Festivals in and near Chicago, IL

Even in the depths of winter or at the peak of steamy summer, Chicago festivals take over swaths of the city for days of music, food, and culture. While Lollapalooza and Pitchfork may bring in droves of music-lovers and Instagram-worthy fashionistas, it isn’t the only game in town. Taste of Chicago supplies foodies with samples of the city’s best cuisines, Andersonville’s Midsommarfest celebrates all things Swedish, and the Air and Water show dazzles beachgoers with airplane tricks and feats of daring-do. Other Chicago events celebrate differing styles of music, from blues to jazz or electronic, or celebrate Chicago’s history, such as with the Chicago Fire Festival.