Enjoy Art, Music, and Food Festivals this June in Chicago!
June is a great time in Chicago, with beautiful weather meant to be enjoyed. That said, it’s a good thing that the month is loaded with outdoor activities and festivals. Interested in an art festival? Enjoy the art of independent film-making and check out the Underground Film Festival! Interested in a food festival? Eat all the chicken wings you want at WingOut Chicago! Or what about a music fest? Make a stop at the 37th world-famous Blues Festival! No matter your preference, there’s lots to do!
June Event Calendar
WingOut Chicago
No matter if you prefer drums or flats, the 6th annual WingOut Chicago event will feature some of the best chicken wings that the city has to offer. Over 20 varieties will be served, (classic buffalo, honey chili, jerk, wood smoked, spicy garlic, southern BBQ, habanero hot, and more) and attendees will have access to all-you-can-eat wings! There will also be drinks for purchase and a stage for live Reggae music.
Chicago Blues Festival
Considering the city's rich blues culture, the 37th annual, world-famous Chicago Blues Festival is an event you don't want to miss. This admission-free, 3-day fest is a celebration the past, present, and future of blues music with performances from popular and upcoming blues musicians. Hosted by the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, it is the largest music festival in Chicago and the largest blues festival in the world.
Spring Awakening Music Festival
Attracting around 85,000 attendees, Spring Awakening Music Festival is the largest electronic dance music festival in the Midwest. Get ready to rage with over 90 artists performing a variety of electronic music across 5 different stages. It will also feature jaw-dropping stage productions, pyrotechnics, carnival rides, food trucks and more.
Craft Beer Festival
Grab a picnic blanket or some lawn chairs and get ready to relax, drink some good beer, and soak up some summer sun in a beautiful green atmosphere! The 7th annual Craft Beer Festival in the Morton Arboretum will feature beer samples from over 60 breweries, live music, food, and more! VIP admission is $75 and general admission is $55. To encourage safe driving, there is also a designated driver ticket sold for $15.
Chicago Underground Film Festival
Are you a fan of unique, unconventional films? Then check out the 27th annual Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF), the longest-running underground film festival in the world! Screenings will feature independent, experimental, and documentary films from more than 20 countries! It will also feature nightly after parties, live music, networking opportunities, and more!
Chicago Pride Fest
The weekend before Chicago's big Pride Parade, the city puts on an annual 2-day festival. Each year, Pride Fest is huge and this year for its 20th anniversary, it is expected to attract nearly 100,000 attendees! This celebration of equality, love, and the LGBTQ+ community will feature live music performances across 4 stages, drag shows, over 100 arts/merchant vendors, a pet parade, DJs, dancing, and more.
Things to Do in Chicago in June
Kayak Down the Chicago River
Chicago is awesome for outdoor lovers too! Consider going for a Kayak ride down the Chicago River; there are tons of places you can go to get a unique view of the city’s skyline and surrounding nature areas.
Visit the Smart Museum of Art
While you’re in town, make a stop at this museum on the University of Chicago’s campus! The David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art has a permanent collection of 15,000 works of art, often used for students at the university, but also open for public viewing.