Festivals + Celebrations
Festival season doesn’t stop in the Windy City.
Discover vibrant food, music, culture, and more all year long at one of Chicago’s acclaimed festivals. Immerse yourself in the festivities, then retreat to the comfort of your room where our premier accommodations and convenient location create an unforgettable stay in the heart of the city.
Festival Highlights
April
EXPO Chicago Contemporary Art Fair: This leading international art fair brings more than 170 exhibitors from around the world to Navy Pier, plus programming and events throughout the city.
Chicago Latino Film Festival: Catch movie screenings with a focus on breaking stereotypes and celebrating Latino heritage and culture.
Chicago Humanities Festival: This celebration of ideas features the most interesting thinkers, artists, and creators from all over the world.
May
Mayfest: Kick off summer in the heart of historic Lincoln Park, with two stages of live music, drinks, an art show, and local vendors.
June
Chicago Pride Fest: Celebrate Pride in the country’s oldest official gay neighborhood at this lively fest, featuring live music, dance queens, local food, and more.
Chicago House Music Festival and Conference: Hear house music in the city where it was born at this day-long dance music event, held in Millennium Park.
Windy City Hot Dog Fest: Celebrate one of Chicago’s most iconic bites at this annual festival in Portage Park, which will award the local hot dog stand with the best frankfurter.
Grant Park Music Festival: This 80-year tradition brings free classical music to Millennium Park all summer long.
Logan Square Arts Fest: Held in the heart of Logan Square, this art-focused fest also includes live music and food and drinks.
July
Windy City Smokeout: It’s like a weekend-long tailgate at this popular country music festival, known for drawing in the industry’s top names.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest: Find the best burger in the city at this local favorite, all while enjoying live music and cold drinks.
African/Caribbean International Festival Of Life: Reggae music is at the heart of this Washington Park festival, along with the lifestyle and culture of various African and Caribbean nations.
Millennium Art Festival: This juried art showcase also brings live music and food to Michigan Avenue in Chicago’s Loop.
Chicago Craft Beer Festival: Dive into the city’s craft beer scene at this long-running fest in Lincoln Park, where you’ll find sips from more than a dozen local spots.
Grant Park Music Festival: This 80-year tradition brings free classical music to Millennium Park all summer long.
August
Lollapalooza: One of the largest and most iconic music festivals in the world, Lollapalooza brings top artists and local bands to lakefront Grant Park.
The Great American Lobster Fest: Live lobsters are flown in from the East Coast for the Midwest’s largest seafood festival, held at Navy Pier.
Jeff Fest: Also known as the Jefferson Park Arts & Music Festival, this neighborhood park takes over idyllic Jefferson Memorial Park.
Grant Park Music Festival: This 80-year tradition brings free classical music to Millennium Park all summer long.
Sangria Festival: Sip sangria while enjoying Latin American food and music at this Humboldt Park festival.
