As we move into the last leg of summer, the weekend lineup of food and music festivities is still bountiful. Grab some friends and hit up one of the largest music events of the year, or experience Latino culture in a multitude of ways. Whatever you choose to do, let us help guide you to some of the best festivals happening this weekend in Chicago.
You want to experience a carnival without leaving the city
Fiesta del Sol, one of the largest Latino festivals in the Midwest, is a vibrant celebration in Pilsen that memorializes the morning star as a proud symbol of the Mexican-American people. The weekend-long party features rides, music, art and hearty Mexican meals.
You're a music lover who thrives on gettin' down with a group—a very large group
Chicago hosts some of the best music festivals in the nation, and this year's Lollapalooza lineup is as impressive as ever. The Grant Park bash features headliners Sir Paul McCartney, Florence + The Machine and Metallica, as well as acts like Flying Lotus, Tyler, The Creator and Hot Chip. Yes, there will be large crowds and minimal cell reception—just focus on the music.
After Ruido Fest and Fiesta Puertorriqueñas, you're in the mood for even more Latin American culture
Thought you would encounter a weekend without a food fest? You thought wrong. Your taste buds are in luck, since this weekend hosts the Taste of Latin America, a foodie celebration of Southern Hemisphere fare, including dishes like fish empanadas, Brazilian sausage and tamales.
You'd like to have a hot dog and see a dog in a hot dog costume this weekend
Edge Fest, a family-friendly street gathering in Edgewater, hosts a wide array of artists, food vendors and entertainment, including two stages of music. It also has something you won't find at any other festival: DockDogs, a traveling aquatics dog competition.