30 Things To Do In Chicago This Weekend: Puerto Rican Fest, Blues Fest, Midsommarfest And More (2024)

CHICAGO — Festival season is in full swing here in Chicago.

This weekend marks the return of Humboldt Park’s Puerto Rican Fest, Andersonville’s Midsommarfest, the Chicago Blues Festival, Lincoln Square Greek Fest, Hard Core Cider Fest in Rogers Park and more.

There’s also an early Juneteenth celebration at Dan Ryan Woods, a Pride market and community barbecue, walking tours of Chinatown and Beverly, plus a Chicago Public Library block party.

Here’s a roundup of 30 things to do in Chicago this weekend:

All Weekend

Puerto Rican Fest

4-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Humboldt Park, 2800 W. Division St.

Enjoy four days of music, dance, carnival rides, games, food and drinks, arts and more at the 46th annual Puerto Rican Fest. There will be a community day Thursday filled with family-friendly activities and arts performances, Friday features plenty of shopping, Saturday’s highlight is the Puerto Rican Parade and Sunday will have live music.

Learn more here. Find a map of the festival and browse ticket options, which range from free to $55, on the fest’s website.

Urban Queer Art Show & Market

6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon Saturday and Sunday

​PrideArts, 4139 N. Broadway St.

To kick off Pride Month, Chicago LGBTQ+ theater and film company PrideArts is hosting a queer art show and market. There will be drag performers, tarot readings and local vendors and artisans selling their handmade creations.

Learn more about the five-day celebration, which kicked of Wednesday, and buy tickets here. Tickets are $20 and include admission to all days.

Chicago Blues Festival

6-11 p.m. Thursday, noon-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday

Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St., and Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.

The largest free blues festival in the world is back this weekend. The four-day Chicago Blues Festival opens at Bridgeport’s Ramova Theatre Thursday evening and continues with three stages, 35 performances and more than 250 artists at Millennium Park Downtown.

Admission to Chicago Blues Festival is free. Learn more and find a full schedulehere.

Chinatown History & Culture Tour

10-11:30 a.m. Friday-Sunday

Meet at 2100 S. Archer Ave., in front of the Chinatown Library

Join the Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute for a 90-minute walking tour of Chinatown to learn about the neighborhood’s history and culture.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 6-12 and free for children younger. Learn more and buy tickets here.

Dine Out On Broadway

3-11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday

Participating restaurants along Broadway and Belmont

Celebrate and support Lakeview eateries during Dine Out On Broadway, a weekend the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce has organized since 2020 to encourage neighbors to explore local cuisine and “lend a hand” to local businesses. Participating businesses range from authentic Indian fare at Bombay Eats to Broadway Pizza to plant-based eats at Fancy Plants Cafe.

Learn more and find a full list of restaurants here.

Midsommarfest

5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

On Clark Street from Foster Avenue to Gregory Street

Andersonville’s hallmark summer fest features more than 50 music and entertainment acts across three nights, two days and five stages. Headliners include a mix of exciting newcomers and returning favorites:NNAMDÏ,Finom,Cecy Santana,Sixteen Candles,Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench PressandDancing Queen: An ABBA Salute.

Admission is free, and there is a $10 suggested donation upon entry. Learn morehere.

Lincoln Square Greek Fest

5-11 p.m. Friday, 3-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-10 p.m. Sunday

2727 W. Winona St.

Enjoy authentic Greek fare, live music, dancing, vendors, Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church tours and more at this annual neighborhood fest. Performers through the weekend include the Mosquitos, Northside and Serendipity bands; DJ Valentino and Valantis; the Jesse White Tumblers; the Ormi Orchestra; and more.

Learn more here.

Thursday

Race Against Gun Violence

6 p.m. Thursday

Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St.

Since 2018, nonprofit Strides for Peace has hosted an annual Race Against Gun Violence, bringing together neighbors and dozens of community organizations to raise money and awareness for Chicago grassroots organizations.

Registration ranges from $15-50 online. There is also free registration for participants who will not race but want to help fundraise. Learn more here.

Art On THE MART: Summer Launch

8:45 p.m. Thursday

Along the Chicago Riverwalk, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza

This season’s Art On THE MART — the largest digital projections in the world — features American artist Cory Arcangel’s “🌊, 💨, & 🔥” and British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori’s “Omi Okun.” Find your way to the riverwalk to catch their works projected onto a 2.5-acre facade.

Learn more here.

Friday

Kickoff To Summer Picnic

11 a.m. Friday

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Chicagoans are invited to grab their picnic blankets and sunscreen for a summer picnic at the museum. There will be lawn games, hands-on activities, food and drinks.

The event is free to attend and open to the public. Museum entry requires a ticket purchase. Learn more here.

Jazz In The Court: Hurricane Reggae Band

Noon-2:30 p.m. Friday

Harper Court, 5235 S. Harper Court

This weekend’s edition of Jazz in the Court, a free music series in Hyde Park, features Chicago-based Hurricane Reggae Band.

Learn more and find information about future dates here.

Fridays On Fulton

5-10 p.m. Friday

Around Fulton Market

For three days this summer — June 7, July 26 and August 30 — Fridays On Fulton will bring live art installations, pop-up performances, Chicago house talents and more to the West Loop.

Learn more here.

Southside Critical Mass Bike Ride

5:45-10 p.m. Friday

Nichols Park – South End, 1300 E. 55th St.

Southside Critical Mass is a free group bike ride through the South Side of Chicago that takes place on the first Friday of each month. The goal is “to make our neighborhoods more bikeable.”

Neighbors are encouraged to bring masks, helmets, water, money, bike locks, bike lights and jacket. Participation is free. Learn more and RSVP for free here.

Saturday

American Cancer Society Walk & Roll

7:30 a.m. site opening, 9 a.m. walk Saturday

Grant Park – Arvey Field, 1100 S. Columbus Drive

Returning for its 53rd year, the American Cancer Society Walk and Roll is the longest-running cancer fundraiser in Illinois. Participants of all ages and skill levels can walk, run, skate or bike distances of 5-15 kilometers to help raise money for cancer research, cancer patient care programs and more.

Registration fees range from free to $45. Learn more, sign up and donate here.

Bark

7:30 a.m. registration, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Soldier Field – Stadium Green, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive

The Anti-Cruelty Society’s 30th annual Bark event gathers more than 1,200 dog lovers, neighbors and their canine companions for a dog-friendly, outdoor fundraiser. It kicks off with a 2.5-mile walk along Chicago’s lakefront and rounds out with a “pup party” at Soldier Field with food, drinks, music, family-friendly activities and more.

Learn more here.

Uptown Art Walk

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

935 W. Wilson Ave.

Starting at Everybody’s Coffee and continuing west on Wilson Avenue, neighbors can browse and shop art from more than 10 local creatives at the Uptown Art Walk. There will also be a block party on Clifton Avenue between Wilson Avenue and Broadway with family-friendly art activities, live music and games by Cornerstone Community Outreach.

The first 100 people to go to the fair will get a complimentary pass to the Museum of Contemporary Art. Learn more here.

Festival Del Niño

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday

National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St.

There will be music and dance performances, mini mural-making, carnival games, free health services like blood pressure and lung cancer screenings and more at Festival del Niño, a family-friendly field day.

The festival is free to attend. Learn more and find a full schedule here.

Afro Soca Love Party & Black-Owned Market

11 a.m. Saturday-3 a.m. Sunday

The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West

Shop Black-owned businesses, hear live DJs and dine from vendors serving African American, Caribbean, African and Afro-Latin foods at this event by Afro Soca Love, a collective that connects African diaspora with culture and community. There will also be a photo booth and giveaways.

Learn more and buy tickets for $20-50 online.

Sox Crawl

11:30 a.m. Saturday

Guaranteed Rate Field, 333 W. 35th St.

Crawl through the White Sox stadium for a pregame ahead of their big game against the Red Sox. There will be food and drink specials, music, photo opportunities with Southpaw and more.

Tickets start at $30. Learn morehere.

Summer At CPL Block Party

Noon-2 p.m. Saturday

Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St.

Chicago Public Library is hosting its first-ever summer block party with food, giveaways, live music and dancing and more.

One registration is required per family attending. Learn more and register for free here.

Yarn Pop-Up Shop

Noon-4 p.m. Saturday

​5309 S. Hyde Park Blvd.

Celebrate Worldwide Knit in Public Day with local yarn store and pop-up group Fiber Friends Studio. This pop-up shop featuring various yarns, notions and patterns for knitters and crocheters will also have coffee, sweets and a raffle.

Learn more here.

Urban Suite Flea Market

Noon-5 p.m. Saturday

Mandrake Park, 3858 S. Cottage Grove Ave.

This flea market by local group Sassy Thrifters features vendors selling new and gently used items, a DJ and live music, food vendors, raffles and more.

Learn more here.

Southwest Summer Festival

1-5 p.m. Saturday

Outside the Greater Southwest Development Churchview Manor, 2626 W. 63rd St.

Organized by the Greater Southwest Development Corporation, the inaugural Southwest Summer Festival is all about celebrating the Southwest Side of Chicago. There will be DJs and music performances, Lucha Libre wrestling, comedy, dancing, food vendors and more at this free event.

Learn more here.

Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade

2 p.m. Saturday

Division from Western to Sacramento avenues

Celebrate Puerto Rican pride and culture at the annual Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade, which is part of Humboldt Park’s weekend-long Puerto Rican Fest.

Learn more here.

Dance4Peace Youth Concert: House Of Freedom

3 p.m. Saturday

Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St.

The Dance4Peace Youth Concert with Red Clay Dance Company is a showcase that celebrates culture and community and centers Black youth. Each performance in this concert will explore a “house” of dance, from jazz to tap to West African and more.

Tickets are $15. Learn more about the concert and buy tickets here.

‘Every Day Is A Yay!’ Release Party

6 p.m. Saturday

Catalyst Ranch, 656 W. Randolph St., Suite 3W

Online show “Everyday Day Is A Yay!” with Jewel Ifeguni is celebrating its second season with an open bar, live performances, networking and more. Performers include Zion Ali and Channel Seven, and featured panelists are Demma Strausbaugh, Matt Smith, Portia King and Shereene Manimala.

Early bird tickets are sold out, but general and VIP admission tickets are still available for $35-75. Learn more and buy tickets here.

Sunday

Brick Of Chicago Beverly & Morgan Park Walking Tour

11 a.m. Sunday

Rain or shine, neighbors can take a walking tour of Beverly on the Far South Side, which “somehow manages to be both a classic Chicago neighborhood while feeling like nothing else in the city.” Participants will learn about Beverly’s history as it grew out of former sheep grazing fields, gained prominence as a railroad and streetcar suburb, how residents fought for historic preservation in the ’60s and ’70s and more.

Tours are $17-25. Learn more and call to book online.

Lazy Gay Sunday: Backyard BBQ & Game Day

Noon-3 p.m. Sunday

The Chicago Tool Library, 4015 W. Carroll Ave.

The Chicago Tool Library is hosting a Lazy Gay Sunday complete with a backyard barbecue potluck. The library will be grilling hamburgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs, and there will be beer, canned co*cktails, lawn games, board games and puzzles. Attendees are welcome to bring their own dishes, games or drinks to share.

Learn more and RSVP online.

Still We Rise: Juneteenth Celebration

Noon-6 p.m. Sunday

Dan Ryan Woods, South Western Avenue and West 87th Street

Celebrate Juneteenth and African American culture with food, music, dance and the arts at this third annual event.

Learn morehere.

Hard Core Cider Fest

1-4 p.m. Sunday

Hard Core Cider Fest is coming back to Rogers Park’s Jarvis Square for its second edition this weekend. Hosted by local businesses R Public House and Taste Food & Wine, the fest will feature more than 20 producers of cider, beer, seltzer and wine — including ERIS Brewery & Cider House, Gulp Hablo, Maplewood, Seipp Brewing Company, The Northman Cider Co. and more.

Tickets are restricted to people 21 years and older, and areon sale for $40 online. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefitCommunity 4 Communities, a volunteer organization helping underserved neighborhoods. Learn more here.

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