Warm weather is here, festivals abound, and Chicago is ready to celebrate. That’s why we’re curating a monthly list of all the most intriguing stuff to eat and do around the city. It’s time to make preparations. This is an ongoing list of specials, events, and general summer merriment, so check back throughout the month for updates.

THE THINGS

The Infatuation Chicago Pride Bake Sale

photo credit: Akane Matsumoto

Throughout June, Infatuation Chicago is partnering with LGBTQ+ and ally bakeries Milky Milky, Sweet Mandy B’s, Firecakes, and Radical Joy bakery to celebrate Pride. Not only are these creations sweet and sparkly, they’re helpful too, as the Pride Bake Sale is benefitting The Queer Food Foundation. The Infatuation is donating $50,000 on behalf of partner bakeries to help fight food insecurity in the LGBTQ+ community. You can learn more about The Queer Food Foundation’s important work here. 

Tacos And Mariposas At Tatas Tacos

photo credit: Kim Kovacik

During the month of June, Tatas, one of our favorite spots for birria tacos, is making Mariposas. A portion of proceeds go to Howard Brown Health, which helps provide affirming healthcare and well-being for the LGBTQ+ community.

Free Music At Tack Room And Dusek's

The "Kicking It Curbside" series begins on June 21st on the patios of Tack Room and Dusek’s. From 7-9pm every Wednesday they will have live music with no cover. Full lineup here.

Freedom Market At The MCA

June 16th is the Freedom Market at the MCA. It has over 50 local Black-owned businesses selling everything from clothing, to artwork, to beauty products. Day of tickets are $25 and come with museum exhibit access as well as a cocktail. Get tickets here.

Juneteenth Festival In Bronzeville

The Bronzeville community of Chicago is having a Juneteenth festival on June 17th. The indoor/outdoor celebration will have local historians, artists, crafters, and more. Check here for more info.

Taste Of Randolph Street 

Randolph Street, ever heard of it? Yes, “Restaurant Row” has its own little “Taste of” June 16th-18th, and naturally it’s stacked with great food from neighborhood restaurants. Check this Instagram post for the full lineup.

Juneteenth Celebration At Ina Mae's

Ina Mae, a New Orleans-inspired restaurant in Wicker Park, is having a Juneteenth celebration on June 18th. Along with their brunch and dinner menu, they will have live music from 12pm-3pm, cocktail specials, and beer from Funkytown, a local Black-owned brewery.

Juneteenth Black Bar Crawl

Saturday, June 17th is the seventh annual Juneteenth Black Bar Crawl, showcasing South Loop and Bronzeville bars and restaurants. Tickets and details here.

Dusable Museum Community BBQ

On June 19th, The DuSable Museum is hosting their annual Juneteenth BBQ with a full line-up of local vendors, performances, and of course, some BBQ. Check here for details.

Chicago Pride Fest

This LGBTQ+ festival in Lakeview is full of drinks, drag queens, dancing, rainbows, and plenty of food. This year’s Pride is June 17th-18th, and will have over 100 vendors and three stages for live music. Details here.

Chicago Pride Parade 

June 25th is the 52nd annual Chicago Pride Parade. It begins at noon on Sunday, June 25th, at Montrose and Broadway in Uptown, and ends near the intersection of Diversey and Sheridan in Lincoln Park. You can see the route here. 

Past Events

BBQ Drag Brunch On A Rooftop

Aire, the rooftop bar on top of the Hyatt in the Loop, is hosting a BBQ Drag Brunch on June 11th. There will be burgers, hot dogs, bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys, and yes, drag queens.

Andersonville Midsommarfest 

Midsommarfest in Andersonville is June 9th-11th, and, as far as we know, is 100% pagan-cult free. But what it lacks in Florence Pugh it makes up for in local bands, Swedish art, and food. More details here.

Fiestas Patronales Puertorriqueñas

photo credit: Sandy Noto

If you’re in the mood for Puerto Rican food (trust us, you are) head to Humboldt Park June 8th-11th for Fiestas Patronales Puertorriqueñas. Along with live music and art, there will be vendors selling things like pasteles, jibaritos, tostones, arroz gandules, and more. Check here for more info.

Vegandale 

photo credit: Max Musto

You can find this traveling vegan food festival all over North America—in NYC, Toronto, LA, and Miami to name a few. Vegandale Chicago takes place on June 10th in the Loop, and has local vendors like I Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat, Demera, Herbivore, and more. You can also expect cruelty-free shops, and plenty of pleather. Check here for more info.