It's the first weekend of October and there is so much going in our fantastic city! Music, art, talks, and bacon grab the spotlight this weekend, urging you to head out and discover something new. So whether you're looking to rock out or chill with some amazing artists, Chicago has you covered.
Let's get on with your curated weekend!
THURSDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4th - 6th
The Big Weekend @ Various Locations, Various Times
WHAT: A festival of jam band goodness
SO WHAT: The Big Weekend is a multi-night, multi-venue jam band event featuring both established and up and coming jam bands performing all over the city of Chicago. House of Blues, Concord Music Hall, Park West, The Vic, and Aragon Ballroom will be hosting shows by Umphreys Mcgee, Lettuce, Emancipator Ensemble, Amy Helm, Leftover Salmon, The Motet, Papadosio, The Revolution, The Russ Liquid test, Spafford, and Sunsquabi!
NOW WHAT: You can check out the full schedule and buy tickets here!
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5th - 7th
Pilsen Community Books First Annual Fair @ Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S Morgan St, Friday 5:00pm - Midnight, Saturday Noon - Midnight, Sunday Noon - 4:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: Pilsen Community Books is presenting their First Annual Book Fair
SO WHAT: This three-day fair of books, music, and art will feature over 7500 used books, original literary art from 10+ artists and two nights of live, local music including Wavy ID, The Just Luckies and more! There will also be a limited edition run of show posters by
Finer Signs / Shelby Rothenhöfer will be available for purchase!
Check out Dan Kelly's interview with Mary Gibbobs, co-owner of Pilsen Community Books!
NOW WHAT: It's free!! Jam out, grab some books, and have fun!
Check out the full lineup here!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5th
Imaginary Friends New Works by Elloo and Joey D @ Galerie F, 2415 N Milwaukee Ave., 6:00pm - 10:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: New adorably weird work by some amazing artists.
SO WHAT: Join
Galerie F as they take a trip into the fantastical realms of Chicago-based artists Elloo and Joey D. Both of the artists will be bringing their wonderfully mad and lovable characters to life in a series of all new works. Real and imaginary friends are welcome to hang out during this artist reception!
NOW WHAT: This event is free, open to the public and kid friendly. The exhibition runs thru October 28.
The Beths / Mother Evergreen / Special Death @ Beat Kitchen, 2100 W Belmont Ave, 8:00pm, 17+
WHAT: Energetic sounds for your Friday night!
SO WHAT: The Beths‘ jovial harmonies blended with some sharp and dark lyrics are the perfect recipe for a great show. As Elizabeth Strokes leads the band creating complex guitar-driven pop, you’ll find it impossible not to grove along to their complex and utterly infectious songs! They will be joined by
Mother Evergreen and
Special Death.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $10 for this fun show!
Eleanor Friedberger / Pill / Paid Time Off DJs @ Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave, 9:00pm, 21+
WHAT: New music from an Oak Park native
SO WHAT: Eleanor Friedberger has created a new album,
Rebound, that feels a little fizzier, a little synthier and more cinematic/meditative than her last few albums. Stop by Empty Bottle to see her perform from
Rebound and catch opener
PILL start the night with some fun raucous energy.
Paid Time Off DJs will be playing tunes throughout the night.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $20 for this excellent night
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6th
The Bacon and Beer Classic @ Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr, 1:00pm - 5:00pm, 21+
WHAT: Beer + Bacon = Delicious.
SO WHAT: You know what’s good? Beer. You what’s great? Bacon. So why not get them together in a festival at Soldier Field. The Bacon and Beer Classic will do just that as they features 30+ bacon dishes from local chefs and over 100 craft beers from regional breweries.
NOW WHAT: Tickets for the event are $59.99 for general admission, and $79 for VIP which includes an hour of early access, VIP lanyard, and more!
20x2: Where Do We Start? @ Schubas, 3159 N Southport Ave, 7:00pm, 21+
WHAT: 20x2 Chicago is an event where 20 people from all different walks of creative life--writers, musicians, filmmakers, web geeks and other bon vivants--are asked the same question and given two minutes each to answer in whichever way they choose.
SO WHAT: The results may take any form, from spoken word to music to film, and can be as varied as the emotions and reactions they evoke. This edition's question is "Why is it important?" The show is hosted by Andrew Huff, former editor and publisher of Gapers Block, and you can
see the impressive list of speakers at the 20x2 website.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door, and the show is 21+
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7th
Lagunitas Gallery October Art Show @ Lagunitas Tap Room, 2607 W 17th St, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
WHAT: Raise a glass to Chicago's local art scene with the Lagunitas Art Galler
SO WHAT: Lagunitas will be featuring the work of Meghan Edwards of
Crystal Cosmo Designs. She is an illustrator living in Chicago specializing in Gig/Festival/Event Posters. So head out, sip some delicious Lagunitas brews and get a chance to meet the artists in person.
NOW WHAT: This exhibition is free to attend! The gallery is located on the second floor next to the Taproom. Artwork will be on display through October.
Jade Bird & Field Music @ Schubas, 2424 N Lincoln Ave., 8:00pm, 18+
WHAT: A great night to discover some amazing musicians!
SO WHAT: Jade Bird’s sound is a beautiful blend of sharp guitar skills, a stunning and versatile voice, and lyrics full of heartbreaking intensity. She is currently working on her debut full length and if songs like “
Lottery” and “
Uh Huh” are any indication, the album is sure to be amazing! and will leave you wanting for more. Joining her will be
Field Report playing a solo set of lyrically driven folk tunes!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $15 for this excellent show!