Get ready for a weekend very full of amazing events and hopefully not flash floods! There are so many festivals still going on to help you make the best out of these last few weeks of summer. So if you're looking for some concerts, amazing art markets, delicious foodie events, or want to sit back and enjoy a movie or two, we have you covered with some fun suggestions!
Let's get on with your curated weekend!
ART GALLERIES & SPECIAL EVENTS
- All Star Press is constantly putting up new prints for you to decorate your space with! RIGHT NOW they are showing Dead Presidents! Plus you can check out some of their prints from their Vertical Gallery collab, which you can purchase here!! There is also a virtual gallery featuring all the works!
- Chicago Gamespace is the perfect spot to check out the hairy present and future of the gaming realm!
- Rotofugi is the perfect nexus of art and toys! Head over to see what new pieces of art they have in stock and on display in their gallery space! Right Now they're showing Cosmic Collections A Series of Imaginary Products New Works by Michelle Romo
- WNDR Museum is an ever-evolving immersive art and technology experience designed to ignite your curiosity! See exhibits like the Light Floor, Try to Get Higher, and the Digital Gallery.
- Garfield Park Conservatory is open! Book a reservation to see all the beautiful gardens! See what current exhibits are on display now.
- Lincoln Park Conservatory is open! Book a reservation to see all the beautiful gardens
- Wonderverse takes popular franchises like Ghostbusters, Bad Boys, and more and puts them together in this immersive venue! Enjoy tons of activities including escape rooms, virtual reality games, racing simulators, and more! Plus there are plenty of themed food and drinks for you to try.
EVENTS THIS WEEKEND!
- 8/21: Adults Night Out: Block Party @ Lincoln Park Zoo
- 8/22-8/24: Palatine Street Fest
- 8/22-8/24: Skokie’s Backlot Bash
- 8/22-8/24: Edison Park Fest
- 8/22-8/24: Corn Fest @ DeKalb
- 8/22-8/24: Taste of Greektown
- 8/23: Zoo Uncorked: Wine & Vines @ Brookfield Zoo
- 8/23: Woodstock Festival @ Lemont
- 8/23: Galewoodstock
- 8/23: West Chicago Food Festival
- 8/23: Noche Caribeña @ Navy Pier
- 8/23-8/24: Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts
- 8/23-8/24: Port Clinton Art Festival @ Highland Park
- 8/23-8/24: Chicago Romanian Food & Folk Festival @ West Ridge
- 8/23-8/24: Eeeeeatscon @ West Town
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21 (& BEYOND)
Rockin’ in the Park @ Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont
WHAT: A long lineup of great bands ready to rock
SO WHAT: Rockin’ in the Park will take over Parkway Bank Park for 18 shows full of fun tribute bands and rock-focused bands. Then after the shows enjoy a musical fireworks display (except on Fridays)!
NOW WHAT: It’s free! Head out and enjoy the shows!
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, AUGUST 22 - 24 (& BEYOND)
Taste of Greektown @ 315 S Halsted St., Friday 4pm – 10pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am – 10:00pm, All ages
WHAT: A chance to taste some of the best food Greektown has to offer
SO WHAT: The 35th Taste of Greektown lets Hellenic pride take center stage at this acclaimed annual culinary fest. The whole festival is a love letter to Mediterranean culture, blending Old World traditions with a 21st century freshness. Fantastic food and spirits from neighborhood eateries will be the main attraction, but plenty of music and entertainment including DJs and games for kids and families will also be a highlight!
NOW WHAT: Just head over to Greektown and get ready for a feast!
Chicago Premiere of Make Me Famous @ Wayfarer Theaters, 1850 Second Street Highland Park, various times
WHAT: A documentary exploring New York City’s explosive 1980s Downtown art scene
SO WHAT: This week is the Chicago premiere of this fantastic documentary as part of Highland Park's 41st Annual Port Clinton Art Festival! The film centers on "Artist Edward Brezinski, an ambitious, charismatic Lower East Side painter hell-bent on success, who thwarted his own career with antics that roiled NYC’s art elite." Plus the 8/22 6pm screening will have a post-screening Q&A with the director and producer!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are available now! Don't miss out on this fantastic film!
The Neo-Futurists’ The Infinite Wrench @ The Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N Ashland, Friday and Saturday 10:30pm, Sunday 7pm, 16+
WHAT: Quick plays live and online!
SO WHAT: The Neo-Futurists' Infinite Wrench is an ongoing, ever-changing attempt to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes for a live audience.
NOW WHAT: Join the Neo-Futurists this weekend for $15-20! The Infinite Wrench and more is also available over at their Patreon!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
Thalia Hall Free For All @ Thalia Hall, 1807 S Allport St, 4:00pm
WHAT: Take in the entirety of the amazing Thalia Hall
SO WHAT: Thalia Hall is opening every one of its doors to let you explore everything it has to offer. This full building crawl will include some amazing programming throughout the venue like amazing lineup performing outside at the Tack Room Stage, a curated art market in the Beer Cellar, tasty food from Mariscos San Pedro; a fun Drag Show; and even more incredible live music in Thalia Hall!! Check out the lineups below!
- THALIA HALL
- Ratboys
- Good Looks
- Motel Breakfast
- Nathan Graham
- Reilly Downes
- TACK ROOM
- Noche de Kumbia with Eva Maria
- Rene Avila’s Afro Cuban Band
- Kevan Eftekhari
- PUNCH HOUSE
- Drag Show
- J. Copes
- Bingo with Marijuana Brothers
NOW WHAT: It's FREE, but on-site donations benefiting the Pilsen Food Pantry are greatly encouraged.! Go discover all that Thalia Hall has to offer!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 & 24
Thirsty Ears Music Festival 2025 @ Wilson Ave Between Hermitage and Ravenswood, Saturday 2pm – 11pm, Sunday 1pm-9pm, All Ages
WHAT:The eighth annual Thirsty Ears Festival
SO WHAT: Thirsty Ears Festival is Chicago’s only street fair centered on classical music. Hosted by Access Contemporary Music, performers will feature music from the whole classical spectrum, from baroque to contemporary. Check out their full line up here!
NOW WHAT: There is a $10 suggested donation for the fest! All proceeds support the ACM School of Music, a non-profit organization.
Lakeview Taco Fest @ Southport between Addison and Roscoe, Friday 4pm-10pm, Saturday 11am – 10pm, Sunday 11am – 9pm,
WHAT: All the tacos you could ever want in one place
SO WHAT: The glorious taco will get the spotlight it has long deserved at the Lakeview Taco Fest. Whether you’re looking for a hard or soft shell tortilla filled with meat, chicken, guacamole, fish, mushroom, duck or any of the other imaginative ingredients, this festival is for you. The Southport Corridor, on Southport between Addison and Roscoe, will be host to special beer and taco pairings, crowd-pleasing luchadores, plenty of music, and a chance for visitors to text vote for Chicago’s Best Taco.
NOW WHAT: There is a $10 suggested donation, which benefits the Friends of Lakeview. Check out their website for a full lineup of vendors, music, and entertainers that will be making your weekend better.
Sangria Festival Chicago @ Humboldt Park, 3021 W. Division St., Noon – 10:00pm
WHAT: The perfect chance to sample some amazing sangrias!
SO WHAT: Sangria Festival Chicago is back for another year of sangria festivities! In addition to all the appetizing food and delicious drinks, there will be music throughout the day, samba and flamenco shows, a Paint and Sip Lounge, and so much more!
NOW WHAT: Tickets start at $28.52 per day and go up with whatever add-on you’d like to partake in this weekend! The festival as always is helping to raise awareness and funds for community organizations including Humboldt Park’s San Lucas Church Hot Meals Program for their fight against hunger in our neighborhoods.
Bucktown Arts Fest @ Holstein Park, 2200 N Oakley Ave., 11:00AM – 7:00PM, All ages
WHAT: An all-volunteer-run arts festival
SO WHAT: The Bucktown Arts Fest is an incredible opportunity to support some talented local artists. The fest invites over 100 artists every year to participate, giving them the opportunity to share their great art work with the community. In addition to the art there will be plenty of food and drink, two stages of live music, and tons of activities for kids!
NOW WHAT: This fest is free and open to the public. Check out their map and parking details then go and celebrate some wonderful art! All proceeds from the fest go to fund, develop and support arts education programming at Holstein Park and in the Bucktown/Wicker Park classrooms.
THE WHOLE CURATED WEEKEND & BEYOND
The Chicago House Music Festival & Conference @ Chicago Cultural Center (78 E Washington St) Thursday 4pm-10pm; Spirit of Music Garden, Grant Park Friday 2pm-9pm; Millennium Park Saturday 1pm to 9pm, & Chicago Riverwalk Sunday 1pm to 5pm
WHAT: The Chicago House Music Festival is back for another great year!
SO WHAT: The Chicago House Music Festival is splitting its time among a few venues again this year! First on Thursday and Friday the conference will be at the Chicago Cultural Center with plenty of amazing conversations and panels going on. Friday will feature some fun dance sessioin at the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park! Then on Saturday Millennium Park will be home to the big party with some amazing DJs like CTRLZORA, DJ Threejay x Patrick Wayne feat. PAMP, Ralphi Rosario, Shaun J. Wright, Specter and tons more to keep you dancing all day long! Then wind down on Sunday at thew Chicago Riverwalk! Head over to their website for the full schedule!
NOW WHAT: Head out and enjoy some stellar House music this weekend!
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 at their website for showings this weekend and in the future!
- 8/21 Ferris Bueller's Day Off 8pm
- 8/21 Night of the Living Dead (The Original) 10:15pm
- 8/22 The Notebook 8pm
- 8/22 Final Destination Bloodlines 10:30pm
- 8/23 The Incredibles 8pm
- 8/23 Texas Chainsaw Massacre 10:30pm
- 8/24 Sinners 8pm
- 8/24 Halloween (the 1978 Original!) 10:30pm
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 and Lincoln Hall!
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
- 8/21 - Schubas Open Mic HOSTED BY SHARRON PALM and SAM SELBY @ Schubas
- 8/21 - Little Church + Tommy Bravos + Madame Reaper & The Gentleman's Club @ Schubas
- 8/21 - Darci Code Break Live Tour + Brothel + Sage @ Lincoln Hall
- 8/22 - Capital Soirée EP Release Show + Oceanic + Cousin Simple @ Lincoln Hall
- 8/22 - Haiden Henderson + Braden Bales @ Schubas
- 8/22 - Meet Me Upstairs Presents: Anthony Cruz and Double Dipp Present: Full Circle + Cano Cruz @ Schubas
- 8/23 - Gyrate: Mamicana's Birthday Bashment hosted by harlem nyte + MLE (htx) + MAMICANA + Simmy + Dyaspara@ Schubas
- 8/24 - Vintage Karaoke Night with The Brothers Sinatra @ Schubas
- 8/24 - Me Like Bees Bands Are Back Tour + Jack Brereton + Middle Class Fashion @ Schubas
NOW WHAT: Head out to Schubas & Lincoln Hall and enjoy this great lineup of shows!
Movies on the Big Screen and Home @ Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave, various times
WHAT: A great way to support a great local movie theater
SO WHAT: The Music Box Theatre recently underwent some great renovations,and it's ready for all your movie needs with some excellent films like East of Wall, Boys Go to Jupiter, Pools (Featuring a post-film Q&A with Writer/Director Sam Hayes and Francesca Noel on Friday), Taxi Zum Klo, Deadstream, Hot Spring Shark Attack, Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II (Featuring a post-film Q&A with cast and crew), Waitress, Music Box Movie Trivia, and midnight showing of The Room & Rocky Horror Picture Show and so much more!
NOW WHAT: Sit back and enjoy a new film at one of our favorite movie theaters in the city!
Chicago Humanities: 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. There's tons of talks going on this season, so head over to their website which is constantly updated with new talks. And be sure to check out their podcast Chicago Humanities Tapes, which features conversations with some of their best presenters and other great humanities-minded minds! Take a look at some of their upcoming events below:
- 9/21 Chefs Jesse Valenciana and Rick Bayless Celebrate Mexican Cuisine @ National Museum of Mexican Art
- 9/21 NMMA Parking Lot Pop Up @ National Museum of Mexican Art
- 9/21 In Context: A Docent Tour of Mexican Identity in Art 12:15pm @ National Museum of Mexican Art
- 9/21 Pilsen Public Art Tour 12:15pm @ National Museum of Mexican Art
- 9/21 David De Baca: Inside the World of Teen Angel's Magazine @ National Museum of Mexican Art
- 9/21 In Context: A Docent Tour of Mexican Identity in Art 3:00pm @ National Museum of Mexican Art
- 9/21 Pilsen Public Art Tour 3:00pm @ National Museum of Mexican Art
- 9/21Zosia Mamet: Does This Make Me Funny? @ Apollo's 2000
- 9/21Inside the Lens of Photographer Estevan Oriol @ National Museum of Mexican Art
- 9/21 Cheech Marin: Culture, Comedy, and Chicano Art @ Apollo's 2000
- 11/12 GOOD THINGS: An Evening with Samin Nosrat @ Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture
Check out their talk "Edward Burns Shares a Pint with Chicago" below!
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 2025
University of Chicago Folk Festival @ Your favorite spot in your home, All Ages
WHAT: A fantastic folk festival
SO WHAT: University of Chicago Folk Festival might have come and gone but their digital presence is still around, making sure the wonderful music reaches as many people as possible! You can check out the past few years of performances on their Facebook page and their YouTube channel any time you want! This past year's performers included bohola – Jimmy Keane and Pat Broaders; Rhys Jones, Joseph Decosimo & Nokosee Fields; The Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee; Nathan Gourley, Laura Feddersen, and Brian Miller; T'Monde; Izaki Metropoulos, Sophia Metropoulos Laouto & Geroge Lawler; Gabe Carter, and many more!
NOW WHAT: Head over to their Facebook page and their YouTube channel and enjoy the show! We highly encourage you to donate to help support this fantastic folk festival!
