6 Events Chicagoans Say You Have To Attend This Summer
By Paula Friedrich
6 Events Chicagoans Say You Have To Attend This Summer
By Paula FriedrichThere’s no shortage of summertime events in Chicago, but sometimes you just want an endorsement from a friend.
We’ve got you covered with these six recommendations from WBEZ fans. (Note: These are suggestions didn’t make our crowdsourced guide to 400 things to do in Chicago this summer because we excluded one-time events from that list.)
So get your calendar ready and pencil in these recommendations:
Chosen Few Picnic & Festival
When: July 6 | 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Jackson Park, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave.
What: A celebration of Chicago house music that organizers keep dedicated to a “family reunion atmosphere.” Includes dozens of D.J.’s, dancing and food.
Why you should go: “It’s like if a family reunion and Coachella had a baby — who’s also a househead.” — Angela R. Rudolph
Chicago Michelada Fest
When: July 6 - 7 | Noon -10 p.m.
Where: Harrison Park, 1824 S. Wood St.
What: A celebration of the Michelada, a beer with lime juice, tomato juice, chilli peppers and other spices. Try a “chela” from a variety of Michelada vendors, plus food and music.
Why you should go: “The best part about the fest is that they donate to local nonprofits. … The micheladas are great and delicious, but really highlighting these organizations is what makes this festival unique and fun! … That to me is another great reason to enjoy a delicious michelada (or try all of them once or twice) that weekend.” — Raul Rosas
Chicago Southside Mini Maker Faire
When: Aug. 3 | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Richard J. Daley College, 7500 S. Pulaski Rd.
What: “Makers” of all stripes will show off their goods, including boxcars, robots and objects made on 3D printers. These faires, which are held all over the world, also include workshops so you can walk out with your own handmade memento.
Why you should go: “[You can] make something fun for free with the whole family.” — Jackie Moore
Ginza Holiday Festival
When: August 9 - 11 | Hours vary
Where: Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee St.
What: A three day festival of Japanese culture with dance and music performances, Ikebana (flower arrangement) displays and a 60-year tradition of chicken teriyaki dinners.
Why you should go: “[It’s a] beautiful celebration of Japanese culture, plus the best chicken in the city.” — Frank McNichols
Chicago West Side Music Festival
When: Aug. 17 | 2 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Douglas Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr.
What: A free music festival to increase “cultural programming” opportunities on Chicago’s West Side. This year, the festival features Angie Stone, Silk and 702 — plus “a surprise Chicago artist.”
Why you should go: “[It’s a chance to] experience the culture and arts of Chicago’s West Side.” — Latrina Robinson
Annual showing of The Wiz
When: Aug. 26 | 8 p.m. - 10:13 p.m.
Where: South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr.
What: An outdoor showing of the classic 1978 remake of “The Wizard of Oz.”
Why you should go: “It’s a hoot! If you’re of a certain age, you get to relive a childhood favorite, group sing/say the movie and see the South Side of Chicago at its finest.” — Angela R. Rudolph
Some quotes were lightly edited for context and clarity.
Paula Friedrich is WBEZ’s interactive producer. You can follow her on Twitter at @pauliebe.