Summer in Chicago means fests.  There is something for everyone, and I have marked several on my calendar.

This weekend (June 8–10), is Ribfest.  Usually, I don’t even eat ribs, but I know there will be some vendors selling turkey ribs, and I plan on eating my share.  I also plan on enjoying their lineup of bands playing throughout the event.

Unfortunately, I will be out of town for Blues on the Fox, a great music festival in Aurora.  This year, featured performers include such legends as John Primer, Billy Branch and the Nevilles.

I will not miss the entire Downtown Alive music festival series, though.  Retro Rock on the Fox is July 14.  Jam on the Fox is Aug. 18 and features the Georgia Satellites.

The Taylor Street Festa Italiana (Aug. 3–5) takes place in the Little Italy section of Chicago.  It features cultural exhibits, imported merchandise, unique entertainment and more; but I go for the pizza, risotto, cannoli and gelato.

On the same dates (Aug. 3–5) is Lollapalooza, a huge music fest in downtown’s Grant Park.  The Red Hot Chili Peppers lead the lengthy list of musicians appearing this year.  I plan on eating at the Festa Italiana and then walking the couple miles (burning some calories) to hear some great music.

Skokie’s Backlot Bash (Aug. 24–26) is not as big as the others, but it is basically in my backyard.  It has the usual fun (games, food, rides), and it also has Tributosaurus, my favorite local band.  This year Tributosaurus “becomes” Tom Petty.

The Chicago Jazz Festival (Aug. 30–Sept. 2) is held at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago.  An evening of smooth jazz music near Lake Michigan on a warm summer night is so inviting.

I am sure I will add a couple more as the summer develops, but for now this is a very solid lineup.  I look forward to the new sights, sounds and tastes.

— John Wroblewski, online contributor