Takin' it to the streets: Our Summer festival guide

Looking for something to fill those glorious summer days? Whether it’s a massive gathering of music lovers at Lollapalooza or a low-key art fair, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a wide list of festivals to check out as the days get longer and the urge grows to get out and enjoy summer in the city — and just about everywhere else.

And first, we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite events in the coming months:

Taste of Chicago

What could be better than Stevie Wonder performing for free in Grant Park at Taste of Chicago (June 28)? How about the inspired pairing of a soul powerhouse from the ’70s, the still-vital Chaka Kkan, with Angie Stone (June 27), one of her many spiritual daughters, a leading light in the natural R&B or neo-soul movement? And did I mention the price (free!) and the setting (Grant Park!) can’t be beat? —Jim DeRogatis, Pop Music Critic

June 27 and 28, 5:30 p.m., free; Taste of Chicago, Petrillo Music Shell, Grant Park.

Pitchfork Music Festival

In its fourth year, the annual Pitchfork Music Festival, sponsored by the Chicago-based indie-rock Webzine of the same name, continues to serve as a paradigm for how a great, inexpensive, independent and minimal-corporate-hype music festival can function in the heart of this city. Lollapalooza may have the bigger names, but Pitchfork has the better vibe, as well as the more unique bookings, including Public Enemy and Mission of Burma (both playing one of their classic albums), Jay Reatard, Spiritualized and the Apples in Stereo.

— Jim DeRogatis

July 18-20; Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph. Tickets: single-day passes are $30, Saturday and Sunday 2-day passes are $50; www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com. Hours: 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Wicker Park Fest

What happens when Wicker Park and Bucktown pool their finest resources — a thriving music community, stellar restaurants, eclectic sensibilities and heaps upon heaps of young artists? More than 25,000 people descend on the hip boroughs for this annual assortment of live music, art vendors, great food and even better people watching. Expect to see the next big thing in music on one of the fest’s two stages. —K. Tighe, CenterStageChicago.com

July 26-27, 1600 N. Damen; $5 donation. Hours: noon to 10 p.m. Call (773) 384-2672.

Andersonville Midsommarfest

One of Chicago’s longest-running neighborhood celebrations, Midsommarfest, is back for its 43rd year of live music, dancing and traditional Swedish eats. Fifty-thousand spectators ogle Andersonville’s Old World charm during a weekend of family-friendly Swedish celebratory fun. In addition to four stages of music, more than 100 artisan booths and an endless array of food — including falafel, meatballs, sausages and glogg slushies — Midsommarfest will host a traditional cake walk, a dance around the Maypole and a pet parade.

— K. Tighe

June 14-15, 5200-5400 N. Clark. Free. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Call (773) 665-4682.

Chinatown Summer Fair

Vibrant pageantry and Chinese tradition align to bring Chicago the 29th annual Chinatown Summer Fair. Always a South Side favorite, this celebration is rife with stellar authentic grub, cultural dance performances and crafts booths, all set to the colorful backdrop of Chinatown’s exciting architecture. The yearly crowd favorite is always the midday lion dance procession (12:30 p.m.), a parade of elaborately costumed performers moving to percussive beats. One of the city’s largest neighborhood festivals also happens to be one of the most family-friendly: With an entire area devoted just kids, your little ones can have fun learning about Chinese tradition.

— K. Tighe

10 a.m-8 p.m. July 20, 2200 S. Wentworth. Free. Call (312) 225-6198.

“The Kid from Brooklyn: The Danny Kaye Musical”

The critically acclaimed new musical based on the life of entertainment legend Danny Kaye (played by Brian Childers, right, with Karin Leone as Sylvia Fine Kaye), is coming to the Mercury Theatre, 3745 N. Southport, for a limited engagement.

— Hedy Weiss, Theater Critic

Previews begin Wednesday. The show opens June 7 and runs through Aug 24. For tickets ($32.50-$48.50), call (773) 325-1700.

“Gutenberg! The Musical!”

The critically acclaimed musical comedy by Scott Brown and Anthony King called “Gutenberg! The Musical!” will make its Chicago premiere at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted.

—Hedy Weiss

The six-week limited engagement will preview June 19, open on June 25 and run through July 27. For tickets ($25-$35), call (312) 988-9000.

“Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story”

The most successful rock ’n’ roll musical of all time, chronicling the life of one of America’s biggest music icons, “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” stars Justin Berkobien.

— Hedy Weiss

Opens Thursday and runs through July 27 at Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Tickets, $28-$54. Call (630) 530-0111.

Frontera Grill

Frontera Grill owner Rick Bayless is a one-man culinary band. Restaurateur, author, television personality. He has his sauces, pizzas, chips, even drink mixes in stores all over the place. When I ate at Frontera Grill shortly after it opened in 1987, I was blown away.

At one point, with all that Bayless was into, I figured he would take the star celebrity chef route, causing the food at Frontera Grill to fall into a dismal abyss. Thankfully, that never transpired. The food at Frontera Grill is even better now than it was when it opened 20 years ago (sister restaurant Topolobampo opened two years later). Sharper, more interesting, still indelibly authentic. Bold flavors, freshness, finesse, delicious moles, sizzling salsas. Frontera Grill knows chiles the way Tony Bennett knows a song.

Naturally, it follows that a pinata stuffed with goodies such as these will draw a crowd. And this place is almost always crowded.

We can credit Bayless for fostering the idea of authentic Mexican food and, in a proxy kind of way, giving us even more options to enjoy the foods of Mexico.

Try the wood-grilled fish of the day, and the chile rellenos.

— Pat Bruno, Restaurant Critic

Frontera Grill, 445 N. Clark, (312) 661-1434. Cuisine: Mexican. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday; Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday; Brunch, Saturday. Reservations not accepted.

MAY

30-June 1: Chicago Gospel Music Festival, 239 E. Randolph. Free. (312) 744-3315; www.chicagogospelmusicfestival.us.

31-June 1: Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival, Sheffield between Belmont and School. $5 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.

31-June 1: Chicago Gospel Music Festival, Millennium Park. Free.

31-June 1: Do-Division Street Fest and Sidewalk Sale, Division between Ashland and Leavitt. $5 donation.

31: Chi-Town Kruze and Car Show, Soldier Field parking lot. Free. (847) 997-8624; www.chitownkruze.com.

31: Deerfield Festival of Fine Arts, Jewett Park, Deerfield. Free. (847) 438-4517; www.dwevents.org/Deerfield.

31-June 1: Park Grill Gospel Music Brunch, 11 N. Michigan. $25; $10 children. (312) 521-7275;

www.chicagogospelmusicfestival.us.

31: Northwest Community Hospitalk Promenade of Art, 121 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights. Free. (847) 368-5100.

31-June 1: Promenade of Art Arlington Heights, 121 W. Campell, Arlington Heights. Free. (847) 444-9600.

JUNE

2-8: Chicago Improv Festival, multiple locations. $5-$30 per show. (773) 935-9810; www.chicagoimprovfestival.org.

5-8: Chicago Blues Festival, Monroe and Columbus. Free. (312) 744-3370; www.chicagobluesestival.us.

6-7: Forest Park Summerfest, Madison between Des Plains and Harlem, Forest Park. Free. (708) 366-2543.

6-8: Jeff Fest, Jefferson Park, Higgins and Milwaukee. $5 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.

6-8: Pride of the Fox RiverFest, Main and Fox River, St. Charles. Free. (630) 584-8415; www.prideofthefox.com.

7: 57th Street Art Fair, 57th and Kimbark. (773) 493-3247; www.57thstreetartfair.org.

7: Beer Barons of Milwaukee World of Beer Festival, Menomonee Falls, Wis. $30; $35 door. www.beerbarons.org.

7: Chalk Festival, 2021 N. Burling. Free. (773) 758-9556.

7: Chicago Caribbean JerkFest, 1501 W. Randolph. (773) 907-4792; www.chitownjerkfest.com.

7-8: Fiesta Back of the Yards, 1700-1059 W. 47th. Free. (773) 247-5100.

7-8: Hyde Park Community Art Fair, 5651 S. Kenwood. Free. (773) 363-8282; www.communityartfair.org.

7-8: Glencoe Wine Festival, 1000 Lake Cook. $15-$25. (847) 835-5440; www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar/winefestival.

7-8: Printers’ Row Book Fair, 700 S. Dearborn. Free. (312) 222-3986.

7: Ribfest, 4000 N. Lincoln. $5 donation. (847) 677-8273; www.northcenterchamber.com/site/epage/1050_62.htm.

8: Band on the Run Run, 15430 West, Orland Park. $20; $24 day of race. (773) 868-3010.

8: Pearl Fest, 4500 S. Greenwood. (773) 285-1211; www.blackpearl.org.

11-Aug. 16: Grant Park Music Festival, multiple locations. Free. (312) 742-7638; www.grantparkmusicfestival.com.

12-Aug. 24: Chicago SummerDance, Grant Park. (312) 744-8948.

12-15: Festa Pasta Vino, 2400 S. Oakley. Free. (847) 233-9966.

13: Bike To Work Rally, Daley Plaza, Free. (312) 744-3370; www.bikechicago.us.

13-15: St. Michael’s Celebraion, 1633 N. Cleveland. $10 adults; free for kids under 12. (312) 642-2498.

14-15: Artists of the Wall Festival, 1230 W. Greenleaf. $30 to paint, free to watch. (773) 338-RPCC; www.rogerspark.org.

14-15: Art on the Plaza, Wilmette. (847) 884-4000; www.northshoreartleague.org.

14-15: Cantigny Fine Art Festival, 1S151 Winfield, Wheaton. Free. (630) 260-8155; www.amdurproductions.com.

14-15: Drinking & Writing Festival, 5148 N. Clark. $15; $20 door. www.drinkingandwriting.com.

14-15: Gerbhard Woods Dulcimer Festival, Morris. www.gwdf.org.

14-15: Juneteenth Festival, 150 Dexter, Elgin. Free. (847) 931-6100; www.africanacoalition.com.

14-15: Old Town Art Fair, Wisconsin and Lincoln. $7 donation. www.oldtownartfair.org.

14-15: Wells Street Art Festival, Wells between North and Division. $7-$10 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.

15: Chicago Jewish Festival, Forest Preserve, Morton Grove. Free. (847) 933-3000; www.jewishfestival.org.

15: Garden Prairie Strawberry Festival, Susie’s Garden Pach, Garden Prairie.

15: Greater Chicago Jewish Folk Arts Festival, 8600 W. Oakton, Morton Grove. (847) 933-3000; www.jewishfestival.org.

15: Scandinavian Midsommer Festival, Good Templar Park, 528 East Side, Geneva. $5. (847) 845-2640; www.swedishday.net.

18-22: Fun-Fest, Greenwood and Normal, Niles. (847) 823-2550.

19-21: MOBfest, multiple locations. $90. www.chicagomobfest.com.

19-22: Shades of Riverview, 2501 W. Addison. Free. (773) 935-9351.

20-22: Close Up 2 Smooth Jazz Festival, 400 S. State. Free. (312) 385-1111; www.closeup2jazz.com.

20-22: Long Grove Strawberry Fest, Old McHenry at Robert Parker, Long Grove. Free. (847) 634-0888;.

20-22: St. Josaphat SummerFest, 2311 N. Southport. $5-$10. (773) 327-8955; www.stjosaphatorg.com.

20-22: Taste of Randolph Street, Randolph between Peoria and Racine. $10 donation. (312) 458-9401; www.jamfests.com.

21: Calumet/Giles/Prairie Historical Festival, 3100 S. Calumet. $10. (312) 458-9401; www.jamfests.com/tasteofrandolph.

21-22: Chicago Summerfest in Lincoln Park, 2000 N. Clark. $5. (773) 665-4682.

21-22: Custer’s Last Stand, Main and Chicago, Evanston. $1 donation. (847) 328-2204; www.custerfair.com.

21-23: Glencoe Festival of the Masters, Park and Vernon, Glencoe. Free. (847) 926-4300; www.amdurproductions.com.

21-22: Pizza Fest, Racine and Fullerton, $5 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.

21: Scandanavian Midsommar Celebration, Vasa Park, 35W217 Rt. 31, South Elgin. $5. (847) 695-6720; www.vasaparkil.com.

21-22: St. Andrew’s Summerfest, 768 Lincoln, Calumet City. (708) 862-4165.

22: River North Summerfest, 655 N. Kingsbury. $10. (312) 645-1047.

23: Back Lot Bash, 5238 N. Clark. $10-$15. (773) 368-6225.

25-29: Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club Family Fest & Carnival, 3900 N. Rockwell. $5 for Friday and Saturday concerts. (773) 463-4161; www.nbgc.org.

26: Bloomingdale Family Fest, Lake and Springfield, Bloomingdale. Free. (630) 671-5680; www.bloomingdalefamilyfest.com.

26: Chicago Salsa Festival, multiple locations. $125-$20 for a full pass. www.laboriqua.com/welcome/salsafest.

26-July 6: Summerfest, Milwaukee, Wis. www.summerfest.com.

27-29: Des Moines Arts Festival, Des Moines, Iowa. www.desmoinesartsfestival.org.

27-July 6: Taste of Chicago, 300 S. Columbus. (312) 744-3315.

28-29: BAM! Fest, Belmont and Damen. $5 donation. (773) 327-5123; www.rvcc.biz.

28-29: Belmont Arts and Music Festival, Belmont and Damen. $5. (773) 327-5123; www.rvcc.biz.

28: Chicago Pride Fest, Waveland and Halsted. $5 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.

28-29: Fountain Square Art Festival, Downtown Evanston. $5. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.

28-29: Joliet Fine Art Festival of the Masters, 102 N. Chicago. Free. (847) 444-9600; www.amdurproductions.com/joliet-fine-art.

28-Aug. 16: Music by the Lake, 350 Constance, Williams Bay, Wis. $12-$30. (866) 843-5200.

29: Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade, 3200 N. Halsted. Free. (773) 348-8243.

29: International Festival, The Lighthouse Church of All Nations, 4501 W. 127th. Free. (708) 385-6020; www.thelighthousechurch.org.

29: Race to the Taste, Columbus and Balboa. $30. (312) 744-3370; www.chicagoracetotaste.us.

JULY

2-6: Arlington Heights Frontier Days, 500 E. Miner, Arlington Heights. Free. (847) 577-8572; www.frontierdays.org.

3-6: African Caribbean International Festival of Life, 5500 S. Cottage Grove. $10 day pass; $30 season pass. (312) 427-0266.

3: Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival, IL-53 and Short, Lisle. $10 adults; $2 children; free under age 5. (630) 575-9798; www.eyestotheskiesfestival.com.

3: Independence Eve Fireworks, 300 S. Columbus. Free. (312) 744-3315.

3: Naperville Ribfest, 700 S. West, Naperville. $8; free after 7 p.m. (630) 740-2490; www.ribfest.net.

3-5: Wheeling Freedom Fest, Park District Field, 333 W. Dundee, Wheeling. Free. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.

4: Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks, Deerpath Park, Deerpath and Hastings, Lake Forest. Free. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.

5-Sept. 1: Bristol Renaissance Fair, 12550 120th, Kenosha. $15.95; $18.95 door. (847) 395-7773; www.renfair.com/bristol/index.

5-6: Lake View Music Fest, 3600-3700 N. Sheffield. $5 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.

10-13: Lincolnwood Fest, Proesel Park, 6900 N. Lincoln. www.lincolnwoodfest.com.

10: Niketown Bastille Day 5K Run/Walk and Block Party, 1100 W. Jackson. $27. (773) 868-3010.

10-13: Railroad Days, 157 W. Washington. Free. (773) 868-3010.

11-13: Irish American Heritage Festival, Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox. $8; $7 seniors and children; under 12 free. (773) 282-7035; www.irishfestchicago.com.

11-13: Taste of Westmont, Cass Avenue, Westmont. Free. (630) 829-WEST; www.westmontspecialevents.com.

12-13: Chicago Folk & Roots Festival, Lincoln and Montrose. $5. (773) 728-6000; www.oldtownschool.org/festival.

12: I Have a Vision Community Gospel Festival, 7655 S. Ingleside. (773) 590-0423.

12: I Hear the Music in the Air Gospel Festival, 5058 W. Adams. (773) 600-4775.

12: K.I.D.S. Zone Festival, 6700 S. Halsted. (773) 874-4900.

12-13: Lincolnshire Art Festival, 100 Village Green, Lincolnshire. Free. (847) 444-9600; www.amdurproductions.com/Lincolnshire.

12-13: Rock Around the Block, Lincoln between Addison and Roscoe. (773) 665-4682.

12: Rosemor Community Fest, 250 E. 11th. (773) 264-0783.

12-13: Skokie Art Guild Art Fair, 5211 W. Oakton. Free. (847) 677-8163.

13: Celebrate Clark Street, Clark from Morse to Touhy. Free. (773) 508-5885; www.rogers-park.com.

15-Aug. 26: Chicago Outdoor Film Festival, Monroe and Columbus. Free. (312) 744-3315; www.chicagoairandwatershow.us.

16-20: Kane County Fair, 525 S. Randall. $5. (630) 584-6926; www.kanecountyfair.com.

18-20: Great Performers of Illinois Festival, Millenium Park. Free. (312) 742-1168; www.greatperformersofillinois.com.

18-19: JVX Jazz Festival, multiple locations. $6. www.festivalnetwork.com/jvcjazz.

18-20: Maxwell Street Summer Sidewalk Sale, Madison, Wis. www.maxwellstreetdays.org.

18-19: Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party, 650 W. Madison. $35; $40 door. (312) 831-9369; www.worldslargestblockparty.com.

18-20: Pitchfork Music Festival, 1501 W. Randolph. $30 day pass; $50 two-day pass; $65 three-day pass. www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com.

19: Abbott Park Community/Gospel Festival, 49 E. 95th. (773) 590-0423.

19-20: Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Art Festival, 120 McHenry, Buffalo Grove. Free. (847) 444-9600; www.amdurproductions.com.

19-20: Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Art Festival, 124 McHenry, Buffalo Grove. Free. (847) 926-4300; www.amdurproductions.com.

19-20: Sheffield Garden Walk and Festival, Webster and Sheffield. $6-$10 suggested donation. (773) 929-9255; www.sheffieldgardenwalk.com.

19: Southside Neighborhood Gospel Fest, 6500 S. Racine. Free. (773) 723-0908.

19-20: Summer on Southport, 3800 N. Southport. $5 donation. (773) 665-4682; www.starevents.com/southport.

20: Chinatown Summer Fair, 2200 S. Wentworth. Free. (312) 225-6198; www.chicagoevents.com.

20: Dearborn Garden Walk and Heritage Festival, 1300 N. Dearborn. $30; $35 door. (312) 632-1241; www.dearborngardenwalk.com/gwalk.html.

20: Tastes of Summer, 5500 N. Broadway. Free. (773) 561-5343.

21-Aug. 3: Rhythm World Festival, multiple locations. $5. (773) 281-1825; www.chicagotap.org.

22-27: Lake County Fair, 50 S. Hwy 45, Grayslake. $3-$7. (847) 223-2204; www.lakecountyfairassoc.com.

24-25: Arts Experience, 420 N. Michigan. Free. (312) 751-2500.

24-27: Newberry Book Fair, 60 W. Walton. Free. (312) 255-3510; www.newberry.org/events/annualevents.

25-27: Pierogi Fest, 1900 Indianapolis, Whitling. Free. (219) 659-0292; www.pierogifest.net.

25-27: Taste of Lincolnshire, Milwaukee and Olde Half Day. (847) 793-2409; www.lincolnshirechamber.org.

26: Alderman Brookins’ Annual Family Summer Festival, 1440 W. 84th. (773) 881-9300.

26: Bughouse Square Debates, 901 N. Clark. Free. (312) 255-3510; www.newberry.org.

26: Edgebrook Summer Fest, Kinzua and Devon. (773) 775-0378; www.edgebrookchamber.com.

26: Ghana Fest, 5600 S. Payne. Free. (773) 905-8096; www.ghananationalcouncil.org.

26-27: North Shore Art Festival, 66 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie. Free. (847) 673-0240; www.amdurproductions.com/northshore.

26-27: State Street Family Festival, 4900 S. State. (312) 745-2702.

26-27: Taste of Lincoln Avenue, 2400 N. Lincoln. $7 before 5 p.m; $5 after. (773) 868-3010; www.wrightwoodneighbors.org/Taste.htm.

26: Venetian Night Festival, Lake Michigan between Roosevelt and Monroe. Free. (312) 744-3370.

26-27: Wicker Park Fest, 1600 N. Damen. $5 donation. (773) 384-2672; www.wickerparkbucktown.com.

27: Chicago Criterium Bike Race, Columbus and Balboa. Free. (312) 744-3370; www.chicagocriterium.us.

27: Czechoslovak Festival Picnic, Kiwanis Park, 8820 Brookfield, Brookfield. Free. (708) 485-9663.

31-Aug. 3: Fiesta del Sol, 1400 W. Cermak. (312) 666-2663; www.fiestadelsol.org.

AUGUST

1-28: Black Harvest International Festival of Film and Video, Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State. $9. (312) 846-2800; www.siskelfilmcenter.org.

1-3: Lollapalooza, 331 E. Randolph. $205. www.lollapalooza.com.

1-3: SerbFest, 5701 N. Redwood. $5. (773) 693-3366.

2-3: Art at the Glen Town Center, 1800 Patriot, Glenview. Free. (847) 444-9600; www.amdurproductions.com/the-glen.

2-3: Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival, 1700 Sheridan. Free. (847) 448-8260; www.cityofevanston.org.

2-3: JazzFest Heritage, 7059 South Shore. Free. (773) 734-2000; www.jazzunitesinc.org.

2-3: Retro on Roscoe, 2000 W. Roscoe. $5 donation. (773) 665-4682.

2-17: Woodstock Mozart Festival, Woodstock Opera House. $20-$50. (815) 338-5300; www.woodstockoperahouse.com.

2-3: World of Faeries Festival, 35 W. 217 Route 31, South Elgin. $10; free for kids 12 and under. (815) 788-1630; www.theworldoffaeries.com.

3: Belize Day in the Park, 5700 S. Payne. Free. (773) 881-0412.

7-10: Crestwood Festival, Crestwood. (708) 371-4800.

8-10: AugustFest, 2600 S. Central Park. Free. (773) 522-0142; www.stagnesofbohemia.org.

8-10: Caribbean Festival and Jamaican Independence Celebration, 1501 W. Randolph. $10; seniors and kids 6-12, $5; kids under 6 free. (312) 427-0266; www.martinsinterculture.com.

8-10: Ginza Holiday Festival, 435 W. Menomenee. $4. (312) 943-7801; www.midwestbuddhisttemple.org.

8-10: Gold Coast River North Art Fair, 676 N. LaSalle. Free. (847) 444-9600; www.amdurproductions.com/gold-coast.html.

8-17: Illinois State Fair, 801 Sangamon, Springfield. $3. (217) 782-6661.

9: Freewill Picnic Gospel Festival, 2651 W. Roosevelt. (773) 615-6413.

9-10: Korean Street Festival, 3200 W. Bryn Mawr. Free. (773) 583-1700; www.koreanfestival.org.

9-10: Northalsted Market Days, Halsted between Belmont and Addison. $6 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.

9: Steak Fry with Crayfish Sampling, Casa Park, 35W217 Rt. 31, South Elgin. (847) 695-6720; www.vasaparkil.com.

9-10: Wing Fest, 800 N. Damen. $5 donation. (312) 850-9390; www.westfestchicago.com.

14-17: South Elgin Riverfest Express, 10 N. Water, South Elgin. Free. www.riverfestexpress.com.

15-17: Chicago Air & Water Show, 1600 N. Lake Shore. Free. (312) 744-3370.

15: Croatian Fest, 2800 S. Princeton. Free. (312) 842-1871.

15: Edison Park Fest, 6700 N. Olmsted. Free. (773) 631-0063; www.edisonpark.com/fest.html.

15-17: North Side Summerfest, 4050 N. Lincoln. $5. (773) 665-4682.

15-17: Our Lady of Tepeyac Summer Festival, 2235 S. Albany. (773) 521-8400.

15-17: Viva Aztlan Festival, 1831 S. Racine. Free. (312) 666-5508; www.casaaztlan.org.

17: Prairie Trail Storytelling Festival, 400 Duane, Glen Ellyn. Free. (630) 469-0879; www.gepl.org.

18-20: Chicago Dancing Festival, Multiple locations. www.chicagodancingfestival.com.

21-24: Port Clinton Film Festival, 1850 Second, Highland Park. (847) 433-8662; www.portclinonfilmfest.com.

22-24: Skokie’s Backlot Bash, 5127 Oakton. Free. (847) 674-1500; www.backlotbash.com.

23-24: Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest, Glenwood between Farwell and Lunt. Free. (773) 761-4477; www.rogerspark.com.

23-24: Port Clinton Art Festival, 600 Central, Highland Park. Free. (847) 444-9600. www.amdurproductions.com.

23: Reggae Festival, Union Park, 1500 W. Randolph. $15-$20. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoreggaefestival.com.

23-24: Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival, Columbus and Jackson. Free. (312) 744-3370; www.vivachicago.us.

23-24: Whole Foods Flavor Fest, Jonquil Park, Wrightwood and Sheffield.

24: Jazz in the Alley Festival, 29th and Calumet. Free. www.jazzinthealley.org.

28-Sept. 1: Buffalo Grove Days, Lake Cook and Raupp, Buffalo Grove. Free. www.vbg.org.

28-31: Chicago Jazz Festival, Grant Park. Free. (312) 744-3315; www.chicagojazzfestival.us.

30-31: Bash on Wabash, 1400 S. Wabash. $5. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.

SEPTEMBER

3-11: Millennium Park Blockbuster Week, Millennium Park. (312) 742-1168; www.millenniumpark.org.

5-6: Windy City Wine Festival, Daley Bicentennial Plaza. $25 entry fee. (847) 382-1480; www.windycityfestival.com.

6: Guinness Oyster Fest, 2000 W. Roscoe. $5. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.

7: Deerfield Area Historical Society’s 33rd Annual Fall Fest, Deerfield and Kipling, Deerfield. Free. (847) 948-0680; www.deerfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

7: Misericordia’s Family Fest, 6300 N. Ridge. $7 adults; $4 children. (773) 273-2766.

11-14: Festival De La Villita, 2600 S. Kostner. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.

12-14: Festival de la Villita, 26th and Kostner. Free. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.

13-14: Celtic Fest Chicago, Columbus and Jackson. Free. (312) 744-3370; www.celticfestchicago.us.

13: Forest Park Rib Fest, 7824 Madison, Forest Park. Free. (708) 771-7737.

13: Wine Crush in Old Town, Wells and North. $6. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.

OCTOBER

4: Kids and Kites Festival, Montrose and Lake Shore. Free. (312) 744-3370.

11-12: Chicago Country Music Festival, 425 E. McFertridge. Free. (312) 744-3315.