Summer City Guide: Chicago

When it comes to summer activities, the warm weather always brings out the best in us. So for 15 straight days, we're going to be dropping City Guides telling you the best concerts to see, outdoor activities to do, and places to eat, shop and stay with a summer focus. Next up, Chicago. With that, here's our Summer 2013 essentials in the Windy City.

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Download Summer City Guide: Chicago As A PDF

It was only a matter of time before Chicago got their own electronic music festival, and what better place to hold it than Soldier Field. Spring Awakening (June 14-16) has a world-class lineup, including headliners Bassnectar, Calvin Harris and Moby.

Website: springawakeningfestival.com

The independently run Pitchfork Music Festival (July 19-21) has proven over the last seven years that they know music. But did you have any doubt? From Björk to R. Kelly, this year’s lineup in Union Park has us very excited.

Website: pitchforkmusicfestival.com

It’s come a long way, but there’s nothing more synonymous with the Chicago music scene than Lollapalooza (August 2-4). This summer’s three-day festival features headliners The Cure, Mumford & Sons and The Killers, as the city envelops historic Grant Park.

Website: lollapalooza.com

Outdoor seating is at a premium in Chicago, so get to Big Star early if you want to make sure you’re taken care of. And if you have the time, make it a summer goal to try each and every one of their tacos.

Website: bigstarchicago.com

The Slide Ride is Chicago’s first (and best) food truck specializing in gourmet sliders. And since they’re on wheels, chances are they’ll be parked in your neighborhood at least one day a week.

Website: theslideride.com

Between their blue van and dessert garage, Flirty Cupcakes satisfies all your cupcake needs in the Windy City. Our favorites include Me Want Cookie Dough and Curious George.

Website: flirtycupcakes.com

Setting the tone for summer seven years running, the Do-Division Street Fest (May 31-June 2) brings the best in local music and retail to over 75,000 people.

Website: do-divisionstreetfest.com

By far Chicago’s best street festival of the summer, Wicker Park Fest (July 27-28) has grown immensely since their humble beginnings. Quite frankly, there’s no other place you should be this weekend.

Website: wickerparkfest.com

If you want to truly see the diversity of Chicago’s dining community, Taste of Chicago (July 10-14) is your destination. And for the first time in its 33-year history, food trucks will be an active part of the festival in Grant Park.

Website: tasteofchicago.us

When you think of Chicago, the Magnificent Mile is often what your mind recounts. And you’ll find everything you need along this 13-block stretch of North Michigan Avenue.

Website: themagnificentmile.com

Since 2005, Saint Alfred has kept you laced with the finest in footwear and street styles. And while some stores may come and go, each year they keep evolving to bring a true vision of what it means to be from and represent the Windy City.

Website: stalfred.com

One of the coolest shops in all of Chicago, Heritage Bicycles are assembled on-site. Whether you need to buy one, go for a test drive or get a tune-up, this neighborhood spot will take care of you.

Website: heritagebicycles.com

Warning: Once you stay at PUBLIC Chicago, all other hotel stays will never be the same. Make sure you stop through this summer to see what we’re talking about.

Website: publichotels.com

If you’re looking for views of Lincoln Park, you will be hard-pressed to find any better than the ones at Hotel Lincoln. And yes, it’s just a short walk to the beach.

Website: hotellincolnchicago.com

Opened just one year ago, the IVY Hotel is dripping with luxury, and perfect for a summer getaway in the city. Just walk out the door and you’re downtown.

Website: exploreivy.com