Your Chicago Curated Weekend: 6/24 and Beyond

Chicago is currently fully reopened and a new normal is slowing coming. And since there are more and more in-person events being featured, we're going back to our original "Chicago Curated Weekend" moniker! But that doesn't mean it's all going back to "normal". Many venues will still want to operate at lower capacities, masks are still required for many, and social distancing is a must. As we said in the one-year anniversary of the #StaytheFHome Curated Weekend, we need to continue being careful if we go out and if you’re still a little wary about it, support the local arts scenes we enjoy from home. Virtual events will continue to be highlighted and encouraged. But if you feel comfortable going out, do so with a mask and social distance. Now, let's get on with your Chicago Curated Weekend! And if you're opting to stay home, then let's find something fun to do! Whether you're doing your part in fighting against police brutality, working out, trying out some new recipes, or whatever catches your fancy; you may still have a few hours in your day that need filling up. There are tons of fun ideas highlighted in this week's curated weekend including some from previous #StaytheFHome editions where the editors here at Third Coast Review suggested a few things you can enjoy while you're at home during these social distancing, self-quarantining days! Since we're all still in this together, we encourage you to check out Do312's running list of venues that could use some love! Donate if you can and remember to support them by going to shows once it's safe to do so! Stay home and stay safe and healthy. Listen to our healthcare policy experts. Science matters. Wear a mask. Keep washing your hands. And check in on 3CR, where we promote the arts for everyone's sake.

THURSDAY, JUNE 24th

The African Diaspora International Film Festival @ Their online streaming platform, the best movie watching area in you place, various times WHAT: The African Diaspora International Film Festival is celebrating its 18th anniversary virtually in collaboration with Facets Cinémathèque SO WHAT: ADIFF spotlights culturally and socially meaningful feature and documentary films about the human experience of people of color all over the world. This year's lineup of films explores the Black and Indigenous experience, giving a multidimensional voice to often misrepresented and misunderstood realities and peoples. You can see the full lineup of films over at their website! NOW WHAT: : Tickets for Closing Night (June 24th - Maya and Her Lover by Nicole Sylvester @ 7:00pm) are $15! Regular screenings are $10!

FRIDAY, JUNE 25th

Audiotree Live @ Audiotree, the spot where you’ve been watching all the best streaming shows these past few months, various times WHAT: Live music from Lincoln Hall and Audiotree to make staying at home a little better SO WHAT: Audiotree has been providing some quality live sessions to music fans for years, letting artists do their thing right from Audiotree's studio. The shows have always been excellent, offering you a nice taste of live shows. Check out this week's lineup below NOW WHAT:  Audiotree Live sessions are always free! Loving Across Borders @ American Blues Theater livestream, the coziest area in you home, 7:00pm WHAT:  Ada Cheng, solo performer and American Blues Theater artistic affiliate, explores womanhood, love and abuse. SO WHAT: Cheng’s intense personal journey explores womanhood, love and abuse in different sociopolitical and cultural contexts. Her solo show weaves tales of breaking rules and broken hearts across borders. Loving Across Borders is part of The Room, an online reading series that features original work for Chicago audiences. NOW WHAT: Buy tickets for $10 each or pay what you can or call 773-654-3103 by 3pm Friday, June 25. Your Zoom link will be sent the day before the reading and again one hour before the reading starts. For any questions or to get on a waitlist, contact us at BoxOffice@AmericanBluesTheater.com.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JUNE 25th - JUNE 26th

Eli Winter, The Trio Waz & Frequency Series presents: Third Coast Percussion @ Constellation, 3111 N Western Ave, the most musically inclined room in your home, Friday & Saturday 8:00pm, Sunday 6:00pm & 8:00pm WHAT: An amazing pair of shows for your weekend! SO WHAT: Constellation has been putting on some incredible shows during the pandemic and this weekend is no different! Whether you decide to stay home and watch the livestreams or head out to the venue and enjoy the live music in person, Constellation is a great way to spend the night! NOW WHAT: Stream tickets are $15, so sit back and enjoy the incredible show this weekend! There are also limited in-person seating tickets available for the weekend shows!

SATURDAY, JUNE 26th

Lincoln Square Artisan & Makers Market @ Ainslie Arts Plaza, 4844 N Lincoln Ave, 10:00am - 3:00pm, all ages WHAT: A little summer shopping SO WHAT: Stroll through a rotating selection of local artists and makers selling a variety of beautiful items. Beer and wine will also be available on-site from Bottles & Cans. NOW WHAT: Admission is free! Check out the list of vendors and when they’ll be at the market here! Midsummer Block Party @ Kimball Arts Center, 1757 N Kimball Ave, 11:00am - 8:00pm WHAT: Local brewery Ørkenoy and the Kimball Arts Center celebrate Midsummer at this festive block party SO WHAT: Take a trip inside the newly renovated Kimball Arts Center building while you enjoy Ørkenoy; they'll be serving food, beer, cider, and batched cocktails all day along with friends from Cruz Blanca Brewery, Nanette’s Ice Cream, Rye Humor Baking, and Dayglow. Wild Prairie will be spinning records in the Kimball Arts Center parking lot and an amazing group of local artists and makers will be selling their work NOW WHAT: It's free! Attendees are encouraged to RSVP for a time slot via Eventbrite but limited walk-ins will be admitted! Remember to socially distance and enjoy the outdoor spaces. Friendly pets and children are welcome!
Seltzerland Chicago @ Marovitz Golf Course, 3701 N Recreation Dr., 11:00am - 8:00pm, 21+ WHAT: A land full of seltzer SO WHAT: Ah yes, the sensation that is bubbly alcohol water has no end in sight with everyone making their own version. Seltzerland brings together 30+ hard seltzer flavors for you to try and find your new favorite, slightly flavored, reasonably alcoholic, tingly water. There will also be tons of photo ops, games, activities, and food for purchase on-site. NOW WHAT: Tickets start at $29 for GA and $59 for VIP (which includes a full can of Mikes Hard Lemonade Seltzer, specialty cocktail & a complimentary food dish! Tickets are sold in 10-minute increments starting at 11:00am and ending at 5:30pm. Groups will be no larger than 35 people.  Spots are for two and a half hours and they are filling up fast so if you're comfortable going out, get your tickets now! 
Navy Pier Pride @ Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Noon - 11:30 pm, all ages WHAT: Celebrate Pride weekend at the pier! SO WHAT: Join Navy Pier for their sixth annual Pride celebration featuring a full day of live music, artistic performances, and a special Pride-themed fireworks show! Program highlights include Muffy Fishbasket’s Drag Queen Story Hour, Chicago Gay Men’s Choir performance, Wave Wall Wax with DJ Readerz, and so much more. Check out the full schedule here! NOW WHAT: This event is free!
The Evanston Chamber Music Society @ Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood St, Evanston , 4:00pm, all ages WHAT: A summer series of classical concerts presented by the FilAm Music Foundation NFP SO WHAT: FilAm Music Foundation, whose mission is to encourage Filipino classical musicians through scholarship assistance and performance opportunities, will be putting on a series of wonderful concerts that put the spotlight on some great musicians. This evening will feature The Trout, and Hummel Piano Quintets with Strings & Double-Bass featuring artistic director and pianist Victor Santiago Asuncion; Chicago Symphony Orchestra violinist Qing Hou; violist Larry Neuman; cellist Karen Basrak; and principal bass Alex Hanna. NOW WHAT: Tickets are $36.16 for this great show!
Dennis Walkins @ The Magic Parlour at Home, on your favorite streaming device in the most magical spot in your home, 8:00pm WHAT: A little bit of magic to spice up your weekend! SO WHAT: While Dennis Watkins is usually conjuring up wonderful effects and illusions live and in person, for the time being he's only sticking to the live part as he takes his magic act to Zoom! Gather your bubble together, dress to the nines, and experience some fantastic magic right at home! NOW WHAT: Tickets are $49 and they usually go fast, so book a magical evening as soon as you can!

SUNDAY, JUNE 27th

Pilsen Vendor Market @ Pilsen Art House, 1756 W 19th St, Noon - 5:00pm WHAT: A socially distanced mini handmade market! SO WHAT: This is a weekly market for artists and makers to come together, make new friends and sell their wonderful wares. NOW WHAT: Entry is free, just be sure to wear your mask as they are required!

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 26th & 27th

Chicago Market for Makers @ Artifact Events, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, 11:00am – 5:00pm, All Ages WHAT: An in-person market for you to enjoy safely! SO WHAT: Discover 70+ local and national makers/emerging brands while enjoying themed photo walls, a free DIY Bracelet Experience, a tote bag to place all your goodies! NOW WHAT: Time Slot Tickets are $8 per person ($12 at the door if timed slots are still available) and $15 for a VIP ticket, which includes an upgraded tote, boxed water bottle, and priorty entrace all weekend! There is also a DIY fragrance beads add on for $12! As CDC, local and state regulations are changing daily, the event will be keeping up with the latest recommendations. 4theQulture Fest @ OTV - Open Television's Streaming platform, your most open and comfortable spot in your home, Noon - 5:00pm WHAT: OTV - Open Television presents #4theQulture Fest, an intersectional virtual Pride program that celebrates, focuses on, and advocates for LGBTQ+ artists and causes, using media to change the world SO WHAT: This two-day experience will take its audience into a new world full of highly stylized meditations, reflections, talks, workshops and more. Each day will begin with a live keynote strategy session with some incredible activists and will close with a yoga session centered on cultivating balance, igniting breath and encouraging forward momentum. NOW WHAT: Book your spot for this completely FREE virtual event and spend Pride a little differently this year! Pride North @ Glenwood Arts District of Rogers Park, Glenwood and Morse, Noon - 10:00pm WHAT: Another spot to spend your Pride weekend! SO WHAT: Head over to to the Glenwood Arts District of Rogers Park for two days of Pride celebrations! There will be DJs all weekend long including the likes of Brady Prince, Eric Daly, and so many more! NOW WHAT: It's Free! Attendees must present a digital copy of their vaccination card before being admitted.
Pride in the Park @ Butler Field, Grant Park Chicago, 377 E Monroe St, Saturday 2:00pm -10:00pm, Sunday 3:00pm -10:00pm, all ages WHAT: After having to skip last year, Pride in the Park is back! SO WHAT: Pride in the Park will bring together music, performers, art, food, amazing views of the city, and the awards ceremony for Pride Bowl XIII for you to enjoy over the last weekend of Pride month! The lineup includes Tiësto, Chaka Khan, Gryffin (Dj Set), Betty Who, and so much more! Check out their full lineup and schedule over at their website! NOW WHAT: Tickets start at $60.83 for saturday, $50.15 for Sunday, and $103.58 for a two day pass for this Pride event! VIP Passes are also available. Pride in the Park will also be giving back to the community. Charity Partner is the Center on Halsted. As part of the entry requirements for Pride in the Park, all attendees must complete a health screening survey and provide proof of either full vaccination status or negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours of the event.

THE WHOLE SELF-DISTANCING WEEKEND & BEYOND

The Quarantine Concerts @ Experimental Sound Studios, Your best sounding internet-connected device, at various times WHAT:  Experimental Sound Studio, Elastic Arts and the Hideout's Resonance Series come together for a series of amazing live-streamed concerts SO WHAT: The Quarantine Concerts is a collaborative series that aims to give artists a space to share their work and continue earning a living during this time when live, in person, performances have been cancelled due to COVID-19. This is a perfect opportunity to unite the community for a few hours of amazing musicians. This weekend features:

You can check out their full schedule here. NOW WHAT: Head over to their YouTube/Twitch streams and start watching some great shows. There is a suggested donation of $5-$10 per evening. 100% of the donations contributed during each performance go to the artists who played that night.

Back on the Big Screen and Virtual Cinema @ Music Box Theatre, unsurprisingly at your home, any time you want to watch a movie WHAT: A great way to support a great local theater SO WHAT: The Music Box Theatre is currently open to the public, so if you feel comfortable you can go out and have a theatre experience this weekend with In The Heights (last 2 screening 6/24), Gaia, Summer of 85, and Censor; and Music Box Garden Movies like Serial Mom (Thursday only), Heavy Trip, Winterbeast, and Emma Mae! But if you want to watch some first run movies at home, you can still watch great moves and support them online! They are currently screening films via their The Music Box Direct series! There also tons of select titles available on their new platform! NOW WHAT: Digital tickets are $12, so sit back and enjoy! Also Music Box To Go is still around with all the drinks and snacks you need to enjoy a movie at home!
Film Center from Your Sofa @ The Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute, your couch or preferred movie watching spot in your place, pretty much any time WHAT: The Film Center at Home SO WHAT:The Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute Will be opoenig back up onAugust 6th, but in the meantime they are continuing their excellent series Film Center from Your Sofa .This is a fun way to stay in digital touch with the Film Center and watch some great films from the comfort of home! Enjoy films like Who Will Start Another Fire; Crimson Gold; Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide; The Power of Kangwon Province; Against the Current; Dead Pigs; Monuments; New French Shorts, The Story of a Three Day Pass, Bad Tales; Spring Blossom! Head over to their listings and start watching! NOW WHAT: Digital tickets are $12, so sit back and enjoy! Pitch In for the Parks! @ Various local parks, Various times, all ages WHAT: A good way to keep your community nice and clean! SO WHAT: The nonprofit Chicago Parks Foundation (CPF) is currently in the second season of its citywide volunteer effort “Pitch In for the Parks!” to help keep the city’s 600+ public parks clean. The program is open to anyone who wants to host a clean-up group or join an existing event from the interactive map on the CPF website. CPF is providing trash pick-up supplies, volunteer coordination and safety guidelines to support the parks’ ongoing maintenance from June through October. NOW WHAT: Clean-ups continue at parks citywide June 1st-October. Anyone can host a Pitch In clean-up group or join a free volunteer event on their calendar.  Fulton Street Collective Jazz Series @ ​Fulton Street Collective & Their YouTube channel, 1821 W. Hubbard Street, Suite 307 or the coziest spot in your home, 8:00pm WHAT: Some excellent jazz for your evening SO WHAT: Fulton Street Collective may not be able to perform for you in person, but they are determined to give Chicago its much needed dose of jazz through these streamed shows! You can see all their shows on their YouTube channel! Below are just some of the upcoming shows from the collective. NOW WHAT: The shows are free online, but in person there is a $15 suggested donation! Also you should definitely support Fulton Street Collective by becoming a member!   New Talks and Video Archives @ Chicago Humanities Festival YouTube channel, your favorite browser or YouTube's app, any time you want some inspiration, All Ages WHAT: Interesting conversations with interesting people! SO WHAT: Chicago Humanities Festival will be back with in person events so soon! They always bring some of the best ideas to the surface with entertaining programming that captures your imagination. Their website is constantly updated with new talks, so check out the wealth of upcoming and previous events in their archives! Below is just a taste of what is coming in the next few weeks NOW WHAT: Head over to take a look at their past events here! You should also sign up for their email list to get updates on upcoming talks in 2021. Lyric Opera Streaming On Demand @ Your favorite streaming device, the most lavish spot in your home WHAT: The Lyric Opera at home SO WHAT: Revisit some of your favorite Lyric moments, or experience for the first time performances you've missed.Check out their website for schedule of upcoming shows. Currently streaming is Luisa Miller (2019), The Queen of Spades (2020), and Die Walküre (2017). NOW WHAT: It's free!! Steppenwolf NOW @ Your best streaming device, the most theatrical spot in your place, Any time through August 31, 2021 WHAT: The talented voices of Steppenwolf's ensemble beamed straight into your home SO WHAT: Steppenwolf NOW is a new virtual programming stream featuring a dynamic and innovative slate of immersive and visual experiences crafted and produced for the virtual platform. Membership will let you experience a one-time screening of the current lineup of six projects each until August 31, 2021. The newest production is Duchess! Duchess! Duchess! NOW WHAT: The membership is $75 and a great way to experience six great shows and support a local institution. The Great Grow Along @ Your home, next to your soon-to-be-thriving home garden, Friday 1:00pm - 5:00pm, Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm, and Sunday 1:00pm - 3:45pm WHAT: A chance to make your thumb a little greener SO WHAT: The Great Grow Along was a three-day virtual garden festival that will provide gardeners with 40+ hours of sessions with plant pros to help up everyone's growing game! There will be learning tracks to guide you through the talks and they have made the festival's content available on demand to watch at your own pace over the next six months! NOW  WHAT: Tickets are $29.95 for this great collection of gardening talks! Fun Times with Local Museums @ the comfort of your own home, a various collection of websites, whenever you want a little dose of educational fun, All Ages WHAT: A chance to explore and help out some great local museums during these quarantine days SO WHAT: Our incredible Museums editor Mariel Bokor has compiled a great list of interesting programming available from museums like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, MSI, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium during this stay at home time. It also notes which are closed for the season and how you can help support them during these times! NOW WHAT: Check out our most recent update on what museums are doing as they reopen and continue their online presence!
The Infinite Wrench Goes Viral 30 Digital Plays in 60 Analog Minutes @ The Neo Futurists' Patreon, one episode a week, 14+ WHAT: Quick plays online! SO WHAT: The Infinite Wrench Goes Viral! 30 Digital Plays in 60 Analog Minutesis the online adaptation of the Neo-Futurists', ongoing, ever-changing attempt to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes for a live audience. Since live audiences are still a no-no, this is the perfect way to experience this fun project from home! They also just released 45 Plays for America’s First Ladies, a series of 1-5 minute plays that adopt a variety of shapes, tones, and theatrical conventions centered around the lives of the women who have served in the role of First Lady. NOW WHAT: Join the Neo Futurists' Patreon page for either $3, $5, or $9 a week (with added incentives in the higher tiers) and enjoy the 30 plays in an hour every week! Concerts Live-streams and Local Shows Archives @ Your House, Any time you please, All Ages WHAT: There's tons of concerts from Chicago's yesteryear available online for your enjoyment! SO WHAT: Oh My Rockness and Do312 has done a fantastic job of cataloging some of the upcoming live-streams from the awesome musical acts out there! Check out Oh My Rockness' listings here, Do312's roundup of shows here, and tune in to these great shows from the comfort of home! Do312 have also shared some past Chicago shows that are certainly worth of a watch. There are also so many great local concerts recorded for posterity and what better time to check them all out than during this self isolation period. Audiotree has a fantastic and huge list of sessions with links to band's websites and merch to help support them even more. In addition to our previous recommendations like Fran, Tasha, KAINA, Divino Nino, and The Ophelias, we also recommend ROOKIE, Emily Blue, Sen Morimoto, Beach Bunny, Tennis, and Gia Margaret! Then head over to their record concerts from Lincoln Hall, Schubas, and beyond to check out Orville Peck, of Montreal, and so many more! JBTV is also a fantastic resource for sessions from bands that have come through Chicago! Just take a look at this playlist of Blind Melon's '95 set at Metro! NOW WHAT: Stay home, watch some live music, and be sure to check out your favorite artists' social media, you never know who might be live streaming next! Video Games @ Your home PC or Console, As long as it takes, Just check the game rating WHAT: Video-games for all! SO WHAT: Check out our games page for some recommendations of what games to download (and avoid) while we're stuck at home. If you're a PC user, head over to the Epic Games store as they will be releasing a few new FREE games for you to download ! There are also tons of free games on Twitch Prime waiting for you to download! NOW WHAT: Wash your hands and dive head first into some fun games! Bring the Zoo to You @ Brookfield Zoo's Facebook page, when you want to see some animals besides your pets or specifically 11:00am, All Ages WHAT: A great way to make your kids' time at home entertaining and educational NOW WHAT: Join Brookfield Zoo on Facebook every weekday at 11:00am for a "Bring The Zoo To You" Facebook Live featuring one of their animals as well as plenty of educational, informative insight from one of our Animal Care Specialists. If you can't make it at 11, that's okay. The video will be saved afterward on Facebook as well as on their YouTube channel. SO WHAT: Just jump in to the chat at their Facebook page to learn something new Ravinia TV @ Ravinia's YouTube Channel, On the best sounding device that can play YouTube channel, Fridays 7:00pm WHAT: Some excellent performances to hold you over during this time of no live concerts SO WHAT: RaviniaTV was a 20-minute weekly variety show webcast on their YouTube channel and Facebook page every Friday. Their first season of the series is over, but all their shows are achieved and ready to re-watch or experience forth e first time! NOW WHAT: Head over to their website and tune in to the show. You can also check out previous episodes of the show Grant Park Music Festival 2020 Virtual Season: Festival Remixed @ YouTube and WFMT, at home with your favorite streaming device, Fridays and Wednesday 6:30pm WHAT: Live music for your free time SO WHAT: This year the Grant Park Music Festival went virtual with plenty of great concerts and events being livestreamed online on YouTube and WFMT (both on their website and FM). You can check out our preview of the season here. While the season is officially over, you can still check out their archive of 2020 shows here! NOW WHAT: Head over to the Festival Remixed website, catch some of the previous shows, and enjoy!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K42ZUUBeHSY Masque of the Red Coronavirus! @ Black Button Eyes Productions, Any time on your computer or mobile device. For 18+. WHAT: Written by Black Button Eyes Productions producing artistic director Ed Rutherford, this short satirical piece is available online free as a combined script-and-video experience. SO WHAT: In addition to reading the play, you will see various Chicago artists act out portions of the script on video, recorded remotely. The event includes puppets, burlesque, original music, fire dancing and more in a brief, darkly comedic confection. With the Red Coronavirus running rampant across the countryside and a vaccine still months away, what's a Prince to do? Lock himself in a secure bunker in an undisclosed location along with a cohort of his top donors, of course. To prevent him and his rich supporters from becoming bored, the Prince has also brought a few artists into the bunker to entertain the crowd. But as the hour grows later and the night grows weirder, it's clear that something else has also invaded the party. NOW WHAT: Settle down for an evening of magical weirdness. Click here and begin reading and watching the videos.
#Pride#things to do#things to do in chicago#things to do this weekend#things to do this weekend in chicago
Julian Ramirez