Pitchfork Music Festival headlines this weekend’s packed slate of summer events in Chicago, but it’s far from the only game in town. There are also festivals dedicated to water lanterns, Mexican street food, ice cream, hard cider, craft beer, neighborhood gardens, EDM music on the beach, and even a block party at the Art Institute. It seems everyone is getting in on the action this weekend, so you probably would be wise to follow suit. Here’s everything you need to do in Chicago this weekend (and all summer-long).
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Expand your concept of reality at 29Rooms Chicago
Thursday, July 18 - Saturday, July 27
Skylight at the Chicago Board of Trade Building
Instead of bros in stuffed suits, the Chicago Board of Trade will be stuffed with all manner of art-centric weirdness designed to expand your concept of reality with interactive demonstrations and performances curated by Refinery29.
Cost: $34-$49 per day
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Stick a fork in your tired playlist at Pitchfork Music Festival
Friday, July 19 - Sunday, July 21
Union Park
This year’s lineup includes headliners HAIM, Robyn, and The Isley Brothers, plus plenty of new discoveries ripe for sprucing up your playlist, in addition to an on-site record fair, live broadcast of Pitchfork Radio, a book fort, and an indie craft/poster fair. (There's also a live Sunday podcast recording of Women Who Travel at The Hoxton, hosted in collaboration with Pitchfork and Condé Nast Traveler.)
Cost: $95-$400
Check out a revamped Chicago summer classic at the Sheffield Street Festival
Friday, July 19 - Sunday, July 21
2250 N. Sheffield Ave.
Formerly known as the Sheffield Garden Walk & Music Festival, this summer staple has been rebranded as Sheffield Street Festival for its 51st edition featuring self-guided tours of 100+ neighborhood gardens, live music, an artisan village, workout sessions (???) and… of course… plenty of beer and food.
Cost: $10 donation
Eat, duh, tacos and tamales at Tacos y Tamales Fest
Friday, July 19 - Sunday, July 21
16th & Peoria
This street fair based on a traditional Mexican tianguis market sets up shop in Pilsen with live music, tequila tastings, and a stacked lineup of Mexican food vendors set against the colorful 16th street murals.
Cost: $5 suggested donation
Bring your glowsticks to the beach for Volleywood Electric Beach
Saturday, July 20
North Avenue Beach
Chicago’s only EDM festival on North Avenue Beach offers eight hours of music with DJs, food/drink, and VIP cabanas. Pack sunscreen. And maybe some smelling salts.
Cost: $25-$1,500
Hit a boozy art show at Juicy Brews Art Gallery Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, July 20
Marz Community Brewing
Hit one of Chicago’s best breweries for an artsy take on the art of brew-crushing with unlimited pours from two dozen craft breweries paired with art, music, and merch at this Hop Culture Magazine-hosted throwdown.
Cost: $20-$60
Light up the night at the Chicago Water Lantern Festival
Saturday, July 20
Humboldt Park
Design your own illuminated floating lantern and launch it into the peaceful waters of Humboldt Park at this unique evening event, which also includes food trucks and music.
Cost: $25-$40
Wrap your weekend in ice cream at the I Crave Festival
Sunday, July 21
Antique Taco Bridgeport
In honor of National Ice Cream Day, Antique Taco welcomes this celebration of all things sweet with a variety of ice creams, brownies, cupcakes, donuts, pies, and more from top local vendors including Rainbow Cone and Firecakes.
Cost: $15-$40
Relive your summer camp nostalgia at Wet Hot American Cider Fest
Sunday, July 21
Headquarters River North
Camp games, summer food staples, and 30+ hard ciders join forces at a downtown Chicago arcade bar. Will there be corn dogs? Yes. Boozy apple bobbing? Indeed. Apple smashing? That would be an affirmative.
Cost: $25
Party with the lions at the Art Institute Block Party
Sunday, July 21
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute’s second annual block party includes a range of events inside and outside the museum including live music, talks, storytelling, art making, and more. So yeah, pretty much a perfect Sunday.
Cost: $10-$25
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