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The raucous weekend-long Blues Festival kicks off summer in Chicago. An estimated 750,000 listeners converge on Grant Park for the world’s largest free blues event. The main stage line-up spans traditional bluesmen like Honey Boy Edwards, jazz interpreters such as Mose Allison, and blues-inflected popsters like Bonnie Raitt. Smaller side stages offer a more intimate audience experience.

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods with upwards of 100 neighborhood festivals to prove it. Virtually every summer weekend features an event or three ranging from the gay-oriented North Halsted Market Days to the ethnic Korean Street Festival.

For three days Grant Park resounds with stirring choirs and impassioned soloists. Headliners have included R&B-star-turned-Memphis-preacher, Al Green.

This 50-year-old fair installs 250 artist booths along Old Town’s historic and leafy lanes. The artwork is supplemented by food vendors, kids’ entertainment, and garden tours.

The summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Ravinia stages concerts (classical, jazz, and pop) in suburban Highland Park. Sheltered seats are available but it’s more fun to pack a picnic and join the crowds on the lawn.

Chicago’s signature foods including deep dish pizza star during the nearly two-week long Taste. Musical entertainers, a carnival with rides, and cooking demonstrations entertain at the sprawling Grant Park event.

On this night, boat owners dress up their ships and form a festive marine parade that culminates with fireworks over the lake. For the best views try Monroe Harbor at the lakefront.

This massive display of military power features historic aircraft flybys, a staged amphibious attack, and precision flying teams. Prime beachfront viewing spots are from Oak Street to Montrose Beach.

Just as the Blues Fest ushers in summer, the smaller Jazz Fest caps it. Music fans are drawn to Grant Park for free concerts by a range of jazz greats like Branford Marsalis and Roy Hargrove.

Merchants mark the start of the holiday season by lighting the shops, lampposts, and trees along Michigan Avenue. The parade and fireworks above the Chicago River on the Saturday night before Thanksgiving warrant braving the inevitable chill.