Everybody loves rays

Although Hemp was dropped from its title two years ago, the greenery remains at Chicago Peace Fest (Jun 18–20). Kiss the sky for some much-needed Vitamin D near the Lincoln Park Pedestrian Overpass (North Ave and Lake Shore Dr). Meanwhile, expect the fest to roll out the usual highlights: radical speakers; music from local hip-hop MCs and reggae artists; and a handful of merchants selling art and hemp jewelry.

Although Hemp was dropped from its title two years ago, the greenery remains at Chicago Peace Fest (Jun 18–20). Kiss the sky for some much-needed Vitamin D near the Lincoln Park Pedestrian Overpass (North Ave and Lake Shore Dr). Meanwhile, expect the fest to roll out the usual highlights: radical speakers; music from local hip-hop MCs and reggae artists; and a handful of merchants selling art and hemp jewelry. Those conspiracy theories and New World Order lectures can go long—grab some munchies in advance from Carnival Foods (458 W Dickens Ave, 773-472-2929).

Glass, photography, jewelry, painting and sculptures abound at the 57th Street Art Fair (Jun 5, 6). After all that walking from booth to booth, rest up and catch some rays at Bixler Park (5651 S Kenwood Ave, chicagoparkdistrict.org). Make sure you have a few bucks left over for a sammie or baked good from the Hyde Park staple and alleged President Obama fave Medici (1327 E 57th St, 773-667-7394)—where you can sit on the rooftop deck, for more sun worshipping.

The grasslands east of Millennium Park’s Gehry bridge get sun galore. They’re also adjacent to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, home to Gospel Fest (Jun 5,6). Enter the park on Michigan Avenue at Madison Street to pick up a few outdoor concert essentials. No, not binoculars and a program, but a wiener, bag of chips and drink from the hot-dog stand near the Park Grille (11 N Michigan Ave). Then grab your crowd-free sunny spot and listen to the sounds of the Caravans (Sun 6, 4:30–5:10pm) wafting over from the Pritzker Pavilion.

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