Bud Billiken Parade. (Credit: Enjoy Illinois)
1. Cheer
A Chicago tradition, the 93rd annual Bud Billiken Parade will march down King Drive this weekend. The parade and festival has a stated goal of uniting African Americans in music, dance, food and laughter while celebrating the return to school.
Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday starting at 39th Street and Martin Luther King Drive and proceeding south through Washington Park, 5531 S. Martin Luther King Drive. Free / Map
Find more fests: 2022 Summer Festival Guide
2. Reminisce
Take a trip back in time at Retro on Roscoe, a music festival featuring three stages stretched across six blocks. The bands will play a mix of oldies, throwbacks and popular hits. The fest also features antique vendors, artisans and merchants in a unique shopping experience.
Details: 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday; Noon-10 p.m. Saturday; Noon-10 p.m. Sunday at 2000 W. Roscoe St., Chicago. $15 suggested donation / Map
3. Vibe
Ghanaian guitarist and bandleader Ebo Taylor performs with Chicago Afrobeat Project and Future Rootz.
Details: 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Thalia Hall, 1807 South Allport St., Chicago. $40-$75
4. Browse
Take in work from 80 juried artists and artisans at the Printer’s Row Art Fest. The fest features art at all price points by painters, street artists, jewelers, up-cycling artists, photographers, mixed media artists and more. Local restaurants will also be on hand.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 701 S. Dearborn St., Chicago. Free
5. Appreciate
Access Contemporary Music is hosting the seventh annual Thirsty Ears Festival, which is billed as Chicago’s only classical music street festival. Ensembles and soloists will be performing music from Beethoven to Shostakovich to Reich and everything in between.
Details: 2-10 p.m. Saturday; 2-9 p.m. Sunday at 1758 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago. $10 suggested donation
Little Italy Fest on Taylor Street. (Credit: Onesti Entertainment)
6. Chow Down
Chicago’s Little Italy Fest-Taylor Street celebrates the history of the neighborhood while showcasing delicious eats from area restaurants. Three stages also feature a variety of music performances.
Details: 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; Noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 1431 W. Taylor St., Chicago.
7. Just Dance
Lady Gaga comes to Chicago to perform for all the Little Monsters at Wrigley Field as part of her Chromatica Ball tour.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Monday at Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison. Tickets start at $198.50.
8. Pet
Head out to Mokena for the annual Farm & Barn Fest. The family event features a variety of activities for kids including a petting zoo and horse rides.
Details: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. with kids activities from noon-5 p.m. Saturday Yunker Park, 10824 La Porte Road, Mokena. Free admission, $20 wristband required for most activities.
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.
