Whether it coincides with the official meteorological calendar or not, Chicagoans know that summer truly begins when the first notes of the annual Chicago Blues Festival ring out across Grant Park.

Not only the first major musical happening in a summer that promises plenty of them, the Blues Fest is without question one of the biggest and most popular on the slate, drawing a wide cross-section of locals and visitors alike for three days and nights of great food, great atmosphere and great performances from locals and legends on five different stages, including big-name headliners like Billy Branch and Mavis Staples (pictured). This year’s event runs from June 8 through 10 – call 312/744-3316 for a full schedule and more information.

THE AFTER PARTY
After the music in the park winds down each evening, expect the party to continue into the wee hours at the blues landmark Kingston Mines, 2548 N. Halsted, 773/477-4646.

FREE BLUES BRUNCH
The aisles of the legendary Jazz Record Mart will be packed with blues fans all weekend long, but this will especially be true on Sunday when JRM breaks out the free refreshments and live performances from Mississippi Heat, Eddie C. Campbell, Rockin' Johnny, and more, for their highly- anticipated annual Blues Brunch.  Sunday from 10am-noon. FREE. 27 E. Illinois. 312/222-1467.

Now in its 38th year, one of the city's largest and most recognized juried fine arts fairs returns to the charming tree-lined stretch of Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, June 9 – 10.

In keeping with the eclectic vibe that characterizes this neighborhood, the Wells Street Art Festival features the works of more than 250 juried artists with the eclectic mix running the gamut from paintings, sculptures and glasswork to photography, jewelry, ceramics, woodwork and more.

Although the main focus is undoubtedly art, the festival also features culinary delights from area restaurants as well as live performances by popular Dave Matthews tribute band the Trippin' Billies on Saturday, and Beatles tribute band American English on Sunday.

Festival runs Saturday-Sunday 10am-10pm. Gate donation is $7. For more festival info visit www.chicagoevents.com or call 773/868-3010.

Commissioned by Chicago Loop Alliance, renowned artist Jessica Stockholder will saturate building façades, sidewalks, and crosswalks in bold colors in what will be the largest-ever vinyl installation.

Color Jam – the third public art installation in the Art Loop series – is coming to the intersection of State & Adams on June 5. Stockholder, known for her site-specific installations and brightly colored found objects, aims to create the sensation of "walking through an animated film," allowing passersby to walk on, in, and through the artist’s palette.

In conjunction with Color Jam, special events, or "Jams," will facilitate serendipitous interactions among arts disciplines and their audiences. Jams are intentionally open-ended: they will take the form of concerts, talks, happenings, and virtual interactions throughout the Loop.

Color Jam will be on display through September. For more information about the artwork, public programs, and special offers from Loop restaurants, retailers, and cultural institutions, visit www.ColorJamChicago.com.