The Ultimate Summertime Chi Fest Guide
Summer festival season is here! That’s why we’re bringing you a guide to the neighborhood fests you have to check out and how to make the most of them. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro pick their can’t-miss fests, talk summer planning, and give you tips to stay comfortable during long summer days.
We’ll be talking summer fests all this week, sponsored by Revolution Brewing.
Fests mentioned:
- Ravinia Summer Festival: June 7-Sep. 15 in Highland Park
- Pride Fest: June 22-23 in Northalsted
- Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash: June 14-16 at Seat Geek in Bridgeview
- International Festival of Life: July 4-7 in Hyde Park
- Jeff Fest: July 12-14 in Jefferson Park
- Eeeeeeatscon: July 13-14 in West Town
- Fiesta Del Sol: July 25-28 in Pilsen
- Wicker Park Fest: July 26-28
- Bud Billiken Parade: Aug. 10 in Bronzeville
- The Great American Lobster Fest: Aug. 10-11 at Navy Pier
- Throwback Music Fest: Sep. 6-8 in Norwood Park
- Printer’s Row Lit Fest: Sep. 7-8 in South Loop
- World Dumpling Fest: Sep. 21 in Logan Square
Good news: Movies in the Parks
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this June 10 episode:
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Schools' Fundraising, Chicago’s Plan for 78, and ‘Ferris Bueller’s’ Turns 40
Principals, local school councils, and parent groups are getting increasingly creative with their fundraising. In 2025, Chicago schools s...
City Will Buy Greyhound Terminal, Chicago's 'Friendship Recession,' and We Want 4 a.m. Tacos!
Last week, the City Council voted to purchase the downtown Greyhound bus terminal. We discuss the details and what’s next for the critica...
So Everyone's Running For Mayor. Plus, How To Do Pride Fest!
We’ve got more mayoral candidates ahead of February’s primary after former Ald. George Cardenas (12th) officially launched his campaign....
Is Chicago Really Over Ye? Plus, Best Summer Museum Exhibits
A week before the Bears season kicks off, Soldier Field will be home to one of Chicago’s most controversial sons, Kanye West. The Bully t...
Summer Storms Rock Chicago. Plus, Obama Center Neighborhood Guide
Across Chicago, neighbors are still navigating uprooted trees, power outages, and flooding following intense storms last week. Unfortunat...
Banning Cellphones in School. And Why Isn't Chicago Hosting World Cup?
After years of trying, Illinois lawmakers have officially banned cellphones and other devices in classrooms. Gov. JB Pritzker, a vocal su...
Should Chicago Open Public Pharmacies? Plus, CPS Defends Transgender Policies
Walgreens has shuttered two more South Side locations, including the Chatham location, after closing five in 2025. Ald. William Hall (6th...
Are Chicago Bike Lanes Actually Safe? Plus, Ann Sather Closure and Playing Hooky
Ann Sather’s last day on Belmont is June 28. City Cast Chicago contributor Adora Namigadde explains why the closure feels so significant....
Public Pools Open Next Week. Plus, Chicago’s New Women’s Sports Bar
Most of the city’s 77 public pools, 200 water features, and Chicago’s only inland beach are all opening next Friday. Plus, we’ve got more...
Red Line Weekend Detour and Ultimate Summer Guide
Red Line trains will be rerouted to elevated tracks for the third straight weekend due to maintenance work in the Loop subway. Executive...