Your Chicago Curated Weekend: 6/9 and Beyond

Week two of Pride month and the events just keep rolling in. There're events galore with Fiesta Back of the Yards, the Vegandale fest, Post Animal performing at Metro (we're giving away a pair of tickets here!) and so much more! There really is something fun for everyone to do this weekend! It's feeling a little more normal to go out since Chicago dropped the masking and vaccination proof mandates on February 28 (for better or worse) and events are rolling in.

While it may seem like we're at the tail end of things, many venues are keeping their mask and vaccination requirements for the foreseeable future. So if you do plan to go out this weekend, make sure you check out the venue's policies and take initiative. Wear a mask, social distance, and get your vaccination shots and your booster even if the venue/event doesn't require it. And if you still feel that wearing a mask is a must (like many still do), then please wear one. Protect yourself and those around you. If you still don't feel entirely safe to go out (and quite honestly, who can blame you?) you can always stay in and support these places from home.

Now, let's get on with your Chicago Curated Weekend!

THURSDAY, JUNE 9th

French Market @ Gallagher Way, 3635 N Clark St , 4:00pm – 8:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: A little taste of France in Wrigleyville!
SO WHAT: French Market will be a perfect way to spend your Thursday evening with its casual, European flair and wide variety of vendors. Each day of the market will feature 20+ vendors! Whether your looking for some tasty treats, hand made goods, or just a good time in the setting summer sun, French Market is there for you! Plus there will be a kids craft corner to keep the kid’s imaginations growing. You can bring your blanket on the grass or pick a patio table to sit back and enjoy the live music each week! Check out the music schedule below!

NOW WHAT: Entry is free, just bring your totes and stock up on some amazing food and wares!

Fulton Street Collective Jazz Series @ Fulton Street Collective, Prairie Moon (635 Chicago Ave, Evanston), & Their YouTube channel, or the coziest spot in your home, 8:00pm
WHAT: Some excellent jazz for your evening
SO WHAT: Fulton Street Collective are back with in-person events, but they are still determined to give Chicago its much needed dose of jazz at home! Most of their shows are also streaming so you can see and hear the beautiful music on their YouTube channel, which has a great back catalog for you to enjoy! Below are just some of the upcoming shows from the collective.

NOW WHAT: The shows are free, but there is usually a $15 suggested donation to help support the musicians and Fulton Street Collective. ! Also you should definitely support Fulton Street Collective by becoming a member!

THURSDAY - SUNDAY, JUNE 9th - 12th

ChiTown Movies @ Pilsen Neighborhood, 2343 S. Throop St, Various Times, All Ages
WHAT: An old school experience for the modern age
SO WHAT: Take a trip back in time and head out to a drive-in movie with ChiTown Movies. Ever since the pandemic started and shut down traditional movie screening, a few pop up drive-ins have arrived and ChiTown Movies has persevered, offering up modern movies in this retro setting. Check out their lineup below for showings this weekend and in the future!

NOW WHAT: Tickets are $33 per car for these movies, so bring the family for a safe movie watching experience

FRIDAY - SUNDAY, JUNE 10th - 12th

Andersonville Midsommarfest @ Clark from Foster to Catalpa, Friday 5:00pm - 10:00pm, Saturday & Sunday Noon - 10:00pm,All Ages
WHAT: Following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Andersonville Midsommarfest is back forits 56th year.
SO WHAT: The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is bringing the Andersonville Midsommarfest experience back to its in person glory. Experience over 50 musical and entertainment acts across five stages including Mother Nature, Dos Santos, Ratboys, the Waldos Fest Pop up and many more. There will also be plenty of activities for the kids and artisan selling their wares throughout the festival grounds!
NOW WHAT: Admission to the Midsommarfest is a $10 suggested donation.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11th

Chi-Soul Fest @ Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, 10:00am – 10:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: The Chicago Soul Music Festival is an inter-generational musical conversation of Chicago soul music !
SO WHAT: Navy Pier’s Beer Garden and Polk Bros Performance Lawn will be filled with some excellent soul music throughout the campus including the likes of Madison McFerrin, Isaiah Sharkey, Danielle Juhre, Quenton Lee, Leon Rogers, Maurice Joshua, Bumpus, Nathan Graham & Barry & The Fountains and many more! Plus comedian Damon Williams will delivers laughs between the sets as Master of Ceremonies. Check out the full lineup on Navy Pier’s website.
NOW WHAT: It’s free! Enjoy some soul music this weekend!

Giordano Dance Chicago @ Auditorium Theatre, 50 East Ida B. Wells Drive, 7:30pm
WHAT: The final performance of the Auditorium Theatre’s popular Made in Chicago 2021-22 Dance Series features Giordano Dance Chicago performing its annual summer engagement for one night only.
SO WHAT: This performance is an electric mixed repertory program of six works showcasing the company’s continual expansion of the boundaries of jazz and contemporary dance. Among highlights are Ray Mercer’s Shirt Off My Back, which originally premiered at the Auditorium Theatre in 2015, and Christopher Huggins’ Pyrokinesis, marking the last performance of this audience favorite before going into the vault. Plus, Auditorium Theatregoers will be among the first to see Autumn Eckman’s Retroverse, which debuted in April.
NOW WHAT: Buy tickets for $38-$84.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 11th & 12th

Wells Street Art Festival @ Wells St. Between North Ave. and Division, 1400 N Wells Street, Saturday 10:00am – 10:00pm, Sunday 10:00am – 9:00pm, all ages
WHAT: The 47th year of this beautiful arts festival!
SO WHAT: A diverse mix of over 125+ juried artists will be filling up this year’s Wells Street Art Festival with their incredible works! Other highlights include the myriad of neighborhood restaurants, excellent live music, and kids’ art activities so everyone has something fun to do at this fest! Check out full details at their website!
NOW WHAT: The festival has a $10 suggested donation and fest proceeds will benefit the programs and services of the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association!

Main Gate1900 N Lincoln Avenue @ Old Town Triangle Historic District, Main Gate at 1900 N Lincoln Avenue, Saturday 10:00am – 7:00pm, Sunday 11:00am – 6:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: The Old Town Art Fair is back!
SO WHAT: Old Town Art Fair brings over 200 nationally acclaimed artists together for a wonderful market in the charming Old Town Triangle Historic District. In addition to all the great artists selling their work, you’ll have a chance to experience a Garden Walk, Live Music, Food Court and Children’s Corner! Check out their website for entry points into the fair and all the scheduled programming!
NOW WHAT: A donation of $12 per adult is kindly requested. Children enter free!

Ravenswood on Tap @ Ravenswood Corridor, Ravenswood and Berteau Avenues, Saturday Noon - 10:00pm, Sunday Noon - 6:00pm,
WHAT: Craft brew from Malt Row!
SO WHAT: Discover some new drinks or enjoy old favorites at Ravenswood on Tap! You'll get the chance to try brews from Malt Row including some special tappings,, experience some KOVAL Distillery cocktails, test your skills at some axe throwing, live music, local artisans, and some of Chicago’s favorite food vendors. Live music acts include Ovef Ow, The Tombalands, and more! Check out the full details of this excellent street fest at their website!
NOW WHAT: There is a suggested donation of $5-10 to enter the event! Presale packages are available for $45 and include a reusable stainless steel tumbler, an axe throwing pass, and 5 drink tickets (good for one beer/drink each).

Hyde Park Summer Fest @ Midway Plaisance Park, 1130 Midway Plaisance, Noon - 10:00pm,
WHAT: Celebrate Hyde Park with some great music and local fare!
SO WHAT: Originally named Hyde Park Brew Fest, this fun fest has grown and become a must attend event! The Hyde Park Summer Fest aims to celebrate the diversity of the neighborhood and city by providing a space to unplug and c create new experiences in one of Chicago’s most iconic neighborhoods. in addition to the great brews and food, there is a stellar lineup of music including DJ Jazzy Jeff, Busta Rhymes, Ashanti, Lupe fiasco, Jhene Aiko, Lucky Daye, Marsha Ambrosius, BJ the Chicago Kid and tons more!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are start at $109 for single day and $160 for Two day passes!

The Neo-Futurists' The Infinite Wrench @ The Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N Ashland, Saturday 10:30pm, Sunday 7:00pm, 16+
WHAT: Quick plays live and online!
SO WHAT: The Neo-Futurists are back! Their Infinite Wrench is an  ongoing, ever-changing attempt to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes for a live audience. Now it's actually a live audience that will be enjoying the performance in person! With plenty of COVID precautions in place, you'll be able to enjoy the funny, disgusting, profound, terrifying, irreverent, and downright entertaining show with friends! Plan ahead as vaccination cards will be checked and booster will be required to be fully vaccinated.
NOW WHAT: Join the Neo-Futurists this weekend for $10! Head over to their website to see all they have planned now that in-person audiences are a thing again! If you're still a little anxious about going out, The Infinite Wrench Goes Viral will be continuing til February (and possibly beyond) over at their Patreon!

SUNDAY, JUNE 12th

Bric-A-Brac Records 9 Year Anniversary @ Bric-A-Brac Records, 2845 N. Milwaukee, Noon – 7:00pm, all ages
WHAT: Bric-A-Brac Records is turning 9 at their new location!
SO WHAT: Bric-A-Brac made it to another year and this tinme they are in a new spot. Join the crew at Bric-A-Brac for a party celebrating all their success with food arriving at 2pm and bands start at 3pm and will include Bloodhype, Weak Pulse, Aitis Band, and Sweeping Promises!
NOW WHAT: Just had out and enjoy this fun day! Masks are required!

THE WHOLE SELF-DISTANCING WEEKEND & BEYOND

FIESTAS PATRONALES Puertorriqueñas 2022 @ Humboldt Park, 2800 W. Division & Mozart, Friday 4:00pm - 10:00pm, Saturday & Sunday Noon - 10:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: A Humbodlt Park Tradition celebrating Puerto Rican culture
SO WHAT: Experience a taste of Puerto Rican culture at this fantastic festival! You'll get try some delicious food, shop some incredible vendors, and enjoy a myriad of live entertainment! On Saturday you can also see the 44th Puerto Rican People's Parade which will flow right inot the Festival and Carnival grounds! Below is a quick schedule of the weekend but you can head over to their website for more details!

  • June 9th Community Day with arts, carnival, music dance performances and more!
  • June 10th Freestyle Friday, shop vendors, giveaways, great food, paint & sip
  • June 11th People’s Parade on Division St. Live Music in the Park from Puerto Rico and Chicago with Edwin El Calvito Reyes, La Makina & Charlie Aponte
  • June 12th Día de la Salsa Live Music, Live Bomba presentation, Quattro Ensemble, Johnny Rivera & Lalo Rodriguez

NOW WHAT: Thursday and Friday are free, Saturday and Sunday tickets range from $8-75 and are available now!

Chicago Blues Festival @ Various Locations, Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park 201 E. Randolph St. (all weekend), 333 W Wacker Dr (Thursday & Friday), 5720 W Chicago Ave (Saturday)Noon – 9:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: Celebrate the Chicago born Blues tradition!
SO WHAT: The Chicago Blues Festival is back with three days of amazing Blues musicians at Jay Priztker Pavilion and the North/South Chase Promandes and various satellite offerings. The festivalputs a spotlight on the diverse nature of the Blues as it has influenced countless of genres like soul, R&B, gospel, rock, hip hop and more.. Check out this year’s massive and impressive schedule here! There will also be amazing music at the folowing locations:

NOW WHAT: Admission is free! Head over to Millennium Park and enjoy this great festival

Weekend Shows @ Lincoln Hall & Schubas, 2424 N Lincoln Ave & 3159 N Southport Ave, various times, 18+
WHAT: A full weekend of amazing shows at Schubas!
SO WHAT: Lincoln Hall and Schubas are some of our favorite venues in the city and they always have something great going on. Check out what's going this weekend at these great venues!

NOW WHAT: Head out to Schubas & Lincoln Hall and enjoy this great lineup of shows! Please note: proof of vaccination is required for entry to all shows at Lincoln Hall and Schubas in Chicago. Click here for more information on this policy.

Back on the Big Screen and Virtual Cinema @ Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave and at your home, any time you want to watch a movie
WHAT: A great way to support a great local theater
SO WHAT: The Music Box Theatre is really to fill that art house need in you with some excellent movies including with Men, Crimes of the Future (!), Watcher, To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar, midnight screenings of The Room & Rocky Horror Picture Show; College + One Week , Our Hospitality, Go West, and Steamboat Bill, Jr. all part of Part of: The Restored Films of Buster Keaton, and more! But if you want to watch some first-run movies at home, you can still watch great movies and support them online! They are currently screening films via their The Music Box Direct series! There are also tons of select titles available on their new platform!
NOW WHAT: Digital tickets are $12, in person screenings vary, so sit back and enjoy!

New Talks and Video Archives @ Various Locations & Chicago Humanities Festival YouTube channel, your favorite browser or YouTube app, any time you want some inspiration, All Ages
WHAT: Interesting conversations with interesting people!
SO WHAT: Chicago Humanities Festival always brings some of the best ideas to the surface with entertaining programming that captures your imagination. Be on the lookout for updates to the upcoming season as their website is constantly updated with new talks. 
NOW WHAT: Head over to take a look at their past events here! You should also sign up for their email list to get updates on upcoming talks in 2022.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLZdrtsaHis

Masque of the Red Coronavirus! @ Black Button Eyes Productions, Any time on your computer or mobile device. For 18+.
WHAT: Written by Black Button Eyes Productions producing artistic director Ed Rutherford, this short satirical piece is available online free as a combined script-and-video experience.
SO WHAT: In addition to reading the play, you will see various Chicago artists act out portions of the script on video, recorded remotely. The event includes puppets, burlesque, original music, fire dancing and more in a brief, darkly comedic confection.
With the Red Coronavirus running rampant across the countryside and a vaccine still months away, what's a Prince to do? Lock himself in a secure bunker in an undisclosed location along with a cohort of his top donors, of course. To prevent him and his rich supporters from becoming bored, the Prince has also brought a few artists into the bunker to entertain the crowd. But as the hour grows later and the night grows weirder, it's clear that something else has also invaded the party.
NOW WHAT: Settle down for an evening of magical weirdness. Click here and begin reading and watching the videos.

Julian Ramirez