Thirsty Ears Festival

Fed up with the cover bands and DJs that typically perform at Chicago's street festivals? Thirsty Ears Festival provides an alternative to the usual summer programming, with local organization Access Contemporary Music presenting a lineup of classical music performances ranging from Baroque to contemporary. Taking place in Ravenswood on Wilson Ave between Hermitage Ave and Ravenswood Ave, the festival features two days of performances and a miniature version of the Sound of Silent Film Festival (where ensembles accompany silent film screenings). You'll also find plenty of beer, food trucks and a kids zone stocked with activites and performances for the little ones.