Best Chicago Arts and Music Events in the Good Ol' Summertime (aka: June)
The long-awaited summer season returns to the city in June, which means the streets will be buzzing with Chicago arts and music events. Embrace the languid summer days and nights with ribs, live outdoor music and free museum days at these Chicago arts and music events in June.
Ribfest
Since 1999, Northcenter has hosted this annual weekend event dedicated to gooey ribs and live music. Beginning Friday, June 10, and ending Sunday night, June 12, more than 50,000 people swarm Lincoln Avenue, consume about 50,000 pounds of barbecued ribs, and hear both local and national bands situated at two music stages. Expect engaging performances from Chicagoans My Gold Mask, alt-country group Waco Brothers and Minneapolis-based indie darlings Tapes 'n Tapes.
Chicago Green Music Festival
Eco-friendly vendors align on Damen Avenue in Wicker Park and encourage green initiatives in the city. From noon-10 p.m. throughout the weekend of June 25-26, acclaimed bands such as New Jersey indie stalwarts Yo La Tengo perform along with Portland, Oregon, punk trio The Thermals and New York rockers Les Savy Fav. The $5 donation gets festival-goers access to incredible acts that normally would cost fans a lot more to see in concert.
Missy Weimer’s Chicago City Pools Project
Last summer, Chicago photographer Missy Weimer went around to 47 Chicago public pools in urban neighborhoods and captured their essences. Her photographs encompass portraits of kids frolicking in the water and shots of Davis Square, Pulaski Park, Gage Park and Fuller Park swimming holes. Weimer’s photos will be exhibited at Wright Gallery June 3-June 17, with an opening reception held June 3 from 5-8 p.m.
Chicago Free Museum Days
Several times a year, Chicago’s best and most popular museums offer free days, which includes complementary admission for the public on select days. The basic admission is free, but special exhibits might require a fee. In June, more than 12 Chicago museums will participate in the gratis days including the Adler Planetarium on June 1, 6-7, 8-9-10; The Museum of Science and Industry on June 1-2 and 6- 9; June 1 and 8 at the Art Institute and June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at Glessner House Museum.
Do Division Festival
Yet another street fest/block party with live music, Do Division’s annual weekend-long fiesta is held June 4-5 at the intersection of Division and Damen streets. The roadways thrive with food and beverage vendors and local businesses that open their doors for sidewalk sales. The biggest draw is the live bands performing on two stages including “the loudest band in New York,” A Place to Bury Strangers, L.A. group Dengue Fever, electro-pop act Javelin and local groups Empires and California Wives.
Posted on May 11, 2011 by Garin Pirnia
