10 Things to Do This Weekend: July 7-10

(Credit: City of Chicago DCASE)(Credit: City of Chicago DCASE)

1. Chow down

With more than 30 vendors serving up a smorgasbord of different cuisines from BBQ and Mexican to Italian and Thai, there’s something for everyone on the menu at Taste of Chicago. Live entertainment and free dance lessons are also on the menu.

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Details: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday at Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, Jackson and Columbus drives. Free / MAP


Find more fests: 2022 Summer Festival Guide


2. Jam

Catch more than 50 musical acts, jams, dance and family activities on four stages – including a pair of indoor stages – at the Square Roots Festival. An instrument petting zoo, face painting, arts and crafts, and craft brews round things out.

Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday; noon-9 p.m. Sunday along Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson avenues. $10 suggested donation for adults; $5 for kids and $20 for families / MAP


3. Soak up

Puerto Rican arts and culture are on display at the annual Barrio Arts Fest, with traditional dance and musical performances. This year’s fest also commemorates the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Maria.  

Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, 3015 W. Division St. Free / MAP


4. Flock

Described by organizers as an Afrobeats playground, Passport Vibes Fest features top local and international DJs, African board games, a fashion show, photo installations and more.

Details: Noon Saturday at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. W. Free / MAP


5. Rock out

Dozens of bands and DJs perform on a pair of stages at West Fest Chicago, including Lala Lala (Friday), Choir Boy (Saturday) and Protomartyr (Sunday). Bring the kiddos to Kid Fest (a fest within the fest noon-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday) for train rides, bounce houses, carnival games and more. Dog mom or dad? Check out Pet Fest (noon-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday) for a dog obstacle course, paw painting and more.

Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday along Chicago Avenue between Wood Street and Damen Avenue $10 suggested donation / MAP

(Courtesy West Town Chamber of Commerce) (Courtesy West Town Chamber of Commerce)

6. Devour

Celebrate Chicago’s iconic foods at the Elmhurst History Museum’s Picnic on Park, with food-centric games, craft activities, the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile and The Original Rainbow Cone truck. Be sure to check out the museum’s exhibit “Eat Your Heart Out: Iconic Chicagoland Foods.”

Details: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. Free / MAP


7. Immerse

Tales exploring love triangles, succession politics, childhood trauma and police brutality are part of the program for the BIPOC Play Festival. COVID-19 vaccination card or negative test within 48 hours of event are required.

Details: 2-5 p.m. Saturday; 2-4:30 p.m. Sunday at Studio 2226 Inc., 2226 E. 71st St. $5-$45; pay-what-you can / MAP


8. Stroll

Nearly 100 neighborhood gardens are open to the public for the Bucktown Garden Walk. Enjoy live music, interactive art displays, and magicians.

Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Bucktown Green, 1724 N. Wilmot Ave. $5-$10 / MAP


9. Unearth

The EcoVoice Festival seeks to build awareness, educate and call people to action on climate change with live performances and educational panels and sessions.

Details: Various times and locations Friday through Sunday


10. Acquire

In the market for some new décor? Stop by Southport Art Fest to browse the works of artists, including acrylic paintings, pottery, jewelry and photography.

Details: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Southport and Waveland avenues. Free / MAP

(StarEvents / Facebook)(StarEvents / Facebook)

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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