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Take on the streets with our guide to Chicago's best fests.

Tuesday Jan 01, 2008.     By Centerstage Chicago Staff

Travel + Tourism Feed

Don't just hit the streets. Take them over. Our comprehensive guide to Chicago's fairs, festivals and markets pinpoints the places to be. Continue to check back for updated information about performers and offerings.

Read on for upcoming festivals, each of which links to a details page chock-full of information, music schedules and directions. For an A-Z list of festivals, check out this roster.

April 2008

Green Apple Music Festival, April 18-20
The grass is truly greener at this fest.

Antiques & Garden Fair, April 18-20
Shop 'til you drop in a lush garden atmosphere.

Spring Festival Arts and Crafts, April 18-20
Kickstart your spring with art in Villa Park.

Green Scene, April 19
Celebrate Earth Day with some eco-education.

Chicago Improv Festival, April 21-27
This is definitely a laughing matter.

ARTropolis, April 25-28
Sample some art at the Mart.

Festival Dia De Nino, April 27
This one's all about the kids.

May 2008

Looptopia, May 2
Come to the Windy City That Never Sleeps.

Around the Coyote Spring Festival, May 2-4
Prowl around the Loop for some great art.

Long Grove Chocolate Festival, May 2-4
Chocoholics welcome.

Bach Week Festival, May 2-9
This festival will make you hear beautiful music...literally.

Mayor Daley's Kids & Kites Festival, May 3
Get a natural high.

Polish Constitution Day Parade, May 3
Parade your Polish pride.

Children's Humanities Festival, May 3-10
Enrich your children's lives with a variety of cultural events.

Manifest Urban Arts Festival, May 16
It's a festival of destiny.

Lakeview Mayfest, May 16-18
Miss this well-rounded fest, and you could soon find yourself in the doghouse.

Great Chicago Places and Spaces, May 17-18
Oh, the places you'll go!

Green Festival, May 17-18
Experience a weekend of ecology at McCormick Place.

Gaelic Park Irish Fest, May 23-26
Go green at this Oak Forest celebration.

Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade, May 24
Celebrate Memorial Day in Downtown Chicago.

Cuneo Gardens Art Fest, May 24-25
Enjoy art in an artful setting at this Vernon Hills fest.

Randolph Street Market Festival/Chicago Antique Market, May 24-October 26
This one's old and bold.

WOOGMS Memorial Day Parade, May 26
Create some memories on Memorial Day.

Chicago Turkish Festival, May 28-31
Chicago does its best Istanbul (not Constantinople) impression.

Chi-Town Kruze and Car Show, May 28-31
Show off your clunker before checking out some real cars.

Mayfest Chicago, May 29-June 1
Celebrate spring with steins in hand at this authentic German Mayfest.

Chicago Gospel Music Festival, May 30-June 1
Music so good, it should be a sin!

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival, May 31-June 1
Belmont and Sheffield isn't the home of The Vic and Berlin for nothing.

Do Division Street Fest, May 31-June 1
Just do it.

Deerfield Festival of Fine Arts, May 31-June 1
Browse fine art in the park at this Deerfield fest.

Promenade of Art Arlington Heights, May 31-June 1
Take a walk on the Promenade.

Bike Chicago, May through September
Take off the training wheels and enjoy the summer!

June 2008

Chicago Blues Festival, June 5-8
The largest free festival of its kind in the world enters its 25th year.

Jeff Fest, June 6-8
A great introduction to Jefferson Park.

Pride of the Fox RiverFest, June 6-8
The old and new come together in St. Charles.

Chalk Festival, June 7
Be there and fill a square.

57th Street Art Fair, June 7-8
Enjoy some art in historic Hyde Park.

Community Art Fair, June 7-8
Get crafty at this annual fair in Bixler Park.

Fiesta Back of the Yards, June 7-8
It's a party in the Jungle.

Glencoe Wine Festival, June 7-8
Drink some wine amid the vines.

Printers' Row Book Fair, June 7-8
Explore historic Printers' Row at this annual book-lover's paradise.

Ribfest Chicago, June 7-8
Eat to a beat at this North Center celebration.

Band on the Run Run, June 8
Leave the iPod at home...this event will give you all the pump-up music you need.

Pearl Fest, June 8
This gem of a family-friendly fest has revealed itself once again.

Grant Park Music Festival, June 11-August 16
Enjoy some music outside at this classic fest.

Chicago's Festa Pasta Vino, June 12-15
Indulge in Italian delights at this Old World festival.

St. Michael's Celebration, June 13-15
Eat and dance at this annual Old Town fest.

Andersonville Midsommarfest, June 14-15
Celebrate Andersonville's Swedish heritage at this lively fest.

Artists of the Wall Festival, June 14-15
Be a part of public art as it happens at this Rogers Park festival.

Cantigny Sculpture & Fine Art Festival, June 14-15
Experience history and art at this Wheaton festival.

Juneteenth Festival, June 14-15
Celebrate freedom in Elgin.

Old Town Art Fair, June 14-15
Catch a glimpse of the nation's best artists (and gardens) at this historic neighborhood fair.

Wells Street Art Festival, June 14-15
All's well at this fun-filled Old Town fest.

Greater Chicago Jewish Folk Arts Festival, June 15
Get spiritual at this Morton Grove fest.

MOBfest, June 19-21
It's one big mob of music enthusiasts across the city.

Shades of Riverview, June 19-22
It's cool to support the school.

Close Up 2 Smooth Jazz Festival, June 20-22
It's so smooth.

Long Grove Strawberry Fest, June 20-22
It'll be a berry good time.

St. Josaphat Summerfest, June 20-22
This fest is phat!

Taste of Randolph Street, June 20-22
Treat yourself to some fine food and music at this refined West Loop fest.

Calumet/Giles/Prairie Historical Festival, June 21
Enjoy food and music while exploring this historical area.

Chicago Summerfest in Lincoln Park, June 21-22
Celebrate the summer at this Lincoln Park festival.

Custer's Last Stand Festival of the Arts, June 21-22
Honor General Custer in style at this lively Evanston event.

Pizza Fest, June 21-22
You can finally get a piece (or eight) of the pie.

River North Summerfest, June 22
Fun streams in all day.

Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club Family Fest & Carnival, June 25-29
There's nothing more important than family.

Bloomingdale Family Fest, June 26-29
This one's in bloom.

Bloomington Gold, June 26-29
Check out some hot cars at this cool St. Charles festival.

Chicago Salsa Festival, June 26-29
Like your fests hot?

Taste of Chicago, June 27-July 6
Fill up on some of Chicago's best grub.

Pride Fest, June 28
Take in some music, pre-Pride Parade.

Belmont Arts and Music Festival, June 28-29
Explore two of your favorites in Roscoe Village.

Fountain Square Arts Festival, June 28-29
There's nothing provincial about the art at this suburban festival.

Joliet Fine Art Festival of the Masters, June 28-29
Check out a jolly good art fair in Joliet.

Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade, June 29
Support the Gay and Lesbian community at this Lakeview event.

July 2008

Arlington Heights Frontier Days, July 2-6
Arlington Heights...the fun frontier.

Independence Eve Fireworks, July 3
Watch the sky explode in Grant Park.

Wheeling Freedom Fest, July 3-5
Come to this fest for a real freewheeling good time.

African Caribbean International Festival of Life, July 3-6
International, indeed.

Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival, July 3-6
Fly high at this Lisle Festival.

Naperville Ribfest, July 3-6
This ain't your parents' ribfest...actually, it kinda is.

Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks, July 4
Explosive fun comes to Lake Forest.

Lakeview Music Festival, July 5-6
This Lakeview fest brings in the good stuff.

Bristol Renaissance Faire, July 5-September 1
Have yourselfe a grande olde tyme at this faire.

Niketown Bastille Day 5K Run/Walk and Block Party, July 10
Work up a sweat in more ways than one at this West Loop gathering.

Railroad Days, July 10-13
Choo choo choose this festival.

Irish American Heritage Festival, July 11-13
Celebrate your heritage with mashed potatoes.

I Have a Vision Community Gospel Festival, July 12
You can see yourself in Grand Crossing Park, can't you?

I Hear the Music in the Air Gospel Festival, July 12
Can't you hear it calling your name?

K.I.D.S. Zone Festival, July 12
Here's a new zoning ordinance: kids rule!

Rosemoor Community Fest, July 12
This South Side fest puts the unity in community.

Chicago Folk & Roots Festival, July 12-13
Don't miss this superb music fest.

Lincolnshire Art Festival, July 12-13
Become an honorary member of the Village Green Art Preservation Society.

Mayor's Cup Youth Soccer Tournament, July 12-13
Get your kicks at this free soccer tournament.

Rock Around the Block, July 12-13
Experience local music at its best at this festival that lives up to its name.

Celebrate Clark Street, July 13
Been to Clark Street before? Celebrate it!

Chicago Outdoor Film Festival, July 15-August 26
Enjoy film classics throughout the summer in Grant Park.

Kane County Fair, July 16-20
Don't count this one out.

JVC Jazz Festival, July 18-19
Join in the jazz celebration.

Old St. Pat's World's Largest Block Party, July 18-19
Meet your match at this famous block party.

Pitchfork Music Festival, July 18-20
The indie fest that could just keeps on going (and growing).

Abbott Park Community/Gospel Festival, July 19
The congregation flocks to the park today for music and more.

Southside Neighborhood Gospel Fest, July 19
Praise and pride on the Southside.

Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Art Festival, July 19-20
More than 135 artists present.

Sheffield Garden Walk, July 19-20
Get horticultured at this Lincoln Park fest.

Summer on Southport, July 19-20
Everyone will find something to love at this unique, generation-spanning festival.

Chinatown Summer Fair, July 20
Go down to Chinatown for this unique summer fair.

Dearborn Garden Walk and Heritage Fair, July 20
See how the other half gardens at this annual Gold Coast event.

Lake County Fair, July 22-27
Live it up in Lake County.

Arts Experience, July 24-25
Experience art at the Plaza of the Americas.

Newberry Book Fair, July 24-27
Come indulge your inner bibliophile.

Pierogi Fest, July 25-27
Make your way to Whiting for this unique ethnic event.

Alderman Brookins' Annual Family Summer Festival, July 26
The ward won't be bored today.

Bughouse Square Debates, July 26
Lincoln and Douglas have got nothing on this lively festival.

Ghana Fest, July 26
Going, going...Ghana!

Venetian Night Festival, July 26
Need a nightlight? Check out this classic fest on the lake.

Edgebrook Summer Fest, July 26-27
Edge your way toward some family-friendly fun.

North Shore Art Festival, July 26-27
Enjoy fine art at Old Orchard.

State Street Family Festival, July 26-27
This Bronzeville celebration will put you in a good state of mind.

Taste of Lincoln Avenue, July 26-27
You can almost taste the fun.

Wicker Park Fest, July 26-27
Indie eats and beats in the ever-hip Wicker Park.

An Arts Adventure, July 27
Have yourself an adventure.

Fiesta del Sol, July 31-August 3
Have some wholesome fun under the sun at this Pilsen fest.

August 2008

Lollapalooza, August 1-3
The 'palooza that started them all is back for another year.

SerbFest, August 1-3
This fest Serbs up tons of fun.

Art at the Glen Town Center, August 2-3
Discover fine arts and crafts at the Glen.

Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival, August 2-3
Check out art and music with your family at this Evanston fest.

JazzFest Heritage, August 2-3
It's the pride of the South Side.

Retro on Roscoe, August 2-3
Have a blast in the past at this nostalgic fest.

World of Faeries Festival, August 2-3
This fest puts the fair in fairy.

Belize Day in the Park, August 3
Every nation has its day.

AugustFest, August 8-10
Make August a good month.

Caribbean Festival and Jamaican Independence Celebration, August 8-10
Have an island party in Union Park.

Ginza Holiday Festival, August 8-10
Bonsai!

Gold Coast River North Art Fair, August 8-10
Explore the world of art in the Gold Coast.

Illinois State Fair, August 8-17
Enjoy all that Illinois has to offer at this massive fair.

Freewill Picnic Gospel Festival, August 9
If you choose to attend this church-sponsored fest, you will have made a good choice.

Korean Street Festival, August 9-10
Celebrate Korean tradition at this northside fest.

Northalsted Market Days, August 9-10
It's the largest two-day street fair in the Midwest.

West Fest, August 9-10
Bring your dog to this grassroots fest in the heart of West Town.

South Elgin Riverfest Express, August 14-17
All aboard!

Croatian Fest, August 15
Meat some new friends in Bridgeport.

Edison Park Fest, August 15-17
Enjoy music and more by the airport.

North Side Summerfest, August 15-17
Expect the best at this North Center fest.

Our Lady of Tepeyac Summer Festival, August 15-17
The lady knows best about what to do with your weekend.

Viva Aztlan Festival, August 15-17
Viva free festivals!

Carifete, A Caribbean-American Carnival, August 16
Experience a masquerade on the street in Hyde Park.

Chicago Air & Water Show, August 16-17
It's a bird, it's a plane...

Highwood Fine Arts Festival, August 16-17
Fine art comes to Highwood.

The Raven: Experience the Magic of Ravenswood, August 16-17
Fly into fun at one of the city's newest festivals.

Accenture Chicago Triathlon, August 22-24
Catch the race for a world record.

Backlot Bash, August 22-24
Have big fun at this 'burbs bash.

DeKalb Corn Fest, August 22-24
This one's not too corny.

Back to School Fun Fair/Gospel Fest, August 23
Praise the Lord! School's back in session!

Chicago Reggae Festival, August 23
Reggae riddims come to Union Park.

Triedstone Full Gospel Baptist Church Fun Fest and Health Fair, August 23
Just try not to have fun at this fest.

Bucktown Arts Fest, August 23-24
Embrace the artsy side of Bucktown.

Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest & Open Studio Walk, August 23-24
Sample some arts on the Avenue.

Port Clinton Art Festival, August 23-24
It's at (or near) the top of the suburban art festival heap.

Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival and Art Fair, August 23-24
Cumbias and salsas, meringues, oh my!

Whole Foods Market Flavor Fest, August 23-24
Naturally, you'll have some wholesome fun at this Lincoln Park fest.

Taste of Armenia Festival, August 24
Here's a mean cultural celebration in Evanston.

Back to School Summer Fest, August 27
Parents may be the only ones celebrating at this fest.

Chicago Jazz Festival, August 28-31
Horns of plenty pay tribute to history.

North American Festival of Wales, August 28-31
You'll have a Wale of a time.

Naperville's Last Fling, August 29-September 1
Bid goodbye to summer with a bash in Naperville.

Taste of Polonia, August 29-September 1
Polska! Polska!

Bash on Wabash, August 30-31
Explore all the South Loop has to offer and bring the kids along.

Irish Days, August 30-September 1
Celebrate all things Irish with three full days of music, dance, food and fun.

September 2008

Windy City Wine Festival, September 5-6
Taste wine and more at this downtown fest.

German Day Festival (aka German-American Festival), September 5-7
Enjoy Oktoberfest in Lincoln Square.

Ukrainian Village Fest, September 6-7
Dance the day away at this celebration of Ukrainian culture.

Festival De La Villita, September 11-14
Celebrate Mexican Independence in the heart of Little Village.

Naperville Wine Festival, September 12-13
Head to the burbs for more than 150 wines.

Wine Crush in Old Town, September 13
Who needs grand Paris when you have Wells Street?

Celtic Fest Chicago, September 13-14
Refresh your St. Patty's Day spirit in Grant Park.

Hideout Block Party, September 19-21
This fest shows you who's king of the block.

Winefest Chicago, September 19-21
Take a trip to wine country without leaving the city.

Italian Style, September 19-23
If it's Italian, it's in style here.

World Music Festival, September 19-25
A round-the-world musical tour.

Eli's Cheesecake Festival, September 20-21
Chuck those cholesterol cares away...for a couple days at least.

Oktoberfest, September 26-28
Don't fear the beer.

Hyde Park Jazz Festival, September 27
Celebrate the music and culture of the South Side...for 15 straight hours.

57th Street Children's Book Fair, September 29
It's a reading rainbow on the South Side.

October 2008

Long Grove Apple Fest, October 3-5
You'll have more than one apple on this day.

Mayor Daley's Kids & Kites Festival, October 4
Get a natural high.

Chicago Country Music Festival, October 11-12
Dust off that cowboy hat...

Chicago International Film Festival, October 16-29
Forget Hollywood. Chicago is the film capital...for two weeks, at least.

Chicago International Children's Film Festival, October 23-November 2
Sshhh! It's starting!

Halloween Happening, October 25
Scary, isn't it?

North Halsted Halloween Parade, October 31
Play dress-up at this annual event.

November 2008

Dance Chicago, November 1-30
Dance the month away.

Chicago Latino Book & Family Festival, November 8-9
Drop everything and...head to this educational fest.

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, November 22
Light up your life.

State Street Thanksgiving Parade, November 27
Gobble up this traditional celebration.

December 2008

Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade, December 7
Because everyone loves a little vroom-vroom.