Spending summer in Chicago and not feeling too excited about it? Don’t worry! It may seem like a bummer to hang back if all of your friends are travelling to other parts of the country, but in actuality, you are very lucky. Students from other schools would fight for the kinds of summer opportunities a city like Chicago affords. Besides internships and career explorations downtown, Chicago is home to a plethora of exciting summer events that most UChicago students are unable to experience. Here is just a small list of the exciting happenings in our city this summer:
Lollapalooza
Held this summer from August 2-4 in Grant Park, Lollapalooza is perhaps the country’s most famous music festival. Catering to a multitude of music tastes and genres, from Kendrick Lamar to Mumford & Sons, Lolla gurantees three days of fun. While tickets are completely sold out on the official website, lucky individuals still might be able to score passes on Craigslist, StubHub, or even from friends. For more information, check out http://www.lollapalooza.com.
Chicago Neighborhood Festivals
Every year from May to September, Chicago holds Neighborhood Festivals showcasing what the city’s unique cultural areas have to offer. Always wanted to visit the art museums in Pilsen, but never been? Interested in checking out the Ukranian Village? With special deals and events, the Neighborhood Festivals are your chance! For more information, check out http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/neighborhood_festivals.html.
Spring Awakening Music Festival
Do you love EDM? Spring Awakening, “Chicago’s Premier EDM Festival,” is returning to Soldier Field on June 14, 15, and 16 with performances by a myriad of EDM greats, including Bassnectar, Calvin Harris, Bingo Players, Mord Fustang, Krewella, Nero, and others. 3-day general admission passes are on sale for a limited time at $180 and will soon rise to $250. Single day tickets will eventually be released. For more information, head over to http://www.springawakeningfestival.com.
Farmers Markets
During the summer, Chicago is home to a number of awesome farmers’ markets, many of which have food samples, live music, and a selection of mouthwatering local produce. In fact, Hyde Park is home to the well-known 61st Street Farmers Market, which offers local meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and baked goods, along with cooking classes and performances, every Saturday from 9 am – 2 pm on 61st and Dorchester. For more information, check out http://www.experimentalstation.org/farmers-market.
Baseball Games
You’re not a real Chicagoan until you see a White Sox or Cubs game! It can be difficult to get to the stadium during school time, so head over during the summer. Tickets can be found at whitesox.mlb.com and cubs.mlb.com for both day and night games. Try and go on a promotions day, like Free Tumbler Day at Wrigley Field on Friday June 21!