While Chicago weather may still be playing the annual seasonal guessing game, summer is practically knocking at the door! Beach days, rooftops with cocktails, neighborhood block parties and street festivals are just around the corner.

At CFBN, we might be biased, but we firmly believe that summer in this city is the ultimate way to sample great food, savor new flavors, celebrate diverse cultures, and connect with your community (and explore others)!

Chicago historically established itself as the “the city of neighborhoods”, and there’s no better way to explore them than by hopping from one vibrant street fest to another. Each weekend offers a new chance to dance to local beats, browse art, wander flea markets, and – of course – indulge in incredible cuisine that tells the story of each community. 

Where to start? Here are some must-visit neighborhood festivals:  

• Roscoe Village Burger Fest – Witness who will be crowned Chicago’s Best Burger.
  
• Tacos y Tamales in Pilsen - Discover Chicago’s rich Hispanic and Latin food and culture. 
  
• Ravenswood On Tap – Sample the best of local craft brewing at Malt Row 
  
• Taste of Randolph - Indulge in the culinary highlights of Chicago’s Restaurant Row. 
  
• Chinatown Summer Fair – Experience the tradition and flavors of Chicago’s iconic Chinatown district. 
  

Besides the neighborhood festivals, there are also dedicated food festivals all over town: 

• WingOut Chicago
  
• Ribfest Chicago
  
• Windy City Smoke Out
  
•  Taste of Chicago
  
• Oak Park Microbrew Review
  

On a hyperlocal level, block parties offer a way to get to know your neighbors – or discover a block you’ve never really noticed before. These range from classic set ups on closed-off streets with bounce houses, family BBQs, and laid back music performances, to more organized and professional fests like Bucktown Arts Fest, or Do Division, where art and music fill the streets.  

Check out Choose Chicago to stay up to date with everything the city has to offer this summer. And, of course, stay connected with Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network for everything important to your industry.