It's hot and humid and rainy, so it must be the last days of summer in Chicago. But don't let the temperamental temperatures scare you into not going out! There are so many fun and interesting events going on this weekend that merit your attention. so get out there and discover something new!
Let's get on with your curated weekend!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 12th
Saul Williams with Akenya 'In The Round' @ Thalia Hall, 1807 S Allport St, , 7:30pm, 17+
WHAT: A special evening with Saul Williams
SO WHAT: Saul WIlliams is very much out of this world. His poetic lyricism combined with undeniable interesting and complex soundscapes make for music that is beyond the limits of our own world. His latest album
Encrypted and Vulnerable continues this incredible artist's path of creative important and message filled music that evokes a wide range of emotions. Thalia Hall's " In the Round" may be the best way to experience Saul Williams majesty. Joining him will be the amazing voice of
Akenya, whose sound focuses on jazzy vibes that incorporate elements of hip hop sould, pop, and beyond!
NOW WHAT: Ticket are $30 for this incredible night!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY, AUGUST 12th & 13th
Joe Pug @ the Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia Ave, 9:00pm, 21+
WHAT: An incredible pair of evenings with Joe Pug at The Hideout
SO WHAT: Joe Pug is a man of many talents, from offering up gorgeous songs that follow the roadmap of country-folk that the likes of Bob Dylan and John Prine made famous to hosting a podcast featuring hour-long conversations with the best songwriters of our time. His voice has produced three albums and a pair of EPs of enveloping modern folk songs that emphasize his poignant lyricism and beautiful balanced compositions. Pug is no stranger to Chicago either having called it home for a few years and recording a live album at Lincoln Hall. His latest album,
The Flood in Color, sees him relocating back home to Maryland to record a new collection of more relaxed and back to basics sort of songs. These upcoming Hideout shows will offer the perfect chance to experience these stripped-down songs in an ideal intimate atmosphere.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $25 for this must see show.
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, AUGUST 13th - 15th
Riot Fest 2019 @ Douglas Park, 1401 S Sacramento Dr, 11:00am - 10:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: The three-day fest of punk, rock, hip-hop and everything in between is upon us!
SO WHAT: Chicago’s festival season is coming to an end with one of the most raucous and high-energy events:
Riot Fest! This awesome three-day festival brings together the loudest and most fun sounds in the music world for a wild time. This year headliners include Blink 182, Flaming Lips, Jawbreaker, Slayer, Bikini Kill, Ween, Wu-Tang Clan, and more! Check out
Aaron Cynic's roundup of bands he's interested in seeing!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are still available!
Single day passes start at $49.98 and three day passes start at $129.99
FRIDAY, AUGUST 13th
Hot Chip & Holy Fuck @ Riviera Theatre, 4746 N Racine Ave, 6:30pm, 18+
WHAT: A night where you can’t help but dance
SO WHAT: Hot Chip are back with
A Bath Full of Ecstasy, their latest collection of danceable pop songs that will fill you with joy. This is their first album in four years and sees the band at their most joyous and utterly enjoyable. They will be joined by the insanely rhythmic sounds of Holy Fuck!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $35 for this excellent show!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUGUST 14th & 15th
Chicago Bourbon & Barbecue Fest @ Roscoe & Damen, 2000 W Roscoe St, Noon - 10:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: A little bit of BBQ and bourbon to spice up your weekend!
SO WHAT: Smoked meats and barrel-aged bourbon whiskeys will be hogging the spotlight during the Chicago Bourbon & Barbecue Fest’s third year in the heart of the Roscoe Village neighborhood. In addition to the bourbon tastings and its pairings of mouth-watering chicken, delectable ribs, and more meat than you can imagine, there will be a stage blasting out some soulful tunes!
NOW WHAT: Entry is free, but
the tastings are ticketed and start at $16
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14th
Viking Oktöberfest @ Solemn Oath,1661 Quincy Ave, Naperville, 11:00am - 10:00pm, Early session All Ages, Late Session 21+
WHAT: The Viking Oktöberfest tradition continues
SO WHAT: Solemn Oath Brewery will be hosting this special day where you can expect a killer food, music, and beer lineup. Aurora’s
Wurst Kitchen will be serving up all-natural handmade sausages and smoked meats,
The Wayouts and
The Telltale Hearts will be providing the tunes all night long, and Solemn Oath will have their Oktöberface brew pouring into your glass alongside the return of their Viking beer series with a new addition to the family… Avenged By Vikings!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are available now! This year’s party is broken into two sections: the family-friendly session from 11AM-3PM and the main session for adults only from 5PM-10PM. Evening session tickets allow you to hang in the morning with your kids at the family-friendly session for no additional charge. Morning Session tickets will not have access to the evening.
Dessert Fest @ Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St, 6:30pm - 11:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: A tasty treat at the zoo
SO WHAT: Enjoy some of the best desserts in Chicago while exploring the zoo’s amazing animals and gardens. There will be dessert tastings from some of Chicago’s most famous bakeries, interactive games for all to hop in and play, live entertainment, giveaways, and more! And let's not forget the champagne, beer and wine avaialble for those 21+!
NOW WHAT:
Tickets start at $30! A large portion of the proceeds will benefit Lincoln Park Zoo, helping to keep the zoo free and open to all 365 days a year.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 15th
Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards @ Uncommon Ground Edgewater, 1407 W Devon Avenue, 7:00pm, All ages
WHAT: A wonderful show inside Uncommon Ground!
SO WHAT: Laura Cortese creates music as fiddler, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader and adding community builder and creativity instigator to her long list of talents! Her band Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards are a quartet of singing string players creating a new blend of pop music taking notes from folk tradition and vibes from the '70s California sounds. Their original songs evoke lyrical rituals of folk music with ethereal vocal harmonies backed by rowdy indie-rock percussion to energetic fiddle melodies.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $15 for this great night!