Like marathon trainers on the lakeshore path and free music in Millennium Park, Chicago’s street festivals are a sure sign that summer is coming. From Rogers Park to Hyde Park, neighborhoods north, south and west all claim their own parties on the asphalt. Here’s your guide to a whole summer’s worth of fests, with a special focus on what’s new for 2014. Stay tuned to redeyechicago.com/fests all season long for updates to the schedule, weekend planners and all the photos of jorts and tank tops you can handle.
>>View our 2014 summer festival weekend planner to see dates for Do-Division, Lollapalooza, Taste of Randolph, West Fest and more.
FEST TEST
RedEye wants you to make the most of your fests. This year, we’re issuing a challenge each weekend to help you experience the music, food or atmosphere of a fest. Look for it in print and online each week, then snap a photo of yourself completing the challenge and tag it #getfested on Twitter or Instagram.
Festival del Bolero
Mexico’s Trio Los Panchos and Puerto Rico’s Danny Rivera headline this brand-new Latin music fest.
Tap Beer Festival
For its second year, this local beer-centric fest moves to new digs at Chop Shop’s First Ward event space in Wicker Park.
Chicago Summerfest
Back after a hiatus, this Lincoln Park music, shopping and food fest replaces Lincoln Avenue Live.
Taste of Chicago
This summer marks the first time the winner of RedEye’s Rock ‘N’ Vote competition will entertain crowds at this long-running downtown food bash.
Chicago Craft Beer Fest
The Lincoln Park brew-palooza will coincide with Sheffield Garden Walk this year.
Beer Camp Across America
California-based brewery Sierra Nevada brings its traveling fest to Chicago for the first time, teaming up with regional breweries such as 4 Hands, Flesk, Greenbush and Half Acre, as well as national players like Cigar City and Russian River.
Taste of Latin America
This Logan Square food fest returns in early August after taking a summer off. Albany Park World Fest The diverse Northwest Side neighborhood gets a new fest this year with plenty of music, food, arts and crafts.
Chicago’s New Orleans Festival
Buckwheat Zydeco headlines this first-ever fest bringing a taste of the Big Easy to Chicago.
Logan Square Beer Fest
After a successful first year in 2013, this one-day beer event will expand to two sessions this summer.
Chicago’s Bloody Mary Competition
Yes, we are getting a new festival devoted entirely to everyone’s favorite brunch cocktail. (Sorry, mimosa fans.)
SausageFest
After three years in Lakeview, this meaty fest is working on a new location and a switch from June to August. Stay tuned for details.
>>Not returning for 2014
The following fests will not be returning to Chicago this summer: Lincoln Avenue Live, Bellwether, Takin’ It To The Streets, Chicago Country Fest, Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival, North Side Irish Fest.
>>See a list of 2014 festivals all on one page on our sibling site Metromix.
>>Have a festival tip for us? Email nightlife and events reporter Kate Bernot at kbernot@tribune.com.
![Fatpour Tap Works, a combined indoor/outdoor space with a dining room, bar, outdoor patio, 20 TVs and 20 beers on draft, opened its doors for its Lincolnwood location at District 1860. It’s the forth location for the restaurant with locations near the McCormick Pace Convention Center, Wicker Park and Wilmette, opened its doors for its newest location at District 1860 on April 25. Owner Erik Baylis said the restaurant is a “place for everyone” and serves modern American food on a menu with salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, burgers, traditional entrees and desserts. The Lincolnwood location at 7244 Lincolnwood location will be able […]](https://www.chicagotribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ppn-l-lwd-fatpour-district-1860-0502-01_6be1c2.jpg?w=467 "Fatpour Tap Works, a combined indoor/outdoor space with a dining room, bar, outdoor patio, 20 TVs and 20 beers on draft, opened its doors for its Lincolnwood location at District 1860. It’s the forth location for the restaurant with locations near the McCormick Pace Convention Center, Wicker Park and Wilmette, opened its doors for its newest location at District 1860 on April 25. Owner Erik Baylis said the restaurant is a “place for everyone” and serves modern American food on a menu with salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, burgers, traditional entrees and desserts. The Lincolnwood location at 7244 Lincolnwood location will be able […]")