Introduction to Chicago’s Weekend Events
Looking for something to do this weekend in the Chicago area? Here’s a rundown of what’s coming up across the city, and more information on how you can make Saturday and Sunday memorable.
Upcoming Festivals
Northalsted Market Days
WHAT: Northalsted Market Days is a weekend-long, live music street festival celebrating community in Chicago’s landmark Northalsted/Lakeview neighborhood.
WHERE: Halsted St. from Belmont to Addison, Chicago IL
WHEN: Friday, August 8th, 5pm – 10pm; Saturday, August 9th, 11am – 10pm
LatiNxt Festival
WHAT: Celebrate the vibrant essence of Latin culture at LatiNxt, a free annual festival of contemporary Latin music and arts in Chicago.
WHERE: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL
WHEN: Saturday, August 9th, 2pm-11:30pm & Sunday, August 10th, 2pm-9pm
Veggie Fest Chicago 2025
WHAT: The 15th annual Veggie Fest Chicago celebrates vegetarian food and wellness events, chock full of food, music, and health-focused fun.
WHERE: Veggie Fest Chicago, Danada South Park, 2701 Navistar Circle, Lisle, IL
WHEN: Saturday, August 9th & Sunday, August 10th, 11am – 8pm
Taste of Chicago Albany Park
WHAT: Taste of Chicago Albany Park is a free neighborhood festival presented by the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
WHERE: Albany Park, On Kimball Ave. between Lawrence Ave. & Leland Ave.
WHEN: Saturday, August 9th, noon – 8pm
Festival: Shenanigans on the Green
WHAT: Celebrate all things Celtic and enjoy Shenanigans on the Green, a reimagining of the annual Northwest Celtic Fest.
WHERE: NOW Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Estates, IL
WHEN: Saturday, August 9th, 1pm – 11pm
Ginza Holiday Festival
WHAT: The Midwest Buddhist Temple hosts the 70th annual Ginza Holiday Festival, bringing Japanese American food, culture, and entertainment to Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood.
WHERE: 435 W. Menomonee St., Chicago, IL
WHEN: Friday, August 8th: 5pm-8pm, Saturday, August 9th: 11am – 7pm, Sunday, August 10th: 11am to 4pm
Comedy and Concerts
Comedy: Gabriel Iglesias
WHO: Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias is one of the world’s most successful stand-up comedians and one of the highest-grossing touring comedians of all time.
WHERE: The Venue at Horseshoe Hammond, 777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond, IN
WHEN: Friday, August 8th, 9pm
Legends of Comedy Night
WHAT: Legends of Comedy Night, hosted by J. Anthony Brown, with an all-star comedy lineup: Sheryl Underwood, Rodney Perry, George Willborn, Honest John, Damon Williams, and Mark Curry.
WHERE: Country Club Hills Amphitheatre, 4150 183rd St, Country Club Hills, IL
WHEN: Saturday, August 9th, 7pm
Concert: ENHYPEN
WHAT: K-pop powerhouse ENHYPEN is hosting their third world tour ‘Walk The Line’.
WHERE: United Center, 1901 W. Madison Street, Chicago, IL
WHEN: Saturday, August 9th, 7:30pm
Concert: Linkin Park
WHAT: After a year of monumental returns and record-breaking milestones, Linkin Park is celebrating their new album with their ‘From Zero World Tour’.
WHERE: United Center, 1901 W. Madison Street, Chicago, IL
WHEN: Monday, July 11th, 7:30pm
Concert: Rod Stewart
WHAT: The legendary Rod Stewart is traveling around the world with his ‘One Last Time Tour’.
WHERE: Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, 19100 Ridgeland Ave, Tinley Park, IL
WHEN: Friday, August 8th, 7:30pm
Parades and Community Events
Bud Billiken Parade
WHAT: Celebrate Black excellence, youth, and community at the Bud Billiken Parade & Festival.
WHERE: On MLK Drive, from 39th street to 51st Street, with Festival in Washington Park
WHEN: Saturday, August 9th, 10am – 4pm
Conclusion
The weekend of August 8-10 in Chicago promises to be exciting, with a variety of festivals, comedy shows, concerts, and community events to choose from. Whether you’re interested in music, food, culture, or comedy, there’s something for everyone in the Chicago area.
FAQs
- Q: What are the top festivals happening in Chicago over the weekend?
- A: Northalsted Market Days, LatiNxt Festival, Veggie Fest Chicago 2025, Taste of Chicago Albany Park, and Ginza Holiday Festival are among the top festivals.
- Q: Are there any notable comedy events?
- A: Yes, Gabriel Iglesias and Legends of Comedy Night are two significant comedy events happening over the weekend.
- Q: Which concerts should I look out for?
- A: ENHYPEN, Linkin Park, and Rod Stewart are performing in the Chicago area during this time.
- Q: How can I celebrate community and cultural events?
- A: The Bud Billiken Parade and Festival, and the Ginza Holiday Festival are great ways to celebrate community and culture.
