(Pitchfork Music Festival / Facebook)
1. Flock
More than 40 artists rock out on a trio of stages at the Pitchfork Music Festival. Performers include Mavis Staples and HAIM (Friday), Belle & Sebastian and The Isley Brothers (Saturday), and Robyn and Charli XCX (Sunday). No outside food or beverages allowed, with the exception of water. (You can bring two sealed bottles of water, which you’ll want, given the forecast). Empty CamelBaks, hydration packs and water bottles (plastic or aluminum) are also allowed as long as they’re 36 ounces or less in size. (Not sure if it’s allowed? Check out the fest’s rules and regulations.)
Details: Gates open at noon Friday-Sunday at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. $95 single day; $200 three-day pass / MAP
Find more fests: 2019 Summer Festival Guide
2. Color
Howard Street bursts with color as artists get to work at Chalk Howard Street. The new fest showcases the work of a handful of chalk artists, including 3D artists Anat Ronen and Nate Baranowksi, whose works create optical illusions and make for unique photos. Live music, immersive art experiences and chats with the artists are also on tap.
Details: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday along Howard Street just east of the CTA Red Line L stop. Free / MAP
(Photo by chalk artist Anat Ronen)
3. Lift off
Fifty years ago, Neil Armstrong uttered the famous words “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” as he became the first person to set foot on the moon. The Adler Planetarium is marking the occasion with Apollo 11 Celebration: Moon Bash. Train like an astronaut, launch a rocket and relive the Apollo 11 mission via virtual reality.
Details: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive. Included with general admission: $19; $8 kids / MAP
Buzz Aldrin walks on the moon on July 20, 1969. (NASA)
4. Venture
Chinese folk dances, kung fu demonstrations, break dancing and a lion dance procession highlight the Chinatown Summer Fair. Street vendors, a petting zoo and samples from neighborhood restaurants round things out.
Details: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday at Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road. Free / MAP
5. Engage
Eclectic tunes permeate the streets of Hyde Park as the Silver Room Sound System Block Party returns. Expect to hear rock bands, hip-hop artists, gospel singers and more. Check out a vendor marketplace, youth pavilion and several “activations,” including one that features a full-size roller skating rink and basketball court in the Hyde Park Bank parking lot.
Details: Noon-9:30 p.m. Saturday along 53rd Street between Lake and Dorchester avenues. Free / MAP
(Silver Room Block Party / Facebook)
6. Nosh
More than a dozen restaurants serve up Mexican fare at the Tacos y Tamales Festival. Participating vendors include Yvolina’s Tamales, Taqueria Los Comales, Aztec Dave’s Food Truck and Churro Factory. Also on tap: tequila tasting (sessions take place Saturday and Sunday; $39), live music and local art installations.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 16th and Peoria streets. $5 suggested donation / MAP
(Green Curtain Events / Facebook)
7. Acquire
Paintings, photographs, jewelry and mixed media works are among the various pieces you’ll see at Artfest Michigan Avenue. Showcasing the work of 70 artists from across the country, organizers say there’s something for everyone – regardless of budget.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 435 N. Michigan Ave. Free / MAP
(Courtesy of Amdur Productions)
8. Immerse
Music and culture shine at Colombian Fest, which is described by organizers as the largest Midwest celebration of Colombian culture. Dance to cumbia and vallento music, admire colorful Carnivale costumes and watch cultural and musical performances. New this year: a carnival featuring more than two dozen rides and attractions.
Details: 4-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Kelvyn Park, 4438 W. Wrightwood Ave. $10-$15 / MAP
(Colombian Fest / Facebook)
9. Learn
How did the sounds of the Delta blues make it to Chicago? Discover that and more at the Chicago Blues Bus Tour. Presented by the Chicago History Museum, the tour details the introduction and evolution of Chicago blues, with stops at Chess Records, Maxwell Street and Ebenezer Baptist Church. The tour runs approximately 3.5-4 hours and involves climbing stairs.
Details: 1 p.m. Saturday at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. $55; $45 for members / MAP
10. Meow
Cat lovers, Meow MeetUp Chicago is the purr-fect place for you to shop, talk with cat experts and meet adoptable animals and famous felines, including Eddie Meownster. A cat café and kitty yoga are also on tap for an additional cost. A portion of the proceeds benefit local rescue organizations and cats in need.
Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. $25; $9 for kids; free for kids 5 and under / MAP
(Helga Kattinger / Pixabay)
Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before you head out the door. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future roundup? Send us an email.
