As the end of July draws near, the weekly lineup of food and music festivals continues to stack up. This weekend is probably the most amusingly diverse, with two neighborhood bashes, a book fair and an event dedicated solely to spicy sauces. Whatever you choose to do, let us help guide you to some of the best festivals happening this weekend in Chicago.
You are a steadfast book lover who still believes in the printed word
Despite how much you hate lifting boxes of heavy books on moving day, you refuse to let go of your little printed wonders. Hit up the Newberry Library Book Fair to browse over 120,000 used books in over 70 categories to add to your collection, including fiction, cookbooks, music and children's books.
You want to explore what could be Chicago's next hip neighborhood
Logan Square may currently boast the city's trendiest restaurants, bars and nightlife, but Jefferson Park could be the next Northwest Side neighborhood to host the hipsters who get priced out of their apartments. Check out the area this weekend at the Jeff Fest Arts and Music Festival, which features music from the likes of JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, food truck grub and beer from local breweries.
You still haven't tasted enough new dishes this summer
Look, you're kind of gastronomically crazy, but we don't blame you. It's Chicago, after all, and there are so many delicious options in the city that it's hard not to want to try them all. Luckily, you can continue your epicurean adventures this weekend at the Taste of Lincoln Avenue, featuring more than 250 vendors and almost 40 music acts.
You want a Pitchfork-like experience on the cheap
Miss out on the hipster-friendly music festival last weekend? You're in luck: The crotch hosts the annual Wicker Park Fest, boasting acts like Blonde Redhead, White Fence and Charles Bradley in addition to family activities, arts, crafts and food. For just five bucks a day, you can listen to tunes and squeeze in some primo people watching to boot.
Sriracha and Frank's are old hat. You want to check out the city's hottest sauces
If your motto is usually "the hotter the better," then you'll want to check out the inaugural Chicago Hot Sauce Fest, a gathering that exhibits an array of the city's yummiest and spiciest sauce makers and local restaurants. Remember to bring hydrating reinforcements.
You'd like to make Jimmy Buffet proud
Ok, so maybe you've visited the real Margaritaville while on vacation in Florida with your parents, but you can take your margarita game up another level at this year's Chicago Margarita Fest, a full day of live music dancing, food trunk munching and, of course, the flavored tequila drink. Tucked away on Northerly Island, this all-day party features music artists like The Chics and Nina Katz as well as an exciting fireworks show at dusk to round out the tipsy festivities.