If anyone else is as obsessed with Alanis Morissette as much as I am, then this year’s Pitchfork Music Festival is for you. The three day music festival takes place from July 19 to July 21 at Union Park in Chicago, Illinois and is expected to have 60,000 people in attendance.

And even though the “The Queen of Cathartic Rock Anthems and Unfiltered Truths" won’t be playing until the last time slot on the festival's final evening, worry not! There are some great acts in the line-up for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday all starting at 1 PM. Plus the festival offers a variety of activities and amenities, including food from local restaurants, an on-site record fair, and much more. 

Now if you’ve read any of my other Ultimate Music Festival Guides, you’ll know that I pack my festival blogs full of insider tips and the very best that these wonderful hosting cities have to offer. Read on for all my recommendations on the top notch places to stay while attending the festival, parking near the festival, the best places to eat, shop, sightseeing while in Chicago and more!

But first, let's take a look at how The Pitchfork Music Festival got started.

The Pitchfork Music Festival has a rich history dating back to its inception in 2006. Initially curated by Pitchfork Media, a Chicago-based Internet publisher of music news and reviews, the festival was held at Union Park in Chicago and featured a diverse lineup of independent artists from genres such as alternative rock, electro-pop, and hip-hop. 

The Pitchfork Music Festival, organized by the influential Chicago-based music publication Pitchfork Media, has grown into one of the most beloved annual music festivals in the United States. The festival's roots trace back to 2005 when Pitchfork Media was hired by Skyline Chicago to curate the Intonation Music Festival. Due to its success, Pitchfork decided to create its own festival, leading to the birth of the Pitchfork Music Festival.

The inaugural Pitchfork Music Festival took place in Union Park, Chicago, on July 29-30, 2006. It featured around 40 bands and drew more than 36,000 attendees. The festival’s lineup included a mix of indie rock, electro-pop, and hip-hop artists, with notable performances by Band of Horses, Yo La Tengo, and Mission of Burma. The festival’s immediate success set the stage for its future expansion.

In 2007, the Pitchfork Music Festival expanded to a three-day event, drawing around 48,000 attendees and a number of new artists, including performances by Sonic Youth, Animal Collective, Yoko Ono, Of Montreal, and The New Pornographers. By 2008, the festival continued to grow in popularity, and featured bands like Animal Collective and Public Enemy, Modest Mouse, and De La Soul. 

The Pitchfork Music Festival is also known for its commitment to activism, sustainability and environmental causes. In 2008, the festival also introduced voter registration initiatives and encouraged recycling and sustainable travel, leveraging its platform for positive impact. In 2010, the purchase of carbon credits was a significant step towards reducing the festival’s environmental footprint.

In addition to the Chicago festival, the Pitchfork Music Festival expanded its reach to Paris in 2011, creating an international version of the festival with a two-day lineup organized in collaboration with Bon Iver's Justin Vernon. 

Every year, the festival is held in November. Dates for this year’s music festival in Paris are November 4-10. This year’s week-long festival will feature performances by various artists across multiple venues throughout Paris, showcasing a diverse range of music and providing an exciting cultural experience. Some notable artists on the line up are, Divorce, EBBY, Elsy Wameyo, Chanel Beads, and many more. Click here for the most up to date info on The Pitchfork Music Festival in Paris.

• Black Duck (1:00-1:40 pm, Green Stage
• Angry Blackmen (1:45-2:25 pm, Red Stage)
• ML Buch (2:30-3:15 pm, Green Stage)
• Rosali (2:45-3:30 pm, Blue Stage)
• Tkay Maidza (3:20-4:10 pm, Red Stage)
• Billy Woods & Kenny Segal (4:15-5:10 pm, Green Stage)
• Doss (4:00-4:45 pm, Blue Stage)
• Amen Dunes (5:15-6:00 pm, Blue Stage)
• Yaeji (5:15-6:10 pm, Red Stage)
• 100 Gecs (6:15-7:15 pm, Green Stage)
• Sudan Archives (6:30-7:15 pm, Blue Stage)
• Jai Paul (7:25-8:25 pm, Red Stage)
• Jeff Rosenstock (7:45-8:30 pm, Blue Stage)
• Black Pumas (8:30-9:50 pm, Green Stage)

• Lifeguard (1:00-1:40 pm, Green Stage)
• L’Rain (1:45-2:25 pm, Red Stage)
• Kara Jackson (2:30-3:15 pm, Green Stage)
• Hotline TNT (2:45-3:30 pm, Blue Stage)
• Feeble Little Horse (3:20-4:10 pm, Red Stage)
• Wednesday (4:15-5:10 pm, Green Stage)
• Water From Your Eyes (4:00-4:45 pm, Blue Stage)
• De La Soul (5:15-6:10 pm, Red Stage)
• Bratmobile (6:30-7:15 pm, Blue Stage)
• Jessie Ware (6:15-7:15 pm, Green Stage)
• Carly Rae Jepsen (7:25-8:25 pm, Red Stage)
• Unwound (7:45-8:30 pm, Blue Stage)
• Jamie xx (8:30-9:50 pm, Green Stage)

• Akenya (1:00-1:40pm, Green Stage)
• Joanna Sternberg (1:45-2:25 pm, Red Stage)
• Maxo (2:30-3:15 pm, Green Stage)
• Nala Sinephro (2:45-3:30 pm, Blue Stage)
• Model/Actriz (3:20-4:10 pm, Red Stage)
• Jessica Pratt (4:15-5:10 pm, Green Stage)
• Hailu Mergia (4:00-4:45 pm, Blue Stage)
• Grandmaster Flash (5:15-6:10 pm, Red Stage)
• Mannequin Pussy (5:15-6:00 pm, Blue Stage)
• MUNA (6:15-7:15 pm, Green Stage)
• Crumb (6:30-7:15 pm, Blue Stage)
• Brittany Howard (7:25-8:25 pm, Red Stage)
• Les Savy Fav (7:45-8:30 pm, Blue Stage)
• Alanis Morissette (8:30-9:50 pm, Green Stage)

Playlists

And to help you get in the festival mood, check out these Pitchfork 2024 Spotify playlists.

PITCHFORK 2024

PITCHFORK MUSIC FESTIVAL 2024

1. CHIRP Record Fair: This fair features vinyl selections from indie labels, local record stores, and independent vendors, catering to vinyl enthusiasts and collectors.
2. Renegade Craft Fair: This lively marketplace showcases the work of modern makers from Chicago and beyond, offering a variety of handmade and unique crafts.
3. Flatstock Poster Fair: Featuring some of the best show-poster artists in the country, this fair allows festival attendees to view and purchase unique gig posters.
4. Kids Zone: A family-friendly area designed for younger festival-goers, ensuring that even kids have a great time.
5. Local Food and Drink: The festival offers food from some of Chicago's favorite restaurants, with options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, along with signature festival cocktails and craft beers.
6. Lockers with Charging Stations: Rentable lockers come with mobile charging packs, allowing festival-goers to keep their devices charged throughout the day.
7. Interactive Art Installations: The festival grounds are adorned with various art installations and exhibitions, providing a visually stimulating environment.
8. Wellness Activities: Festival attendees can participate in yoga sessions, wellness workshops, and other activities designed to promote relaxation and well-being.

When packing for the music festival, it’s important to consider the weather and what you’ll be doing. Will you spend all your time at the Pitchfork Festival watching set after set? Or will you be partaking in any of the activities the festival has to offer? Will you be doing some sightseeing across the city, going on a whirlwind food tour, or lounging around your hotel all day?

Keep in mind that the weather in Chicago during late July, is typically warm to hot. Make sure you bring an umbrella for unexpected rainstorms and lots of layers. And if you’re staying at a hotel and dining in every night, remember the AC blasting can make things super cold. I always bring layers, this way I can toss a sweatshirt or light jacket in my bag and be prepared for anything. 

I love these ultra soft and super cozy pullover hoodie sweatshirts from SpiritHoods. They are stylish and easy to pack and carry with you in a bag and throw on when you need some soft comfiness in the evenings or in cold hotels and restaurants. They come in a bunch of colors and patterns and some of the hoods even have adorable ears on them and some of them even glow in the dark under black lights- perfect for those music festival after parties. They come in men’s sizes as well. So why not be that adorable couple and grab a matching set? You’ll look so cute and be so comfy. I just warn you though, everyone is gonna want to cuddle up with you. 

And if you’re looking for the perfect thing to take you from festival to late nights out on the town, I love this ultra soft and super stylish wild cat varsity jacket.

And ladies, these bodysuits are so hot and pair perfectly with jeans or shorts. Or be bold and take it up a notch. These full bodysuits will help you level up your festival fashion game. 

And if you want to spend your days at the Pitchfork Music Festival and your evenings cozied up in the cold AC hotel rooms with loved ones, then these snuggly rompers will do the trick. You’ll be the cutest cushy cuddly bugs. 

Okay now that we know who is playing and what we’re wearing, let’s get into the logistics of the weekend. Cuz remember if you fail to plan, you plan to fail! Just a little wisdom I remember reading from a poster. But there’s truth in it! 

1501 W. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60607 Located in the beautiful Union Park.

Tickets and up to date info can be found on the Pitchfork Music Festival website.

If you’re flying into O’Hare airport for the Pitchfork Music Festival, take CTA The Blue Line to Union Park. It runs for 24 hours, so no stressing about delayed flights! Or save money for the days you’re at the festival and consider buying a pass. 

Also consider renting a bike or even a scooter. Riding a Divvy bike is the perfect way to get around and explore Chicago while having fun. Download the app and rent bikes, ebikes, or scooters. Uber scooters can be rented through the app, where you can find and reserve them by selecting the scooter icon. Spin and Superpedestrian, also offer electric scooters for rent. These services allow for quick and flexible transportation, especially useful for short trips around the city. 

The Pitchfork Music Festival location doesn’t have parking for cars, which can make things challenging when trying to get to the festival. Download ParkWhiz and SpotHero. These apps allow you to reserve parking in advance at various garages and lots around Union Park. Some popular locations include:

• 1165 W Van Buren St Garage
• 901 W Jackson Blvd Lot
• Plaza 440 Garage- A bit farther but offers reasonable rates and is a short Uber/Lyft ride away.

You can search online for offsite garages and book a space for safe parking like this great website which is a great resource. They break down the closest garages and give you exact distances plus allow you to reserve your spot ahead of time. Download their app here!

Unlike many other festivals, The Pitchfork Music Festival does not offer camping on site. So I put together a list of the best hotels and Airbnbs near the festival. And for those of you that want that camping experience, read on, I have some options for camping and places to park your RV. 

Looking for places to stay that offer luxury amenities, pools, spas, and pet friendly rooms? The following are some great options that are close to the Pitchfork Music Festival. If staying at one of these isn’t an option, consider meeting friends for dinner or drinks and enjoy the rooftop bars and beautiful views of Chicago.

 The Hoxton, Chicago 

• Location: 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
• Description: Located in the vibrant West Loop neighborhood, The Hoxton offers chic and stylish accommodations with a rooftop pool, multiple dining options, and a cozy lobby bar.
• Amenities: Rooftop pool, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly rooms.

 Soho House Chicago 

• Location: 113-125 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
• Description: An exclusive members-only club and hotel offering luxurious rooms with access to a rooftop pool, gym, and multiple dining options.
• Amenities: Rooftop pool, fitness center, spa, restaurants, and free Wi-Fi.

 The Emily Hotel 

• Location: 311 N Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607
• Description: Formerly known as Ace Hotel Chicago, The Emily Hotel features industrial-chic decor, a rooftop bar, and a renowned restaurant.
• Amenities: Rooftop bar, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly rooms, and event spaces.

 Nobu Hotel Chicago 

• Location: 155 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607
• Description: A luxury hotel offering sophisticated accommodations, a rooftop lounge, and the world-renowned Nobu restaurant.
• Amenities: Rooftop lounge, fitness center, spa services, free Wi-Fi, and indoor tranquility pool.

The Blackstone Hotel 

• Location: 636 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
• Description: A luxurious and Historic hotel featuring elegant rooms with Lake views, and fine dining options.
• Amenities: Pet friendly, Concierge service, fitness center, a renowned art collection, and a full-service spa.

If you're looking for mid-level hotels near the Pitchfork Music Festival at Union Park in Chicago, here are some options that offer comfortable accommodations and good amenities at a reasonable price.

Hampton Inn Chicago West Loop

• Location: 116 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661
• Description: Conveniently located in the West Loop, this hotel offers modern rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a rooftop pool.
• Amenities: Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, fitness center, rooftop pool.

Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop 

• Location: 733 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60661
• Description: Located near Union Park, this hotel provides comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.
• Amenities: Fitness center, free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant, business center.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Chicago Downtown/River North 

• Location: 60 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654
• Description: Located in the River North area, this hotel provides comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a fitness center.
• Amenities: Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, fitness center, business center.

 Aloft Chicago Downtown River North 

• Location: 515 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
• Description: This modern hotel offers stylish rooms, a fitness center, and a vibrant bar area.
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, on-site bar, pet-friendly rooms.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago West Loop 

• Location: 118 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661
• Description: Located in the West Loop, this all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations, complimentary breakfast, and a fitness center.
• Amenities: Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, fitness center, business center.

Music festivals can get expensive. I get it. Here are some great options near Union Park that won’t break the bank. 

Hotel Chicago West Loop

• Location: 1622 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
• Description: This hotel is very close to Union Park, making it an ideal choice for Pitchfork Music Festival-goers. It offers clean, comfortable rooms at affordable rates.
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, pet-friendly rooms, and a shared kitchen.

Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown 

• Location: 506 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607
• Description: A reasonably priced option offering comfortable accommodations and easy access to public transportation.
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant, fitness center, and an outdoor pool.

Found Hotel Chicago River North

• Location: 613 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
• Description: An affordable boutique hotel in the River North area, offering both private rooms and dormitory-style accommodations.
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, shared kitchen, and a lively bar.

Freehand Chicago 

• Location: 19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
• Description: A stylish and budget-friendly option in downtown Chicago, offering shared and private rooms.
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, a cocktail bar, and a café.

HI Chicago Hostel 

• Location: 24 E Ida B Wells Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
• Description: A highly rated hostel offering affordable dormitory and private rooms.
• Amenities: Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, communal kitchen, and organized activities.

For additional hotels, download the Hoteltonight app and start searching!

There are several convenient Airbnb options near Union Park, Chicago. Here are some highly rated choices:

1. West Town: This neighborhood offers a variety of stylish and highly-rated Airbnb rentals, such as "Paradise on the Park," which boasts a 4.95 out of 5 rating from 180 reviews. It provides a comfortable and trendy stay close to Union Park.
2. Wicker Park: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Wicker Park has excellent options like the "Division St Designer Home," which has a 4.96 out of 5 rating from 208 reviews. It's a popular spot for Pitchfork Music Festival-goers due to its proximity and stylish accommodations.
3. Logan Square: This area features unique Airbnb stays, such as the "Top Floor Escape," which has a 4.97 out of 5 rating from 366 reviews. Logan Square is known for its eclectic vibe and convenient location.
4. Pilsen Historic District: For a more cultural experience, consider staying in Pilsen. The "Powder-Blue Residence" in this district has a 4.95 out of 5 rating from 332 reviews and offers a cozy, artistic ambiance.
5. Roscoe Village: Another great neighborhood is Roscoe Village, offering modern homes like the "Modern Home Roscoe Village/Wrigley," which has a 4.93 out of 5 rating from 224 reviews. It's a family-friendly area with easy access to the Pitchfork Music Festival.

While the Pitchfork Music Festival does not offer on-site camping, there are RV camping options nearby. And if you’re anything like me, I love to find the best camping spots whenever I go on roadtrips. 

These options provide a good balance of proximity and comfort for the Pitchfork Music Festival-goers. And provide a range of amenities and are within a reasonable driving distance to Chicago, making them suitable options for those attending the Pitchfork Music Festival. Be sure to book early, especially during festival dates, as these sites can fill up quickly. Also check this website for the top campgrounds and RV sites in Chicago.

1.  McCormick Place Marshaling Yard is a popular choice for RV travelers, located about a mile from downtown Chicago. This facility offers dry camping (no hookups) and is convenient for attending the festival.
2.  Chicago Northwest KOA in Union, IL: About 55 miles from downtown Chicago, this campground offers full hookups for RVs, tent sites, and cabins. It provides amenities like a pool, showers, mini-golf, and a dog park, making it a family-friendly option. It's also conveniently located near public transportation to get you to the Pitchfork Music Festival.
3.  Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs, IL: This campground is part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County and is approximately 30-45 minutes from Chicago. It offers campsites for tents and RVs, as well as cabins. The area is great for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
4.  Blackwell Family Campground in Wheaton, IL: About an hour from Chicago, this campground is situated in a large forest preserve with plenty of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and boating. It offers both electric and non-electric sites.
5.  Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest, IL: Located about 30-45 minutes from Chicago, this campground offers tent sites, RV sites, and bunkhouses. It’s set in a Cook County Forest Preserve with access to hiking trails and an indoor climbing wall. So, if you're taking one of the days off from the Pitchfork Music Festival, or you're staying a bit longer, this camp is perfect!

For all my foodies out there that don’t have enough time to explore all the amazing cuisine that Chicago has to offer, I compiled a list of restaurants that are close to The Pitchfork Music Festival and are sure to satisfy a wide range of palettes.

Bloom Plant Based Kitchen -

• Cuisine: Vegan
• Description: Situated in Wicker Park, this restaurant features a wide variety of plant-based dishes with a focus on sustainability and seasonal ingredients. They also offer a 10-course tasting menu, which makes for a unique dining experience
• Location: 1559 N Milwaukee Ave

The Chicago Diner 

• Cuisine: Vegan and Vegetarian 
• Descriptions: With locations in Lakeview and Logan Square, this long-standing vegan diner is famous for its comfort food classics like the seitan reuben and lentil mushroom loaf. They also offer delicious vegan milkshakes 
  
• Location: 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave2
  

Girl & the Goat

• Cuisine: New American
• Description: A popular spot by chef Stephanie Izard, known for its innovative dishes and lively atmosphere.
• Location: 809 W Randolph St

Au Cheval

• Cuisine: American (Burgers)
• Description: Famous for its burgers, Au Cheval is a must-visit for comfort food lovers.
• Location: 800 W Randolph St

The Publican

• Cuisine: American (Farm-to-Table)
• Description: Specializes in pork and seafood, with a focus on farm-to-table ingredients.
• Location: 837 W Fulton Market

Monteverde

• Cuisine: Italian
• Description: Known for its handmade pasta and modern Italian dishes.
• Location: 1020 W Madison St

Avec

• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Description: Offers a menu of small plates inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean.
• Location: 615 W Randolph St

La Josie

• Cuisine: Mexican
• Description: A vibrant spot offering modern Mexican cuisine and creative cocktails.
• Location: 740 W Randolph St.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

• Cuisine: Pizza (Chicago-Style Deep Dish)
• Description: A Chicago institution known for its deep-dish pizza.
• Location: 1235 W Randolph St

City Winery

• Cuisine: American
• Description: Combines a winery with a restaurant and music venue, offering a unique dining experience.
• Location: 1200 W Randolph St

Beatrix

• Cuisine: American
• Description: Known for its healthy and hearty dishes, as well as a great brunch menu.
• Location: 519 N Clark St.

When visiting Chicago for the Pitchfork Music Festival, there are plenty of exciting things to do in the city. Here are some top recommendations:

1.  Millennium Park: This iconic park is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (also known as "The Bean"), the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and beautiful gardens. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy outdoor concerts or just take a leisurely stroll.
2.  Chicago Riverwalk: This scenic waterfront path offers stunning views of the city’s architecture, dining spots, and public art installations. You can also rent kayaks or take a boat tour along the river.
3.  Navy Pier: A popular destination with a variety of attractions including the Centennial Wheel, boat rides, and an array of restaurants and shops. It's especially lively during the summer with frequent fireworks displays.
4.  The Art Institute of Chicago: One of the top art museums in the world, it houses an extensive collection of artworks including pieces by Grant Wood, Edward Hopper, and Georges Seurat.
5.  Wrigley Field: Catching a Cubs game at this historic baseball stadium is a quintessential Chicago experience. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, the atmosphere and nearby bars and restaurants make it worth a visit.
6.  Museum of Science and Industry: Located in Hyde Park, this museum offers interactive exhibits including a WWII submarine and a mirror maze, making it a fascinating visit for all ages.
7.  Shedd Aquarium: Situated on the Museum Campus, it’s home to a wide variety of aquatic animals, including penguins, sharks, and beluga whales. It’s a fun and educational experience for visitors.
8.  The 606: This elevated trail, similar to NYC's High Line, connects several vibrant neighborhoods and is perfect for biking, walking, or running while enjoying public art and city views.
9. Exploring Neighborhoods: Chicago is known for its diverse neighborhoods each offering unique experiences. Consider visiting Pilsen for its vibrant art scene, Wicker Park for trendy shops and cafes, or Chinatown for delicious food and cultural experiences.

Chicago is renowned for its vibrant jazz scene, with a rich history and numerous clubs offering top-notch live performances. So if you plan on staying in Chicago for a few days after The Pitchfork Music Festival or after the closing act is over and leaves you wanting more live music, check these clubs out for some of the best jazz in Chicago:

 The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 

• Location: 4802 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
• Description: A legendary jazz club with a history dating back to 1907, known for its classic ambiance and top-tier live jazz performances. Al Capone was even a regular here!
• Highlights: Live music every night, swing dancing, and poetry slams. 

Jazz Showcase

• Location: 806 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60605
• Description: Founded in 1947 by Joe Segal, this iconic club has hosted many jazz greats. It offers an intimate setting and fantastic acoustics.
• Highlights: Historic venue, great for seeing both local and international jazz artists.

 Andy’s Jazz Club 

• Location: 11 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611
• Description: A staple in Chicago's jazz scene since 1951, Andy’s offers a cozy atmosphere and a diverse lineup of jazz acts.
• Highlights: Daily live performances, good food, and drink menu.

 The Jazz Showcase at The Drake Hotel 

• Location: 140 E Walton Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
• Description: Located within the historic Drake Hotel, this venue offers an elegant setting for enjoying live jazz.
• Highlights: Luxurious ambiance, weekend jazz brunches, and top-notch performances.

 Phyllis’ Musical Inn 

• Location: 1800 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
• Description: Known for its eclectic lineup and casual vibe, Phyllis’ Musical Inn often features jazz among other genres.
• Highlights: Relaxed atmosphere, mix of live music genres.

1. Home of the Skyscraper: Chicago is known as the birthplace of the skyscraper. The Home Insurance Building, completed in 1885, is considered the world's first skyscraper. 
2. Deep-Dish Pizza: Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, which was invented at Pizzeria Uno in 1943.
3. The Windy City: Despite popular belief, the nickname "The Windy City" doesn't refer to the weather. It was coined in the 19th century, referring to the long-winded politicians and the rivalry between Chicago and Cincinnati.
4. The "L": Chicago's elevated train system, known as the "L," (short for elevated) is one of the oldest and most extensive public transportation systems in the world. It began operation in 1892.
5. Green Spaces: The city has over 570 parks, including Grant Park, often called "Chicago's front yard," which hosts events like the Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza and The Grant Park Music Festival.
6. Music Legacy: Chicago has a rich musical heritage, particularly in jazz and blues. The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world.
7. Route 66: The historic Route 66, also known as the "Main Street of America," begins in Chicago at the intersection of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue.
8. Chicago River: The Chicago River is dyed green every year for St. Patrick's Day, a tradition that started in 1962.

Check out my other festival blogs below for up to date info, festival fashion, and insider tips! I share my top picks for first rate sustainable and ethically sourced festival fashion. You’ll be sure to find some excellent pieces that will last you long after the festival is over. And you can feel good about purchasing from companies that are helping to make the planet a better place. Just like us (and yes, I’m very proud of this fact). At SpiritHoods, we donate 10% of our net profits to saving the lives of endangered animals and their habitats.