MORE festivals? Yep, you guessed it! August has plenty of fest options for Chicagoans to experience, and we have the only list you need in deciding which to attend. Prepare your weekends… there’s something for everyone!
August 3rd – 5th, Jeff Fest
As the 18th annual community party in cozy Jefferson Park on the northwest side, this fest offers an array of food, music, entertainment, arts/crafts and activities for families. 4822 N Long, $5, benefits Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce
Credit: chicagoevents.com
August 4th – 5th, Edge Fest
Local, local, local! Experience this all-Edgewater fest including flavorful cuisine of area restaurants, local entertainers and businesses, all wrapped into an epic two day extravaganza! Don’t miss out. Edgewater, Broadway at Thorndale, free admission/$5 suggested donation
Credit: @starevents on Instagram
August 10th – 12th
63rd Annual Ginza Holiday Festival
This large Japanese festival includes traditional folk dancing and music, gorgeous goods from talented artisans, cultural displays and dining from beer and chicken teriyaki to sushi and udon noodles. 435 W Menomonee, free admission/$5 donation, children under 12 FREE when accompanied by an adult
Credit: cityofchicago.org
Chicago Hot Dog Fest
NO KETCHUP ALLOWED! You know you appreciate a perfect Chicago dog. Presented by the Chicago History Museum, relish in this Chicago food staple at the sixth annual Chicago Hot Dog Fest! Enjoy Vienna Beef hot dogs prepared in many styles by the city’s top hot dog vendors. 1701 N Stockton, free admission/$5 donation
Credit: marthastewart.com
Retro on Roscoe
Throwbacks and oldies amongst excellent food, vendors, and a summer evening. What more could you ask for? Top restaurants of Roscoe Village will serve up the grub and many acts will entertain with music to get you moving and grooving. 2000 W Roscoe (at Damen), free admission/$10 suggested donation
Credit: cityofchicago.org
August 11th – 12th, Near North Food Truck Social
Heading to the Near North area for the first time, this new food truck fest includes everything you love about the others, but in a smaller setting. From lobster food trucks to donuts, you will have plenty to much on! Sedgwick between Chicago & Locust, $5 donation
Credit: foodtrucksocial.biz
August 16th, Clark After Dark
Enjoy an evening of live music and fun in River North and support a worthy cause! Benefitting the USO of Illinois, this annual block party celebrates America’s military service members and their families. Proceeds from the event benefit the USO of Illinois program and services that serve over 330,000 military personnel and military families of Illinois. 420 N Clark at Hubbard, $10 at gate/tickets available online
Credit: cityofchicago.org
August 18th – 19th
Pilsen Fest
For its eighth year, annual Pilsen Fest’s goal is to showcase to the immense cultural talent that exists in Pilsen and the Chicago area with excellent food, live music, amazing artwork, and handcrafted goods. Aimed at highlighting the neighborhood’s Latino heritage, you will be entertained, well fed, and having the time of your life if you spend your weekend here! Blue Island, from 18th to 21st, $5 donation
Credit: carofotos.com via pilsenfestchicago.com
Sangria Fest
Are you one of those people who orders Sangria everywhere you go? Don’t worry, there’s a festival for you! Sangria Festival returns to historic Humboldt Park during this glorious Chicago summer and has enough sangria to go around the world several times. Grab some friends and get ready for the deliciousness! 3015 W. Division, $35-$55
August 19th, South Shore Summer Fest
This community festival is a great way to spend your Sunday Funday! Indulge in delightful food and entertainment, and witness R&B legend Jeffrey Osborne perform. South Shore Cultural Center has been the host of this welcoming fest for eight years! 7059 S South Shore Dr, free admission
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August 24th – 26th, Logan Square Food Truck Social
Delicious mobile eats paired cold beer and edgy tunes? How could you miss this? With music programming by famous Empty Bottle Presents and all the other amazing offerings, you know you’ll be preoccupied and well fed for this fest. Humboldt Blvd between Armitage & 606 Trail, $5 donation
Credit: logansquarefoodtrucksocial.com – Vitalkopy Media
August 31st – September 3rd, Annual African Festival of the Arts
The Annual African Festival of the Arts (AFA) is a cultural experience with multi-layered activities including food tasting, a marketplace with plenty of handmade goods and cultural items for purchase, performance spaces, fine art, African spirituality, a wellness village, African heritage, plenty of books, and quilting! What an exciting way to spend a weekend. 51st at Cottage Grove, ticket prices vary
Credit: aihusa.org/african-fesitval-of-the-arts