mid-North Association. Oh yeah, and did we mention the pig roast?

Green Music Fest: June 25 – 26

Pig roast doesn’t grab your attention? This vegetarian understands completely. Head to WickerPark for the Green Music Fest on Damen Ave from North to Schiller. Live music, including Yo La Tengo and Les Savy Fav, will be performing from 1:30 until 10 PM on both days, along with environmentally-friendly vendors and services! Ride your bike there and park it in the bike valet (hello, green living!) and pick up a biodegradable plastic cup of brew—but to be clear, the cup is biodegradable, not the beer, so you should probably still drink responsibly! $5 donation.

Randolph Street Market Festival: June 25 – 26

If you’re vaguely recalling strolling along Randolph last weekend, you’re not suffering from festival amnesia—Randolph Street is hosting the season opener of its monthly Street Market Festival (visit the link above for future dates). Pick up some cool antiques and indie designs at great prices—vintage clothing, jewelry, furnishings (with free furniture delivery within downtown Chicago!), and TONS of food vendors will all be on display from over 200 vendors from the area. You can even get free entry to the last 2 hours of the market each month—check out the “See for Free” coupon on its website!

Taste of Chicago: June 24 – July 3

If you haven’t heard of Taste of Chicago already, you’re in for a treat (treat, get it? Like food…). Open each day in Grant Park from 11 AM – 9 PM (though it closes at 7 PM on the 3^rd), this 10 day festival features over 70 restaurants and food vendors. While entry is free (our favorite word), purchases can be made with tickets only (12 tickets/$8), and you can grab anything from just a taste to a full meal. Live music, cooking demos, and a stellar view of Lake Michigan make this one of Chicago's most famous summer events. While there won’t be nightly fireworks this year (bummer, yes), there will be fireworks on Navy Pier on July 2^nd and 4^th, and you can catch those from the Lakefront Trail!

Written by: Keren Mikva