Watch impressive aerial feats performed by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels at the Chicago Air and Water Show on August 20th and 21st. You will also see acrobatics and parachuting from other military groups to show off their skill and training. In between performances, enjoy fair-style food and icy drinks to cool you off from the summer heat. The event is a fun way to show support for those who risk their lives to defend the United States and can be educational for the whole family. Find out more information and get updates on the performance schedule on their Facebook page.
Beer and BBQ: a perfect combination! Consider stopping by the Old Irving Park Beer and BBQ Challenge and rate who has the best! Talented brewers & pitmasters from the area gather to provide event attendees some of the best craft beer and BBQ tastings they've ever had!
Lady Gaga is not only known for her diverse musical artistry, she is also known for spectacular live performances. Tickets are going fast. Buy yours here.
The Bristol Renaissance Faire, which starts in early/mid-July and continues through September, is an annual experience worth checking out. On Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day, you can attend an event that will make you feel like you just stepped out of a time machine. It will feature knights jousting, artisan markets, costumed minstrels, games, shows, and more. Single-day passes for adults are $40 and $15 for kids 5-12; children under 4 get in for free.
Lollapalooza, the revolutionary festival that featured grunge and rock music in its early years, has since diversified its musical lineup, making it a must-see festival. A mainstay of Chicago and taking place in the heart of the Second City, this year will feature 8 stages and over 170 performers, including Megan Thee Stallion, Hozier, and SZA. One-day passes start at $149, and 4-day passes start at $409. Tickets are available online.
Chicago is a center of Blues music and BBQ, and that has bled over into one of its suburbs. In Griffith, Indiana, spend time at this three-day festival with the Chicago Blues, BBQ, and craft brews.
Add some Latin flavor on your visit to Chicago, stop by the 2-day Sangria Festival. It will feature multiple flavors of sangria (wine with fruit) to sip and cool off with food vendors, live world music, and flamenco dancers. The fest will take place in Humboldt Park, so lawn chairs and blankets are allowed and encouraged, but pets and outside food are not allowed. Advanced tickets can be purchased online; regular admission includes 1 sampling round and 1 Fest Punch Card Guide. VIP admission for Saturday includes 1 VIP bracelet & lanyard, 3 sangria tasting tickets, 1 souvenir glass (Saturday), a private lounge area, and a private bar. This event is restricted to ages 21 and up.
What more can you ask for than a free jazz concert with a fantastic lineup located in an aesthetically pleasing, historic park? Head down the Millennium Park to experience the 45th-annual Chicago Jazz Festival. The Labor Day tradition will also feature free, live jazz performances at other venues across the city; the best local and international jazz artists will be showcased. This special event is put on by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago.
Head down to Copernicus Center to experience authentic Polish culture and traditions at the Taste of Polonia festival. The 4-day annual Labor Day Weekend event will feature live music and authentic Polish food such as polska kielbasa, potato pancakes and, of course, pierogi. A colorful selection of adult beverages, including craft beers, combined with food tastings and cooking classes, exhibits, vendors, carnival rides, and much more, make this a fantastic time for the entire family. There will be music and theater performances all weekend too. Single-day passes start at $10, and $45 gets you a 4-day pass. Children under 12 enter free.
The ARC music festival is a dance and music extravaganza, and this year's lineup includes Anotr, Pawsa, DJ Lady D and dozens more of the music scene's best electronic and house music artists. You might just find your next favorite DJ here. 3 days, multiple stages, and a stellar lineup - it's all coming to Chicago's Union Park this August. Passes for the entire festival start at $389, and single-day tickets are also available. Look out for ARC After Dark events where the party continues. This event is for 21 and over, and festival goers are advised to use public transport to reach the venue.
Spend part of your Labor Day weekend in Chicago celebrating African art, crafts, music, food, and entertainment. The annual African Festival of the Arts will take place in a simulated African village for a unique cultural experience. There will be interactive engagements, drumming circles, museum-quality artifacts, colorful handwoven fabric and textiles. Presale festival tickets can be purchased online at $30 per adult and $10 per child under 13. Family and weekend passes are also available.
