26 Things To Do In Chicago This Weekend: Bike The Drive, Jazz Fest, ARC Music Fest And More
CHICAGO — It’s September in Chicago and the Windy City is kicking off the month with a holiday weekend full of fun activities, street festivals, music and more.
If you’re determined to catch a street festival before summer’s end, you will have many options to choose from this weekend.
The Chicago Jazz Festival returns for a weekend full of programming across the city, from the Far North Side to Calumet Heights including a large lineup of free jazz performances.
There’s also the African Festival of the Arts, an annual celebration of African diasporic culture that includes live music, interactive workshops, family activities and more.
You can also celebrate Polish culture at the Taste of Polonia Festival, score some fresh produce at the Englewood Village Market or celebrate Labor Day with the annual Labor Day Parade and Eddie Fest on the South East Side.
Something we missed? Let us know at arts@blockclubchi.org.
Here’s a roundup of 26 things to do in Chicago this weekend:
All Weekend:
CHIRP Record Fair
4-9 p.m. Friday, 2-7 p.m. Saturday
Rockwell on the River, 3057 N. Rockwell St., (Thursday-Friday) Athenaeum Center, 2936 N. Southport Ave. (Saturday)
Community radio station CHIRP is taking part in Mike Reed’s Sound & Gravity festival with a three-day record sale at a couple of the avant-garde music fest’s venues. Browse vinyl, CDs and more physical media.
This event is free and open to the public. Learn more here.
Chicago Jazz Festival
11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Various locations including Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. & Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.
Chicago’s Labor Day tradition continues for another year with a citywide celebration of jazz. The four-day festival combines local Chicago talent with acclaimed national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation for one of the city’s most iconic genres. You can enjoy free concerts from the Far North Side to Calumet Heights, plus all-day programming at Millennium Park with a diverse lineup of performers including Isaiah Collier’s Coltrane tribute and city high school jazz bands.
This is a free event. Learn more about the weekend programming here.
Sound & Gravity Fest
Thursday-Sunday
Various locations, Avondale
The multi-venue, experimental Sound & Gravity music festival is returning to Avondale and Lakeview for its second year to bring a unique and intimate concert experience to attendees, crafted by Pitchfork co-founder Mike Reed. Seven different venues, all within walking distance of each other, will be the site of performances by Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) and Leah Singer and local jazz band Resavoir.
Four-day passes start at $253.88 and single-day passes start at $56.99. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Taste Of Polonia Festival
4:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Monday
Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave., Jefferson Park
The largest, and oldest, Polish festival in the country is returning to Jefferson Park for four days of live music, performances, delicious Polish cuisine and plenty of beer. There will also be local vendors, different engaging exhibitions and other activities perfect for the whole family, like mini golf, a casino and a kids’ zone. The festivities continue through Monday, with plenty of time to hit all the attractions celebrating Polish culture and creativity.
Tickets are $10 on Friday, $15 on Saturday-Monday, and four-day passes are available for $45. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
ARC Music Festival
Friday-Monday
Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., Near West Side
Four days of house, techno and more is hitting Chicago’s West Side as ARC Music Festival returns. Each day’s lineup includes more than 20 artists bringing the freshest electronic DJs to Union Park, including rising stars like Nia Archives and Swimming Paul, plus local Chicago talent like co-creator of the iconic BOOTS party, DJ Kirk. Music continues through Monday as “house comes home.”
Single day passes start at $241 with 4-day passes priced at $599. Learn more and browse ticket options here.
Great American Lobster Fest
1-10 p.m. Saturday, 1-8 p.m. Sunday
Navy Pier, 900 E. Grand Ave., Streeterville
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend at Navy Pier with the ultimate seafood celebration. The Great American Lobster Fest flies in fresh Maine lobster daily, providing tasty seafood to go along with live music, craft vendors and all the stunning views Navy Pier has to offer. If you’re not a fan of seafood, there’s plenty of other delicious food to enjoy like barbeque and sweet treats.
Purchase a lobster meal ahead of time for $70, or enjoy the event’s free admission. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Fiesta Boricua: De Bandera a Bandera
Noon-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Paseo Boricua at Barrio Borikén, W. Division St. between California and Western avenues, Humboldt Park
A colorful weekend full of music, food, and all things Puerto Rican culture is coming to Humboldt Park as Fiesta Boricua returns to the Barrio Broikén for the 33rd year. Enjoy a packed weekend of programming including live music, dancing, art vendors and more. Plus, there will be cooking demos, a dance lounge, and karaoke to make sure the fun lasts all weekend long.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
African Festival Of The Arts
10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Monday
Washington Park Sunken Garden, 55th St. and Cottage Grove Ave., Washington Park
Chicago’s celebration of African and African diasporic culture is returning Labor Day Weekend with the festival theme “Crowning the Heritage,” which honors the artistic, cultural, and spiritual traditions that connect people of African descent internationally. There will be world music and dance performances, family activities, plenty of authentic cuisine, different cultural exhibits, plus interactive workshops and demonstrations perfect for the whole family.
Tickets are $31.60. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Friday
Bünda & Brews
10-11:30 a.m. Friday
Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St., West Loop
BÜNDA West Loop is kicking off Labor Day weeked with Glutecamp — an all body weight and band workout focused on the smaller muscles in the glutes. With resistance bands included, break a sweat on Friday morning and enjoy a complimentary beer from Haymarket Brewery after the workout. Bring your own yoga mat and water bottle.
This is a free event. Learn more and register here.
Southside Critical Mass Chicago Bicycle Ride
5:45 p.m. Friday
Nichols Park, 1300 E. 55th St., Hyde Park
On the first Friday of every month, Southside Critical Mass joins bike riders from around the city for a community ride through Chicago’s South Side. The monthly gatherings are focused on cycling as a vehicle, while continuing the push to make neighborhoods more bikeable, and livable. The group normally travels 15-20 miles at a moderate pace. Bring your own helmet, water, bike lock, and anything else you like to have on you for longer bike rides.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Saturday
Englewood Village Market
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
5800 S. Halsted St., Englewood
The season of the farmers market continues as the Englewood Village Market is back for another Saturday. The market that runs twice a month through October is a one-stop-shop for fresh produce, local vendors, community resources and plenty of good vibes to kick off the weekend. Illinois Link and Mather Market Bucks are accepted.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
10 a.m.-noon Saturday
Hale Park, 6258 W. 62nd St., Clearing
Kick off Saturday morning with a community cleanup in Hale Park. Meet neighbors at the playground to head out to the park to help pick up litter and care for the community shared spaces in an act of showing pride in the neighborhoods we call home. The cleanup, hosted by Community Innovation Center, happens on the first Saturday every month at different locations across the city to support and beautify communities.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
South Merrill Community Garden, 7030 S. Merrill Ave., South Shore
South Merrill Community Garden invites neighbors every Saturday to volunteer to assist in beautification and maintenance of the garden. The South Shore community garden has worked for the past seven years to bring food donations, education and fun to hundreds in South Shore with a variety of programs. Volunteering Saturdays continue until Oct. 31.
This is a free event. Learn more and sign-up here.
Flutter Into Fall
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Lincoln Park
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is welcoming fall with a family-friendly celebration of the museum’s monarch butterflies as they begin their migration from Chicago to Oyamel fir forests in Mexico. In partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art, attendees will be able to tag along with entomologists as they tag the butterflies, explore the outdoor butterfly garden, enjoy a performance by the Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec Dance company, and even see the release of tropical butterflies.
This event is free for museum members, $20 for adult Illinois residents and $13 for Illinois resident children. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Credit: Provided
Pots For The People Fundraiser
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Corner of N. Damen Ave. and W. Leland Ave., Ravenswood
Pots for the People, an organization that invites experienced potters to donate their functional but imperfect mugs and cups, is hosting a fundraiser market this Saturday. Potters are encouraged to include a handwritten note where they answer the prompt “what do you fight for?” The cup/mug will then be offered to the community in exchange for a $25 donation to the ACLU. Buyers are encouraged to continue engaging in civic action after their donation and bringing their new mug home.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Brighton Park Walking Tour
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
4901 S. Western Ave., Brighton Park
Strong Town Chicago is hosting their latest free walking tour in collaboration with Southwest Collective to show Chicagoans Brighton Park. The tour will cover all things from the heritage of the neighborhood to the challenges of the community — all led by a local resident to ensure you’re getting an authentic look into the neighborhood.
This is a free event. Learn more and RSVP here.
Labor Day Parade & Eddie Fest
Noon-5 p.m. Saturday
Steelworkers Park, 87th St. and South DuSable Lake Shore Drive, South East Side
Ring in Labor Day in the holiday’s long-recognized birthplace with the annual Labor Day Parade and Eddie Fest. Organized and run by the Chicago Federation of Labor, the parade and subsequent festival celebrates union pride, solidarity and community. The parade and fest will include live music, games, community arts and crafts vendors, pro wrestling, plenty of food and beer and family-friendly activities. This is a free event.
Learn more about the parade route and Labor Day festivities here.
Paint The Chicago Skyline
3-5 p.m. Saturday
Hey, I Thought Of You, 2839 W. Montrose Ave., Ravenswood
Create a colorful Chicago skyline painting with direction from local painter Kenny DarkPoet Lapins. All supplies are included, so just show up ready to paint the show-stopping Windy City skyline. Plus, the paint dries quickly, so you’ll be able to take home your new creation at the end of the workshop.
Tickets are $40. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
‘Practical Magic’ Laugh-Along
9-11 p.m. Saturday
Stars and Garters Theater, 3914 N. Clark St., Lakeview
Watch the 1998 film “Practical Magic,” starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, alongside some of Chicago’s funniest comedians before the sequel premieres. Marissa Chastain, Zach Masso and JP Winders will be running a drinking game, cracking jokes and bringing more fun throughout the film screening. This event is for people 21 and older.
Learn more and purchase tickets for $25.50 here.
Emo Night: All Hayley Williams
9 p.m.-midnight Saturday
Dorothy, 2500 W. Chicago Ave., West Town
Dorothy’s Creative Director Whitney LaMore is hosting the return of Emo Night at the West Town bar, with an all-Hayley Williams twist as Chicago prepares for Williams’ solo tour to hit town in September. Dance and sing along to Paramore’s biggest hits alongside Williams’ solo album all night long. Proceeds from this event will go toward We Rock! Chicago, a group that empowers girls, trans and gender-expansive youth through music. This event is for people 21 and older.
There is a $10 cover. Learn more and RSVP here.
Sunday
Bike The Drive
6:30 a.m. Sunday
Main Location: Butler Field in Grant Park, 235 S. Columbus Drive, South Loop
Bikes are taking over DuSable Lake Shore Drive as Bike The Drive returns. The 30-mile-loop includes entry locations at Grant Park, Bryn Mawr Ave., Fullerton Ave., Oakwood Blvd. and the Museum of Science & Industry. The ride officially starts at 6:30 a.m., but you can join anytime up until 10:30 a.m. when closures begin. End the ride with a post-ride festival in Grant Park that includes a beer garden, a family fun zone, a nine-hole mini-golf course and other fun activities. Helmets are required on the ride.
Adult general admission starts at $78 and youth general admission starts at $18. Learn more and register here.
Knitting Group
Noon-1 p.m. Sunday
Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St., Andersonville
Fiber artists of all levels are invited to join the Swedish American Museum for a Sunday afternoon knitting session. Work on your latest project while enjoying fika, the Swedish tradition of taking a break to socialize and enjoy a sweet treat.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Baila Habibi
3-9 p.m. Sunday
Whispers at Oak Street Beach, 1001 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Gold Coast
The Baila Habibi party is hitting the beach with a holiday weekend party featuring the city’s top DJs spinning reggaeton, Arabic hits, Latin house and other global anthems guaranteed to get you moving, Complete with skyline views, live dancers and percussion, the party brings “nonstop” global energy to Lake Michigan.
Tickets start at $45.27. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Poetic-ISH Open Mic Experience
6-9 p.m. Sunday
SpaceISH, 917 W. 18th St., Pilsen
Did you know that Chicago has a bustling spoken word scene? Get a glimpse into the poets, musicians, artists, comedians and more from all over the city and the surrounding suburbs as Poetic-ISH hits Pilsen for an open-mic night. Curated by Da Poet Ms Jen, the event will be full of spoken word, R&B, cocktails, and a lineup that includes live singers, group karaoke and more.
Tickets are $17.85. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Animal Trivia Night: Feline Edition
7-9 p.m. Sunday
Insect Asylum, 2870 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square
Help support an Insect Asylum’s team member Athena as her cat, Carrot, battles an autoimmune disease in a fun feline-themed trivia night. Cat lovers an test their knowledge about their furry friends for the chance to win prizes such as handmade local artwork and museum tickets. All proceeds will support Carrot’s medical journey.
Tickets can be bought on a sliding scale from $10-$50. If you can’t make it to the event, you can still support Carrot here. Learn more and purchase tickets for trivia here.
‘Sandlot’ Screening
8 p.m. Sunday
Mordecai, 3632 N. Clark St., Wrigleyville
American bistro Mordecai is screening the 1993 baseball classic “The Sandlot” in their restaurant space across the street from Wrigley Field. Partnering with Old Style, Mordecai is offering a themed menu to pair perfectly with the family movie, including Chicago Handshakes, fried pickles and more tasty treats.
Learn more and make reservations here.
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