Introduction to Chicago’s Weekend Events
If you’re looking for something to do in the Chicago area this weekend, there are a ton of options that will surely catch your eye.
Here’s a rundown, including one of the city’s biggest barbecue festivals and multiple music festivals celebrating a number of different genres.
Music and Food Festivals
Windy City Smokeout
The Windy City Smokeout features country music’s biggest names and up!and!coming talent, along with over 25 of the best BBQ teams from across the country.
- WHAT: Country music and BBQ festival
- WHERE: Outside the United Center, 1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL
- WHEN: Thursday, July 10th – Sunday, July 13th
Square Roots Festival
Square Roots is a music and craft beer festival with a kid zone in the heart of Lincoln Square.
- WHAT: Music and craft beer festival
- WHERE: On Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson
- WHEN: Friday, July 11th – Sunday, July 13th
Cultural Festivals
Barrio Community Arts Festival
The 25th annual Barrio Community Arts Festival celebrates Chicago’s Puerto Rican with more than 50 artisans and vendors offering handmade art, crafts and cultural goods, traditional Puerto Rican dishes, and live music .
- WHAT: Celebration of Puerto Rican culture
- WHERE: National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, 3015 W. Division St., Chicago IL
- WHEN: Saturday, July 12th & Sunday, 13th
The Chosen Few Picnic and House Music Festival
The 35th annual Chosen Few Picnic and House Music Festival celebrates community, culture and house music, which started here in Chicago, with legendary DJs
- WHAT: House music festival
- WHERE: Jackson Park, 6401 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL
- WHEN: Saturday, July 12th
- NOTE: Tickets are still available.
More Events
Passport Vibes Festival
The Passport Vibes Festival’s is a street fest dedicated to afrobeat music, and exposing more people to the music genre.
- WHAT: Afrobeat music festival
- WHERE: The Promontory, 5311 South Lake Park Avenue West Chicago, IL
- WHEN: Saturday, July 12th 12noon
African/Caribbean International Festival of Life
African/Caribbean International Festival of Life celebrates the music, food and lifestyle of people from the Caribbean, Africa and other regions.
- WHAT: Celebration of Caribbean and African culture
- WHERE: Washington Park, 55th Street between King Drive & Cottage Grove
- WHEN: Friday, July 11th – Sunday, July 13th
Summer Mela Festival
The Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts 3rd annual Mela Festival celebrates South Asian art, culture and cuisine with live music & dance, independent artisans, cultural eateries and hands-on arts and craft activities.
- WHAT: Celebration of South Asian culture
- WHERE: Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, 1801 S. Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL
- WHEN: Saturday, July 12th, 12 noon
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
The Chicago Gospel Music Festival brings audiences of all ages and backgrounds together to celebrate the power of music.
- WHAT: Gospel music festival
- WHERE: Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL
- WHEN: Saturday, July 12th, 12 noon
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Trombone Shorty is a natural born showman who lead his first brass band at the age of 6, brings his band Orleans Avenue to Chicago.
- WHAT: Live music performance
- WHERE: The Salt Shed Fairgrounds, 1357 N. Elston Ave, Chicago, IL
- WHEN: Saturday, July 12th, 6pm
Broadway stars Sutton Foster & Kelli O’Hara
Two of Broadway’s most celebrated stars, Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara join Chief Conductor Marin Alsop and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for a spectacular evening of music and storytelling.
- WHAT: Live music performance
- WHERE: Ravinia, 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, IL
- WHEN: Sunday, July 13th, 6pm
Reptile Roadshow
The Reptile Roadshow’s expert handlers introduce a variety of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and turtles, while sharing fun facts and ensuring a safe, hands-on experience.
- WHAT: Reptile exhibit
- WHERE: North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W. Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL
- WHEN: Saturday, July 12th, 11am
Conclusion
The Chicago area has a wide range of events and festivals to offer this weekend, from music and food festivals to cultural celebrations and live performances. Whether you’re interested in country music, afrobeat, or gospel music, there’s something for everyone.
FAQs
- What are the dates for the Windy City Smokeout?
The Windy City Smokeout takes place from Thursday, July 10th to Sunday, July 13th. - Where can I buy tickets for the Chosen Few Picnic and House Music Festival?
Tickets are still available for the Chosen Few Picnic and House Music Festival. - What type of music will be played at the Passport Vibes Festival?
The Passport Vibes Festival is dedicated to afrobeat music. - What is the Summer Mela Festival?
The Summer Mela Festival celebrates South Asian art, culture, and cuisine with live music, dance, and hands-on activities.
