Spring has sprung across Chicagoland and there many exciting events to fill your calendar! From family events to date night activities, there’s something for everyone—here are a few of our top picks to check out this weekend.
Start Your Summer at Blues, Brews, BBQ
Nothing says summer quite like a cold beer, smoky barbecue, and blues music rolling through the trees. Spend the afternoon strolling through the Morton Arboretum while sampling craft brews and ciders from regional favorites, grabbing a plate of BBQ, and listening to live sets from Chicago blues staples like Marty “Big Dog” Mercer and Windy City Rev Ups. Tastings are spread across scenic paths and garden spaces, and each guest receives a commemorative glass to sip from as they explore.
Date: June 7
Time: 12PM-3PM
Cost: $68
Location: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rt 53, Lisle
More Info: mortonarb.org
Pedal to the Metal at Elmhurst Cycling Classic
One of the top stops on the American criterium circuit returns to Wilder Park, drawing elite cyclists to a fast-paced loop near downtown Elmhurst. Spectators can grab a shady spot and watch the action up close as racers fly by in this high-speed, high-stakes event. The whole day has a festive feel with food, refreshments, family-friendly activities, and neighborhood cheering sections lining the streets. Whether you’re a serious cycling fan or just want a fun excuse to spend the day outdoors, this free event delivers a rush.
Date: June 7
Time: 9AM-4:30PM
Cost: 9:30AM
Location: Wilder Park, 175 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst
More Info: elmhurstcyclingclassic.com
Celebrate Pride at Out in the Burbs
No need to head downtown, this suburban Pride festival is bursting with energy, inclusivity, and community spirit. Held in an outdoor space, Out in the Burbs features a full day of live music, DJs, drag performances, and surprise guest acts. It also hosts a dedicated Teen Pride zone with games, art activities, and a safe space to connect. With a vendor village showcasing LGBTQ+ artists, makers, and local food favorites, there’s something for everyone at this celebration of love, identity, and togetherness; right in your own backyard.
Date: June 7
Time: 12PM-10PM
Cost: $10 Suggested Donation
Location: Marion St from Lake St to North Blvd
More Info: outintheburbs.com
Soak in the Sounds of Chicago Blues Festival
Millennium Park becomes the city’s biggest jam session during the Chicago Blues Festival, the largest free blues festival in the world. Catch a lineup of local legends and international artists celebrating Chicago’s deep-rooted influence on the genre, from its Delta beginnings to electric guitar showmanship. Alongside the music, enjoy food vendors, pop-up record shops, and tributes to icons like Muddy Waters and Koko Taylor.
Date: June 6-8
Time: Fri 12PM-9PM; Sat & Sun 11AM-9PM
Cost: Free
Location: Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St
More Info: chicago.gov
Say “Opa!” at the Lincoln Square Greek Fest
Come hungry and ready to dance at this family-friendly celebration of Greek culture. Set on the grounds of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, the fest brings a full slate of traditional eats (gyros, loukoumades, and baklava) plus Greek spirits, a bustling vendor market, and live music from local and international acts, including an afterparty with international artist Konstantinos Nazis.
Date: June 6-8
Time: Fri 4PM-10PM; Sat 3PM-12AM; Sun 12PM-12AM
Cost: Free
Location: St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2727 W Winona St
More Info: stdemetrioschicago.org
Live the Greek Life at Lincoln Park Greek Fest
Hospitality takes center stage at this beloved neighborhood fest outside St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Enjoy authentic dishes hot off the grill, Greek wines and desserts, and folk dancing that’ll tempt you into joining the line. Whether you’re Greek or just Greek for a day, this celebration brings filoxenia (Greek-style warmth and welcome) to life.
Date: June 6-8
Time: Fri 5PM-11PM; Sat 12PM-11PM; Sun 12PM-10PM
Cost: $10 Suggested Donation
Location: St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2701 N Sheffield Ave
More Info: lincolnparkgreekfest.com
Get Ready for Ribfest
Celebrating 25 years of smoky perfection, Ribfest returns with dozens of BBQ contenders vying for top honors. In addition to ribs, expect live sets from regional and national acts, an expanded kid’s zone on Berteau, and the knowledge that every bite helps support local nonprofits. Come for the food, stay for the jams-and maybe leave with sauce on your shirt.
Date: June 6-8
Time: Fri 5PM-10PM; Sat & Sun 12PM-10PM
Cost: Free
Location: 4000 N Lincoln Ave
More Info: ribfest-chicago.com
Shop the 57th Street Art Fair
Hyde Park’s beloved open-air art fair returns for its 77th year, featuring works from more than 150 artists in ceramics, painting, sculpture, photography, and more. Whether you’re hunting for a statement piece or browsing for inspiration, this South Side tradition offers a relaxed setting, live blues performances, and plenty of opportunities to meet the artists behind the work.
Date: June 7
Time: 11AM-6PM
Cost: Free
Location: 57th St from Kenwood Ave to Woodlawn Ave
More Info: 57thstreetartfair.org
