Weekend Events: Spring Awakening, Chicago Blues Festival, Ribfest

FRIDAY (Jump to SATURDAY | SUNDAY)

(Courtesy of Spring Awakening Music Festival)(Courtesy of Spring Awakening Music Festival)

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Spring Awakening Music Festival (through Sunday)
Addams/Medill Park, 1301 W. 14th St.
The fifth annual fest features six stages of music, including live electronic acts and DJs on two main stages. See Steve Aoki, Deadmaus, Kaskade, Zeds Dead, Above & Beyond and RL Grime, among others. Festival goers can also participate in interactive art displays, watch fireworks or hop on carnival rides. Check out the full schedule. Doors open 1 p.m. Friday-Sunday.


Also on tap:

Chicago Blues Festival (through Sunday)
Grant Park
The 33rd annual event, billed as the world's largest free blues festival, returns with performances by Shemekia Copeland, Fred Wesley & The New JB’s, Irma Thomas and Corky Siegel. Friday kicks off with a 45th anniverary celebration for Alligator Records. See a festival map here. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Free.

Ribfest Chicago (through Sunday)
Lincoln Avenue, Irving Park Road and Damen Avenue
Fill up on ribs and other festival foods at the 18th annual event. Live music highlights include Waco Brothers (Friday), Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band (Saturday) and Freakwater (Sunday). Brave souls can also participate in an amateur rib-eating contest Friday night. Get your stomach growling with this list of vendors. 5-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $5 suggested donation.

Andersonville Midsommarfest (through Sunday)
Clark Street and Foster Avenue
Live music highlights at the 51st annual fest with five performance stages include 16 Candles (Friday), Catfight (Saturday) and Too White Crew (Sunday). The Chicago Spirit Brigade performs throughout the weekend. Food and drink vendors line the street and vendors sell crafts, jewelry, clothing and more. 5-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $10 suggested donation.

Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Chicago (through Sunday)
Navy Pier
The opening ceremonies for the America’s Cup kick off the world series on Friday as Chicago makes history as the first freshwater location for this sailing yacht race. Take a peek at the event guide to see what else is going on beyond the races. Viewing cruises are also available. Noon-11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. $29-$59.

International DaVinci Machines Exhibition: The Titans Experience (ongoing)
Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Level 3
The inventor, scientist and artist Leonardo DaVinci comes to Chicago. See replicas of his 500-year-old designs of the bicycle, hang glider and more at this new traveling exhibition opening Satuday. There are also digitally remastered works from the Renaissance man. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. $11.95-$15.95 suggested donation.


SATURDAY (Jump to FRIDAY | SUNDAY)

Printers Row Lit Fest (through Sunday)
Dearborn Street between Congress Parkway and Polk Street
The 32nd annual block party for book-lovers, billed as the Midwest’s largest outdoor literary festival, features over 250 booksellers from around the country selling new, used and antique titles. Stop by one of the 100 programs, author book signings or kid-friendly events. NPR’s Steve Inskeep, Marcia Clark, actor Ethan Hawke and astronaut Buzz Aldrin are scheduled to participate. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free admission. Some events are ticketed$35 fest pass will get you in express lines for book signing and other perks. 


Also on tap:

Wells Street Art Festival (through Sunday)
Wells Street, between North Avenue and Division Street
The annual festival in Old Town features more than 225 artists from around the country. Browse traditional paintings and sculptures, woodworks, metalwork, jewelry and more. Live local music will also be part of this six-block festival, along with over 20 food and drink vendors. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $7 suggested donation.  

Pilsen Food Truck Social
18th and Allport streets
Pair mobile eats with live music programmed by Thalia Hall at this summer newbie in its second year. Find the list of food trucks here. Revolution Brewing will offer a variety of fresh brews. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $5 optional donation.  $20 sampler ticket.

Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE) (through Sunday)
Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted Ave.
This celebration of independent comics is inspired by Chicago’s history as a home to underground or alternative comic artists. Buy comics, attend workshops, listen in on panel discussions and more. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free.

Remix Chicago (through Sunday)
Milwaukee Avenue, between Fullerton Avenue and California Avenue
This art event puts a “green” spin on things by showcasing the work of artists who’ve taken used or recycled goods to create works of art, clothing, jewelry, collectibles and more. Also: live music and 12 eco-friendly workshops. Noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free admission.

Lombard Ale Fest
150 S. Park Ave., Lombard
More than 80 craft beers from all over the country are on on offer at this festival in Lilacia Park, which is across the street from the Lombard Metra Station off the UP-W line. 1-5 p.m. 50 cents per 3 oz. drink ticket. 


SUNDAY (Jump to: FRIDAY | SATURDAY)

Yo-Yo Ma: A Distant Mirror
Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.
In this program, the renowned cellist will explore “the musical worlds and contemporary resonances of the 16th and 17th centuries, including the impact of the period’s most celebrated literary figures, Shakespeare and Cervantes.” 3 p.m.  $70-150.


Also on tap:

Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park
Pack a picnic and settle in for a performance from the group behind “Sherry” and “Oh, What a Night” as part of the ongoing Ravinia Festival. 8 p.m. $38-$100.

Florence + the Machine: How Beautiful Tour
Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, 19100 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park
The woman behind the hit song “Dog Days Are Over” takes to the stage. 7:30 p.m. $21-$339.

Mel Brooks: Back in the Saddle Again
The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.
A screening of “Blazing Saddles” on the big screen precedes a conversation and audience Q&A with the 89-year-old comedian, filmmaker, composer and actor, who offers an inside look at his career and the making of the groundbreaking film. 3 p.m. $78-$93. 


Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before you head out the door. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future roundup? Send us an email.


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