June is the dawn of summer, and summer in Chicago is when we all come out to play. If you’re ready ditch the indoors and hit the streets to make the most out of this month, make sure to head to these top events.
Taste of Little Village
Photo Credit: Special Events Management
June 2 – 4
This annual neighborhood celebration highlights the vibrant Mexican community in Chicago with cultural flavors, live music, carnival rides, and arts and crafts from 12pm – 10pm.
Do Division Street Fest
Photo Credit: Do Division Street Fest
June 3 – 4
Spanning 10 city blocks and featuring live music, delicious food and drink vendors, and local retailers, this is arguably the most popular outdoor street festival in the city. The festival asks for a $5 donation.
Adult Zoo Night
Photo Credit: Todd Rosenberg for Lincoln Park Zoo
June 8
Leave the kids at home and enjoy animal chats, entertainment, and cash bars serving beer and wine after hours at the zoo from 6:30pm – 10pm. Tickets are $15 or $12 for zoo members.
Chicago Blues Festival
June 9 – 11
The world’s largest free blues festival returns with local, national, and international artists performing for a weekend at Millennium Park. Admission is free.
World Naked Bike Ride
Photo Credit: Chicago Naked Ride
June 10
Strip down to your skivvies and traverse the streets of Chicago with a group of other nude bicyclists for a liberating nighttime event. The secret meeting location is disclosed in the days leading up to the event.
Pilsen Food Truck Social
Photo Credit: Pilsen Food Truck Social
June 10 – 11
Head to 18th and Allport to feast on mobile eats, sip Revolution beers, and listen to local music on an outdoor stage. A $20 sampler tickets gets you six food truck samples. Food truck lineup is TBD.
Chicago Pride Fest
Photo Credit: Chicago Pride
June 17 – 18
The annual two-day parade and street festival in Boystown celebrates the accomplishments of the LGBT community with live performances, a Pride Pageant, and more.
Chicago Ale Fest
Photo Credit: Chicago Ale Fest
June 23 – 24
Chicago Ale Fest returns for its summer edition to Butler Field in Grant Park, serving more than 200 American craft beers, also featuring live music and food trucks. General admission starts at $49.
Country LakeShake
Photo Credit: Country LakeShake
June 23 – 25
Chicago’s premier country music festival on the lake reprises at Northerly Island, with Thomas Rhett, Miranda Lambert, and Rascal Flatts headlining this year. General admission starts at $49.75.
Mamby on the Beach
Photo Credit: Mamby on the Beach
June 24 – 25
Chicago’s youngest and most popular lakefront festival returns for a third year this summer at Oakwood Beach, featuring MGMT and Flying Lotus as headliners.