City to open the door to summer festivals as event roster remains in flux 

Aldermen are scheduled Wednesday to lay the legal groundwork for the city to sponsor a full array of summertime cultural events this year, even as it remains unclear how many events will be held in person as the city tries to emerge from the pandemic this year. 

The City Council Committee on Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation is set to consider the 10-page event authorization ordinance (O2021-781) during its 11 a.m. meeting on Wednesday. The routine annual measure empowers the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events to sell tickets, enter into contracts with vendors and impose fees for cultural touchstones like the Chicago Blues Festival and Chicago Air and Water Show.