5 Things to Do This Weekend: Chicago Pride Parade, House Music Festival and Conference

Chicago House Music Festival (Courtesy of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events)Chicago House Music Festival (Courtesy of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events)

1. Groove

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

The Chicago House Music Festival and Conference celebrates the genre born in Chicago with panel discussions, a keynote speech from House music legend Robert Owens and, of course, an incredible lineup of DJs. The festival is presented in conjunction with Taste of Chicago Humboldt Park, featuring food from more than 20 local food vendors.

Details for the Chicago House Music Conference: 5-9 p.m. Friday at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Free / MAP

Details for the Chicago House Music Festival and Taste of Chicago Humboldt Park: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday at the Humboldt Park Boathouse Lawn, 1301 N. Humboldt Drive. Free / MAP


Looking for more events? The Logan Square Arts Festival, Strawberry Festival and Taste of Highland Park all return this weekend. Check out those and more of the season’s upcoming festivals in our 2023 Chicago Summer Festival Guide.


2. Engage

The Wild Mile is a first-of-its-kind floating eco park with gardens, walkways and public green space along the Chicago River. See its progress at the 2nd annual Wild Mile Block Party with free food and beer, music, raffles and guided park tours.

Details: 3-8 p.m. Sunday at 905 W. Eastman St. Free / MAP

The Wild Mile. (Courtesy of Urban Rivers)The Wild Mile. (Courtesy of Urban Rivers)


3. Celebrate

Pride month continues with a parade, fashion show, music and more. The 52nd Chicago Pride Parade will feature 150 floats, decorated vehicles, performance groups, marching bands and walking contingents. Journey through musical history at the Pride Anthems Concert, featuring 50 years of Pride anthems — from Donna Summer and Queen to Lady Gaga and beyond. At Navy Pier Pride, you’ll find live music, drag queen story time and a trans/nonbinary fashion show. And Pride in the Park presents more than two dozen musical artists, including headliners Zedd and Saweetie.

Details for the Chicago Pride Parade: noon Sunday starting at Broadway and Montrose Avenue, moving south to end at Diversey Parkway and Cannon Drive. Free / MAP

Details for Pride Anthems Concert: 6 p.m. Saturday at the Lakeside Pavilion at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. Free / MAP

Details for Navy Pier Pride: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Free / MAP

Details for Pride in the Park: 3-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Butler Field at Grant Park, 377 E. Monroe St. $70-210 / MAP

Chicago Pride Parade (Rick Aguilar / Rick Aguilar Studios)Chicago Pride Parade (Rick Aguilar / Rick Aguilar Studios)


4. Imagine

Get in touch with your inner superhero at the Elmhurst Art Museum. In “Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross,” you’ll see paintings, sketches and 3D busts of beloved Marvel characters by renowned artist Alex Ross. While you’re there, check out “Superheroes in Wilder Park,” a series of eight life-sized superhero sculptures. And for kids, this weekend’s Family Day includes hands-on art activities and drawing with a costumed superhero.

Details for “Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross”: noon-5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday to Sunday through Aug. 20 at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave. in Elmhurst. Included with museum admission. $18 adults; $15 seniors (65+); $10 students with school ID; $5 kids ages 5-17; free for kids 4 and under / MAP

Details for “Superheroes in Wilder Park”: on display through July 31 at Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave. in Elmhurst. Free / MAP

Details for Family Day: 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave. in Elmhurst. Included with museum admission. $18 adults; $15 seniors (65+); $10 students with school ID; $5 kids ages 5-17; free for kids 4 and under / MAP

Left: “The Canine Crusader” by Dave Pryor. Right: “Captain Elmhurst” by Rafael Blanco. (Courtesy of the Elmhurst Art Museum)Left: “The Canine Crusader” by Dave Pryor. Right: “Captain Elmhurst” by Rafael Blanco. (Courtesy of the Elmhurst Art Museum)


5. Leap

The Joffrey for All Celebration in Millennium Park features performances by Joffrey company artists and students alike. Set to live music from the Lyric Opera Orchestra, the show will include fan-favorite dances spanning a range of styles.

Details: 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. Free / MAP

Jay Pritzker Pavilion (Patrick Pyszka)Jay Pritzker Pavilion (Patrick Pyszka)

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.


Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors