It's another packed weekend of events in Chicago! How will you be spending the next few days? Maybe some concerts? Or how about some excellent shopping opportunities or some literary events to help make your weekend worthwhile? There's plenty going on for everyone's tastes this weekend, so don't let these amazing events pass you by.
Let's get on with your curated weekend!
THURSDAY, APRIL 25th
POETRY’s Spring Party @ Poetry Foundation & Poetry Magazine, 61 W Superior St, 7:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: Little bit of poetry for the spring season!
SO WHAT: Poetry Magazine is throwing a nice seasonal party. Celebrate recent issues of
Poetry with contributors, editors, and some of Chicago's poetry curious. The event will include performances by Eloisa Amezcua, Paige Lewis, and Alyssa Moore. Subscription specials, individual issues, and refreshments will be available.
NOW WHAT: It's free!

Shy Girls & e e v e e @ Subterranean, 2011 W North Ave, 8:00pm - 11:00pm, 17+
WHAT: Smooth and chilled-out out soundscapes to start the end of the week
SO WHAT: Shy Girls, the musical project of Dan Vidmar, makes some stunning R&B infused sounds that will melt you away. His live performances are a fun intimate affair, where you'll feel even more connected to his excellent grooves. Joining him will be
e e v e e and her lo-fi instrumentals that are infectious and down right soothing.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are only $15 for this great show!
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, APRIL 26th - 28th
4th Annual One of a Kind Spring Show @ The Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plz Ste 470, Various times, All Ages
WHAT: Three days of artists and makers selling their wares!
SO WHAT: 4th Annual One of a Kind Spring Show will feature immersive experiences for shoppers to enjoy! You'll have the opportunity to shop for handcrafted work from 300 exhibiting artists and makers from across the country and beyond. The show will also offer new ways for shoppers to get involved including hands-on workshops such as jewelry making and block printing, as well as a “Draw Wall” for shoppers to put their stamp on throughout the weekend. There will also be a chance to enjoy runway fashion shows, live entertainment provided by local musicians, a gourmet market, fine art gallery and on-site cafes all weekend long.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $12 per adult and provide entry for all 3 days. Children 12 and under receive free admission.
CineYouth Festival 2019 @ Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave, Various times, All Ages
WHAT: See the next generation of filmmakers now!
SO WHAT: Featuring 64 films from 18 different countries, this year’s
CineYouth selection showcases the astounding talent of filmmakers 22-years-old and younger by exhibiting new works in a variety of genres and thematic programs. CineYouth Festival is presented by 2019 sponsors
Flashpoint Chicago and
Columbia College Chicago.
NOW WHAT: All screenings are free and open to the public. Check out the full lineup of screenings at their event page.
FRIDAY, APRIL 26th
Drinkers With Writing Problems Presents: Lit Up! @ The Kedzie Inn, 4100 N Kedzie Ave, 7:00pm - 10:00pm, 21+
WHAT: The first show of the year for this celebration of drinks and readings!
SO WHAT: Drinkers with Writing Problems produces a show that highlights some of Chicago's most creative drinkers... I mean writers and performers, along with some of DWWP'ers favorites. This reading series features all genres of writing from first person narrative to young adult fiction to poetry to whatever the writer decides to share with the audience.
Check out their event page for a full list of readers!
NOW WHAT: Doors open at 7:00pm, so get there early and enjoy these readings!
The Slaps (EP Release) / Girl K / Modern Nun / Haters Club @ Beat Kitchen, 2100 W Belmont Ave., 9:00pm, 17+
WHAT: Local tunes to help make your night a memorable one!
SO WHAT: Ever just want to hear brand new music from some of the best local bands? Then you should check out this excellent EP release show for
The Slaps and their new batch of chill tunes. Joining them will be fellow Chicago-based acts like
Girl K,
Modern Nun, & Haters Club.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $8.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 27th & 28th
Randolph Street Market: Artsy Fartsy @ Chicago Antique Market, 1341 W Randolph St, 10:00am - 5:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: Randolph Street Market Chicago is back for another great market!
SO WHAT: Celebrate the Artsy Fartsy edition of this fun market where you can experience over 125 vendors with a wide variety of items perfect for the new season! There will also be a market bar for a bloody mary, beer, wine or champagne and local eateries while browsing vendors on three floors!
NOW WHAT: Tickets for the market are $10 for general admission, kids 12 and under are free! There are higher tiers that include entry to both days and drink tickets.
SATURDAY, APRIL 27th
Independent Book Store Day @ Various Locations, All Ages
WHAT: A day to celebrate all the independent book stores that bring joy to our lives
SO WHAT: Independent Bookstore Day is a one-day national party that takes place at indie bookstores across the country on the last Saturday in April. Every store is unique and independent, and every party is different, but there will be exclusive books and literary items that you can only get on that day.
Check out the exclusives here!
NOW WHAT: Check out all the stores participating in Independent Book Store Day and revel in all the wonderful festivities! Also check out all independent bookstores because they're awesome! You can see some of the cool events below as well.
Neko Case Signing @ Reckless Records' NEW Belmont Location, 929 W Belmont, 2:00pm - 3:30pm, All Ages
WHAT: A fun meet and great opportunity!
SO WHAT: 2019 is the 30th anniversary of Reckless in Chicago and they’ll be officially kicking it off with this meet and greet/signing by one of their favorite artists going right now, the insanely gifted singer/songwriter
Neko Case! There will be plenty of vinyl and CDs will be available to purchase at the store for her to sign. This will be a camera/phone-free event. No photography of any kind will be permitted. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Belmont location (
312-795-0878).
NOW WHAT: Get there early and meet one of the best musicians going today!
Ohmme / Bunny / Cold Beaches @ Sleeping Village, 3734 W Belmont Ave, 9:00pm, 21+
WHAT: An excellent lineup you need to see!
SO WHAT: The wonderful
Ohmme, made up of duo Sima Cunningham and Macie Stewart (and often a trio with Matt Carroll), will bring their avant-garde rock chaos to Sleeping Village! The duo blends ethereal vocals with ecstatic guitar playing for one hell of a live performance. Joining them will be the beautiful tunes of
Bunny and the noisy fun of
Cold Beaches.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are only $12! Go to this amazing show!
ANCHR Mag Showcase: Town Criers, The Edwards, Dreamboats, In The Pines @ Schubas, 3159 N Southport Ave, 9:00pm, 18+
WHAT: Another fantastic showcase put on by our friends at ANCHR.
SO WHAT: ANCHR Mag Showcases are excellent times full of music you need to be listening to! This one is no exception as great local bands like
Town Criers and their psych pop songs,
The Edwards chilled out indie rock tunes, and
Dreamboats' dreamy country-infused pop songs! Plus you'll get to hear Cincinnati's
In the Pines psychedelic jams.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are only $10 for this great night!
SUNDAY, APRIL 28th
The Funky Brunch 3-Year Anniversary w/ The Knocks @ Headquarters Beercade, 213 W Institute Pl, Noon - 8:00pm, 21+
WHAT: It's the third anniversary of the Funky Brunch!
SO WHAT: The Funky Brunch, presented by Paradigm and
Headquarters, is on a mission to make America funky again and for their return they've enlisted the help of some great DJs!
The Knocks will be on hand to create some great dance music vibes that are poised to be the perfect way to spend your Sunday!
NOW WHAT:
Tickets are available for $20! Get in on this day of brunch and dancing as quickly as you can!
Bazaar of the Occult: Gathering of the Goddesses @ The Den Theatre, 1331 N Milwaukee Ave., 5:00pm - 11:59pm, All Ages
WHAT: Explore the ruins of a Greek temple & seek counsel from “The Divine Oracle” while you shop the strange and spiritual with the best Chicago has to offer
SO WHAT: If you missed out on the December edition of Bazaar of the Occult, this is your chance to indulge in the occult goodness and celebrate your inner Goddess! Shop with over 40 local vendors and makers, along with tarot readings, giveaways, massage and spa, cocktails, live performances (which begin at 7:00pm), and an experience with The Oracle you'll never forget.
NOW WHAT: It's free!
$5 gets you a wristband that includes you in all their giveaways!
TIME | SPACE Jazz Series @ Broken Shaker in Freehand Chicago, 19 E Ohio St, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, 21+
WHAT: Some excellent music to help end your weekend the right way
SO WHAT: Every Sunday at Broken Shaker you will be hearing some of the best psychedelic jazz in the city, brought to you in two 45-minute sets played by a different trio every week. Stop by for good vibrations and drink specials to cure your Sunday blues.
Check out the full lineup at their event page!
NOW WHAT: Entry is free!
WHAT: A show you really don't want to miss!
SO WHAT: Audiovisual pioneer and sub-cultural phenomenonionnalee will be stopping by the Bottom Lounge in support of her latest release Remember the Future! Her electropop sound mixed with her amazing stage presence are sure to give you an amazing evening that will stick with you! Joining her will be Allie X!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $29 for this fantastic show!