CONTENTS FEATURES RESOURCES FESTIVALS & EVENTS Chicago Pride Parade SailGP SUMMER CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL June | Millennium Park chicagobluesfestival.us A genre with deep Chicago roots, blues is the star of this outdoor summer festival that attracts some of music’s biggest names. CHICAGO PRIDE FEST & PARADE June | Northalsted chicagopride.gopride.com This joyful celebration of LGBTQ+ community and culture takes place in the nation’s oldest official gay neighborhood. SAILGP June | Navy Pier sailgp.com Nine national teams race hydro-foiling, 50-foot boats that literally fly over the wa-ter while sailing at 60+ mph. NASCAR CHICAGO STREET RACE WEEKEND July 1 – 2 | Loop nascarchicago.com For the first time in its 75-year history, NASCAR will hold a street race. The 2.2-mile course will zoom past Chicago landmarks, including Buckingham Fountain and the Field Museum. SUNDAYS ON STATE July – September State Street loopchicago.com/ events/sundays-on-state This free, interactive block party features art, culture, shopping, dining, and more. WINDY CITY SMOKEOUT July 13 – 16 | United Center windycitysmokeout.com It’s all about beer, barbecue, and country music at this laid-back summer festival. FIESTA DEL SOL July – August | Pilsen fiestadelsol.org This family-friendly festival has been celebrating Mexican culture and music in the Pilsen neighborhood for 50 years. LOLLAPALOOZA Aug. 3 – 6 | Grant Park lollapalooza.com This iconic music festival takes over lakefront Grant Park with local talent and top acts from around the world. CHICAGO AIR AND WATER SHOW August | Lakefront chicago.gov This lakefront display is one of the largest free events of its kind, with astonishing aerial and nautical demonstrations. BUD BILLIKEN PARADE August Martin Luther King Drive budbillikenparade.org The largest African American parade in the country, this exuberant procession of bands, floats, and student performers has been taking place since 1929. Lollapalooza 10 choosechicago.com CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ADAM ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY; JON BUCKLE/SAILGP; CHARLES REAGAN
Chicago Visitors Guide 2023: Page 10
