CHICAGO — There is no shortage of events happening across the city this weekend.
Neighbors can officially close out the summer with Goose Island’s 312 Block Party, catch movie screenings at Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Film Festival, stroll the Randolph Street Market and Beverly Art Walk, browse a feminist art exhibit in Bridgeport and so much more.
Here’s a roundup of 41 things to do in Chicago this weekend:
Credit: Randolph Street Market10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
1341 W. Randolph St.
Shop art, antiques, vintage decor, fashion, jewelry, vinyl and more at this European style flea market. There will be vendors from across the country, bars, live bands and more in the heart of the West Loop. General admission tickets are $12 online, and there are ticket packages and discounts available. Kids younger than 12 get in free. Find the list of vendors, entertainment schedule and food lineup here.
1 p.m.-midnight Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sunday
Various locations in Hyde Park
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival returns this weekend with dozens of free performances across the neighborhood, capping off the festival’s busiest year yet. Performances include saxophonist Javon Jackson and poet Nikki Giovanni performing spirituals from their 2022 collaboration, “The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni,” and The Chico Freeman Quintet‘s festival-closing set honoring the 100th anniversary of saxophonist Von Freeman‘s birth.
For a full schedule, a map and other information about the festival, click here.
Noon-5 p.m. Saturday
Various locations in Beverly/Morgan Park. See map here.
This art fest is back for its 10th edition, featuring 200 artists across 40 venues, the Uprising Craft Market, street painting, live music and public art activations. Use an online guide and interactive map to plan out your walk.
2-10 p.m. Saturday
Old Time Tap, 13501 S. Brandon Ave.
A couple behind the South by Southeast podcast, which celebrates the Southeast Side, is hosting a community festival this weekend. There will be food, a vendor fair with local businesses and performances by Chicago musicians like Cojack and Co, East Moon and Artison Fire. Admission is free, but attendees must be 21 or older.
Credit: Provided5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Outside the Goose Island Brewery, 1800 W. Fulton St.
Goose Island is bidding farewell to the summer season with its annual 312 Block Party, featuring headliners Neal Francis and Houndmouth. Join friends and neighbors for live music and more than 30 different beer options. No tickets are required, but there is a suggested $10 donation at the gate. Learn more here.
6-7 p.m. Sunday
Dorothy, 2500 W. Chicago Ave.
After Dorothy staff saw so many guests curl up in the bar’s lounge with a book, they decided to launch their own chapter of Silent Book Club. The book club will gather monthly with no pressure to finish a specific book, socialize or do anything but read. Dorothy will be playing instrumental music at a lower volume than normal for the hour of reading time. Afterwards, readers can head to the bar or bed lounge for some optional socializing about “books, reading and all things queer.” Sign up online.
Tour Of Chicago’s First Orthodox Parish
1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
St. Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, 1121 N. Leavitt St.
Take a docent-guided tour of this historic landmark cathedral designed by Louis Sullivan. Tours are 45-60 minutes. There is free parking in the church lot off of Haddon Avenue and east of Leavitt Street. For more information and to learn about other tour dates, email CathedralToursChicago@gmail.com.
Various times Saturday-Sunday.
Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive
In celebration of the 100th birthday of the late Gerald Arpino — dancer, choreographer and co-founder of the Joffrey Ballet — ballet companies from across the U.S. will be performing works that span Arpino’s career. Performances include “Sea Shadow” by the American Ballet Theatre, “Suite Saint-Saëns” by The Joffrey Ballet, “L’Air D’Esprit” by San Francisco Ballet and more. Tickets start at $45 online. Ticket packages are also available.
Credit: Caroline Talbot Photography4 p.m. Sunday
Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St.
The Blue Man Group Chicago’s annual sensory-friendly performance returns this weekend after a four-year hiatus. The show is designed to accommodate and welcome the autistic community and their families, with a dimly lit 90-minute performance, bean bag chairs in the theater lobby, quiet corners for those seeking a sensory break from the production and noise canceling headphones upon request. Tickets are $49 online. A portion of sales will be donated to the Naperville-based autism advocacy organization Turning Pointe Autism Foundation.
Albany Park River Walk
1 p.m. Sunday
Meet at the entrance to the River Walk at Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave.
Join Albany Park neighbors for a guided walk along the riverside trail and learn about native flora and fauna you may spot along the way.
6 p.m. Thursday
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park West Ave.
Stop by Grown Folks Stories for a chance to hear community tales by nonprofessional, unrehearsed storytellers, “from hilarious to absolutely real.” Created by Cara Brigandi and Eric Williams, owner of The Silver Room. Grown Folks Stories is an ever-popular monthly gathering for real community stories, with no theme or judging. This 21+ event takes places every third Thursday of the month. General admission tickets are $10 online.
6-8 p.m. Saturday
Kenwood Gardens, 6929 S. Kenwood Ave.
Artist-led nonprofit Rebuild Foundation offers a free concert series in collaboration with local musicians, which runs monthly from May through October. This weekend, Chicagoans can groove to Magic Carpet as they perform an eclectic mix of music that draws from jazz, reggae and funk blended with African, Middle Eastern and Indian traditions. RSVP online.
Credit: Provided5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday
St. Alphonsus Church, 1429 W. Wellington Ave.
Pull out your lederhosen for this 20th annual celebration of all things Bavarian. Enjoy traditional German cuisine — including beer and homemade brats and pretzels — and live music on two stages. There will also be craft beer tasting nights 6-9 p.m. Friday and 4-7 p.m. Saturday, and a family-friendly KinderFest with face painting and inflatables Sunday. There is a suggested donation of $10 Friday and Saturday.
11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday
Metropolitan Brewing, 3057 N. Rockwell St.
Test your shoulder strength with a beer stein hoisting contest and celebrate German culture with beers, sausages, pretzels and more. Alongside Bavarian bites, attendees can feast on tacos, vegan snacks and BBQ. No ticket or reservation is necessary for this family- and dog-friendly fest. Oktoberfest steins will be available for purchase.
8-10 a.m. Sunday
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2400 N. Cannon Drive
Experience the zoo in a comfortable and inclusive environment geared toward guests with sensory sensitivities, disabilities, autism, chronic illness or deafness. Sensory-friendly modifications include limited capacity and muted attractions. The gift shop will be open and Landmark Café will sell beverages starting at 8:30 a.m. The AT&T Endangered Species Carousel and the Lionel Train Adventure will also operate with muted music and noises. This is a free event, but advanced registration is required. RSVP online.
2-4:30 p.m. Saturday
Snakes & Lattes Chicago, 1965 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Pair up with a friend to compete in a 300-piece Jigsaw puzzle contest. But first, you’ll be able to warmup with a 100-piece puzzle. The top three teams will win prizes. Tickets for a two-person table are $10 online.
Credit: Reeling Film FestivalOpening night kicks off 6 p.m. Thursday. Various screenings all weekend long.
Opening night at Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave.
Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival opens Thursday night with Andy Vallentine’s “The Mattachine Family,” which stars suburban Wilmette native Nico Tortorella. Back for its 41st year, the fest will feature 54 virtual and in-person programs through Oct. 8. Subsequent screenings will be at Landmarks’ Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St., and the Chicago Filmmakers Firehouse Cinema, 1326 W. Hollywood Ave. Tickets are $15 for opening night, or $40 to access a pre-party in the Music Box Lounge. All other in-person screenings are $12. Streaming passes are also available for online titles. Tickets can be bought here.
Noon-4 p.m. Saturday
Maxwell Street Community Garden, 1150 W. 13th St.
After a year of planting and growing, the Maxwell Street Community Garden is hosting a Harvest Fest with food, live music and games for the whole family.
Noon-7 p.m. Saturday
Blessed Maria Gabriella East Parish, 743 N. Armour St., on Superior Street between Armour Street and Bishop Street
Enjoy food, music, children’s activities and more at this fest hosted by a West Town church. There will also be a performance by the Jesse White Tumblers at 3 p.m. and pet blessings from 4-5 p.m. Email communityofbmgc@gmail.com or text 708-408-2000 for more information.
Noon-9 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday
Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave.
Spend a weekend watching back-to-back arts and culture performances for Chicago Live!, an annual performance festival. More than 80 artists and organizations will perform across Navy Pier’s three stages. Over the course of two days, attendees can see shows from the Chicago Philharmonic, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Chicago Fringe Opera, South Chicago Dance Theatre, Blue Man Group, Mandala South Asian Performing Arts, Black Ensemble Theater, Aloha Chicago and dozens of others.
Credit: Provided/salonb.6-10 p.m. Friday
salonlb., 1010 W. 35th St., Suite 500
Bridgeport art gallery and events venue salonlb. is showcasing a “Feminist to the Core” exhibit, which features the work of 27 local, national and international artists. Exhibit goers will see works made from an array of different mediums, including sculptures, photos, videos and clothing. Chicagoans can browse the exhibition during a Friday night closing reception or during salonlb.’s regular business hours, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. “Feminist to the Core” runs through Oct. 1.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
The Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th St.
Architect, preservationist and Bridgeport resident Krista Weir is leading a tour through Bridgeport this weekend. Learn about the neighborhood’s architecture and its significance to immigrants and discover the smelly history of its industrial districts. The afternoon will end at Antique Taco, 1000 W. 35th St., where walkers can grab a beverage or meal together. The tour is offered through Chicago for Chicagoans, a nonprofit “pay-what-you-can” tour service created by and for Chicagoans. Tickets are free, but a $10-20 donation is appreciated.
10-11:30 a.m. Sunday
Humboldt Park Boathouse Gallery, 1301 N. Humboldt Drive
This slow, easy-going group bike ride focused on kids and families will tour the Humboldt Park neighborhood. Rides typically cover 2-4 miles over an hour, with stops. Bikers should gather at the Humboldt Park Boathouse at 10 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. kick-off — and wear helmets. Festive clothing and decorations are encouraged. All kids should be accompanied by a parent or guardian with a bike. The ride will go on rain or shine.
2-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
WNDR Museum, 1130 W. Monroe St.
Handmade accessory shop Stay High is hosting a two-day market at WNDR museum. It will feature more than 30 vendors, taco and boba trucks, on-site piercings, tooth gems, tarot readings, live music and DJs, a bar and more. There will also be a raffle to raise money for Muejeres Latinas En Accion, a shelter in Pilsen that supports single-parent families and domestic abuse survivors. This is an 18+ event, and guests 21 and older can access the bar and infused treats. RSVP online.
Credit: Jim Vondruska5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Half Acre Beer Co., 2050 W. Balmoral Ave.
Stroll through Half Acre’s brewhouse and beer garden while you shop from 50 vendors, including Bon Mot Studio, The Painted Loom, SORRY Studio and Hyde & Park Co. There will be beer and cocktails flowing, food from Soul & Smoke and 5411 Empanadas, plus treats from Blackout Baking Co. DJ Johnny Walker will also be spinning tunes through the night and Fab R. will be live painting a mural wall. This night market is free to attend with your online RSVP and open to all ages.
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
3527 W. Grand Ave.
Chicagoans and their pups can check out dog-friendly businesses and participate in activity stations at this free, on-leash event. Vendors include Canine Crews, Pastel Paw Co., Brutus Bone Broth, Giron Guatemalan Apparel and Home and more. Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks (for humans) will also be available for purchase. Organizers will provide color-coded markers so others can know how to approach your dog, but canine-reactive pups are asked to stay home.
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
Hayes (Francis) Park, 2936 W. 85th St.
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois is hosting its 49th annual 5K/1K Walk, Jog, Bike for a Cure event. Help raise awareness and money for Illinoisans with sickle cell disease while racing with family, friends and neighbors. Participants will also get an event t-shirt with registration. Register online with a $30 donation. The deadline to sign up is 5 p.m. Friday.
7 p.m. Friday
Sideshow Gelato, 4819 N. Western Ave.
Stop by Sideshow Gelato and play bingo with the half-woman, half-spider Spidora, who will call your numbers to win prizes — gift certificates, free gelato, t-shirts, tickets to shows and more. Players can get their first five cards for $5.
7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday
Sideshow Gelato, 4819 N. Western Ave.
Get a ringside seat to an “entertainment smackdown” between Sideshow belles and magicians Magic Rob and Dylan Snow. Audience members can also taste four new Sideshow Gelato flavors and vote for their favorite. Tickets are $15 online.
Credit: Provided/Chicago Athletic Association6-8 p.m. and 9-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Chicago Athletic Association – Stagg Court, 12 S. Michigan Ave.
Pop-up roller rink The Track is back for two nights this weekend. Skate to tunes spun by Chicago DJs Raven Wright and Nosha Luv, and enjoy a variety of Rémy Cointreau cocktails. Skate rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis for $5. Tickets are $20 per session online. Tickets will be available at the door if capacity allows. The event is open to adults 21 and older.
Noon-3 p.m. Saturday
Beaubien Woods, West Doty Avenue, southeast of East 130th Street and South Ellis Avenue
Celebrate National Public Lands Day with a free bike ride and nature-based activities. Divvy bikes will be provided, but there is a limited supply.
Noon-3 p.m. Saturday
LaBagh Woods, North Cicero Avenue, north of West Foster Avenue
Enjoy food, drinks, games and more at this free nature festival. The Jesse White Tumblers will also be performing.
Various times and locations through the city. Learn more here.
Chicago Gourmet is an annual food fest that gathers some of the most well-known restaurants and culinary masters in the city. Hosted by the Illinois Restaurant Association, this four-day event features Chef Rick Bayless’ Tacos & Tequila, Chef Stephanie Izard’s Hamburger Hop, an Oktoberfest-inspired Prost! In The Park and more. Buy tickets for each “food stop” online, starting at $70.
8 p.m. Sunday
The Duplex, 3137 W. Logan Blvd.
Swing to live salsa music with the Humboldt Park Orchestra, featuring Alexander Torres. There is no cover charge.
10:30 a.m. Saturday
Three Avenues Bookshop, 3009 N. Southport Ave.
Local children’s book author Arianna Brooks is leading a story time about “Community, Compassion, and Construction Trucks.”
7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday
Three Avenues Bookshop, 3009 N. Southport Ave.
BYOB and attend a local bookshop’s open mic night, hosted by Lakeview neighbor and musician Zack Frank. Performers are invited to share poetry, comedy, songs, stories and more. Anyone interested in performing should register online — and you can mark yourself as “Maybe” if you’re on the fence.
5-9 p.m. Saturday
1400 N. Humboldt Dr.
Gather with family, friends and neighbors to design floating lanterns, then release the glowing lights onto water. Tickets are $45.99 in advance and $55.99 on the event day. Each adult ticket comes with a wristband for access to food trucks, a floating lantern kit with an LED candle, a commemorative drawstring bag, playing cards and conversation cards. Ticket costs also help cover lantern retrieval and water cleanup. Tickets are available online.
11:30 p.m. Friday
Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway St.
Nick Callas — a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, director and alumni of New York University’s Tisch Dramatic Writing program — is coming to Chicago for a night of stand-up comedy. This is an 18+ event. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. No cash payments are accepted in the showroom and there is a 2-drink minimum per person, alcoholic or not. Tickets are $30 online.
Credit: Hannah Alani/Block Club ChicagoVarious times Friday-Sunday
The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Festival au Cinema is an annual micro film festival with Haven Chicago. This three-day event serves as a platform for filmmakers and media artists to spotlight their creative media, showcase their digital storytelling skills, “embrace the unorthodox and inspire the next era of filmmaking.” Day passes are $11, weekend passes are $30-55. Buy yours online.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
5351 N. Paulina St.
Shop from neighborhood homes, local sellers and kids’ lemonade or popsicle stands at this annual West Andersonville Neighbors Together (WANT) yard sale. There will be a map with specific shopping points.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
Glamrūm, 3535 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago-based beauty spa Glamrūm is hosting a Flowers & Facials Workshop alongside B Collective, a women-owned business collective. Get a personalized skin analysis, attend a step-by-step DIY facial treatment workshop, learn how to build your own flower arrangement and more. Tickets are $95 online.
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8:30 p.m. Friday
Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave.
Get ready to sing along to The Front Bottoms at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom.
6:30 p.m. Saturday
Radius, 640 W. Cermak Rd.
Let’s get emo this weekend with some metal featuring Fit For A King and The Devil Wears Prada.
10 p.m. Saturday
PRYSM, 1543 N. Kingsbury St.
Dance all night to Tiësto at PRYSM.
7:30 p.m. Sunday
The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.
It’s time for some trippiness with Squeeze and The Psychedelic Furs this Sunday.
6 p.m. Sunday
Island Party Hut, 355 Chicago Riverwalk
Enjoy the ultimate Chicago cruise with a Drag Sunset Cruise leaving from Island Party Hut.
Watch our “On The Block” TV show on The U, CW26 and MeTV.
Listen to “It’s All Good: A Block Club Chicago Podcast”: