Every summer, Chicagoans are faced with a tough choice: which of the city’s many summer festivals they should make time to attend. To help you plan your summer schedule, here is our list of the top Chicago summer festivals for 2014:
Chicago Blues Festival
June 13-15, Grant Park
The largest free blues festival in the world, the Chicago Blues festival started in 1984. This year, it will features artists like Billy Boy Arnold, The Siegel-Schwall Blues Band with Sam Lay, Marcella Detroit, Bettye LaVette, Willie Clayton, Theo Huff, Dr. John, Aaron Neville, and Nikki Hill.
For more info, visit: www.chicagobluesfestival.us
Summer Film Series
June 24-August 29 (every Tuesday), Millennium Park
These free summer film screenings at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park give residents a chance to watch movie classics (think: Top Gun, Ghostbusters, and 20 Feet From Stardom) on a 40 foot, state-of-the art screen.
For this year’s schedule, visit: http://www.choosechicago.com/event/Millennium-Park-Summer-Film-Series/22238/
Taste of Chicago
July 9-13, Grant Park
What more could Chicagoans ask for than the the opportunity to go to the world’s largest food festival, right in their city? This year has 66 participating restaurants, and will also feature musical performances by Gary Clark Jr., Emmylou Harris, Jeff Tweedy, and The Wailers.
For more info, visit: www.tasteofchicago.us
Chicago Air and Water Show
August 16 & 17, North Avenue Beach
The Chicago Air & Water Show is the largest free event of its kind in the US, with over 2 million spectators partaking every year.
For more info, visit: www.chicagoairandwatershow.us
Chicago Jazz Festival
August 28-31, Cultural Center, Millennium Park and Grant Park
The Jazz Festival is Chicago’s oldest music festival, and has taken place on Labor Day weekend for the past 36 years. This year brings headliners Terence Blanchard, Rufus Reid, Gary Burton, Dave Holland, Cecile McLorin Salvant, and the Sun Ra Arkestra.
For more info, visit: www.chicagojazzfestival.us
