10 Things to Do This Weekend: Sept. 12-15

(Blink-182 / Facebook)(Blink-182 / Facebook)

1. Rock out

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Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Riot Fest returns to Douglas Park with dozens of rock, punk and alternative bands performing on five stages. Headliners include Blink-182 and Jawbreaker (Friday); Slayer and Bloc Party (Saturday); and Bikini Kill and Taking Back Sunday (Sunday). As part of its birthday celebrations, organizers are bringing back Butter Stamos– yes, it’s what it sounds like: a butter sculpture made to resemble actor John Stamos of “Full House” fame.

Details: 11 a.m.-1o p.m. Friday-Sunday at Douglas Park, Ogden Avenue and Sacramento Drive. $49.98 for one-day ticket; $149.98 for three-day ticket / MAP


Find more fests: 2019 Summer Festival Guide


2. Soak it up

Built in 1869 by architect William W. Boyington, the Chicago Water Tower is celebrating its 150th anniversary. The iconic structure was created for Chicago’s municipal water system and is one of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Now, it’s home to the City Gallery, showcasing the work of local artists. Activities include lectures and exhibits about the landmark building, pop-up performances dedicated to the magic and power of water, and tours.

Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at various locations, including the Chicago Water Tower, 806 N. Michigan Ave. Free / MAP

(Ahsan K / Flickr)

3. Stroll

Artisans, manufacturers and brewers showcase their goods at the Ravenswood Artwalk. Tour historic buildings inside the Ravenswood industrial corridor and visit instrument makers, glass workers, ceramic studios and more. Live music, local craft brews, food trucks, kids’ activities and a film festival are also on tap.

Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday along Ravenswood Avenue from Irving Park Road to Leland Avenue. $5 suggested donation / MAP

(Photo by James Richards)(Photo by James Richards)

4. Indulge

Skip dinner and go straight for the sweets at Dessert Fest at the Zoo. Sample treats from bakeries, play games, check out animal exhibits and enjoy live music. Partial proceeds benefit the zoo to help keep it free and open all year.

Details: 6:30-11 p.m. Saturday at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St. $30 general admission; $40 VIP (includes two drink tickets) / MAP

(350543 / Pixabay)(350543 / Pixabay)

5. Stock up

Eco-friendly shoppers, check out the inaugural BIDE Market for skin care products, jewlery and more. Organizers say the market is designed to be a vegan, fully sustainable, plastic-free and cruelty-free shopping experience. Vendors include Town & Anchor, Elytra Textiles and Range Life. Talks and panels on sustainability round things out.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at Exchange 312, 1714 W. Division St. Free / MAP


6. Observe

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and Prop Thtr team up to present The Storefront Project, creating new work to be performed at both spots. For the project, six Chicago-based directors were prompted to take a text, such as a novel or even a single line, to create a new work. Sources of inspiration included Karl Lagerfeld’s obituaries and an early advertisement for vacuums. 

Prop Thtr: Shows at noon and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Sept. 22 at 3502 N. Elston Ave., $15 / MAP

MCA Chicago: Performances at 7 and 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Sept. 22 at 220 E. Chicago Ave. $15 / MAP

The Storefront Project is curated by Prop Thtr Artistic Director Olivia Lilley, left, and MCA Associate Curator of Performance Tara Aisha Willis. (Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis)The Storefront Project is curated by Prop Thtr Artistic Director Olivia Lilley, left, and MCA Associate Curator of Performance Tara Aisha Willis. (Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis)

7. Discover

Immerse yourself in the traditions of Korean culture at the Chuseok Celebration. During Chuseok, which is often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving, families visit their hometowns and hold memorial services, offering newly harvested rice, alcohol and songpyeon (half-moon rice cakes) to their ancestors. At the celebration, learn about the holiday and how to make songpyeon, and watch Chuseok activities, including Korean circle dances, drumming and tug-of-war.

Details: 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago, 9930 Capital Drive, Wheeling. $5 / MAP

Songpyeon making for Chuseok on Sept. 10, 2016 in South Korea. (U.S. Army photo by Kim, Sung Eun)Songpyeon making for Chuseok on Sept. 10, 2016 in South Korea. (U.S. Army photo by Kim, Sung Eun)

8. Lick

Smoked meats and barrel-aged spirits are on the menu at the Chicago Bourbon & Barbecue Festival. Food vendors serving up barbecue fare include Big Joe’s Backyard BBQ, I-94 Ribs and The Thirsty Pig. Bourbon tastings are on tap daily (1-7 p.m.) with a 12-sample option ($35-$45) and a four-sample option ($16-$20).

Details: Noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 2000 W. Roscoe St. $5 suggested donation / MAP

(Photo by Special Events Management)(Photo by Special Events Management)

9. Collect

Update your art collection with pieces purchased at the Printer's Row Art Fest, where you can browse the work of street artists, jewelers, photographers, painters and mixed-media artists.

Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 701 S. Dearborn St. Free / MAP

(Courtesy of Amdur Productions)(Courtesy of Amdur Productions)

10. Play

Hockey fans, get a jump start on the upcoming season at the Blackhawks Training Camp Festival. Meet Blackhawks alumni, play 3-on-3 hockey, enjoy live music and bounce around in inflatables. Watch a training camp scrimmage inside the United Center (11 a.m.; $5 general admission). The first 10,000 fans to enter the stadium will receive a Patrick Kane bobblehead.

Details: 8 a.m.-noon Sunday at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. and Parking Lot C. Free / MAP

(Chicago Blackhawks Photos)(Chicago Blackhawks Photos)

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.


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