Summer in the City

One of my absolute favorite things about Chicago is the SUMMER! North Avenue Beach is a massive party all weekend every weekend. You'd be hard-pressed to find a neighborhood that wasn't having a festival at least once. If you want entertainment but you're on a tight budget, you'll have no trouble finding free events. Music, food, dance, athletics, and culture abound in the warmer months of Chicago. I'll touch on some of my favorites:

1) May 2: Looptopia - OK, I'll be honest. I haven't actually been to it and I don't quite understand it but it sounds spectacular and is something I won't miss if I'm able to go. The best part about it is it's an overnight extravaganza in the heart of the city celebrating arts, culture, music, and everything else we all love, including staying up past our bed times. Oh and did I mention it's inspired by similar events that take place in faraway lands such as France & Spain?

2) May 31-June 1: Belmont & Sheffield Music Festival - In the heart of Lakeview you'll find a number of bands from the nationally well-known to the local. Live entertainment this year will be provided by Trippin' Billies, Sugar Wall, Why Store, School of Rock, and Underwater People.

3) July 11-Aug 16: Grant Park Music Fest - FREE CONCERTS. Throughout the summer the Chicago Park District offers a plethora of music-related events free to the public.

4) June 14-15: Old Town Arts Fair - A great time for the lover of both arts & beers! 260 artists display paintings, sculptures, photos, jewelry, crafts, and more! And a boatload of easy-going Chicagoans just out for a good time.

5) June 20-22: Taste of Randolph - Mmm, here's where you get to try out all of the delicious restaurants that call the West Loop home. Feel free to feast in front of the live entertainment provided by a lineup that is still TBA - however in the past, some notable names have included the John Butler Trio & Fountains of Wayne.

6) June 27-July 6: Taste of Chicago - Somehow this usually turns out to feel like the hottest weekend of the summer.. of course that may be due to the 1 million visitors this festival attracts through the two week duration. Come hungry and leave stuffed.

There are a LOT more festivals I haven't mentioned here for the sake of space but please Google "Chicago Festival Guide" for a complete list, and you'll notice that not one weekend this summer will be festival-free.

Let's be serious here, who doesn't like funnel cake?! Go to a festival this summer and find some for yourself.