things to – From Humboldt Park’s Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade to Andersonville’s Midsommarfest, Chicago’s calendar is packed with street festivals, art fairs, family events, and late-night fun—plus a few big celebrations just outside the city.
CHICAGO — By the time Saturday rolls around, Chicago doesn’t exactly ease into the weekend. It bursts through it.
Humboldt Park keeps the rhythm going with the annual Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade—four days of live music. dancing. vendors. and the People’s Parade itself. Andersonville answers with Midsommarfest. Old Town and Lincoln Square lean into art and culture with major fairs. And scattered across the city. families have their own weekend orbit: nature encounters. dinosaur fun. beach yoga. after-hours zoo access. and pop-up community gatherings.
Here’s a roundup of 30 things to do in Chicago this weekend.
All Weekend
A woman wears traditional clothing at the 47th Annual Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade, hosted by the Puerto Rican Cultural Center on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Humboldt Park. Credit: Peyton Reich/Block Club Chicago
Puerto Rican Festival and Parade
Thursday-Sunday
Various locations, Humboldt Park
Celebrate Puerto Rican heritage with Chicago’s iconic four-day festival in Humboldt Park featuring lots of live music, dancing, vendors, delicious food and of course, the People’s Parade.
The parade begins at noon on Saturday and heads down Division Street right into the heart of Humboldt Park, complete with Bomba y Plena performances, parrandas and more.
Learn more about the weekend activities and purchase one-day passes for $18.18 here.
Dine Out On Broadway
Friday-Sunday
North Broadway, Lakeview East
Dine Out On Broadway is back in Lakeview East for its sixth season, as North Broadway transforms into the ultimate open-air dining experience.
The neighborhood’s robust restaurant scene will expand patios into the street, allowing you to sip, eat and stroll up and down Broadway while exploring new spots. This series will continue on select weekends throughout the summer.
Learn more about participating businesses here.
Lincoln Square Greek Fest
Friday-Sunday
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2727 W. Winona St., Lincoln Square
Indulge in authentic Greek food and pastries, enjoy live music and dancing, browse a vendor market, tour St. Demetrios Church and more as the Lincoln Square Greek Fest returns to the neighborhood to kick off summer.
There is a $10 suggested donation upon entry. Learn more here.
Andersonville Midsommarfest
Friday-Sunday
5200 N. Clark St., Andersonville
Midsommarfest is returning to Andersonville for a weekend inspired by the Swedish Midsommar Tradition.
Enjoy live music across multiple stages. taste food from a wide array of vendors and browse goods from local businesses as Clark Street transforms into the neighborhood’s most anticipated street festival. Midsommarfest also highlights Andersonville’s LGBTQIA+ community and celebrates love in all forms.
There is a $10 suggested donation upon entry. Learn more here.
Old Town Art Fair
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Main gate: Corner of Lincoln Avenue and Wisconsin Street
The historic neighborhood festival returns this weekend rain or shine for its 76th edition with over 200 artists.
The fair’s popular Garden Walk gives visitors a peek into dozens of private and hidden gardens throughout the neighborhood. with 65 garden stops thsi year. You can also enjoy a selection of live music across two stages. and interactive activities and entertainment for the entire family – including the Children’s Corner.
There is a $13 suggested donation upon entry for adults. Learn more here.
$20 And Under Vintage Sale
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
OLIO Curated Spaces, 1421 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wicker Park
Browse vintage finds from over 15 different vendors; all gems you find will be priced at a guaranteed $20 and under.
There will also be live music and different giveaways for fashion lovers.
This is a free, all-ages event. Learn more here.
Wells Street Art Festival
10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
North Wells St. from North Avenue to Division Street, Old Town
Celebrating its 51st year in Old Town, the Wells Street Art Festival features over 125 juried artists from Chicago and across the country. Browse painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics and more all weekend.
You can also enjoy food and drink specials from your favorite Old Town restaurants and bars like The VIG and Taco Pros.
There is a $10 suggested donation upon entry. Learn more here.
Thai Festival
Saturday-Sunday
851 W. Irving Park Road, Buena Park
Discover the culture of Thailand without leaving Chicago as Flavors of Siam returns with its annual Thai Festival.
Guests can enjoy live entertainment like Muay Thai (Thai boxing), cultural performances, a Thai costume show and food from over 50 different vendors.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
‘The Lake Effect’ Show
2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Little Black Pearl Workshop, 1060 E. 47th St., Kenwood
SOL Collective is debuting its newest performance project, as “The Lake Effect” takes the stage this weekend at Little Black Pearl Workshop.
The collective produces two shows a year, collaborating with nonprofits to showcase creatives who are often overlooked. “The Lake Effect” takes place in Chicago and shows the beauty, tension and transformation of worlds colliding.
Tickets are $30 for general admission. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Friday
Summer Nature Fest
4-8 p.m. Friday
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Lincoln Park
Kick off your weekend with this fun event for kids at the Nature Museum, where they’ll enjoy seeing live animals, talking with scientists, face-painting, music, nature walks, outdoor play, art activities and more.
Tickets are $5-$10 and are available here.
‘After All, Paintings & Prints’ Opening Reception
5-8 p.m. Friday
Western Exhibitions, 1709 W. Chicago Ave., West Town
Chicago artist Richard Hull is bringing his work to Western Exhibitions in a two-gallery show featuring prints and paintings.
In Gallery One, the artist will be presenting his new paintings, while in Gallery Two you can explore Hull’s extensive printmaking experience, dating back to the 1970s.
The show will run through Aug. 15, but catch the opening reception for a chance to chat with the artist and for a first look at the artist’s work — both new and old.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Family Fun Furi-day
6-9 p.m. Friday
Lincoln Park Zoo, North Cannon Drive at West Fullerton Parkway
Chicago’s zoo is kicking off a new program series this summer with a family-friendly after-hours event that gives you and your kids the chance to see the zoo — and its animals — up close.
The Friday evening event will offer drop-in improv workshops with The Second City, an “instrument safari” hosted by We Rock!. Chicago, face painting, unlimited free Lionel Train Adventure rides, animal chats and kid-friendly DJ Rootz of Chicago. Ice cream and other summer treats will be available for purchase.
Tickets and more info available here. (The next Family Furi-day takes place on July 31.)
Saturday
Promontory Point Beach Yoga
8-10 a.m. Saturday
Promontory Point Field House, 5491 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Hyde Park
YogaSix Hyde Park is leading an hourlong yoga session on the beach to kick off Saturday morning as it continues its free beach yoga summer series.
After the class focused on relaxation, there will be light refreshments from Struggle Beard Bakery and different raffles.
This is a free event. Learn more and register here.
Dinopalooza at the Field Museum
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
Join the Field Museum’s annual celebration of all things dinosaur-, fossiil- and ancient life-related.
The family-friendly day features crafting, face-painting, fossil show-and-tells and lectures by museum experts.
Don’t miss the Dino Derby footraces for kids and adults in inflatable costumes (adults compete for a cash prize, and all the kids get medals).
Attendance is included with the museum admission fee; more information on the event is here.
Summer Book Sale
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Rogers Park Library, 6908 N. Clark St., Rogers Park
The Friends of Roger Park are hosting a massive book sale at the Rogers Park Library.
The proceeds from the sale will help the Chicago Public Library branch purchase more books and equipment while providing more programs and free resources for the Rogers Park community.
Stop by to pick up a new read as books will be offered from .25 cents to $1.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Underground Railroad Freedom Trail Tour
11 a.m. Saturday
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch, Riverdale
Learn about the history of the Underground Railroad in South Chicago as the Midwest Underground Railroad Network embarks on an interactive tour through the Beaubien Woods along the Little Calumet River.
Explore South Chicago while learning more about the region’s impact on the Underground Railroad.
This is a free event. Learn more and register here.
Beaubien Woods Celebration
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Beaubien Woods-Flatfoot Lake, West Doty Ave., southeast of East 103rd Street and South Ellis Avenue, South Chicago
Celebrate and explore one of Chicago’s most scenic outdoor spaces as Beaubien Woods hosts a summer day full of adventure and activities.
People of all ages can enjoy paddling in two different areas of the forest preserve while engaging in other outdoor activities throughout the day.
This is a free event. Learn more and register here.
Wrigleyville Hot Dog Fest
Noon-5 p.m. Saturday
Old Crow Smokehouse, 3506 N. Clark St., Wrigleyville
What better place for a hot dog fest than right outside Wrigley, sponsored by Vienna Beef?
Celebrate the classic ballpark staple Saturday afternoon with live music, chef-crafted specialty dogs and specialty cocktails including a mustard-infused whiskey shot.
More info and tickets available here.
Faire In The Field
Noon-6 p.m. Saturday
Clarendon Park, 4501 N. Clarendon Ave., Uptown
Chicagoans can enjoy a renaissance faire right in the city as Clarendon Park transforms into a mini ren faire.
Enjoy live performances, take a lap in the LARP arena, explore the faerie encampment and more.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Los Médicos at South Side Sanctuary
6-9 p.m. Saturday
South Side Sanctuary, 4702 S. Martin Luther King Dr., Bronzeville
The collaborative arts space in Bronzeville is hosting a Saturday music series this summer featuring various artistic collaborations, live music and community.
This Saturday, check out the traditional Latin American sounds of Los Médicos, featuring the traditional dance of Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba, and in partnership with Music Moves Chicago, the Old Town School of Folk Music and more.
More info, including how to RSVP for your free ticket, here.
Then, Now, Next: Celebrating Black Voices
6-10 p.m. Saturday
1449 S. Michigan Ave., Near South Side
June is Black Music Month and Liv More Media is celebrating with an evening showcase dedicated to the evolution of Black music through multi-generational and multi-genre performances.
The showcase will explore house, soul, jazz, blues and more genres as an ode to those who paved the way for today’s music scene.
Catch performances by vocalist Meagan McNeal, DJ Celeste Alexander and more.
There will also be live art performances by visual artist Heir Porter.
Tickets start at $29.05 for general admission. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Shedd Aquarium Pride Night
6-10:30 p.m. Saturday
Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, South Loop
Celebrate Pride Month at the Shedd Aquarium with ocean-themed drag performances, DJs and more while enjoying all the vibrant exhibits the Shedd has to offer.
This event is for people 21 and older.
Tickets are $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for members. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Opera Festival Of Chicago Opening
7:30 p.m. Saturday
Jarvis Opera Hall, 2330 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park
The Opera Festival of Chicago is kicking off their summer season with an evening dedicated to verismo composers.
“Very Verismo!” will feature headlining artists from this season’s Opera Festival of Chicago as they perform works from Puccini, Leoncavallo and more.
Catch some of the country’s best opera singers before they start their summer of shows in Chicago.
Tickets start at $150. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Sunday
McKinley Park Tour
11 a.m. Saturday
35th/Archer Orange Line Stop, 3528 S. Leavitt St., McKinley Park
Get outdoors with Chicago for Chicagoans as the group takes a walking tour through McKinley Park.
Led by Chicago industrial history advocate Erica Ruggiero, the two-hour tour will take Chicagoans through the neighborhood that provides the city with its bricks, iron, meat, furniture and more.
The tour will have a stop for giant donuts at Huck Finn.
Tickets can be purchased on a sliding scale, with a $10-20 suggested donation. Learn more and register here.
Committed Knitters Juneteenth Celebration
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
The Arts Lawn, 337 E. Garfield Blvd., Hyde Park
Spend an afternoon on the Arts Lawn as Arts + Public Life pairs with Committed Knitters for their annual Juneteenth celebration.
This year, the gathering falls on World Knit in Public Day, and Fiber Friends Studios will be joining the celebration of creativity and connection.
Fiber artists of all levels are invited to join other makers to share skills and honor history through the tradition of making.
This is a free event. Learn more and register here.
Summertime Artist Market
Noon-5 p.m. Sunday
Enid, 749 N. Ashland Ave., West Town
Enid’s West Town storefront will be hosting a summertime makers market featuring local artists.
Stop by throughout the afternoon to shop unique pottery, curated vintage picks, handmade jewelry and more.
Plus, you can shop pieces from Enid’s very own curated collection.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Inspired By You Fest
Noon-6 p.m. Sunday
Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Drive, North Lawndale
Enjoy a summer afternoon for all ages in Douglass Park as the Perfect Cadence hosts an all-day festival featuring vendors, live music, art and more.
Bring your blanket and enjoy tunes from DJs like Joe Kollege and more.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for kids. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Brews For Rescues Launch Party
1-5 p.m. Sunday
Solemn Oath Brewery, 2919 W. Armitage Ave., Bucktown
Beer fans and pet lovers can enjoy a new brew at Solmen Oath Brewery — a hazy IPA available on draft — with $1 from every purchase going toward One Tail at a Time.
There will also be a pet vendor market that you can browse alongside your (friendly and well-behaved) pup.
This is a free event, but donations are welcome. Learn more here.
Jefferson Park Parade
2 p.m. Sunday
Route begins near North Milwaukee Avenue and West Wilson Avenue, Jefferson Park
Jefferson Park is taking to the streets for the neighborhood’s first community parade in 50 years.
Last celebrated in 1976, the parade will showcase local businesses, nonprofits, scout groups, elected officials, the Taft High School Marching Band and more.
There will also be food trucks following along for the action and a performance from the Chicago City Wide Symphony Orchestra which will begin at 3 p.m. in Jefferson Memorial Park.
Plus, you can stop by the Jefferson Park Farmers Market, which will run from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
‘México 86’ Screening
2 p.m. Sunday
National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Pilsen
You can catch a free screening of Netflix’s “México 86” as the film takes to the screen at Pilsen’s National Museum of Mexican Art.
This recently released film follows the turbulent journey of Mexico’s gamble to host the 1986 World Cup through satire and dark humor.
This is a free event. Learn more and register here.
Pick A Vinyl, Paint A Vinyl
3-6 p.m. Sunday
Bridgeport Records, 3251 S. Halsted St., Bridgeport
Close out the weekend alongside fellow creatives as Bridgeport Records hosts a crafty social club.
Recreate vinyl artwork with provided materials and enjoy light refreshments.
There’s also the chance to win free and discounted vinyls with different raffles.
Tickets are $15. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Outside Chicago
And of course right outside Chicago this weekend, it’s the Summer Smash festival at SeatGeek stadium in Bridgeview.
Something to add to our list?
Let us know at arts@blockclubchi.org or submit here.
Chicago weekend events Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade Humboldt Park Midsommarfest Andersonville Old Town Art Fair Wells Street Art Festival Lincoln Square Greek Fest Thai Festival Shedd Aquarium Pride Night Lincoln Park Zoo Family Fun Furi-day