As July continues to fly by, the weekly lineup of summer festivals hasn't gotten any thinner. Fancy a music festival? You can fist pump to electronic jams at Mamby on the Beach or enjoy some Latin alternative rock at RuidoFest. Still not tired of grilled meat? You can find wings and ribs at Windy City Smokeout or sample the beef at Roscoe Village Burger Fest. Whatever you choose to do, let us help guide you to the best festivals happening this weekend in Chicago.
You want to know what Chicago tastes like and you don't mind hustling through hoards to find out
Known as the world's largest food fest, the Taste of Chicago harbors an array of local restaurants and food trucks. You won't find many representatives from Chicago's fine dining community, but you will be able to consume giant turkey legs and cheesecake on a stick while listening to bands like Spoon and Maze.
You'd like to see some diversity at a summer music festival
A much needed void is filled in the Chicago music festival circuit at the first RuidoFest, featuring some of the hottest acts in alternative Latin American rock, pop and electro. Café Tacuba, the Radiohead of Mexico, headlines along with alt-rock juggernaut Zoé. The party goes down at Addams/Medill Park in Pilsen, one of Chicago's most vibrant Latino communities.
You desire a family-friendly gathering with plenty of local eats and brews
Presented by the Old Town School of Folk Music and Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, Square Roots Fest is a fun but mellow block party featuring 30 craft beers, local eats, and tunes from folk, jazz and world music groups. Feel free to bring the kids for face painting and an instrument petting zoo, where young musicians can try out numerous instruments.
You have Irish American heritage or want to relive St. Patrick's Day
The Irish American Heritage Festival spices up the usual street festival routine with a bounty of Irish-themed activities. Soak up the Irish pride with music and dance performances and cultural offerings such as poetry readings, language lessons and museum exhibits.
Forget about street fests, you're a fan of meat fests
There are so many barbecue festivals in Chicago in the summer, it's almost laughable. But honestly, you couldn't care less. You're ready to take the plunge into a BBQ oblivion of sticky fingers and messy mouths. The Windy City Smokeout fills River North with a bounty of grilled meats for carnivorous feasting accompanied by plenty of moist towelettes.
You'd like to attend a music festival that is like a combination of Pitchfork and Spring Awakening
So, you dig an electrifying DJ set, but the neon obscenities of hardcore dubstep culture makes you want to puke more than the underage kids who found their way in to Spring Awakening. You can get your EDM fix at Mamby on the Beach, but you'll also find hipster-friendly acts like Passion Pit, Cut Copy and LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy.
You want to go to a street fest featuring cool '90s garage rock bands
Boasting a music lineup booked by the folks at the Empty Bottle, West Fest is the street festival where DJs go to hear live renditions of those obscure singles they've been slipping into playlists for years. Throw on some jorts and catch sets from Dead Moon, Murder City Devils, Swirlies and more.
You didn't eat enough burgers over Independence Day weekend
Even though you've hit up all of Chicago's best burger spots, you can't get enough of ground beef patties covered with creative toppings. Enter the Roscoe Village Burger Fest, where restaurants grill meat, artists sell their wares and live music serenades your burger coma.
You need another reason to party in Lakeview
Formerly known as Rock Around the Block, The Taste of Lakeview features delicious cuisine from local restaurants and vendors, arts and crafts tables, and music and fun for the whole family. If things get a little sloppy, you're only a few blocks away from Cheesie's.
You want to get weird and ride your bike
The New Belgium Brewing Company comes to cities around the country to promote sustainability with a celebration of beer, bicycles and zany fun called Tour de Fat. Take a ride with other cycling advocates in the bike parade and spend the afternoon in Palmer Square Park watching vaudeville and circus acts.