May 3rd, 2010 
Summertime in the Chi. If you are lucky enough to live in this awesome city then you know that mantra all too well. And, if you are not from Chicago- well then you simply must come visit us! One of my favorite things about this city is the festivals that begin at the first hint of spring, continue through the summer and early fall. No matter your pleasure you better believe that Chicago has a festival just for you– foodies, cultural mavens, fashionistas, book lovers…the list could go on and on.
Modern Vintage Explosion Festival
For those of you who enjoy festival-fun like I do, this is a list to get you started. Remember, I am striving to share non-cliche activities for you to partake. For that reason, the Taste of Chicago just didn’t make The Official Chicago Chic Festival Fun Guide.
Randolph Street Market Festival. Saturdays and Sundays from May – September 2010. This festival is an indoor and outdoor Euro-style urban antique market located in the Beaux Art Plumbers Hall complex at 1340 W. Washington Street. It will feature 200 antique dealers of furnishings, housewares, vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles and more.
Wells Street Art Festival. Jun 12, 2010 – Jun 13, 2010. This free art fair is the largest juried fine arts fair in the Midwest and features more then 300 fine art exhibitors. Come ready to splurge!
Printers Row Literary Fest. June 12, 2010 to June 13, 2010. Let your inner-nerd shine! Go take a peek at this literary festival that includes Q&A sessions with select authors, book exhibitors, poetry readings, cooking demos, wine tastings and much more.
Taste of Randolph Festival
Taste of Randolph Street. Jun 18, 2010 – Jun 20, 2010. This free festival features culinary delights from the many West Loop eateries as well as art to satisfy your inner-artisian.
Retro on Roscoe. Aug 7, 2010 – Aug 8, 2010. Pack up the kiddies and take them to this family friendly street festival in Chicago’s Roscoe Village and Northcenter neighborhoods. Retro features live music, artisans, antique vendors and merchants.
Pearl Festival. August 21, 2010. It’s time to visit Chicago’s historic Bronzeville and Kenwood-Oakland neighborhoods. This free one-day festival features live music- last year’s line-up including artists such as Diane Reeves and Lalah Hathaway, food and merchant vendors, a health fair and a youth talent showcase.
Windy City Wine Festival. September 10, 2010 – September 11, 2010. Tickets are $25 (in advance) for this unique festival. What does it get you? A souvenir wine glass, ten tastings, access to food and wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, live music entertainment and discounted wine from the many exhibiting wineries showcasing more than 200 wines from around the world.
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Hyde Park Jazz Festival. September 25, 2010. Calling all music lovers! This free annual festival boasts over 150 musicians including world-class headliners and emerging artists who perform for 15 hours of non-stop jazz. The festival is held at different indoor and outdoor cultural venues throughout the Hyde Park neighborhood. Last year, the music began at 11:00am on Saturday and continued until 2:00am on Sunday- the times for this year’s festival are not yet released.
That’s it for this edition of The Official Chicago Chic Festival Fun Guide. Don’t forget to come back to AskMissA.com and tell us what you thought!
LOVE THIS WRITE-UP! Next time I am in Chicago, I will definitley look into these festivals!
Great read. Thanks for being my tour guide through the city.
Thanks Patrice for the post I will make sure to check some of these festivals out. Hopefully we can link up and go together and I will bring Nikko!
Thanks for you advice on where to go eat yesterday also.
Sis, this is great! Wish I was there to enjoy, but may try to come for the Hyde Park Jazz Fest since that is around daddy’s birthday. Love you!