Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park. (David Mark / Pixabay)
1. Beam
Watch as the iconic Buckingham Fountain is turned on for the season at Switch on Summer. The afternoon event features live entertainment, giveaways and family-friendly games and activities. Food trucks will be on hand with snacks for purchase.
Details: noon-3 p.m. Saturday at Buckingham Fountain, 301 S. Columbus Drive. Free / MAP
2. Let loose
Kick off festival season with a pair of Chicago street festivals. Chicago Mayfest benefits the Ranch Triangle Community Conservation Association; expect live music, a family carnival area and an art show. The Spring Lincoln Roscoe Art and Craft Fair features painting classes, festival food and work from more than 70 artists and artisans; stop by early Sunday for a free yoga class.
Details for Chicago Mayfest: 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday on Armitage Avenue between Sheffield and Racine avenues. $10 / MAP
Details for the Spring Lincoln Roscoe Art and Craft Fair: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday on Lincoln Avenue between School and Roscoe streets. Free / MAP
3. Boogie
Check out Shedd Aquarium after hours at the Great Penguin Party. The adults-only evening includes dance lessons, light bites, an open bar and live music from the Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra, a 12-piece orchestra that’s been performing at the historic Green Mill for two decades.
Details: 6:30-11 p.m. Friday at Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. $79.95-124.95 / MAP
(Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)
4. Muse
The 50th annual Bach Week Festival closes this weekend with a trio of performances. The Baroque festival enlists artists from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago, among other ensembles.
Details: Times and locations vary Friday to Sunday. $15-50
5. Clap
Chicago Cabaret Week returns for the second year with more than 40 performers in themed shows spanning 13 venues. The festival celebrates contemporary artists and recognizes the city’s rich cabaret history, dating back to the early 1900s.
Details: Performance times and locations vary Friday through May 21. $15-30
(Courtesy of Chicago Cabaret Week)
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.
