Summer Shindigs

There are only a few weeks of classes left for DePaul students, and many are preparing for a relaxing summer in the Windy City. Chicago summers offer endless activities—hit up North Avenue Beach or catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, splash around in Millennium Park’s fountains or explore one of the city’s many neighborhood festivals. It’s hard to find yourself bored in such an adventure filled area.

If you’ll be spending the hot summer days within city limits, we’ve put together a guide filled with info on Chicago’s coolest events that you won’t want to miss.

Grab your friends or head out alone to make some new ones; your U-Pass may be expired but that doesn’t mean you need to stay in one place!

MAYFEST CHICAGO

May 31- June 3

LOCATED AT Lincoln & Leland Avenue

Mayfest 2012 (or Maifest, as the Germans would say) is brought to you by the May Fest Committee, President Joe Matuschka, Vice-President Matt Lodge, the Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce and 47th Ward Alderman Ameya Pawar.

This traditional German celebration of the arrival of spring is still celebrated throughout Germany with the maypole (maibaum) decorated to show off the history and crafts of a specific local village or town.

Mayfest, like Octoberfest, has now become a popular celebration throughout the world. Chicago’s German community welcomes all to their Mayfest in Lincoln Square, the heart of Chicago’s German community.

The 13th annual German festival features German foods, live music, maypole dancing and other traditional German presentations.

www.mayfestchicago.com

RANDOLPH ST. MARKET FESTIVAL

May 26- Sept. 30

AT 1340 W. Washington (Plumbers Hall)

10a.m.-6p.m. Sat., 10a.m.-5p.m. Sun.

This European-style, indoor-outdoor urban antique market in the historic West Loop neighborhood features 200 select purveyors of high quality, amazingly priced finds, offering unlimited creative inspiration and hours of fun. Here, shoppers can find furnishings, vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles, etc.

The Randolph St. Market Festival is home to the world-renowned Chicago Antique Market, Indie Designer Market, Modern Vintage Chicago and The Holiday Market.

One you can’t miss, this festival has been called “a mecca of cool,” “the best hot spot for antiquing,” “the best Chicago venue for people watching” and “the Barney’s of Vintage.”

Head over for the Vinyl Swap Meet, the Fancy Food Market or the Global Foods Bazaar, and bring your canine friends! The event is pet-friendly, but only in the outdoor section—and they specifically request that pit bulls and dobermans be left at home.

$8 general admission, $3 for students, and children 12 and under are free.

www.randolphstreetmarket.com

WRIGLEYVILLE SUMMERFEST

Sat. and Sun., Aug. 4-5

LOCATED AT 3300 N. Seminary

The ninth annual SummerFest is a “grand slam” of a festival featuring local bands, food and fun.Kicking off on Saturday, Aug. 13 at noon, the event will have plenty of food and beverages to be enjoyed and many local vendors showcasing their products and services.“Food that Chicagoans have come to know and love will be on hand for this out of the park festival,” says the event’s Facebook page.Only $5 for admission, all of the proceeds will be going to worthy causes including The Night Ministry, Lakeview Pantry, Evangelical Lutheran Church America, the Ressurection Lutheran Church After School Program and the Ressurection Lutheran Church Preschool Tuition Assistance Fund.

Saturday’s performers will be Mike & Joe, Mr. Blotto and Mad Science. Sunday brings us the Bethel Lutheran Church Gospel Choir at noon followed by the RLC worship and brunch, courtesy of Lakeview’s Resurrection Lutheran Church.

Wrigleyville SummerFest’s Kids’ Zone features a wide range of interactive activities for children aged toddler to twelve. Bring the kids for face painting and enjoy the inflatable obstacle course, giant slide, mini coaster, and a variety of other fun crafts and games.

www.facebook.com/wrigleyvillesummerfest

WAVEFRONT MUSIC FESTIVAL

June 30- July 1

LOCATED AT Montrose Beach

Wavefront Music Festival is a two-day early summer beachfront music event that follows in the tradition of the great summer fests in Chicago, taking advantage of the warm weather and the city as a destination for thrill seekers nationwide, says the event’s Facebook page.