Finally, our three months to soak in the sun are here. Fests to attend, music to hear, films to see...this could be your best summer yet.

The Parade of Summer
Field Guide to the Magnificent Mile: Abridged

A Sensual Feast
Summer's Bacchanal of Tastes, Smells, Sounds, Sights and Textures

1968
A U of C Student Spends a Long Hot Summer Away from Home

Summer in the Park
Celebrating Indian Boundary

Summertime, and the Scamming's Easy
Having fun the shameful way at Six Flags

SUMMER EVENTS

JUNE

FRI/2
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Featuring more than forty performances, including CeCe Winans, New Direction, Bishop Neal Roberson, VaShawn Mitchell and Friends, Joann Roasario, Dottie Peoples, Marvin Sapp, The Caravans, Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites, Joe Ligon and the Mighty Clouds of Joy and others. Millennium Park, Michigan and Randolph, (312)744-3370. 4pm-9:30pm. Also June 3-4, 11am-9:30pm. Free.

SAT/3
Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
This weekend-long celebration boasts performances by Chico Banks, A Girl Named Craig, Bumpus, English Beat featuring Dave Wakeling, Hello Dave, Liquid Soul and more. North Sheffield from Belmont to School, (773)868-3010. Noon-10pm. Also June 4, Noon-9pm. $5 donation benefits Central Lake View Merchants' Association.

57th Street Art Fair
The Midwest's oldest juried art fair in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood celebrates the beauty of spring. Hyde Park, 57th and Kimbark, (773)493-FAIR. 11am-6pm. Also June 4, 10am-5pm.

Printer's Row Book Fair
The Midwest's largest free outdoor literary event transforms the neighborhood into a booklover's paradise with 150 booksellers and more than 100 readings, panel discussions, demonstrations and family activities. South Dearborn between Congress and Polk, and at Harold Washington Library Center, (312)222-3986. 10am-6pm. Also June 4, 10am-6pm. Free.

SUN/4
Other Book Festival
Newcity presents a night of literary celebration, featuring "American Splendor" creator Harvey Pekar and a book bazaar. Cactus, 404 S. Wells, (312)922-3830. 4pm-8pm and beyond. www.otherbookfestival.com

The Second City Neighbhorhood Tour
The renowned Chicago comedy group has teamed up with The Chicago Historical Society to bring you humorously historic walking tours of Old Town. The actors double as tour guides and the tour ends with a trip to The Second City, where participants are given a behind-the-scenes glance into the creative process. The Second City, 1616 N. Wells, (312)337-3992. Sundays at 4pm. $15.

TUE/6
Tuesdays on the Terrace
The MCA fills its Anne and John Kern Terrace with live jazz and outdoor dining catered by Wolfgang Puck. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago, (312)280-2660. 5:30pm-8pm. Tuesday evenings throughout the summer:
June 6: Crosswind
June 13: Fred Anderson Trio
June 20: Fred Lonberg-Holm Valentine Trio
June 27: Corey Wilkes Trio
July 11: Alfonso Ponticelli Trio
July 18: Fred Lonberg-Holm Valentine Trio
July 25: Corey Wilkes Trio
August 1: Fred Anderson Trio
August 8: Alfonso Ponticelli Trio
August 15: Crosswind
August 22: Diane "Lil Sax" Ellis and the Jazzy Ladies
August 29: Corey Wilkes Trio

FRI/7
St. Bart's Carnival
Carnival rides, a raffle, and other family fun in a covered tent at St. Bartholomew Church. 4900 W. Addison, (773)286-7871. Through June 11.

THU/8
Chicago Blues Festival
The 23rd annual installment features live jazz performances by Little Brother Montgomery (Barrelhouse Chuck), Lonnie Gearshifter Youngblood, Terry Harmonica Bean, Super Chikan and many more. Grant Park, 300 S. Columbus, (312)744-3370. Also June 9-11.

SAT/10
Andersonville Midsommarfest
A smorgasbord of old-world Swedish culture, including festive dances around the Maypole, spirited music, face painting and stage acts. 5200-5400 N. Clark, (773)665-4682. 11am-10pm. Also June 11.

Daddy/Daughter Dance
The Chicago Park District celebrates both Dad and kids with daddy-daughter dances, father-son tournaments and ice cream socials. Washington Park, 5531 S. Martin Luther King, (773)256-1248. 1pm-4pm. $15.

Dance Down Division
Newcity presents a full day of shopping and partying down Wicker Park's Division Street. West Division from Ashland to Leavitt. 12pm-7pm.

Fiestas Puertorriquenas / Puerto Rican Parade
Shimmy to salsa and merengue while enjoying signature dishes, crafts, and music at this celebration of Puerto Rican culture. Don't forget to hit up the Puerto Rican Parade on June 17. Humboldt Park, 1400 N. Sacramento, (773)292-1414. Through June 18. Weeknights 2pm-9:30pm, Sat-Sun 2pm-10pm. Free.

NorthCenter's Ribfest 2006
A veritable feast of barbecue, cooking demonstrations and live music. Vote for your favorite ribs in three categories. Along Lincoln between Irving Park and Warner, (773)525-1359. Noon-10pm. Also June 11, Noon-8pm. $5 donation.

Old Town Art Fair
260 artists chosen by an independent jury of professionals will display their work, including mixed media, drawing, painting, photographing, printmaking, ceramics, glass, jewelry and more. Old Town Triangle Association, Lincoln and Wisconsin, (312)337-1938. 10am-6pm. Also June 11. $5 requested donation, kids 12 and under are free.

Wells Street Art Festival
Peruse a wide variety of fine art while jamming to live bands and lots o' beer. 1500 N. Wells, between North and Division, (773)868-3010. 10am-10pm. Also June 11.

SUN/11
West Loop Summer Art Market
A celebration of art, culture and the summer solstice. 841 West Randolph, (312)491-1900. Noon-7pm.

MON/12
Halsted Tastes Better
The fifth annual outdoor fest celebrates the summer with all-you-can-eat samples of topnotch cuisine, beer and wine tastings, and live music by the band Midnight. Halsted at Aldine, (773)353-5939. 6pm-9pm. $25 advance tickets, $30 at the door.

WED/14
Grant Park Music Festival
Listen to exceptional performances while enjoying the weather--and the view. Most concerts held Wednesdays at 6:30pm, Fridays at 6:30pm, and Saturdays at 7:30pm. Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, at Michigan between Randolph and Monroe. Through Aug 19. General seating in the lawn area is free.

Theater on the Lake
A stage rendition of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic novel, "The Secret Garden." Theater on the Lake, Lake Michigan and Fullerton, (312)742-7994. 7:30pm. Also June 15-17, 7:30pm, and June 18, 6:30pm. $17.50.

THU/15
Chicago SummerDance Festival
Featuring workshops, dance lessons and more, all summer long. Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan, (312)742-4007. 6pm-9pm. Through Aug. 27: Sundays 4pm-7pm, Wednesdays 6pm-9pm, Thursdays-Saturdays 6pm-9:30pm. Free.

Festa Pasta Vino
The city's largest and most popular celebration of Italian culture puts you at the heart of ancient Italy. Featuring food, wine, a Florentine market and much more. 2400 S. Oakley, (847)233-9966, 5-11pm. Also June 17, Noon- 11pm, and June 18, Noon-9pm. Free.

FRI/16
Taste of Randolph
Three-day festival features food from neighborhood restaurants as well as art and world market vendors, all set to the beat of live music. 900-1200 W. Randolph, between Peoria and Racine, (312)458-9401. 5pm-10pm. Also June 17-18, 2pm-10pm. Suggested donation $10.

SAT/17
Beverly Arts Fair
One of Chicago's most diverse neighborhoods hosts a two-day fine art festival featuring live music, food and drink. Beverly Arts Center, 111th and Western, (773)868-3010. 11am-10pm. Also June 18, 11am-8pm.

Calumet/Giles/Prairie Historical Festival and Housewalk Discover the history of the South Side. Greater Chicago Neighborhoods Inc., 3100 S. Calumet, (312)225-2257. 11am-6pm.

Custer's Last Stand
This fest features live music, employs area youths and showcases community artisans. Check out the "authentic North American Indian Pow-wow." Evanston Arts Depot, Main and Chicago, (847) 328-2204. 10am-9pm. Also June 18. $1 voluntary donation.

Lincoln Park Festival
A weekend-long festival featuring rock and blues musicians, a vast beer selection, food vendors, and local art for sale by the artists. A special Father's Day Brunch is offered on Sunday. Clark & Armitage, (773)665-4682. Noon-10pm. Also June 18, 11am-8pm.

Puerto Rican Parade
The fun-filled finale to the Fiestas Puertorriquenas (see SAT/10). Columbus Drive from Balbo to Monroe, (773)292-1414. 1pm.


WED/21
Theater on the Lake
"The Glass Menagerie." Theater on the Lake, Lake Michigan and Fullerton, (312)742-7994. 7:30pm. Also June 22-24, 7:30pm, and June 25, 6:30pm. $17.50.


THU/22
MOBfest 2006
This annual festival features over a hundred bands, panel discussions, demo-listening panels and various seminars at a dozen venues across the city, including Metro. Visit http://www.chicagomobfest.com/ for more info. 3730 N. Clark, (773)938-1236. Also June 23-24.

FRI/23
Jammin at the Zoo
Featuring the Gin Blossoms. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon, (312)742-2246. Gates open at 6pm, music starts at 7pm. $16-25. Children three and under are free.

Jeff Fest
A three-day extravaganza celebrating the Jefferson Park community, featuring performances by jazz legends Maynard Ferguson, Savoy Brown, Buckwheat Zydeco and more. Jefferson Park, Higgins and Milwaukee, (773)685-3316. 5pm-11pm. Also June 24, noon-11pm, and June 25, noon-6pm.

SAT/24
Fountain Square Arts Festival
Discerning art collectors: take a trip to downtown Evanston, where more than 250 fine artists showcase their work along six city blocks. Downtown Evanston, Main and Chicago, (847)328-1500. 10am-9pm. Also June 25, 10am-6pm.

Pride Fest
The day before the Pride Parade offers continuous musical entertainment as well as food and drink. Northalsted Area Merchants Association, Halsted & Waveland, (773)868-3010. 11am-9pm.

SUN/25
Chicago Antiques Market
Shop till you drop at this historic Randolph Street market, which boasts 200 antique dealers selling everything from housewares and collectibles to vintage clothing. Randolph between Ada and Ogden, 8am-4pm. Also Jul 30 and Aug 27. $10, children under 12 free. Early outdoor buying begins at 7am for $30.

Pride Parade
The 37th annual celebration features every color of the rainbow. 3200 N. Halsted, at Belmont, (773)348-8243. Noon. Free.

WED/28
Theater on the Lake
"No Danger of the Spiritual Thing: Short Works of Samuel Beckett." Theater on the Lake, Lake Michigan and Fullerton, (312)742-7994. 7:30pm. Also June 29-30. $17.50.

FRI/30
African/Caribbean International Festival of Life
Celebrate the summer heat with live performances by soul singers Ashford & Simpson, reggae rapper Beenie Man, Mutabaruka and more. Washington Park, 53rd and South Cottage Grove. 10am-10pm. Through July 4.

Taste of Chicago
This Chicago tradition features food from more than seventy restaurants as well as live musical performances by The O'Jays, 3PC and Risque. Grant Park, Lake Shore Drive at Jackson, (312)744-3315. 11am-9:30pm. Also July 1-9. Free.

June Music
15 Can't-Miss Shows

June Movies
June's Can't-Miss Films

CLICK HERE FOR JULY!
More music, movies and fests for the middle month

CLICK HERE FOR AUGUST!
More music, movies and fests for the end of summer

(2006-05-23)

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