FOUR SEASONS OF FESTIVALS & EVENTS Summer Fireworks at Navy Pier Lollapalooza 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. SUMMER JUNE, JULY, AUGUST SUMMER FIREWORKS AT NAVY PIER May – September | Navy Pier navypier.org Catch a spectacular fireworks display at lakefront Navy Pier each week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 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. OLD TOWN ART FAIR June | Old Town oldtownartfair.org In the heart of charming Old Town, this art fair showcases more than 200 global artists and their works. 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. CHICAGO GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL June | Millennium Park chicagogospelmusic festival.us Hear everything from traditional choirs to contemporary gospel groups at this free festival. CHOSEN FEW PICNIC & FESTIVAL July | Jackson Park chosenfewdjs.com This celebration of house music, held in scenic Jackson Park, has been drawing legendary DJs and fans for more than 30 years. Chicago Blues Festival NORTHALSTED MARKET DAYS August | Northalsted northalsted.com/marketdays This summer street festival takes over the Northalsted neighborhood for a weekend of music, dancing, and vendors. 10 choosechicago.com/tools CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: RANVESTEL PHOTOGRAPHIC; SHEA FLYNN; PATRICK PYSZKA LOLLAPALOOZA August | Grant Park lollapalooza.com This iconic music festival takes over lakefront Grant Park with local talent and top acts from around the world.
Chicago Travel Professionals Guide 2023: Page 10
