Although summer hasn’t officially started just yet, festival season is certainly in full swing. This weekend, don’t miss festivals for everything from blues to ribs. Plus, you’ll find a few bonus events if you’re looking for even more things to do around Chicago.
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- 2017 Summer Go Guide, Part 1: Events in Chicago and Beyond
- Why You Shouldn’t Miss Lookingglass Theatre’s Reimagined ‘Moby Dick’
Break Out Comedy Festival
June 8-10
Chicago
The third NBC Second City Break Out Comedy Festival will highlight some of the best up-and-coming acts in sketch, improvisation and stand-up. The fest will kick off with host Ramon Rivas (Comedy Central’s “The Half Hour”) on June 8 before Danny Pudi (NBC’s “Community”) and Parvesh Cheena (NBC’s “Outsourced”) host on June 9 and Chris Redd (“Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping”) hosts on June 10.
Chicago Blues Festival
June 9-11
Chicago
Head out to Millennium Park for this free festival featuring Gary Clark Jr., William Bell, Nellie “Tiger” Travis and Ronnie Baker Brooks. This is the largest free blues festival in the world and the largest music festival in Chicago.
Central Street Art Walk 2017
June 9-11
Evanston
Central Street in Evanston is teaming up with the Evanston Art Center and Evanston Made for this second annual event. More than 15 local artists will showcase their work outside Central Street stores, including Backlot Coffee, Beth’s Little Bake Shop and Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony.
Ribfest Chicago
June 9-11
Chicago
This foodie festival has been featured by Food Network and USA Today and will offer the best ribs, burgers, hot dogs, funnel cake, ice cream bars and more from a variety of vendors. Plus, there will be live music and kids activities.
Green Music Fest
June 10-11
Chicago
JD McPherson, Lucero and July Talk will headline this Wicker Park music festival that’s all about eco-education and sustainability. The pedal-powered stage will even have attendees pedaling stationary bikes to power amps, guitars, lights and more. Green vendors will also be in attendance, and Pet Fest and Kids Fest will take place throughout the event.
Bonus
- Old Town School of Folk Music’s free Soundtrack of the City summer concert series kicks off June 8 with Blues’n in Bronzeville at the Ellis Park Arts & Recreation Center (3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago). The series continues through Aug. 20.
- Historic Wagner Farm in Glenview will host a Dairy Breakfast and Stock Show on June 10 with a farm-style breakfast, live music, wagon rides and more.
- Evanston Symphony Orchestra’s final performance of the season will take place June 11 at Northwestern’s Pick-Staiger Concert Hall. The concert will feature the North Shore Choral Society, soprano Carla Janzen and alto Stacey Eckert.
Anna Carlson writes Make It Better’s weekly 5 Things to Do column as well as Recommended Events.
