Summer fun is in full force this month with street festivals, parades, and more. To add an event, please e-mail Chicago@aboutguide.com.
United Run Through the Zoo - June 3, 2012: This USATF-certified, chip-times race goes through the Lincoln Park Zoo and includes 10K run, 5K run, 5K walk, and free kids' Rhino Rush. First race start at 8 a.m.
Chicago Blues Festival - June 8 - 10, 2012: Considered the "largest free blues festival in the world," Chicago's Blues Festival takes over Grant Park and brings some of the country's best blues artists to its stages.
Chicago 13.1 Marathon® and Karhu 5K - June 9, 2012: Five thousand runners will hit the streets at the Chicago 13.1 Marathon® starting and ending at the South Shore Cultural Center along the shore of Lake Michigan. After the race, join the Michelob Ultra 13.1 Marathon® post-race party where all participants can enjoy an ice cold Michelob Ultra. Half marathon course goes along the lakefront with over 20 party stations along the route. A party with live entertainment, food and refreshments is at the finish.
Chicago Ribfest - June 8 - 10, 2012: Ribfest Chicago is returning with more smokin’ music and barbecue than ever before. What ignited in 1999 as a community block party has exploded into one of Chicago’s most anticipated street festivals. Averaging 50,000 pounds of ribs and BBQ from more than 30 restaurants, Ribfest Chicago 2012 is expected to draw more than 50,000 people to its Northcenter location on Lincoln Avenue between Irving Park Road and Berteau Avenue. As a nationally recognized music festival, Ribfest hosts a blend of Indie, pop, Indie Roots, rock, and alt country. Ribfest also features a dozen professional eaters in the Midwest’s only sanctioned rib-eating contest and a Kids Square for kids to enjoy live entertainment, inflatables, games, and more.
Old Town Art Fair - June 9 - 10, 2012: The Old Town Art Fair, selected as one of the top 10 art fairs in the country by AmericanStyle Magazine, is held in Chicago's historic Old Town Triangle District and showcases 260 nationally acclaimed artists and welcomes an estimated 50,000 art lovers.
Bike to Work Week - June 11 - 15, 2012: Presented by the City of Chicago and Goose Island Beer Company, various events will promote cycling ranging from a planned bike tour in the Loop to a public information session with the Chicago Department of Transportation concerning their plans to make Chicago a world class bicycling city. The week’s festivities will culminate on Friday, June 15 at 7:30 am with the Bike to Work Rally on Daley Plaza (Washington and Dearborn Streets). All cyclists will receive a FREE T-shirt and breakfast, as well as the complimentary Sierra Mist Bike Valet.
Grant Park Music Festival - Begins June 13, 2012: Enjoy weekly outdoor symphonies and concerts this summer in one of Chicago's most beautiful outdoor venues. Picnics are welcomed. The Grant Park Concert Series goes through mid August.
Taste of Randolph Street - June 15 -17, 2012: Located in one of Chicago's most famous restaurant row, the Taste of Randolph Street takes place on Chicago’s Randolph Street corridor in the West Loop (home to Stephanie Izard’s Girl & the Goat). On the six-bock stretch of Randolph Street from Peoria Street and Racine Avenue, festival goers will find food stands, entertainment, and more.
Jammin' at the Zoo - June 22, 2012: The Lincoln Park Zoo's popular monthly summer outdoor concert series kicks off in June. Bands to be announced soon.
Gay PrideFest Street Festival - June 22-23, 2012: Hosted by the Northalsted Business Alliance, this crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian celebration of community pride showcases an lineup of arts and crafts, food, and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages with one dedicated to some of Chicago's fine performers in the gay community.
Gay Pride Parade - June 24, 2012: One of Chicago's most popular and colorful parades with entertainment, food, and more.
Chicago Cubs Summer Camps - June 25 - August 17, 2012: The Chicago Cubs Summer Camps offer children ages 5-13 (of all abilities) the "ultimate Major League Experience" for eight one-week sessions in six locations around the Chicago area. Join fellow teammates for a week of baseball instruction combined with meeting a current Cubs player and taking a tour of Wrigley Field in a full Cubs uniform. Costs start at $549.
Old St. Pat's World's Largest Block Party - June 29 - 30, 2012: The Old St. Pat's World's Largest Block Party attracts close to 30,000 people and hosts food, beer, and music. The block party is also known to locals as one of the biggest "singles parties." Close to 75 couples have said they have met there.
Taste of Chicago - July 11 - 15, 2012: The summer's biggest event known for its food (Turkey legs anyone?), beverages, and music attracting over 2 million people each year won't begin in June as it has in in the past but instead will have a shorten duration in July.
