It's Memorial Day Weekend! While many will be out and about traveling for festivities or staying home to grill out with the best of them, some of us are looking for something fun to do this weekend. So why not take on a concert, or an art show, or even chow down on some mole (the versatile Mexican sauce, not the animal)! Mmmm...mole.
Let's get on with your curated weekend!
ALL WEEKEND LONG, MAY 24th - 27th
2001: A Space Odyssey in 70MM - 50th Anniversary @ Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave., Various times, All Ages
WHAT: An “unrestored” screening of one of Kubrick’s masterpieces.
SO WHAT: Honestly, this is one of my favorite films ever made and it needs to be seen in 70mm. Don’t just take my word for it, go read
Steve Prokopy’s rundown of why you should see this original version of the monumental film.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $14 for adults, $11 for kids.
THURSDAY, MAY 24th 
Scott Ligon's Organ Freakout @ FitzGerald's Nightclub, 6615 W Roosevelt Rd., 7:00pm, 21+
WHAT: Scott Ligon doing something fun at this gem of a venue
SO WHAT: Ligon is a a staple of the local music community and he will be taking over Fitzgerald’s along with
Joel Paterson, Casey McDonough and John Perrin for an Organ Freakout!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $10 for this excellent show
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, MAY 25th - 27th
Festival Mole de Mayo 2018 @ Pilsen 18th Street between Ashland and Blue Island, Friday 5:00pm -10:00pm, Saturday and Sunday Noon - 10:00pm
WHAT: Mole, a sauce that is a staple of Mexican dishes, is delicious. That alone should be enough to convince you to go.
SO WHAT: This excellent three-day event showcasing a mole cook-off with two awards: Mole de Mayo’s Best Mole Award (May 26) & People’s Choice Award (May 27), three stages of live music, lucha libre (that’s some good old fasioned wrestlin’), plenty of merchants and artisans, and a whole bunch of other cool stuff in Chicago’s epicenter of Mexican culture.
Check out the rest of the festivities at their event page!
NOW WHAT: There’s a $5 suggested donation for individuals and $10 for families at the gate.
FRIDAY, MAY 25th
Per·i·pa·tet·ic Works by Caroline Liu @ The Silver Room, 1506 E 53rd St, 6:00pm - 9:00pm, All ages
WHAT: A new set of works on display at The Silver Room
SO WHAT: Caroline Liu is a visual artist who creates paintings that navigate the inner workings of her concussed mind. After a solid wood door fell several feet straight onto her head, Liu’s short term memory never fully recovered. Her current body of work focuses on her body, self and mind with overlying themes of vulnerability and loss. The opening reception will feature live performances by LeSage, Syren, Lulu Be and Deem as well as a DJ set by Bonita Appleblunt
NOW WHAT: The opening reception is free and the show will run until June 18
Spectacle Release Party with Megan Rose Gedris @ Challengers, 1845 N Western Ave., 7:00pm, All ages
WHAT: Celebrate the release of the brand new Oni Press graphic novel
Spectacle by Megan Rose Gedris
SO WHAT: Fan-favorite webcomic creator Megan Rose Gedris has crafted a compelling tale of magic, deception and wonder in this stunningly illustrated Oni Press graphic novel about the bond between sisters. The graphic novel is suitable for a YA audience, but is also a great read for adults. Stop by for this fun party and wear some circus-themed attire as Megan is donating original art for the best look!
NOW WHAT: This release party is free, so stop by and enjoy the festivities!
SATURDAY, MAY 26th
Lo Rez CBW 2018 Day Party @ Lo Rez Brewing, 2101 S Carpenter St, 1:00pm - 7:00pm, 21+
WHAT: Celebrate the beginning of summer by sitting on the patio with a fresh beer, BBQ and music
SO WHAT: The
Lo Rez Day Party is a collaboration with Rubicon BBQ and 606 Records to celebrate the 2018 Chicago Craft Beer Week. They will have exclusive beer releases, brewery tours, a BBQ pairing crafted by Rubicon, and live music from 606 Records.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $37.43 for three courses of BBQ and three different Lo Rez beers.
Hidden in Plain Sight @ All Star Press, 2775 N Milwaukee Ave., 6:00pm - 10:00pm, All ages
WHAT: All Star Press is presenting artist Kate Lewis’ curated installation exhibit,
Hidden in Plain Sight
SO WHAT: Hidden in Plain Sight is an immersive show where the viewer steps into the gallery to be surrounded by a Chicago cityscape. Invited artists will have dedicated areas meant to represent street art hidden within the building facades.
Check out their event page for a full list of participating artists!
NOW WHAT: This wonderful exhibition opening is free! Head out and enjoy the amazing art show!
SUNDAY, MAY 27th
Bangers & Lace and Solemn Oath Brewery Are Having A Street Fest @ Bangers & Lace, 1670 W Division St, Noon - 10:00pm, 21+
WHAT: Um.. it’s kinda all in the title.
SO WHAT: Bangers & Lace and Solemn Oath Brewery are partnering up to throw one hell of a party! Paulina Street will be shut down so the two companies can take it over, cram Cream City’s half-pipe into spot for you to skate all over it. The beer will be flowing as steadily as the jams. There will also be vendors sharing their wares including Pardon My Thrashing, Ryan Duggan, Truck Stop- Skateboard Carrier for your Bike, Windy City Rollers, and more!
NOW WHAT: It’s free, just bring cash for beer and stuff.
50/50: Beach Bunny, The Evening Attraction, Hala, The Slaps @ Chop Shop, 2033 W North Ave., 5:00pm - 10:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: Another excellent affiliation to Fifty50's long list of awesome shows
SO WHAT: Fifty50’s mission is to bring exposure to great local and touring acts by putting on a fantastic show. After paying the artists and expenses, the rest of the proceeds are donated to non-profits. This Sunday night’s shindig will be a fundraiser for
Hope for the Day and will feature
Beach Bunny,
The Evening Attraction,
Hala, and
The Slaps!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the door, for this worthy show!
Sun Cop / Wavy ID / Cool Pollution / Daysee @ Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave, 8:30pm, 21+
WHAT: Mostly local, totally fantastic music
SO WHAT: Stop by the Bottle for an evening of excellent and groove-worthy tunes for your Memorial Day weekend. You’ll get to jam out to the likes of
Sun Cop‘s psych pop,
wavy id‘s smooth and erotic pop stylings,
Cool Pollution‘s psychedelic pop rock, and
Daysee‘s experimental dreamy tracks.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 day of show.
