The monster of Chicago music festivals — Lollapalooza — is this weekend. Whether you’re excited for the annual multigenre event or want to stay as far away from Grant Park as possible, there are plenty of options for music and more. Check out the “anti-Lolla” in West Town or celebrate the South Side’s rich history of jazz in Bronzeville. Looking for something quieter? Teach your family to fish with some help from the Chicago Park District.
Here are five picks for the few days ahead.
For more ideas, see the full WBEZ Summer 250, our curated guide of 250+ events for planning your best Chicago summer ever, with easy sorting to help you pick what’s right for you. You can also text “SUMMER” to 312312 for weekly picks in one of three categories: family-friendly, outdoor concerts or the best of all events.
Lollapalooza
Aug. 3-6
This year’s four-day extravaganza offers something for every generation of music lover with Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Lana Del Rey all headlining. Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St. From $125.
Dancing in the Streets
Aug. 4-6
West Town’s Dancing in the Streets avoids the madness of Grant Park but preserves the fun with a jam band scene and craft beer from neighborhood breweries. Held on dates between Jerry Garcia’s birth (Aug. 1) and death (Aug. 9), the three-day festival (Aug. 4-6) is geared toward Deadheads with a tie-dye station and art. Hubbard Street between Paulina and Wood streets. $10 suggested donation.
Family Fishing Program at Northerly Island
Saturdays through October
The city’s park district offers free fishing classes for adults and children 8 years old and up every Saturday through October at Northerly Island. Equipment, instruction and “Fish`N Kids How-To-Fish” instruction booklets are provided. Heads up: Adults must have a fishing license. Pre-registration required. Northerly Island Visitor’s Center, 1521 S. Linn White Dr. Free.
SummerDance at Taste of Chicago
Aug. 5
There’s perhaps nothing so summer as Chicago’s SummerDance, which are evenings of lessons organized by theme followed by an open dance floor to live music. New this year: The event, previously held in Millennium Park, will travel to the neighborhoods on Wednesdays with instruction at 5:30 p.m. and live music until 7:30 p.m. And eat up: This week’s event will be held at the same time as the Taste of Chicago pop-up in Marquette Park. Marquette Park, 6743 S. Kedzie Ave. Free.
Bronzeville Jazz Festival
Aug. 5
Celebrate the South Side’s legacy as a jazz mecca with the Bronzeville Neighborhood Jazz Festival. This year’s music festival spotlights local jazz luminaries, including guitarist Buddy Fambro, saxophonist Marqueal Jordan, singer Joan Collaso and the Willie Fultz band featuring Skinny Williams. 3857 S. Martin Luther King Drive. Free.
Bianca Cseke is a digital producer at WBEZ.
