ZTERS Around Town

Rocking Out at the Chicago Mayfest

The weather is warming up, which means it’s party time in the Windy City. Summer festival season is officially kicking off in Chicago and some would say it begins with the 26th annual Chicago Mayfest. From May 12th-14th, the streets in Lincoln Park’s Historic District will be filled with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the city’s sizzling summer season.

One reviewer called Mayfest “the unofficial party to ring in Chicago’s Summer Street Fests.” After all, what’s better than good music, cold drinks, tasty eats, and engaging art as we head into summer?

Follow along as we share the many groovy festivities at Chicago Mayfest.

Activities for All Your Senses

Mayfest is a celebration of Chicago’s diverse communities and has something for everyone to enjoy. Attendees can gather at two separate stages to electrifying performances from the city’s most acclaimed musicians. 

Get down to the music while you indulge in food from local vendors and sip on an assortment of refreshing summer drinks like Chi-town’s famous Red White Sangria, whiskey samplings, ice-cold cocktails, and beer.

2023 Chicago Mayfest Lineup

As one reviewer put it, “If it wasn’t for the music, what would it be about?” Mayfest in Chicago features a variety of performers across genres so you’re bound to enjoy and/or discover sounds you love. The lineup boasts a few headliners who are frequent annual performers, such as:

• 16 Candles: An 80’s pop adventure that “inspires new ways of dancing and thinking (not to mention drinking)”
• Too Hype Crew: A hip-hop party band featuring all the greatest hits from the 80’s, 90’s, and early 00’s. Or, in their words, “a full-blown rump-shakin’, rhyme-makin’ old school hip hop experience like nothing else you’ve ever seen!”
• 7th heaven: Described only as “an experience you just have to see and hear.”

For the full line-up, check out the Mayfest Chicago event bulletin.

Armitage Art Show

This year, Mayfest is joining with the Armitage Art Show to celebrate Chicago’s local artists and artisans. Jewelry, clothes, candles, and photography are just a few of the works that will be showcased at an array of vendor booths. If you like interactive art, you’re in for a treat with artist demonstrations featured throughout the event.

A Family-Friendly Affair

If you’re thinking of bringing your younger rockers, you’ll be happy to know that Chicago Mayfest has something for all ages. Little ones can play games and win prizes at the family carnival area. Keep an eye out for the beloved pet parade and Disney character storytime.

Mayfest is designed to showcase the culture of the local neighborhood and support the Lincoln Park community by advocating for small businesses, schools, and local parks. Proceeds from the $10 admission fee goes to support the Ranch Triangle Community Conservation Association.

Got your dancing shoes on? Gather your crew and let loose for Chicago Mayfest. And if you’re local to Chicago and are planning the next big outdoor event, let ZTERS help. We offer dumpster rentals in Chicago, Chicago portable toilet rentals, and other dependable site services for your event.

This post is part of our ZTERS Around Town series, where we highlight popular local events nationwide. ZTERS is not affiliated with the events listed.