(Credit: Anthony Pacelli)
1. Flaunt
This year’s Pride in the Park celebrates LGBTQ pride with live entertainment, DJs and musical performances. Headliners include Tiesto (Saturday) and Chaka Khan and Gryffin (Sunday). All attendees must complete a health screening survey and provide proof of either full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event.
Details: 3-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Grant Park, 280 S. Columbus Drive. $40-$50 general admission; $90 general admission for both days / MAP
Find more fests: 2021 Summer Festival Guide
2. Giddy up
Grab your cowboy – or cowgirl – hat and boots and mosey on over to the Broken Arrow Horseback Riding Club’s annual Speed and Action Rodeo Horse Show, where you can watch relay races, tricks and barrel races from one of the city’s oldest multicultural riding clubs.
Details: 2 p.m. Sunday at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive. $13; $8 for seniors and kids ages 6-12 / MAP
3. Set sail
Rainbow-clad boats sail along Lake Michigan for the Pride Flotilla. Boat owners are invited to join the festivities and decorate their vessels with as many rainbows as possible. Don’t have a boat? Settle in for the show. Top viewing spots include Queen’s Landing, Navy Pier and the beach, according to organizers. Event is weather dependent.
Details: 2 p.m. Saturday. Parade begins at Adler Planetarium (1300 S. Lake Shore Drive) and will procced north toward North Avenue Beach. Free / MAP
4. Admire
Gardens and outdoor spaces offered a respite to many people during the pandemic. Find your Zen this weekend at the Northcenter Neighborhood Garden Walk, where self-guided tours let you explore more than 30 gardens.
Details: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Start your tour by picking up a map at Alexander Graham Bell School, 3730 N. Oakley Ave. $5 suggested donation / MAP
5. Nosh
One of nature’s sweetest fruits is the star of the show at Strawberry Festival. Sample the fest’s namesake fruit in a myriad of ways, from strawberry BBQ sauce to deep fried strawberries to chocolate-strawberry popcorn. Live music, family entertainment and carnival games and rides round things out.
Details: Noon-11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday in Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. $5 / MAP
(Maksim Shutov / Unsplash)
6. Shine
Celebrate diversity, inclusivity and love at Navy Pier Pride. Festivities include live music, a drag queen story hour, educational programs and a special pride-themed fireworks show (10:15 p.m.).
Details: Noon-11:30 p.m. Saturday at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Free / MAP
7. Bend
Flow from silence to electric beats during Silent Disco Yoga, with Maggie Umberger and DJ Alissa Jo at the helm. Capacity is limited and advance sign-up is recommended. BYO yoga mat and water. Yoga will move indoors if it rains. Stick around for complimentary post-class refreshments by Lifeway Kefir.
Details: 10 a.m. Sunday at Ace Hotel rooftop, 311 N. Morgan St. $27 / MAP
8. Immerse
Marvel at one of the greatest Renaissance artworks at “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition,” where you can see full-size reproductions of the 34 frescoes the Italian artist painted on the ceiling of the Vatican City chapel more than 500 years ago. Audio guides are available to rent. Get a sneak peek at the exhibit on “Chicago Tonight.”
Details: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Aug. 15 at the Oakbrook Center, 2120 Oak Brook Center, Oak Brook. $23; $16 for kids (ages 4-12); $18 for seniors, students and military members / MAP
9. Sip
Can’t get enough of White Claws or Trulys? Grab a ticket to Seltzerland, a one-day festival featuring more than 50 different hard seltzer flavors.
Details: Sessions available from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday at Marovitz Golf Course, 3701 N. Recreation Drive. $29-$59 / MAP
10. Collect
Gourmet goods, boutique threads, eco-friendly jewelry and pet accessories are among the many items for sale at the Chicago Market for Makers. In addition to showcasing the work of more than 70 artisans, the market includes a DIY fragrance bead event ($12).
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Artifact Events, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave. $8; $12 at the door (if available); $15 VIP / MAP
(Markets for Makers / Cole LoCurto)
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.
