Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
&
773/493-3247;
www.57th
streetartfair.org). This is the oldest
juried art fair in the Midwest—in
2004 it celebrated its 57th anniver-
sary. Kids will especially enjoy the
arts and crafts projects and the fun
rides. First weekend in June.
Chicago Gospel Festival,
Petrillo
Music Shell, at Jackson Drive and
Columbus Drive in Grant Park
(
&
312/744-3315
). This is the
largest outdoor, free-admission
event of its kind. Blues may be the
city's more famous musical export,
but Chicago is also the birthplace of
gospel music: Thomas Dorsey, the
“father of gospel music,” and the
greatest gospel singer ever, Mahalia
Jackson, were Southsiders. This 3-
day festival offers music on three
stages with more than 40 perform-
ances. Early June.
Printers Row Book Fair,
on Dear-
born Street from Congress to Polk
(
&
312/222-3986
). One of the
largest free outdoor book fairs in the
country, this weekend-long event
features readings by children's-book
authors, book signings, and panel
discussions on everything from
writing your first novel to finding an
agent. Also on offer are more than
150 booksellers displaying new,
used, and antiquarian topics for sale;
a poetry tent; and special activities
for children. Early June.
Old Town Art Fair,
historic Old
Town neighborhood, at Lincoln
Park West and Wisconsin Street
(
&
312/337-1938;
www.oldtown
triangle.com). Children's art activi-
ties are on offer at this fair; adults
will appreciate the more than 200
painters, sculptors, and jewelry
designers from the Midwest and
around the country. The fair also
features an art auction, a garden
walk, and food and drink. Second
weekend in June.
Wright on this annual tour, which
features 10 buildings in Oak Park,
including Frank Lloyd Wright's
home and studio, the Unity Temple,
and several other notable Oak Park
buildings in both Prairie and Victo-
rian styles. Tickets go on sale March
1 and can sell out within 6 weeks.
Third Saturday in May.
June
Ravinia Festival,
Ravinia Park, in
suburban Highland Park, north of
Chicago (
&
847/266-5100
for
ticket reservations; www.ravinia.
org). Summer wouldn't be summer
without Ravinia, a Chicago tradi-
tion. Basically, it's an outdoor con-
cert venue with a covered pavilion
and plenty of lawn seating. Offer-
ings range from classical to pop.
Kids can enjoy a picnic on the lawn
while parents revel in the music of
the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Pack a picnic, jump on the Metra
commuter railroad, and join the
crowds sitting under the stars on
the lawn.
One warning:
Ravinia is
so popular that many of the first-
rate visiting orchestras, chamber
ensembles, pop artists, and dance
companies sell out in advance. June
through September.
Chicago Blues Festival,
Petrillo
Music Shell, at Jackson Drive and
Columbus Drive in Grant Park
(
&
312/744-3315
). The lineup
looks better every year at this festi-
val. Admission is free, but get there
in the afternoon to stake out a spot
on the lawn for the evening shows.
You'll discover young up-and-com-
ing blues stars (including some who
are the offspring of blues greats,
such as Shamekia Copeland,
daughter of Johnny Copeland). A
shuttle bus will take you from the
park to blues clubs. Call for infor-
mation. First week in June.
57th Street Art Fair,
at 57th and
Kimbark streets in Hyde Park
