Chicago is home to many of the nation’s biggest summer festivals. Now that summer has come to a close, The Announcer is looking back at the highlights of this summer’s festival season. 

From music to food to art, there was a festival for everyone. The music highlights of the summer were Lollapalooza, Country Lake Shake, and Pitchfork. The acts at Lolla showcased many genres of music and general festival culture. 

Vending included some of Chicago’s favorite eats like Buona Beef, Giordano’s and Rainbow Cone and Chicago’s own artists like Calboy, Whethan and Louis The Child. Local acts played alongside big stars like Ariana Grande, Childish Gambino, the Strokes and Tame Impala who headlined this year’s festival. Lolla continues to be a local festival favorite. 

Alongside Lollapalooza, Pitchfork music festival was a big hit in Chicago. Attendees can soak in arts and culture even away from the performers’ stages. They have an art fair and shops spanning all of Union Park. In between sets you can even shop for records. 

Junior Mia Schabow attended the festival and had a great time. “It was a fun experience with relaxing music. And, it’s cool to see everything else the festival has to offer,” says Schabow. This year’s Pitchfork lineup included Pusha-T, Jeremiah, and Charli XCX, just to name a few. 

For all the country music fans, there was Country Lake Shake. Taking place at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, the three day festival was filled with everything country music. Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban and Luke Byran were the headliners this year. Sophomore Olivia Shaff attended the festival with a group of friends and says, “Lakeshake was a really fun experience. The performers were a really good mix.” 

If you’re not ready for festival season to come to an end, you might want to check out Riot Fest in Douglas Park September 13-15. While the crowd might skew a little older, and the acts a little more alternative, the festival hosts over 80 bands including Blink 182, The Flaming Lips, The B52’s and Wu-Tang clan.