(RickMajewski / Northalsted / GoPride)
1. Sparkle
LGBTQ life, culture and community shine at the annual Chicago Pride Fest with drag shows, musical acts and DJs on a trio of stages. Headliners include The Aces and Sixteen Candles (Saturday) and Dorian Electra and Black Girl Magic (Sunday).
Details: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday along Halsted Street between Addison and Grace streets. $15 suggested donation / MAP
Find more fests: 2022 Summer Festival Guide
2. Treasure
Juneteenth Village Fest celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and aims to highlight the resilience, solidarity, culture and progress of Black communities.
Details: Noon-6 p.m. Saturday along California Avenue between 12th Place and Ogden Avenue. Free / MAP
3. Ponder
More than 400 years ago, the first enslaved Africans began arriving in the United States. Told from the perspective of three modern characters and a series of performance pieces, “1619: The Journey of a People, The Musical,” commemorates the struggle for equality and celebrates the story of America’s African sons and daughters.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday; 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday at Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St. $35 and up / MAP
4. Stitch
“ART & AGENCY: Exploring the African American Quilting Tradition” examines the tradition from Africa to America and the ways quilts define the social, economic and cultural agency of Blacks. The symposium will also be livestreamed.
Details: 2:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St. Free, registration required / MAP
5. Come together
Started in 1993 as a way to combat graffiti, the Artists of the Wall Festival transforms a 600-foot sea wall into a work of art by community members. Prizes will be awarded for artistic integrity, creative use of space and interpretation of this year’s theme, which is “World of Tomorrow.”
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday at Farwell Avenue and Lake Michigan. Free / MAP
(Courtesy of Artists of the Wall)
6. Enjoy
The Chicago Philharmonic will perform a Grammy Award-winning score live for “Black Panther in Concert.” Relive the excitement of T’Challa becoming king and battling Killmonger in the 2018 Marvel Studios phenomenon. And before the show, participate in costume and best dressed contests, and walk the red carpet.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. $49.50 and up / MAP
7. Rejoice
Inspired by New Orleans’ Congo Square, the Festival on the Square seeks to celebrate arts, healing and Black joy through live performances, theatrical readings and Black-owned vendors.
Details: 1-4 p.m. Sunday at the Zhou B Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St. Free / MAP
8. Uncover
Designed to educate residents about how to live more sustainably and volunteer with advocacy organizations, the 47th Ward Eco Fest features nearly 50 environmental organizations and sustainable small businesses. Attend educational workshops, get free compost and native seed packets, enjoy live music and shop for sustainable products.
Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave. Free / MAP
9. Cherish
“We Are the Change!“ is a Juneteenth celebration of Joel Hall Dancers’ Black and LGBTQIA+ history, and features a revival of four pieces by the company’s namesake founder and a world-premiere by artistic director Jacqueline Sinclair.
Details: 7 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday at the Hoover-Leppen Theatre in the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. $30-$35 / MAP
10. Amass
The works of more than 200 artists from across the country will be available for purchase at the Gold Coast Art Fair. BYO gently used artwork to donate to the Chicago Furniture Bank, which will then distribute it to people moving into permanent housing.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Grant Park, Butler Field, South Lake Shore Drive and East Monroe Street. $10; free for kids 12 and under / MAP
(Courtesy Amdur Productions)
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.
