June fests

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* Recommended

Great Wisconsin Cheese Fest, Jun 5–7 Doyle Park, 100 Van Buren St, Little Chute, WI (wi-littlechute.civicplus.com). Fri 5pm–midnight, Sat 10am–midnight, Sun 8am–5pm; $5, kids 4–12 $3, Sundays free. For the lactose-intolerant, this would be a bummer. But for cheese lovers, the fete boasts yummy cheesecake, cheese-carving demos and a cheese-curd-eating contest.

The Raven, Jun 5–7 Chase Park, 4701 N Ashland Ave (starevents.com/raven). Fri 5–10pm; Sat noon–10pm; Sun noon–9pm; $5. North Siders gather round for three days and nights of live music, food and entertainment at this classic neighborhood street fest. Proceeds benefit Community Build Tutors, a program that provides free tutoring to youth at Chase Park.

Chicago Botanic Garden Wine Festival, Jun 6, 7 1000 Lake-Cook Rd, Glencoe (chicagobotanicgardenwinefestival.com). Sat noon–7pm, Sun noon–6pm; $30, in advance $25, designated-driver ticket $10. Make good use of your designated driver by sampling from more than 200 wines from around the globe. Aficionados will be on hand to discuss the latest varieties.

FREE Chicago Gospel Music Festival, Jun 6, 7 Millennium Park, Michigan Ave between Monroe and Randolph Sts (chicagogospelfestival.us). 11am–9:30pm. Chart-toppers Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin and many more will lift spirits. An appearance by Idol-winner Fantasia features her mom, Diane Barrino.

* FREE Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest, Jun 6, 7 Dearborn St between Congress Pkwy and Polk St (chicagotribune.com/entertainment/events/printersrow). 10am–6pm. Celebrating its 25th year, the fair is back with the usual gamut of titles for book seekers. Festivalgoers get the chance to hear poetry readings, author discussions and debates.

FREE 57th Street Art Fair, Jun 6, 7 57th St between Kimbark and Kenwood Aves (57thstreetartfair.org). Sat 11am–6pm; Sun 10am–5pm. As artsy-crafty fairs go, this is one of the Midwest’s oldest (it’s been around for 60-plus years), biggest and best. Pick up jewelry, paintings, sculptures, photographs, ceramics and more.

FREE Chi-Town STA-BIL Kruze, Jun 6 Grant and Millennium Parks, from Roosevelt Rd and Michigan Ave to Randolph St and Columbus Dr (847-997-8624, chitownkruze.com). 8am–noon. Get in gear to watch or participate in the classic-car cruise that features around 1,000 unique makes and models.

Eastside Millennium Art Festival, Jun 6, 7 Stetson and Lake Sts at Michigan Ave. 10am–5pm. This new fest showcases pieces by about 150 juried artists from across the country. Live music, food and kids' activities round out the offerings.

Metronome Celebration, Jun 6, 7 Milwaukee Ave at Armitage and Western Aves (773-934-6451). El: Blue to Western. Bus: 49, 56, 74. Noon–10pm, donation $5. This new green-minded music fest features more than 40 bands on five stages, with a lineup curated by people who actually know a little something about music—think the Empty Bottle Presents, MP Productions, the Congress Theater and more. Food, green product and service vendors, and arts and crafts are also on the bill.

FREE Chi-Town STA-BIL Kruze, Jun 6 Grant and Millennium Parks, from Roosevelt Rd and Michigan Ave to Randolph St and Columbus Dr (847-997-8624, chitownkruze.com). 8am–noon. Get in gear to watch or participate in the classic-car cruise that features around 1,000 unique makes and models.

* FREE Grant Park Music Festival, Jun 10–Aug 15 Millennium Park, Michigan Ave between Monroe and Randolph Sts (grantparkmusicfestival.com). Wed, Fri 6:30pm; Sat 7:30pm. World-renowned conductors, musicians and vocalists perform classical music beneath the stars. Special attractions include the re-creation of Grant Park’s first orchestral concert of 1935.

FREE SummerDance, Jun 11–Aug 23 Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S Michigan Ave. Thu, Fri, Sat 6–9:30pm; Sun 4–7pm. Organized by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, this series of outdoor dances features a variety of global sounds. Before each show, dance lessons are given by professional instructors.

FREE Chicago Blues Festival, Jun 12–14 Grant Park, Jackson Blvd at Columbus Dr (chicagobluesfestival.us). 11am–9:30pm. Retro soulstress Sharon Jones headlines. Betty Levette, Pinetop Perkins and a host of locals also bring on the blues. The “Blues Capital of the World” honors guitarist Eddie C. Campbell’s 70th birthday.

FREE Fiesta Back of the Yards, Jun 12–14 47th St between Ashland and Damen Aves (bync.org). Fri 5–10pm, Sat 10am–10pm, Sun noon–10pm. The Latino community throws a huge heritage bash, complete with live bands, cultural performances, children’s entertainment and around 100 vendors.

Party at St. Mike’s, Jun 12–14 St. Michael’s Church, 1633 N Cleveland Ave (st-mikes.org). Fri 5–10pm, Sat 4–10pm, Sun noon–8pm; $10, three-day pass $15. The quiet streets around the Catholic church will be replaced with loud rock and roots bands.

FREE Pride of the Fox RiverFest, Jun 12–14 Along the banks of the Fox River, on Illinois Rte 64, St. Charles (prideofthefox.com). Fri, Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 11am–10pm. Try duck racing and other waterside activities at this river-themed bonanza.

Ribfest Chicago, Jun 12–14 Lincoln Ave at Irving Park Rd (ribfest-chicago.com). Fri 5–10pm; Sat, Sun noon–10pm; $5. If you are looking to start a heated argument, ask, “Who serves the best ribs?” This topic is as hot as the grills and sauces at this fest. Check out live local bands on Friday.

Humboldt Park Art Fair, Jun 13 Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1359 N Sacramento Blvd (773-319-3112, graffitizone.org). 10am–9pm. Graffiti Zone, a nonprofit community art studio, organizes its third annual festival devoted to music, visual art, poetry and film.

* Andersonville Midsommarfest, Jun 13, 14 5200–5450 N Clark St (starevents.com). 11am–10pm, $5. This fest’s a Swede deal: Andersonville celebrates its Swedish heritage (and its gay and lesbian newcomers) with two days of Nordic food and performers.

FREE City Wilds Festival, Jun 13, 14 North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N Pulaski Rd (chicagoparkdistrict.com). 10am–3pm. Tour the 46-acre preserve, while learning how native plants attract wildlife. Also receive a lesson in worm composting.

Old Town Art Fair, Jun 13, 14 Between Menomonee and Wisconsin Sts, from Lincoln Park W to Sedgwick St (oldtownartfair.org). 10am–6pm; $7, kids 12 and under free. Celebrating its 60th year, the fair welcomes nearly 260 exhibitors, and includes a children’s corner and a self-guided garden walk.

Wells Street Art Festival, Jun 13, 14 Wells St between North Ave and Division St (chicagoevents.com). 10am–10pm, $7–10. More than 300 fine artists feature their work in the prestigious art fair. Would-be buyers, food vendors and a silent auction round out the entertainment.

FREE Fiestas Puertorriqueñas, Jun 16–21 Division St, between Western Ave and Rockwell St (773-292-1414). Tue–Fri, 4–10:30pm; Sat, Sun, 1–10:30pm. Come summer, the party in Humboldt Park never seems to end. The neighborhood’s fiesta season begins with one of the largest and lengthiest fests in Chicago. Originating in 1964, this Puerto Rican heritage celebration includes performances by Latin entertainers, carnival rides, food vendors, and arts and crafts vendors.

FREE Chicago Peace Fest, Jun 19–21 Lincoln Park, Stockton and LaSalle Drs (myspace.com/peacefreedomfest). Noon–9pm. It’s no Woodstock, but here’s your chance to see more than 30 bands promote messages of peace and unity.

Naper Days, Jun 19–21 Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St, Naperville (naperdays.org). Fri 5–10pm; Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–6pm; $5, kids 8 and under free; $10 Fri and Sat after 6pm. The western suburb’s weekend festival includes food sampling at Taste of Naperville and performances.

Scottish Festival and Highland Games, Jun 19, 20 Oak Brook Polo Grounds, 31st St and York Rd, Oak Brook (chicago-scots.org). Fri 4–10pm; Sat 8am–9pm. Fri: $12, kids 12 and under free; Sat: $17, kids 12 and under free. Pay homage to traditional Celtic sports and culture by watching Scottish heavy athletics or competing in a variety of fun competitions, from the “nobbly knee” contest to the shortbread bake-off.

Taste of Randolph Street, Jun 19–21 Randolph St between Peoria St and Racine Ave (jamfests.com/tasteofrandolph). Fri 5–11pm; Sat 2–11pm, Sun 2–10pm; $10. We can still hardly believe the West Loop used to be a bunch of meat-packing factories. Today the ’hood is nearly all fancy condos and trendy restaurants, several to be featured at the Taste of Randolph Street.

FREE Taste of Riverwalk, Jun 19–21 Riverwalk, runs along Wacker Dr and the south bank of the Chicago River from Franklin St to Lake Shore Dr (cityofchicago.org/riverwalk). Hours TBA. The riverside promenade offers a spectacular view and food samplings from nearby cafes. Daily activities include boat tours, river taxis, bikes rentals and fishing.

Belmont Arts & Music Festival (BAM!), Jun 20, 21 Belmont and Damen Aves (chicagoevents.com). Noon–10pm, $5. The Roscoe Village music fest brings in Jon McLaughlin and the Lovehammers.

Chicago Summerfest in Lincoln Park, Jun 20, 21 Clark St at Armitage Ave (starevents.com/summerfest). Sat noon–10pm; Sun 11am–9pm; $5. An art show, food and a play area for the little ones fills the crowded corner.

Custer’s Last Stand Festival of the Arts, Jun 20, 21 Chicago Ave and Main St, Evanston (custerfair.com). 10am–9pm, $1. Evanston brings in 350 artists and cuisine from 30 restaurants.

Chicago Salsa Festival, Jun 23–28 Palmer House Hotel, 17 E Monroe St, and other locations (latinstreetdancing.com); workshops Fri, Sat and Sun 10am–5pm; concerts Thu, Fri, Sat and Sun 7pm–2am; $15–25 per event, $75 workshops, $240 package. You don’t have to be a D-list celebrity or a professional ballroom-dancer to take part here; all skill levels are encouraged. Salsa bands heat up the dance floor at various locations throughout the city.

FREE Chicago Arabesque, Jun 24–27 Daley Plaza, Washington and Dearborn Sts (chicagoarabesque.com). Wed–Fri 10am–3pm; Sat 11am–7pm. Indulge in Middle Eastern culinary treats, shop for crafts and listen to music and dance performances.

FREE Neighborhood Boys & Girls Family Fest, Jun 24–28 Rockwell St at Irving Park Rd (nbgc.org). Wed, Thu, Fri 6–11pm; Sat, Sun 2–11pm. Proceeds from carnival rides, games and food benefit the Boys & Girls Club. This year, the youth development center brings nightly live music to the venue.

Bloomington Gold Corvette Show, Jun 25–28 Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St, St. Charles (bloomingtongold.com). 7am–5pm. $15–$40. If you dream of (or own) a little red corvette, check out the “granddaddy” of Chevy car shows. An auction, classes and a “Hall of Fame” ceremony also take place.

* Milwaukee Summerfest, Jun 25–Jul 5 200 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI (summerfest.com). Noon–midnight; weekends $15, weekdays noon–4pm $8, seniors and kids ages 3–10 $3, kids 2 and under free, advance $6–$14, three-day pass $33, additional fees for Marcus Amphitheater concerts. This jam fest touts up-and-coming acts, but it’s the biggest names in the music industry that keep fans coming back. Watch Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, No Doubt and Earth Wind and Fire, to name a few.

FREE Downers Grove Heritage Festival, Jun 25–28 Main St at Curtiss St, Downers Grove (events.downers.us). Thu 6–10pm; Fri, Sat 10am–10:30pm; Sun 11am–10pm. Toss back a few beers, then chat with the mayor. Well, maybe not in that order.

Cans Music Fest, Jun 26, 27 1640 N Damen Ave (cansbar.com/chicago). Fri 4pm–2am; Sat 11am–3am; $5. Nostalgia rap acts Naughty By Nature and Vanilla Ice take the stage.

* FREE Long Grove Strawberry Fest, Jun 26–28 Old McHenry Rd at Robert Parker Coffin Rd, Long Grove (longgroveonline.com/strawberry.html). 10am–6pm. Wash down melt-in-your-mouth chocolate-covered strawberries with a strawberry martini. The streets will be jam packed (wah, wah) with an assortment of the delicious sweet red eats.

* FREE Taste of Chicago, Jun 26–Jul 5 Columbus Dr between Monroe and Balbo Drs; and Jackson and Congress Drs from Michigan Ave to Lake Shore Dr (tasteofchicago.us). 11am–9pm; Jul 3, 11am–9:30pm; Jul 5, 11am–6pm. Loosen up your belt and head out to try more than 200 culinary delights. If you’re as cautious about your waistline as you are about your wallet, opt for the smaller “Taste” portions. A strip of 12 tickets costs $8. Ho-hum musical guests Ne-Yo, Counting Crows and Buddy Guy join a solid, local indie rock lineup playing on the smaller stages.

Chicago Pride Fest, Jun 26-27 Halsted St at Waveland Ave (chicagoevents.com). 26: 3pm-10pm, 27: 11am–9pm, $5. The day before the Gay Pride Parade, Boystown bursts at the seams with boys at this nonstop party.

Fountain Square Art Festival, Jun 27, 28 Sherman Ave at Church St, Evanston (chicagoevents.com). 10am–6pm; $5. More than 250 artists showcase their masterpieces for buyers and collectors.

Girl Blast, Jun 28 Ann Sather parking lot, 929 W Belmont Ave. 2–10pm, price TBA. While the boys are enjoying the Pride Parade, girls gather at this annual lesbian party. Food and drinks are provided and DJs spin.

Cornerstone Festival, Jun 29–Jul 4 23325 N Cornerstone Rd, Marietta (cornerstonefestival.com). Performances 10am–2am, seminars 10am–4pm. Festival pass: $95–$155, kids 11 and under free, family $255–$375 (includes camping). Tens of thousands annually flock to “C-Stone,” as it’s called by those down with JC. Hundreds of Christian music performers, from rockers to rappers, unite at this concert.

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