Last Stop: Chicago!

These young ladies from South Korea are enjoining the last few days of their 16 days long vacation here in Chicago. Yu Jin Lee (23 years) and Hye Jun Kim (23 years) know each other from College and decided to travel together in the USA. It’s for both the first time in the U.S. and they were pretty excited to see one of America’s most beautiful cities. They flew from South Korea to Washington D.C. and started their trip in the American capital. After visiting all the museums and memorials they took the bus to New York City and to Boston, where they spent a couple of days. Now that they are here in Chicago, they still want to see a lot, starting by the Willis Tower, the Bean to Navy Pier and much more. They are going back to South Korea this Saturday and had a great time here in the U.S.

Check out the new exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago!

From June 24th until October 13th, the Art Institute will host an exhibit titled Magritte: The Mystery of the Ordinary. This exhibit showcases the work of artist Rene Magritte featuring over 100 paintings, collages, and drawings. Rene Magritte (1898-1967) was a Belgian artist, whose primary objective was to challenge the viewer's perception of reality. Magritte began his study of painting in 1916 at Academie des Beaux-Art in Brussels. Some of his earliest paintings used a Cubo-Futurist style, such as the painting, The Three Nudes. Magritte's first painting using surrealism style was painted in 1925 and titled The Lost Jockey. He continued to use surrealism style throughout his career by transforming and “misnaming” objects as well as the representation of visions seen in half-waking states. With these techniques, Magritte created an unbalanced view of nature and trickery. Magritte commonly recreated famous paintings by adding a surrealist twist, such as a Manet piece, The Balcony. His work was not truly appreciated until the 1960's around the time of his death. However, his work has continuously influenced pop, minimalist, and conceptual art styles.

The exhibit at the Art Institute takes viewers through Magritte's most experimental years starting in 1926 until 1938. You will be able to see many of his different pieces, such as The Treachery of Images and Time Transfixed. As you view the work of Magritte, challenge yourself to think beyond the nature of reality and into the world of surrealism. 

For more information on the exhibit or to view ticket prices:

http://www.artic.edu/

FIFA World Cup – Who Will Win?

The long four year wait is over! The FIFA World Cup has arrived. The World Cup is being held in Brazil. There will be 12 different stadiums used throughout this next month. The matches will take place from June 12^th until July 13^th.  The qualifier matches begin tomorrow, starting with Brazil vs. Croatia 3PM CT. Want to know the remainder of the schedule? See the link below or go the official FIFA website! As with every sport, predictions for the winners of this World Cup have taken off. Many wondering if the home advantage will give host country and 5-time World Cup winner, Brazil, the added reason to win #6. Chicago, home of the U.S. Soccer Federation Headquarters has many places to catch one or all the matches. If you’re interested in watching the U.S. team or your home team is playing the United States, head over to Avery Field on match days, June 16^th and June 22^nd. The third game on June 26th will be broadcasted at Petrillo Music Shell. United States isn’t your team? No problem. Many of the Chicago bars will be showing the matches, such as:

Timothy O’Toole’s Pub – 622 N. Fairbanks Ct.

The Globe Pub – 1934 W. Irving Park Rd

AJ Hudson Public House – 3801 N. Ashland Ave

Cloes – 1935 W. Chicago Ave

Dank Haus – 4740 N. Western Ave

The hostel will also be offering some outings to watch the matches! Be on the look out for these opportunities!

This month will be an exciting time for all soccer fans! Even if you are not a huge fan, don’t forget to tune in and root for your home country!

World Cup Schedule - http://resources.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/01/52/99/91/2014fwc_matchschedule_wgroups_22042014_en_neutral.pdf

Get ready, it's time for the World Cup in Brazil!!! But what actually is the World Cup?

The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930, except in 1942 and 1946 when it was not held because of the Second World War. The current champions are Spain, who won the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

The current format of the tournament involves 32 teams competing for the title at venues within the host nation(s) over a period of about a month; this phase is often called the World Cup Finals. A qualification phase, which currently takes place over the preceding three years, is used to determine which teams qualify for the tournament together with the host nation(s).

The 19 World Cup tournaments have been won by eight different national teams. Brazil have won five times, and they are the only team to have played in every tournament. The other World Cup winners are Italy, with four titles; West Germany, with three titles;Argentina and inaugural winners Uruguay, with two titles each; and England, France, and Spain, with one title each.

From Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup

New Intern Bio

My name is Courtney Sage, and I am a new intern at HI-Chicago. I am a student at Eastern Illinois University double majoring in political science and history, both with a concentration in international studies. I am ecstatic to be a part of the HI-Chicago team! I have traveled extensively within the United States; however, I have only traveled once outside of the country to Australia. I plan to travel much more throughout my life. This will be my first experience at a hostel, and I know it will be an exciting one. I wanted to intern at HI-Chicago to gain experience with international travelers, as well as expand my own knowledge of other cultures. It will be a terrific summer engaging with travelers and spending time in the great city of Chicago.

Play Ball!

Believe it or not, baseball season is already upon us and in full swing! Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Chicago, and people come from all over to enjoy the games.  There are two major league baseball teams which represent Chicago, which is only true of four metro areas in the U.S. 

 The Chicago Cubs are a part of the National League, and they play at Wrigley Field on the north side.  The Cubs have been playing at Wrigley Field since 1916, but the field is celebrating its 100^th season this year.  Actually, they are hosting a “Party of the Century”, which will take place all year long and feature throwback uniforms, free gifts, food treats, special guests and more. Though the Cubs are not exactly known for a great winning record—they have not been to a World Series game since 1945, to be exact—but that does not stop their dedicated fans.  From its ivy-covered outfield walls to its old-fashioned bleachers and hand-turned scoreboard, Wrigley Field provides an old-fashioned, all-American atmosphere for baseball fans to enjoy. 

The other team, the Chicago White Sox, reign over the south side.  The White Sox are part of the American League, and their stadium has a much different atmosphere.  They play at the U.S. Cellular Field, which has been and continues to be renovated and improved. It is one of the nicer ballparks in MLB.  The White Sox won the World Series fairly recently in 2005, which was their first championship win in 88 years. 

Tickets for both teams can be bought online, and the prices are very reasonable, depending on where you would like to sit.  Which Chicago team will you root for? 

Traveller Spotlight: Michael

Today I was able to talk to a guest named Michael who is visiting us from San Francisco.  He is in town reuniting with a group of 12 friends that he met while participating in AmeriCorps in 2007-2008. AmeriCorps is an organization that engages Americans in service related activities all over the country, which can range from working at a school to a state park.  Michael said his team was able to help with the reconstruction after devastating Hurricane Katrina, among other projects.  He joined AmeriCorps after college and really liked being able to travel all over and meet new people.

            

    At this point, Michael has only been here for a few days, but he still saw a lot! His weekend activities included seeing the ‘bean’ at Millennium Park, heading over to Navy Pier, enjoying some deep dish pizza, and hearing some live music over at the House of Blues. He said the evening at House of Blues was nice because it was much more mellow than the liveliness of the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities. Though he enjoyed his time, he said he was just ‘along for the ride’ and his favorite part of the trip was catching up with the friends he hadn’t seen in about six years.

Even though he has been in the city for a few days, this is his first night at the hostel.  We hope you have a great stay, Michael!

               

Saint Patrick’s Day 2014

We hear a lot about “going green” these days. But Chicago takes this idea to the next level.  On Saint Patrick’s Day—and all throughout the month of March, Chicago celebrates Irish culture and tradition through several outlets.  There are pub crawls, parades, an Irish Film Festival, and more!

But, the biggest event would have to be the Dyeing of the Chicago River.  At 10:45 am, 45 pounds of eco-friendly vegetable dye are poured into the river, transforming it into a gorgeous emerald green color.  This grand tradition has been taking place for more than 50 years, and it is a perfect kick-off for the rest of the day’s festivities.  The river will only stay green for about five hours, so be sure to check it out before heading to the parade!

Downtown Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of the largest in the country! It begins at Columbus Drive, goes north through Grant Park, and ends are Monroe Drive.  The parade includes vibrant floats, Irish step dancers, marching bands, and bagpipes.

In case you aren’t ready for the St. Patrick’s Day fun to end, don’t worry; the fun isn’t over yet! On Sunday, March 16, the South Side Irish Parade will take place at 12 noon at Western Ave between 103^rd and 115^th street.  Also on Sunday is the Northwest Side Irish parade, starting at 12 noon and located at Onahan School at 6634 W. Raven Street. 

Have a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day and don’t forget to wear green!

Summer Events in Chicago

If you are anything like me, you are getting really anxious for spring and summer which are just around the corner.  Mark up your calendars, because there are many things you will not want to miss! From smaller-scale neighborhood festivals to some of the biggest events in America, Chicago hosts it all!


Chicago’s 177^th Birthday Celebration

Where: Daley Plaza

50 W. Washington St.

When: March 4, 11am-7pm

Cost: Free

   

Creative Chicago Expo

Where: Chicago Cultural Center,

78 E. Washington Street

When: March 14-15, 10am – 4pm

Cost: Free

Are you a professional or aspiring designer, musician, filmmaker, artist, chef, or involved in another creative career field? Come to Creative Chicago Expo! There are over 30 workshops and 140 exhibitors coming together for this event.

Palestine Film Festival

May 1, 2014 (begins April 19)

The Palestine Film Festival exhibits and promotes films by Palestinian directors as well as films about Palestine at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

Movies and Music Festival

May 1 - 4, 2014

The Chicago International Movies & Music Festival (CIMMfest) is “where movies and music meet.” See films with a music connection by day, and hear live music with a film connection by night at Wicker Park and Logan Square.

Cinco de Mayo

May 2 - 4, 2014

Cinco de Mayo Festival features live music, authentic foods, arts and crafts, and activities for families on W 26th St. at Kostner. Free.



 

Polish Parade

May 3, 2014

Polish Constitution Day Parade celebrates ratification of the Polish constitution in 1791 and is billed as the biggest Polish parade outside Poland. Begins 11:30 at Buckingham Fountain. Goes up Columbus. Free.

    Chicago Kids and Kites Festival

Where: Montrose Harbor, Lincoln Park

When: May 3, 10am – 4pm

Cost: Free

In the effort to celebrate the joys of being a kid, Chicago Kids and Kites is a wonderful event for the whole family to attend. Activities include face painting, balloon art, kite flying and instruction, and crafts.

Mayfest

May 16 - 18, 2014

Mayfest is bands in a giant tent, festival food, pretzels, and beer. Saturday is kids’ day. Sunday is a pet pageant & expo. At 3100 N Ashland Ave. Cost. (Don’t confuse with Maifest on May 29.)

Maifest

May 29 - June 1, 2014

8 miles NW

The German festival known as Maifest Chicago serves beer, brats, sauerkraut, and music in Lincoln Square at Lincoln Ave. and Leland Ave. Free. (Don’t confuse with Mayfest on May 16.)

Chicago Memorial Day Parade

Where: State St. from Lake Street to Van Buren

When: Saturday, May 24 at 11am

Cost: Free

The Chicago Memorial Day Parade is one of the largest in the nation. At 11am, the Wreath Laying Ceremony will begin at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza. The parade will step off at noon.

Millennium Art Festival

May 30 - June 1, 2014

0.5 mile south

The Millennium Art Festival features artwork, food from local restaurants, and live easy-listening music on Lake Street at Michigan Avenue. Free.

Millennium Park Music Series

   

Where: Millennium Park

When: Loops and Variations – Thursdays from May 29-July 3

Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays from June 2 – August 11, no concert 7/28

Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz – Thursdays

Cost: Free

Division Street Festival

May 30 - June 1, 2014

4 miles NW

Do Division Street Fest & Sidewalk Sale has rousing live music, a sidewalk sale, a fashion show, and a family fun fest (Sat. & Sun.) on Division Street between Damen and Leavitt. Donation.

Festival of Cultures

May 17 - 18, 2014

15 miles NW

Experience ethnic folk music and dance, exotic food, unique arts and crafts, international children’s games, beer tasting, a bazaar, and cultural exhibits at the Skokie Festival of Cultures in Oakton Park. Free.

Craft Beer Week

May 2014 (undated)

Chicago locations

Chicago Craft Beer Week features hundreds of craft beer events in the greater Chicago area, from special $4 tastings of rare beers to beer dinners. It’s sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild.

Millennium Art Festival

June 1, 2014 (begins May 30)

0.5 mile south

The Millennium Art Festival features artwork, food from local restaurants, and live mellow music on Lake Street at Michigan Avenue. Free.

Turkish Fest

June 6 - 7, 2014 (uncertain)

Downtown Chicago

Experience the art, music, dance, and cuisine of Turkey at the Chicago Turkish Festival in Pioneer Court at 401 N Michigan Ave. Free.

Midsummer Festival

June 6 - 8, 2014

7.5 miles north

Andersonville Midsommarfest is a street fair with music, dancing, handmade crafts, and ethnic; donation requested. Swedish American Museum has a Maypole dance on the weekend.

Book Fair

June 7 - 8, 2014

1 mile south

Shop from 200 booksellers and attend 100 literary events and signings on the south end of Dearborn Street at the Printers Row Lit Fest, billed as the largest free outdoor literary festival in the Midwest.

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival

June 7 - 8, 2014

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with local bands, food, drink, and street vendors at the Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival on N. Sheffield from Belmont to School. Donation.

Wells Street Art Festival

June 14 - 15, 2014

1.5 miles north

 See works by 250 juried artists, hear live music, and enjoy beer and local restaurant food at Wells Street Art Festival on N. Wells St. from North Ave. to Division. Morning crowd is better behaved. Donation.

Old Town Art Fair

June 14 - 15, 2014

3 miles north

See drawings, paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and works in metal, stone, glass, and wood by 250 juried artists at Old Town Art Fair on tree-lined Lincoln Ave. at Wisconsin. Donation.

Chicago Summer Film Series

Come to Millennium Park on Tuesdays between June 24 and August 29 for FREE summer film screenings at the Jay Pritzker Pavillion in Millennium Park. Don’t forget your picnic dinner!

Chicago SummerDance

Where: Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park      

When:  June 27-September 14 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday), Time TBA

Cost: Free

This dancing event includes a one hour dancing lesson taught by a professional and followed by two hours of live music and dancing. And the best part is—it’s free!

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

Where: Multiple Locations, including the Chicago Cultural Center

When: June 27-29

Cost: Free

The Chicago Gospel Music festival features well-known and up and coming artists from the Chicagoland area including groups, soloists, praise dancers, mimes, and more. 

Country Music Festival

June 28 - 29, 2014

3 miles north

Chicago Country Fest has 20 hours of live country music, line dancing, artisan booths, and barbecue on Clark Street at Armitage. Donation.

Southport Street Fair

June 28 - 29, 2014 (uncertain)

6 miles north

Summer on Southport is a mellow event with live music, vendors, food, and a children’s festival on N Southport Ave. at Waveland. Donation.

Pride Parade

June 29, 2014

Chicago Pride Parade for gay and lesbian pride has 200 floats, decorated vehicles, performers, and marching bands that pass 800,000 spectators on N. Broadway. Free.

Ravinia Music Festival

June 2014 (undated)

23 miles north

Ravinia Festival is billed as America’s oldest outdoor music festival, with a long series of performances at Ravinia Park in Highland Park. Cost.

Comedy Festival

June 2014 (undated)

Chicago locations

Just for Laughs Chicago is six days of stand-up comedy and sketches by more than 100 comedians.

Classical Music Festival

June 11 - August 16, 2014

Chicago locations

Grant Park Music Festival is an outdoor classical music series at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, normally on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Free.

Puerto Rican Festival and Parade

June 12 - 15, 2014

5 miles west

The four-day Puerto Rican Festival at Humboldt Park has carnival rides, music, and Puerto Rican foods like arepas (corn cakes with cheese). The Puerto Rican People’s Parade is Saturday on Division Street from Western to Sacramento. Both free.

Blues Festival

June 13 - 15, 2014

1 mile south

Chicago’s biggest music festival, Chicago Blues Festival, brings top-name talent to multiple stages in Grant Park & Millennium Park. After the show, music continues late into the night at city clubs. Free.

Taste of Randolph

June 13 - 15, 2014

The highly acclaimed Taste of Randolph offers six blocks of artisan and restaurant booths plus three music stages on W Randolph Street from Peoria St. to Racine Ave. Donation.

Electronic Dance Music Festival

June 13 - 15, 2014

Spring Awakening Music Festival draws 75,000 to Soldier field to hear the best in electronic dance music (EDM) by some of the world’s top DJs. Cost.

Art fair in Grant Park

June 21 - 22, 2014

The Gold Coast Art Fair at Grant Park has 350 juried artists and an improved layout this year separating music and food. Butler Field on E Monroe St. Free.

Green Music Festival

June 21 - 22, 2014

Green Music Fest features environmentally friendly vendors and cutting-edge music on N Damen Ave. between North and Schiller. Donation.

Pride Festival

June 21 - 22, 2014

6 miles north

Chicago Pride Fest is a huge weekend street festival for gay and lesbian pride with dance and pop music on two stages, food, drink, arts and crafts vendors, and a pet parade at Waveland & Halsted. Donation.

Taste of Chicago

Where: Grant Park

When: July 9-13

Cost: Free

What better way to experience Chicago than tasting a little bit of everything? Come enjoy the food and festivities.

West Town Street Fair

July 12 - 13, 2014

3 miles west

West Fest has cutting-edge music on 3 stages, a kid fest on Wolcott Ave., a dog fest, and local vendors on W Chicago Ave. from Damen to Wood. Donation.

Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival

June 2014 (undated)

Lincoln Park Arts and Music Festival offers art, live music, food, drink, and kids’ activities on Racine Ave. from Fullerton to Webster. Donation.

Burger Festival

July 12 - 13, 2014

5 miles NW

Enjoy fine beef, veggie, and turkey burgers with toppings or BBQ, plus music, arts & crafts, and a kids’ zone at Roscoe Village Burger Fest on Belmont at Damen. Donation.

Irish fest

July 12 - 14, 2014

9 miles NW

Irish American Heritage Festival has Irish music and dance on five stages, a folk tent, food vendors, beer & wine, clothing & jewelry artisans, contests, and family activities at Irish American Heritage Center.

Craft Beer Fest

July 19 - 20, 2014

3.5 miles NW

The Chicago Craft Beer Festival is a Belgian beer fest at N Sheffield Ave. & Webster.

Clark Street Festival

July 19 - 20, 2014 (uncertain)

10 miles north

Enjoy multi-cultural food, art, music, and dance at Celebrate Clark Street Festival on N Clark St. from Morse to Estes. Kids’ activities. Donation.

Chinatown Summer Fair

July 20, 2014

Chinatown Summer Fair features a dragon and lion dance procession, street vendors, live music, martial arts, and a children’s area on S. Wentworth Ave. at Cermak Rd. Free.

Taste of Lincoln Avenue

July 26 - 27, 2014

3.5 miles north

Shop 250 vendors, hear 35 music acts on 3 stages, see juried art, and take the kids to a free afternoon carnival with pony rides and a petting zoo at Taste of Lincoln Avenue from Fullerton to Wrightwood. Donation.

Latino festival

July 31 - Aug. 3, 2014

Fiesta del Sol delivers live entertainment, local art, diverse cuisine, carnival rides, but no alcohol on W. Cermak Rd. between Morgan and Ashland. Free.

Ravinia Music Festival

July 2014 (undated)

23 miles north

Ravinia Festival is billed as America’s oldest outdoor music festival, with a long series of performances at Ravinia Park in Highland Park. Cost.

Dragon Boat Races

July 2014 (undated)

3 miles south

Watch teams compete in colorful boats on the river, hear music, see dance, shop vendors, and attend an awards ceremony at Dragon Boat Race for Literacy at Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 E 18th Street. Free.

Taste of River North

July 2014 (undated)

1.5 miles NW

Enjoy food from local restaurants, shop local vendors, and hear live music at Taste of River North at Ward Park (Kingsbury & Erie). Donation.

Movies at the Zoo

July 2014 (undated)

2.5 miles north

Zoovies are Lincoln Park Zoo free outdoor movies.

Sheffield Avenue Festival

July 19 - 20, 2014

3.5 miles NW

The Sheffield Garden Walk & Music Festival features live music, self-guided tours of 80 gardens, guided architectural tours, food and drink, and kids’ activities at N Sheffield Ave. & Webster. Donation.

Greek Festival

July 2014 (undated)

15 miles NW

The Big Greek Food Fest of Niles features authentic Greek food, live music, and dancing in Niles. Cost.

Thursday Jazz

July 2014 (undated)

0.5 miles south

Enjoy a concert every Thursday at Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz in Millennium Park. Free.

Wicker Park Music Festival

July 2014 (undated)

3.5 miles NW

Wicker Park Fest brings cutting-edge local and national acts to three stages on Milwaukee Ave. from North Ave. to Paulina St. Go early for the best shopping and best-behaved crowd. Donation.

Lollapalooza

August 1 - 3, 2014

1.5 miles south

Lollapalooza is a three-day music festival with more than 100 popular alternative rock, punk rock, heavy metal, and hip hop bands; comedy and dance; and craft booths in Grant Park. Cost.

Classical Music Festival

August 1 - 16, 2014 (begins June 11)

Chicago locations

Grant Park Music Festival is an outdoor classical music series at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, normally on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Free.

Wrigleyville Summer Festival

August 2 - 3, 2014

5 miles north

Wrigleyville Summerfest has food, drink, music, and a kids’ zone at 3300 N Seminary Ave. Donation.

Latin American Festival

August 2 - 3, 2014

6.5 miles NW

Taste of Latin America: Food, Wine, Art Festival is a neighborhood festival with cooking demonstrations, food, world music, beer & wine tents, a kids’ area, and arts & crafts on W Armitage Ave. from Central Park Ave to Avers Street. Free.

Edgewater Festival

August 2 - 3, 2014

8 miles north

Edge Fest is known for its bacon theme, but it also serves art and local bands on N Broadway from Thorndale to Ardmore. Donation.

Taste of Andersonville

August 6, 2014 (uncertain)

9 miles north

A ticket gets you samples at 12 local restaurants during Taste of Andersonville Dinner Crawl. Cost.

Northalsted Market Days

August 9 - 10, 2014

Northalsted Market Days is a popular gay-friendly street fair and music festival with 400 food, art, and craft vendors plus musical acts on 6 blocks of North Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison. Donation.

Retro on Roscoe

August 9 - 10, 2014

Watch top entertainment on 3 stages, shop 6 blocks of art and antique vendors, and see 50 classic cars at Retro on Roscoe in Roscoe Village. Donation.

Air and Water Show

August 16 - 17, 2014

2 miles north

The Chicago Air & Water Show features daredevil pilots, parachute teams, and jets flying in formation, plus water-skiing and boat jumping. See it from the waterfront near North Avenue Beach. Free.

Dance Festival

August 20 - 23, 2014

Downtown Chicago

See ballet, dance, and dance films in multiple venues at Chicago Dancing Festival. Free.

Food Truck Festival

August 23 - 24, 2014

2 miles NW

Enjoy a meal from a mobile eatery and listen to live music at the Chicago Food Social at 900 N Branch in the Kendall College parking lot. Cost.

South Loop Street Fair

August 23 - 24, 2014 (uncertain)

2 miles south

Bash on Wabash offers musical acts, arts & crafts, a big kids’ area, food trucks, and beer on Wabash Avenue at 13th Street. Donation.

Taste of Greece

August 23 - 24, 2014

2 miles SW

Enjoy Greek restaurant food, traditional music and dance, handcrafts, and children’s games at Taste of Greektown at 400 S Halsted Street. Free.

Bucktown Arts Festival

August 23 - 24, 2014

5 miles NW

Bucktown Arts Fest is an arts celebration that showcases 200 artists, musicians, dancers, poets, and performers at N Oakley and Lyndale. Free.

Jazz Festival

August 28 - 31, 2014

0.5 miles south

The Chicago Jazz Festival is Labor Day weekend at Millennium Park. No dogs. Free.

Eco Art & Music Festival

August 30 - 31, 2014

6 miles NW

Remix Chicago (was Ravenswood Remix) is an art and music festival featuring artists who use recycled and re-purposed materials, with food trucks, green workshops, kids’ activities on Milwaukee Avenue from Fullerton to California. Donation.

Polish Festival

August 29 - Sept. 1, 2014

10 miles NW

Taste of Polonia features 32 bands, 70 vendors, and 12 food booths (polska kielbasa, pierogi, potato pancakes, beer) at Copernicus Center. Cost.

Ravinia Music Festival

August 2014 (undated)

23 miles north

Ravinia Festival is billed as America’s oldest outdoor music festival, with a long series of performances at Ravinia Park in Highland Park. Cost.

Thursday Jazz

August 2014 (undated)

0.5 miles south

Enjoy a concert every Thursday at Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz in Millennium Park. Free.

Cuban Festival

August 2014 (undated)

12 miles NW

Festival Cubano promises Cuban music, Latin American food, vendors, and a kids’ area in Riis Park at Narragansett & Fullerton. Cost.

Italian Festival

August 2014 (undated)

3.5 miles SW

Taylor Street Festa Italiana has music on four stages, Italian cuisine, a local artisan market, and the Momsay Kids Stage on W Taylor Street between Ashland and Racine. Donation.

Latin American Festival

August 2014 (undated)

12 miles NW

The National Latin American Festival features Latin American food, music, culture, and a beauty pageant at Riis Park at Narragansett & Fullerton.

Polish Festival

September 1, 2014 (begins Aug. 29)

10 miles NW

Taste of Polonia features 32 bands, 70 vendors, and 12 food booths (polska kielbasa, pierogi, potato pancakes, beer) at Copernicus Center. Cost.

Craft Fair & Bazaar

September 6 - 7, 2014

3.5 miles NW

Shop from artisans, chefs, and merchants of vintage household goods when The Renegade Craft Fair and The Vintage Bazaar team up in Wicker Park. Free.

Berghoff Oktoberfest

September 10 - 12, 2014

1 mile south

Berghoff Oktoberfest serves bratwurst, sauerkraut, chicken, pretzels, and apple strudel plus German music at W Adams St. and Dearborn. Free to 9 p.m.

World Music Festival

September 11 - 21, 2014

Chicago locations

Chicago World Music Festival features artists and ensembles from all over the world. Free.

Mexican Independence Festival

September 12 - 14, 2014

10 miles SW

Thousands attend Festival de La Villita for authentic Mexican cuisine, music, artisans, carnival rides, and family entertainment on W 26th St. at Kostner. Free.

Old Town Festival

September 13 - 14, 2014

2 miles north

Previously called Wells Street Fall Festival, it’s now Crush in Old Town that offers fine art, beer and wine tasting, music, a children’s area, and local-restaurant food including macaroni & cheese at Wells St. & North Ave. Donation.

Lakeview East Art Festival

September 13 - 14, 2014

4 miles north

Meet 175 juried artists selling paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture, and jewelry at Lakeview East Festival of the Arts on Broadway Avenue, north of Belmont. Donation.

Apple Festival

September 20, 2014 (uncertain)

7 miles NW

Get some apple pie and cider, listen to local music, or visit the kid zone at Apple Fest on N Lincoln Avenue from Leland to Lawrence. Donation.

Taco Festival

September 20 - 21, 2014

5 miles north

Try tacos from 8 restaurants and vote for the best, try a dozen different beers, hear live music, see arts & crafts plus a kids’ area at Lakeview Taco Fest at N Southport Ave. & W Addison St. Donation.

St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest

September 26 - 28, 2014

6 miles NW

Enjoy beer, bratwurst, pretzels, live music, and arts & crafts at Oktoberfest Chicago on N Lincoln Ave. at Southport. Children’s “Kinderfest” on Sunday afternoon. Cost.

Hyde Park Art Fair

September 27 - 28, 2014

8 miles south

Meet friendly artists at the juried Hyde Park Arts & Crafts Adventure in the courtyard of University of Chicago’s Hyde Park Shopping Center. Free.

Family Haunts

September 27 - Oct. 30, 2014

The Haunted Barn at Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen is appropriate for mature kids. The Fun Barn will entertain even the youngest children. Cost.

Rock Festival

September 2014 (undated)

6 miles west

Riot Fest is an affordable outdoor punk, rock and alternative music festival at Humboldt Park. Cost.

Logan Square Beer Festival

September 2014 (undated)

7 miles NW

Try 40 beers from 20 breweries at Logan Square Beer Fest in Logan Square Auditorium. Cost.

Edgewater Art Fair

September 2014 (undated)

8 miles north

Edgewater Fall Art Fair features 60 local artists, live music, a beer garden, fashion show, kids’ corner, and pet parade on W Granville Ave. at Broadway. Donation.