Hope everyone's okay after that severe storm this week! We're still going to get a little bit of rain here and there this weekend but we can head out and enjoy all the things going on in the city like these fantastic literary events happening throughout the month including Midwestern Death Tour Featuring Meaghan Garvey this weekend!
Let's get on with your curated weekend!
ART GALLERIES & SPECIAL EVENTS
- All Star Press is constantly putting up new prints for you to decorate your space with! RIGHT NOW they are showing "ParkLife" BY Blake Jones and Friends!
- Chicago Gamespace is the perfect spot to check out the hairy present and future of the gaming realm!
- Rotofugi is the perfect nexus of art and toys! Head over to see what new pieces of art they have in stock and on display in their gallery space! Right Now they're showing Further Isn't Far Enough, Paintings and Prints by Chuck U!
- WNDR Museum is an ever-evolving immersive art and technology experience designed to ignite your curiosity! See exhibits like the Light Floor, Try to Get Higher, and the Digital Gallery.
- Garfield Park Conservatory is open! Book a reservation to see all the beautiful gardens! See what current exhibits are on display now.
- Lincoln Park Conservatory is open! Book a reservation to see all the beautiful gardens
EVENTS THIS WEEKEND!
- NOW - 7/27 Midwest Film Festival
- NOW - 10/25 Maxwell Street Market
- NOW - 10/25Wicker Park Farmers Market
- NOW - 8/30 David Byrne’s Theater of the Mind @ Reid Murdoch Building
- NOW - 9/2 Summer Fireworks @ Navy Pier (Saturdays and Wednesdays)
- NOW -9/7 Chicago Dogs @ Impact Field
- NOW - 9/5 Millennium Park Summer Workouts
- NOW - 9/7 EmotionAir: Art You Can Feel @ The Fields Studios
- NOW - 6/1 Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color @ The Art Institute of Chicago
- NOW - 4/11/27 Pokémon Fossil Museum @ The Field Museum
THURSDAY, JUNE 11
Rockin’ in the Park @ Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont.
WHAT: A long lineup of great bands ready to rock
SO WHAT: Rockin’ in the Park will take over Parkway Bank Park for a full summer shows full of fun tribute bands and rock-focused bands. Then after the shows enjoy a musical fireworks display! This evening will feature American English!
NOW WHAT: It’s free! Head out and enjoy the shows!
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
The Interview Show with Mark Bazer @ Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia Ave, 6pm, 21+
WHAT: Another great recording session for the fantastic Interview Show,
SO WHAT: The Interview Show, hosted by Mark Bazer, features conversations with and performances by the most interesting people in Chicago and beyond. Join Mark this evening with some quality guests including author of the poetry collection Space Struck and co-editor of Another Last Call: Poems on Addiction and Deliverance Paige Lewis; comedian, writer, and sketch performer Jack Bensinger; and music by the fantastic Chicago-based Friko playing songs from Something Worth Waiting For, their anticipated sophomore album.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $20.36, don’t miss out on this show!
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, JUNE 12 - 14 (& BEYOND)
The 2026 Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash @ SeatGeek Stadium, 7000 S Harlem Ave, Noon – 9:45pm, All Ages
WHAT: Pretty much every hip-hop act you need to see this year in one spot!
SO WHAT: The 2026 Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash is coming to SeatGeek Stadium with some of the most cutting edge and celebrated hip-hop artists around. Seriously, look at this lineup! Nearly every slice of the hip-hop genre is represented, so don’t miss out on this incredible festival! Headliners Lil Uzi Vert, Chief Keef, Skrillex, Yung Lean x Bladee, Lil Baby, and Playbo Carti are certainly going to deliver and the undercard features the likes of Sexxy Red, Riff Raff, Whethan, Fetty Wap and so many more!
NOW WHAT: Tickets $399 for three-day GA, $655 for three-day VIP! Single day passes are also available for $175 for GA and $200 for VIP! Get out there and experience some great music!
Taste of Randolph @ Randolph St Between Peoria and Racine, 900 W Randolph St, Friday 5pm – 10pm, Saturday & Sunday Noon – 10pm, All Ages
WHAT: Another year of this foodie street festival
SO WHAT: Taste of Randolph brings together some excellent names in Chicago dining, featuring over 16 restaurants known for delectable menus and irresistibly unique flavors, for this delicious event! There will also be a curated a list of bands and musicians (including the biggest names in Chicago house music) performing on two stages to entertain guests on their culinary trip down Randolph. Some of the band highlights include Joyce Manor, The Happy Fits, Neptunes Core, Ok Cool, Gene Farris, Oliver Heldens and many more! And let’s not forget the Kids Stage Performances!
NOW WHAT: its FREE!
Andersonville Midsommarfest @ Clark from Foster to Gregory (just north of Catalpa), Friday 5pm – 10pm, Saturday Noon – 10pm, Sunday Noon – 9pm,All Ages
WHAT: The Andersonville Midsommarfest is back
SO WHAT: The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is bringing the Andersonville Midsommarfest experience to the masses with another fantastic year. Experience over tons musical and entertainment acts across five stages including Lydia Cash, Too Much Molly, American English, Infinity Song, Durry, Pinksqueeze, Anthony Rapp, Bnny, Cecy Santana, and more. There will also be plenty of activities for the kids and artisan selling their wares throughout the festival grounds!
NOW WHAT: Single day tickets for Midsommarfest start at $16.15 and there are plenty of fun packages available that include beverage tickets, t-shirts, and more!
Lincoln Square Greek Fest @ St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2727 W. Winona St., Friday 4pm – 10pm, Saturday 3pm– Midnight, Sunday Noon – Midnight, All Ages
WHAT: Take a trip to Lincoln Square’s Greek Fest!
SO WHAT: St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Lincoln Square is throwing a fun Greek festival! This fantastic fest will allow you to celebrate Greek traditions with authentic food, great Greek music and dance troupes, a beautiful Hellenic marketplace, church tours, a kidzone, a grand raffle, and more
NOW WHAT: Head over to Lincoln Square and enjoy all the activities.
ChiTown Movies @ Pilsen Neighborhood, 2343 S. Throop St, Various Times, All Ages
WHAT: An old school experience for the modern age
SO WHAT: Take a trip back in time and head out to a drive-in movie with ChiTown Movies. Ever since the pandemic started and shut down traditional movie screening, a few pop-up drive-ins have arrived and ChiTown Movies has persevered, offering up modern movies in this retro setting. Check out their lineup at their website for showings this weekend and in the future!
- 6/11 The Notebook 8:45pm
- 6/11 Night of the Living Dead (The Original) 11pm
- 6/12 Grease 8:45pm
- 6/12 Friday the 13th 11pm
- 6/13 Shrek 8:45pm
- 6/13 Nightmare on Elm Street 10:45pm
- 6/14 Jurassic Park 8:45pm
- 6/14 Halloween (the 1978 Original!) 11pm
- 6/17 Indies Under the Stars 8:30pm
The Neo-Futurists’ The Infinite Wrench @ The Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N Ashland, Friday and Saturday 10:30pm, Sunday 7pm, 16+
WHAT: Quick plays live and online!
SO WHAT: The Neo-Futurists' Infinite Wrench is an ongoing, ever-changing attempt to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes for a live audience.
NOW WHAT: Join the Neo-Futurists this weekend for $15-20! The Infinite Wrench and more is also available over at their Patreon!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 13 & 14
Wells Street Art Festival @ Wells St. Between North Ave. and Division, 1400 N Wells Street, Saturday 10am – 10pm, Sunday 10am – 9pm, all ages
WHAT: The 51th anniversary of this great art fest!
SO WHAT: A diverse mix of over 130 juried artists will be filling up this year’s Wells Street Art Festival with their incredible works! Other highlights include the myriad of neighborhood restaurants, excellent live music, and kids’ art activities so everyone has something fun to do at this fest! Check out full details at their website!
NOW WHAT: The festival has a $10 suggested donation and fest proceeds will benefit the programs and services of the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association!
The Old Town Art Fair @ Old Town Triangle Historic District, Main Gate at 1900 N Lincoln Avenue, Saturday 10:00am – 7:00pm, Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: The Old Town Art Fair is celebrating 76 years!
SO WHAT: Old Town Art Fair brings over 200 nationally acclaimed artists together for a wonderful market in the charming Old Town Triangle Historic District. In addition to all the great artists selling their work, you’ll have a chance to experience a Garden Walk, Live Music, Food Court and Children’s Corner! Check out their website for entry points into the fair and all the scheduled programming!
NOW WHAT: A donation of $12 per adult is kindly requested. Children enter free!
THE WHOLE CURATED WEEKEND & BEYOND
FIESTAS PATRONALES Puertorriqueñas 2026 @ Humboldt Park, 2800 W. Division & Mozart, Thursday & Friday 3pm – 10pm, Saturday & Sunday Noon – 10pm, All Ages
WHAT: A Humbodlt Park tradition celebrating Puerto Rican culture
SO WHAT: Experience a taste of Puerto Rican culture at this fantastic festival! You’ll get try some delicious food, shop some incredible vendors, and enjoy a myriad of live entertainment! Below is a quick schedule of the weekend but you can head over to their website for more details!
- June 12: Community Day – Enjoy the new Boricuas Got Talent Show, Fashion Show & La GuaGua Experience Sponsored By CTA. Shop local vendors, enjoy giveaways, savor delicious food, and join in on paint & sip fun!
- June 12: Freestyle Friday – It’s a Friday the 13th freestyle night of great beats and vibes!
- June 13: People’s Parade on Division Street – performances, vibrant celebrations, and the parade will flow right into the park!
- June 14: Salsa Senstion!
NOW WHAT: Thursday’s Community Day is free, Tickets for Friday Freestyle start $19.98! VIP Lounge, Saturday and Sunday range from $$18.18-53.50 and are available now!
Movies on the Big Screen and Home @ Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave, various times
WHAT: A great way to support a great local movie theater
SO WHAT: The Music Box Theatre recently underwent some great renovations, and it's ready for all your movie needs with Carolina Caroline, The Last One for the Road, Mysterious Skin, Christiane F. Corruption, Rebecca, Never Change!, Last Days, Visitor Q, Looking for Mr. Goodbar, Life within the Lens (Guest-programmed by Tyler Michael Balentine & Filmmakers in person for post-film Q&A!), Night of the Living Dead, Land of the Dead, a midnight screening of Spider and more this weekend!
NOW WHAT: Sit back and enjoy a new film at one of our favorite movie theaters in the city!
Weekend Shows @ Lincoln Hall & Schubas, 2424 N Lincoln Ave & 3159 N Southport Ave, various times, 18+
WHAT: A full weekend of amazing shows at Schubas and Lincoln Hall!
SO WHAT: Lincoln Hall and Schubas are some of our favorite venues in the city and they always have something great going on.
- 6/11 - Schubas Open Mic HOSTED BY SHARRON PALM and SAM SELBY @ Schubas (Upstairs) (FREE)
- 6/11 - ZEP NO ENEMIES TOUR @ Lincoln Hall
- 6/11 - Tommy Goodroad + Growing Boys + Rundown @ Schubas
- 6/12 - Wrestle League Presents: Pride and Punishment II @ Lincoln Hall
- 6/12 - Meet Me Upstairs Presents + Max Kulchinsky + Connector @ Schubas (Upstairs)
- 6/13 - Tri Nohbi Brittney Carter + Galaxy Francis + Just.One @ Schubas
- 6/13 - Katie Kadan + Logan Metz @ Lincoln Hall
- 6/14 - Schubas Garden Party @ Schubas
- 6/14 - High Five Presents: Tyler Stock Course + Boyce Delles + Friendly Faces @ Schubas
- 6/14 - Naomi Scott F.I.G Tour + FINGY @ Lincoln Hall
NOW WHAT: Head out to Schubas & Lincoln Hall and enjoy this great lineup of shows!
SUNDAY, MAY 31 (& BEYOND)
Chicago Humanities: New Talks and Video Archives @ Various Locations & Chicago Humanities Festival YouTube channel, your favorite browser or YouTube app, any time you want some inspiration, All Ages
WHAT: Interesting conversations with interesting people!
SO WHAT: Chicago Humanities Festival always brings some of the best ideas to the surface with entertaining programming that captures your imagination. There's tons of talks going on this season, so head over to their website, which is constantly updated with new talks. And be sure to check out their podcast Chicago Humanities Tapes, which features conversations with some of their best presenters and other great humanities-minded minds! Check out their talk with Ed Helms below!
- 6/11 Gallery Talk and Performance: NEA Jazz Master Marilyn Crispell on Cy Twombly @ Art Institute of Chicago
- 6/12A Night with Billy Eichner @ Old Town School of Folk Music
- 5/15 A Conversation with Dr. Jill Biden @ Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture
- 6/28 Ann Patchett: Whistler @ Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture
- 10/12 SIMPLE TOO: An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi @ Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture
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 2025
University of Chicago Folk Festival @ Your favorite spot in your home, All Ages
WHAT: A fantastic folk festival
SO WHAT: University of Chicago Folk Festival might have come and gone but their digital presence is still around, making sure the wonderful music reaches as many people as possible! You can check out the past few years of performances on their Facebook page and their YouTube channel any time you want! This past year's performers included Gap Civil, High Fidelity, Lissa Schneckenburger & Garrett Cameron, Ethan Leinwand, Jontavious Willis, Luke Huval Band, Mariachi Flor de Primavera, and more!
NOW WHAT: Head over to their Facebook page and their YouTube channel and enjoy the show! We highly encourage you to donate to help support this fantastic folk festival!
