Need some ideas for what to do this weekend? Chicago Tonight knows what is going on!
3rd Annual Concert for Carlos
On Saturday, July 21, friends of late political reporter Carlos Hernandez Gomez will again gather to honor his memory with the 3rd Annual Concert for Carlos. Carlos was only 36 years old when he passed away in January 2010 following a year-long battle with colon cancer. The concert will take place at Uncle Fatty's Rum Resort at 7:00 pm on Saturday, July 21. The concert will feature rock and roll and British Invasion music of the 60s and 70s, as well as 80s pop music performed by Carlos’s former band, The Gear. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Admission to the concert is $20 at the door, which also includes one ticket for the evening’s raffle. Proceeds from the event will benefit the following: The Carlos Hernandez Award in Journalism at DePaul University, DePaul University's Political Science Department Carlos Hernandez Gomez Memorial Forum on Policy and Public Service, and Life Matters Media. Read more about the legacy of Carlos Hernandez Gomez.
Uncle Fatty’s Rum Resort
2833 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
New Belgium Brewery: Tour De Fat
New Belgium Brewing's traveling celebration of all things bicycle will roll into Chicago on Saturday, July 21. The Tour De Fat includes a costumed bicycle parade, New Belgium beer, entertainment, local food, crazy bike contests and more. The Urban Assault Ride is a massive scavenger hunt where you and a teammate set out on a citywide quest for checkpoints. At each checkpoint, you’ll have to complete an obstacle course and then remount your bikes and head on to the next checkpoint. The ride starts at 10:00 am from Palmer Square (arrive early to register), followed by performances from Los Amigos Invisibles, Yo-Yo People, The Moth Storytellers, Sssnakenstein and others. This leg of the tour benefits West Town Bikes.
Palmer Square
3000-3200 W. Palmer Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60647
Blues Camp
Kids from around the country come to a Chicago summer camp to learn to play the blues. The campers spend a week, traveling around the city as they are exposed to the roots of the Blues. Blues Camp will be having their final performances on Friday, July 20 at the House of Blues from 12:30 – 4:00 pm, and at Columbia College Music Center from 5:30 – 9:00 pm. Admission to the event is FREE! Read about one camper's experience at the camp, and watch video performances.
House of Blues
329 N. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL
Columbia College Music Center
1014 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL
Taste of River North
The family-friendly event is now in its 11th year. Features include tasty food from the following restaurants: Zocalo, Kinzie Chophouse, English, Hubbard Inn and Ai Japanese. The festival also features a wide variety of music ranging from Americana to disco to international. This year’s headliners include: Sixteen Candles (Friday), Hairbangers Ball (Saturday) and Poi Dog Pondering (Sunday). The festival also showcases world-class art and design with goods from area merchants. There’s also a special designated area within the festival for kids. The festival takes place form 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm Friday, 12:00 – 10:00 pm Saturday, and 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday. A $5 donation is requested.
A. Montgomery Ward Park
Erie & Kingsbury
Chicago, IL 60610
Chicago SummerDance
The largest annual outdoor dancing series in the United States, Chicago SummerDance returns for its 16th year of jumping, jiving and bringing joy to Chicago’s residents and visitors. Chicago SummerDance brings people of all ages and skill levels together on a huge, open-air dance floor. The series offers free, introductory one-hour dance lessons by professional instructors, followed by music and dancing. The diverse musical lineup showcases dance styles from all corners of the globe.Friday there will be free Flamenco dance lessons by Chiara Mangiameli and live music by El Payo, performing Rumba/Nuevo Flamenco music. Saturday will have free Garba and Raas dance lessons by Meher Dance Company and live music by Orchestra Saregama, performing Indian Folk music. And Sunday will feature free Cha Cha dance lessons by Greg Rykowski and live music by Jay Witcher Orchestra, performing Ballroom music. The dance events take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm and Sunday afternoons from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, weather permitting.
Spirit of Music Garden, Grant Park
601 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL
