JPEGMAFIA performs at Pitchfork Music Festival in 2019. (Photo by Matt Lief Anderson)
1. Rock out
Dozens of artists perform on a trio of stages at Pitchfork Music Festival, including Phoebe Bridgers and Animal Collective (Friday), St. Vincent and Angel Olsen (Saturday), and Flying Lotus and Thundercat (Sunday).
Note: Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of attending are required.
Details: Noon-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. $108.81 / MAP
Find more fests: 2021 Summer Festival Guide
2. Pause
This weekend marks the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Take a moment to reflect at the Heroes of 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, featuring comments from Aurora Fire Department Chief Jason Demas, who was among the first responders who answered the call in New York City; and Major Jack Erwin, who retired from the Army National Guard after 21 years of service and three deployments. Seating is limited, but you can BYO lawn chair.
Details: 11 a.m. Saturday at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Free / MAP
3. Chow down
More than 100 vendors serve up meatless meals and vegan fare at Chicago Vegandale Food and Drink Fest, including southern-inspired dishes and Caribbean cuisine.
Details: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday at Grant Park, Butler Field, 100 S. Lake Shore Drive. $7 and up / MAP
4. Boogie
House music fans, this one’s for you. As DJs spin tunes, you can learn how to dance to the beat at this crossover event of the Chicago SummerDance program and the House City music series.
Details: 1-6 p.m. Sunday at Rainbow Beach Park, 3111 E. 77th St. Free / MAP
5. Smack
At the International Festival of Life and Jerk Seafood and Vegan Fest there’s something for everyone as vendors from across the country serve up an array of eats. This year’s fest commemorates the renaming of Lake Shore Drive in honor of Jean-Baptiste Point DuSable and focuses on health and wellness. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of attending are required.
Details: Noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 55th Street and Cottage Grove. $20-$35; free for kids under 12 / MAP
(Courtesy of International Festival of Life)
6. Slurp
Raise a stein, or two, at the German American Oktoberfest, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. German cuisine and drinks, singing and dance groups and a parade (2 p.m. Saturday) are also on tap.
Details: 5-11 p.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-10 p.m. Sunday at Lincoln Square, Lincoln and Leland avenues. Free / MAP
7. Shake it
The song “Jab Dil Mile” provides the beats for your dancing feet at the Bollywood Workshop. The class is open to all ages, dance levels and backgrounds.
Details: 3-5 p.m. Sunday at Off the Ground Studio, 3057 N. Rockwell St. $5-$10 / MAP
8. Explore
Local businesses, 10 newly opened shops among them, take the spotlight at Devon Days. Festivities include the unveiling of three mosaics, live music and art demonstrations, and a makers market.
Details: Noon-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday along Devon Avenue between Broadway to Clark streets. Free / MAP
9. Gather
The fourth annual FEAST Festival provides free produce and food to those in need while raising awareness about food deserts on the city’s South and West sides. Performances by emerging artists, art and music are also on tap.
Details: 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Homan Square Park, 3559 W. Arthington St. Free / MAP
10. Carry
In search of your next book club read? Stop by the Printers Row Lit Fest to browse the works of more than 100 authors. The two-day fest also features conversations with authors, including Pulitzer Prize winner Colson Whitehead and former Chicago Tribune columnist Dawn Turner.
Note: Masks and proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of attending event are required for programs inside tents and indoors.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday along Dearborn Street between Polk Street and Ida B. Wells Drive. Free / MAP
(Photo by Ken Carl)
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.
