CHICAGO — The city is pushing for the return of street and neighborhood festivals this summer after a year of cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Festivals are allowed under the state’s COVID-19 safety regulations — and Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Wednesday city officials have begun reviewing applications for outdoor festivals, street and arts and craft fairs and athletic events.
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Some organizers for beloved festivals — including Midsommarfest and the Silver Room Block Party — have already had to cancel due to various challenges, including uncertainty around the pandemic. But others are planning a return.
The events will have to follow state safety guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus, like limiting capacity.
The Mayor’s Office released a partial list of events, including festivals, that have already been OK’d and are expected to be held this summer.
Here are some that have already been approved:
- The Old Town Art Fair will be held June 12-13.
- Pride in the Park will be held June 26-27.
- Windy City Smokeout returns July 8-11.
- The Southport Art Fair will be held July 10-11.
- The Chicago Auto Show will have an outdoor component when it returns July 15-19.
- The Chinatown Summer Fair will be held July 17-18.
- Market Days will be a three-day event Aug. 6-8.
- The Printers Row Lit Fest will be held Sept. 11-12.
- The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will be held Sept. 25-26.
- More events will be listed on the city’s website.
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