Chicago's summer festival season is in full swing, which means you've got another weekend's worth of tough decisions to make. Do you go to Chinatown to watch a dragon boat race, see a metal band play in Logan Square or head to Boystown to join in on the Pride celebrations? Let us help you find the perfect festival this weekend.
You're "one of those hipsters" who wants to get down in your Logan Square, or you're ready to see what all the hype is about at least
Logan Square is Chicago's presiding hipster haven, with trendy new restaurants and bars popping up every few weeks and a flourishing art culture evidenced by the area's many galleries and murals. Mingle with both the bearded and the newly stroller-ed on Milwaukee Avenue at the family-friendly Logan Square Arts Festival, where local galleries and businesses show off their sights and tastes. Two stages host a variety of great music, including recently announced surprise headliner Cloud Nothings.
Arts and music are cool, but you're really just excited for more beer
Can't get enough of the beer festivals this summer in Chicago? Feel like getting away from the crazy, fest-ridden streets this weekend? You're in luck. Two Brothers Summer Festival takes place at the brewery's Aurora Roundhouse, right off the Aurora Metra stop. The event will feature Two Brothers brews and musical performances from Dawes and Jason Isbell. All proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, so you can feel good about getting another beer. And another. And perhaps one more.
You would like to drink beer in a parking lot with your friends, your friend's dad, your dad, your mom...
The (self-proclaimed) World's Largest Block Party is the fest you go to when you don't really know where else to go. There's no particular niche for the Old St. Pat's fest; no matter your 'hood, background or creed, you're welcome at this amalgam of bodies. While you may run into the jean- and khaki-shorted sloppy few, we really respect the noble intentions behind this University Village parking lot fete. In addition to three free drinks and performances from Young the Giant and Neon Trees, your $40 ticket benefits area education and outreach programs.
You miss Hot Doug's, you miss Hot Doug's, you miss Hot Doug's
If you long for those succulent duck fat fries, the famous sausage sandwiches and long lines, you need to book it to Dog Dayz of Summer at the Goose Island Barrel Warehouse. In addition to the beloved, encased meats from the Hot Doug's menu, Dog Dayz features awesome brews from Goose Island and live entertainment from top-notch bands. Let's be honest: We're ready to throw down the dough just to spend another day with Doug Sohn.
You crave even more sausage
Can't afford the $75 ticket for Dog Dayz? Or maybe you want to try new sausages from some great Chicago restaurants you haven't yet discovered? Perhaps you are going to both and are completely unabashed about your outlandish devotion to encased meats. The inaugural Elston Avenue Sausage and Music Festival occurs outside the Abbey Pub, where carnivorous vendors like Frontier will provide alligator and wild boar sausages while artists like Heartless Bastards and The Hold Steady's Craig Finn hold down the music stage.
You want to partake in an all-out raucous party in Boystown
The Supreme Court ruling is in: Gay marriage is now legal in all 50 states. Cue the Chicago Pride Parade, the apex of the city's Pride festivities that takes place this Sunday, a generally uproarious affair that is sure to be even more jubilant in light of the recent ruling. Strap on your rainbow tutu, hold on to your glittered spandex shorts and be discreet with your flask because love is finally free.
You'd love to be involved in yet another kind of pride
A Mexican celebration comes downtown at the very first Chicago Mariachi and Folklorico Festival, which will be held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Presented by the Mariachi Heritage Foundation, the National Museum of Mexican Art and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the event will feature Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez and a variety of local performers leading a day of music and dancing.
You're a dog lover who may be tempted to bring home a furry friend at the end of the day
A different kind of furry convention, Woofstock, is trying to beat the world record for the largest gathering of pets. Presented by Animal Planet, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and PAWS Chicago, Woofstock welcomes musical guests Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and plenty of irresistible little faces to melt your heart. Bring your dog or just enjoy the sights and special guests, including comedian Eugene Mirman and Internet celebrity cat Lil Bub.
You'd like to witness 2,000-year-old tradition on your visit to Chinatown
The annual Dragon Boat Race for Literacy revives the ancient Chinese tradition of dragon boat racing that dates back 2,000 years and remains a fun family sport for Asian communities. Held in the picturesque Ping Tom Memorial Park, the races are for fun and charity, as proceeds from the event will be donated to local literacy, cultural and diversity programs.
You want to take your lunch break food truck game to the next level
On your usual lunch break during the work week, you have to choose from an abundance of food trucks: Gyros? Pulled pork sandwiches? Some German-Mediterranean fusion you don't have a clue about but it's so good you don't care? Gear up this weekend for a chance to taste them all (if you can stomach it) at the Chicago Food Truck Fest in the South Loop, a celebration of food truck culture and all the gastro excitement that goes with it.