2010 Chicago Music Festivals - Something for Everyone

The famous Chicago Blues Festival will be held on June 11-13, 2010 at Grant Park. Concerts are free. Open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.. This Chicago music festival is the largest free blues festival in the world with performers filling 6 stages. No alcohol, fireworks or pets (except for service animals). Performers for the Chicago music festival are yet to be announced. Past performers include B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt and Ray Charles. Local food vendors include Billy Goat Tavern, Star of Siam, Little India, Vienna Beef/Gold Coast Dogs, and others.
Check www.chicagofestivals.net for updates on performers as they become available.

The Chicago Jazz Festival is Chicago's longest running lakefront music festival. It is held on September 4 and 5, 2010 in Grant Park (located at Jackson Boulevard and Columbus Drive). An alcohol free event, visitors can enjoy music, as well as food from local vendors, including Connie's Pizza, Robinson's Ribs, Manny's Cafeteria and more. 2010 marks the 30^th year of the Chicago Jazz Festival. Performers have not been announced as of this writing. For updates, visit www.explorechicago.org or call 312-744-3315. Tents, canopies, fireworks and illegal weapons prohibited.

The Chicago Gospel Festival, June 05-06, 2010, Millennium Park, located at N. Michigan Avenue and Randolph Streets. This is the 25^th year for this free Chicago Gospel Music Festival. Visitors will enjoy inspirational music from over 50 gospel performers on three stages. This Chicago Gospel Music Festival also includes an art fair and other activities for the entire family. Parking available at the Millennium Garages. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cost: Free. Call 3-1-1 for last minute changes or cancellations due to inclement weather, etc.

Chicago Summer Dance is a fun filled evening of dance lessons, live music and more dancing. This free music festival is held every Thursday through Sunday starting June 17 through August 19, 2010. A 3 hour event, the first hour of each Summer Dance is devoted to free dance lessons by professional dance instructors. Different dance moves are taught each session. A fun, casual time for first time dancers to learn some steps or for experienced dancers to pick up new moves. The last two hours of each Chicago Summer Dance music festival features live music and dancing on a large dance floor. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Chicago Summerdance is held in Grant Park at the Spirit of Music Garden. Hours: Thursday through Saturday: 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sundays 4 p.m. 7 p.m.

Chicago Mayfest features live rocking music, food and beer under a big tent. A three day event, held May 21 - May 23, 2010. It also includes an art fair and the popular Pet Parade held on Sunday, May 23 with pet contests and prizes. This Chicago music festival will be held in the Mayfield Courtyard at 3100 N. Ashland. Hours are 5-10 p.m. on May 21 and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on May 22 and May 23.

sources:

www.explorechicago.org
www.starevents.com