A Festival of Life vendor. (Felicia K. Apprey)
1. Delight
The 30th annual African Caribbean International Festival of Life transforms Washington Park with four days of artists, food, fashion and performances that celebrate African and Caribbean culture. A children’s pavilion includes carnival games, jump houses and dance lessons. And this year’s event has merged with the Jerk, Seafood and Vegan Festival, featuring international treats like jerk chicken, jollof rice and rum punch.
Details: noon-10 p.m. Saturday to Tuesday at Washington Park, 5560 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Tickets start at $25; kids under 12 are free / MAP
Looking for more events? Check out more of the season’s upcoming festivals in our 2023 Chicago Summer Festival Guide.
2. Shine
Get a jumpstart on Fourth of July festivities with fireworks at Navy Pier’s Independence Day Weekend Celebration. Prefer a daytime activity? The Chicago Architecture Center is offering Fourth of July-inspired walking tours highlighting Chicago’s contributions to American history and culture. Topics include elevated architecture, the first skyscrapers and the Motor Row Historic District.
Details for Independence Day Weekend Celebration: 9 p.m. Saturday at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Free / MAP
Details for Chicago Architecture Center tours: Times and locations vary through Tuesday. $30 for non-members; $10 for CAC members
3. Play ball
Root for the home team at a Chicago Dogs game this weekend. On Friday night, you’ll find happy hour, free hats and a chance to run the bases. Saturday brings Elvis Night with pre-game performances and post-game fireworks; costumes are encouraged. And on Family Sunday, enjoy $3 bottomless popcorn and $3 bottomless fountain drinks.
Details: 6:30 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Impact Field, 9850 Balmoral Ave. in Rosemont. $9-25 general admission; $85 Rivers Stadium Club seating (includes buffet and unlimited beer and wine); $450 for a suite / MAP
Impact Field. (Daniel Boczarski)
4. Marvel
The iconic music of John Williams helps weave together the “Star Wars” saga across nine films spanning decades. Experience “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” like never before as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs the score.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday at Orchestra Hall, 220 S. Michigan Ave. $65-215 / MAP
5. Muse
In “Destination/El Destino: A Decade of GRAFT,” artist Edra Soto explores her migration from Puerto Rico to Chicago with public sculptures that evoke island culture and architecture. Learn more in our “Latino Voices” conversation.
Details: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday to Thursday through Aug. 6 at the Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave. Free / MAP
“Destination/El Destino: A Decade of Graft” installation by Edra Soto. (Courtesy of the Hyde Park Art Center)
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.
