Expert recommendations of the top events—with tips on how to best experience these celebrations.
|
THIS ARTICLE IS FROM
|
Chicago Folk & Roots Festival
Mid-July. Chicago’s influential Old Town School of Folk Music programs world music at this two-day event in Welles Park in Lincoln Square; despite name, music eclectic. “High-caliber music in a neighborhood park.”—Margaret Littman, author, The Little Black Book of Chicago. www.oldtownschool.org/festival
Chicago Jazz Festival
Labor Day weekend. Annual four-day music fest devoted to jazz artists local and international. Held in Grant Park. “It’s free and the talent is good.”—Bob Koester, owner, Jazz Record Mart. www.chicagojazzfestival.org
Grant Park Music Festival
June-August. Eclectic musical programming at the Frank Gehry-designed bandshell in Millennium Park; Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings; free. “Music, architecture and the city all around you; it’s great.”—Hedy Weiss, theater critic, Chicago Sun-Times. www.grantparkmusicfestival.com
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday before or on March 17. Drums, bagpipes, cops, and politicians in this celebration of all things Irish. Prelude events include the dyeing of the Chicago River green by the plumber’s union. www.chicagostpatsparade.com
Taste of Chicago
Late June, early July. Annual two-week festival of food in Grant Park, one of the largest food fests in the world. Local restaurants serve specialties; more popular with tourists than locals. Strong musical line-up usually includes national pop acts. http://chicagofests.com/taste_of_chicago
