Most viewed Events items

1. Chicago Festival Guide 2008

Want to get on the fest track to summer? Plan now with our look at the season's best bashes

2. Weekend Best Bets

By Beth Geraci - May 8, 2008

Make a very important date with the Madhatter's Ball, rock out with Mom and more

3. Chicago Mayfest

Kick off the festival season at this 13th annual Lakeview staple. Includes beer, food, live music, a pet parade (noon Sunday) and arts and crafts vendors.

4. Sweat home, Chicago

By Rebecca Palmore - May 5, 2008

Upgrade your summer fitness routine with these 12 classic alfresco events

5. Mom-friendly events

Mom's the word this weekend! Plan a special day for her now

6. Fifth Annual Randolph Street Market Festival

Formerly known as the Chicago Antique Market, the indoor/outdoor fair showcases antiques and vintage collectibles from more than 200 dealers along Randolph Street, between Ada Street and Ogden Avenue. Features one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories from indie designers, a vinyl swap for...

7. Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival

The popular street party, now in its 24th year, features national, regional and local bands, plus food, beer, arts and crafts and fashion displays. Headliners include The Why Store (8 p.m. Saturday), Nine Days (7:30 p.m. Sunday) and others.

8. 28th Annual Taste of Chicago

The mega-food fest features everything from hot dogs to haute cuisine from more than 70 restaurants, plus live music, cooking demonstrations, a wine garden and more.

9. Mayfest

Annual German festival features live music, maypole dancing, traditional food and steins of beer.

10. Lake View Music Fest

The fifth annual event features live music, merchant booths and food tastings from area restaurants.

11. Chicago Summerfest

Lincoln Park gets festive with live music, arts and crafts and kids' entertainment.

12. 25th Annual Chicago Blues Festival

The largest free outdoor blues event in the world features local, national and international entertainment on six stages with more than 90 performances. Headliners include Johnny Winter and James Cotton, Koko Taylor and her Blues Machine, Buckwheat Zydeco and B.B. King. In celebration of the...

13. Chicago Stories

The premiere of short original plays by celebrity authors.

14. Green City Market

Organic produce, poultry, hormone-free beef, organic breads, artisanal cheeses, honey, flowers and more.

15. Jeff Fest

The eighth annual community celebration features live music, craft vendors, food, beer and wine vendors and a fireworks display (9 p.m. Sunday).

16. Chicago Outdoor Film Festival-Grant Park

Grab a blanket, pack a picnic and spend Tuesday nights watching classic movies for free under the stars.

17. Lakeview Mayfest 2005

18. 'Don Giovanni' Live Simulcast

Watch a live broadcast of Mozart's famous opera on a jumbo screen in the pavilion as it takes place onstage in the Harris Theater.

19. Ribfest Chicago

Eat, slurp and sip your way through the 10th annual North Center neighborhood bash, where barbecued fare from local restaurants takes the spotlight. Also features live music on two stages, kids' activities and more.

20. Mother's Day at McCormick and Schmick's Oak Brook

Special brunch menu includes French toast with strawberries, grilled sirloin with eggs and crab eggs benedict.

21. Grant Park Music Festival

The 74th annual classical music series holds its fourth full season in Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

22. Chicago Suburbs Festival Guide 2008

Mark your calendar for these sizzling summer fests

23. Thursday Best Bets

By Lisa Arnett - May 7, 2008

Toast Lumen's first birthday, meet Steven Rosengard, sip bubbly with Mom and more

24. Wrigleyville SummerFest

The sixth annual street fest features live music by Too White Crew (5:30 p.m.) and Elevation (8 p.m.), cornhole and Guitar Hero contests, a climbing wall, kids' activities, food vendors and more.

25. Second Story 2008 Festival

Hear original tales by 46 local storytellers, followed by a DJ or live music. Includes a flight of wine.