Taste of Greektown (Photo by Dimitri Kandalepas)
1. Say ‘Opa!’
Hellenic culture — and, of course, cuisine — are the stars of the annual Taste of Greektown. Artopolis Bakery, Café and Agora, 9 Muses Bar & Grill and Athena Restaurant are among the neighborhood joints serving up dishes. Traditional and contemporary Greek musical performances, DJs and a gyro eating contest (6 p.m. Saturday) are also on tap.
Details: 4-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday along Halsted Street between Van Buren and Adams streets. $5 suggested donation / MAP
Find more fests: 2021 Summer Festival Guide
2. Applaud
The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project: Resurgence features performances by eight of the city’s acclaimed Black dance companies, plus youth and adult DJ sets, all against the backdrop of Lake Michigan.
Details: 3:30-8 p.m. Saturday at Navy Pier’s Lake Stage, 600 E. Grand Ave. Free / MAP
3. Dance
Electronic dance music will get you moving at My House Music Festival, which features nearly 20 artists performing a range of styles, including headliners Felix Da Housecat (Saturday) and Mike Dunn (Sunday). Note: If you go, be prepared to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR test within 72 hours of your arrival.
Details: Noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Harrison Park, 1824 S. Wood St. $25-$30/ MAP
4. Marvel
Trapeze, acrobatics, clowns, juggling and aerial silks are among the highlights of CircEsteem Around Chicago’s performance. Masks required.
Details: 6 p.m. Friday at Gage Park, 2411 W. 55th St. Free / MAP
5. Step Back
Tunes from the ‘50s through the ‘90s are on tap at the Throwback Music Fest, including performances by Northside (Friday), American English (Saturday) and The Lounge Puppets (Sunday). A pet parade, classic car show, kids’ activities and throwback pin-up contest round things out.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday along Milwaukee Avenue between Elston Street and Peterson Avenue. $7; $10 for two-day pass / MAP
(Photo by Joe’s Dark Room Photography)
6. Puzzle
Billed as an attraction for the lovers of the strange, unusual and bizarre, The Oddities & Curiosities Expo showcases taxidermy, preserved specimens, skulls and bones, funeral collectibles and more. Face masks required regardless of vaccination status.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive. $10-$15 / MAP
7. Fancy
A reimagined classic is on stage as Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks performs its version of the Bard’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Seating around the stage is limited, and attendees are advised to practice social distancing. Face masks are required.
Details: 6 p.m. Saturday at Kelvyn Park, 4438 Wrightwood Ave. Free / MAP
8. Jog
A new morning run route awaits at ‘Go Run Garfield Park. Pick a 1-mile or 5K course that winds through the West Side park. Looking to set a new personal best? Find out with free timed runs.
Details: 9 a.m. Saturday at Garfield Park, Woodward Drive and Music Court Circle. Free / MAP
9. Bop
Influenced by rock ‘n’ roll tunes of the ‘50s and ‘60s, Lance Lipinsky and the Lovers kick off the Outdoor Summer Concert Series finale. Chicago-based Dave Matthews tribute band Trippin Billies close out the night. Event is held rain or shine.
Details: 6 p.m. Saturday in the Copernicus Center parking lot, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave. $10; free for kids up to age 3 / MAP
10. Gather
Original works by 80 artists are showcased at the Edgewater Arts Festival, including paintings by Steve Connell, Rahmon Olugunna and Anita Brett and sculptures by Kathy Gemperle. A beer garden, live music, family activities and an instrument “petting zoo” from the School of Rock round things out.
Details: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday along Granville Avenue between Broadway Street and Sheridan Road. $5 suggested donation/ MAP
(Photo by Mary Grace Ritter)
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.
