June is in full swing and there is not shortage of weekend activities to explore in Chicago. From street festivals to music festivals, concerts to athletic events, here are 13 things going on around Chicago this weekend.
Chicago Blues Festival
For 4 days, across 4 stages, Chicagoans can enjoy the largest free blues festival in the world. With a sweet lineup that includes articles past and present, this annual festival is the perfect celebration of the genre with deep roots in Chicago. Head to Millenium Park starting on the 8th for one hell of a weekend activity.
And if you can’t make it to Millenium Park this weekend then don’t fret. The main stage of Blues Fest is fully live streamed on YouTube.
Andersonville Midsommarfest
One of Chicago’s most legendary street festivals and Andersonville’s quintessential yearly celebration, Andersonville Midsommarfest, returns for its 57th year in 2023. Born out of Andersonville’s Swedish heritage, Midsommarfest will transport you back in time with charming old-world Swedish traditions.
Seltzerland
Seltzerland travels to epic outdoor venues across the United States, letting attendees spend their afternoon tasting a vast variety of unique hard seltzers and canned cocktails. It’s the summer festival of all summer festivals. Tickets for Seltzerland Chicago are available here. Visitors can choose from three tiers: Early Access, General Access, and Premier Access tickets.
Wells Street Art Fair
The Wells Street Art Fair is one of the biggest draws of the summer. With over 50,000 people strolling the streets of Old Town, it’s an elite collection of arts, entertainment and food on one of the most popular corridors on the North Side.
Heatwave Music Festival
Feel the heat again this summer as the Heatwave Music Festival is set to return to Chicago for its second year after a wildly successful 2022, and with a new home! Grab some last second tickets and head to Northerly Island for a weekend of dance, art, and music.
UEFA Champions League Final
The UEFA Champions League Final isn’t happening in Chicago, but it is happening. In Istanbul. This year we have Manchester City vs Inter Milan and it’s on a 2pm local time. Head to one of Chicago’s best soccer bars with a few of your mates for what’s going to be an electric atmosphere with some cold ass beers.
Thai Festival
A festival dedicated to the celebration of Thai culture returns to the Uptown neighborhood for the first time since 2019. The festival is free and will begin with a traditional Thai drum parade with cultural cuisine from some of Chicago’s best Thai food joints.
The Cure at United Center
Following on from their 2022 European concerts, The Cure are excited that the “Shows of a Lost World Tour” is heading to North America in May, June and July with The Twilight Sad opening at all shows. The 30-date run will include a stop in Chicago at United Center on Saturday, June 10.
Dead & Company at Wrigley Field
If the Chicago Cubs aren’t home on a summer weekend then you can bet your ass there’s a concert going on at Wrigley Field. And this weekend, it’s none other than the final tour ever for Dead & Company. Yes, you can still get tickets. And yes, it’s going to cost you a ton. But regardless it’s Dead & Co. at Wrigley and that’s worth the price of admission.
Logan Square Puzzle Exchange
The year 2020 was huge for Big Puzzle and this Saturday at the Logan Square Library you can refresh your puzzle collection with a huge puzzle exchange from 1-3pm.
West Side Story at Lyric Opera House
Usher in the summer with Lyric’s West Side Story, brought to life by nearly 100 artists including a thrilling Broadway ensemble of singers and dancers. This is one of the best productions of the summer at one of Chicago’s most iconic locations.
Vinyls & Vittles
Vinyls & Vittles is a record fair and local food marketplace featuring local vendors and record shops on Chicago’s South Side. Taking place this Sunday June 11th at 5800 S Halsted come on by for a spin around the block with music and bites.
Chicago White Sox vs Miami Marlins
Not a whole lot going on in the live sports department this weekend but the South Siders host the Miami Marlins for a three game series beginning on Friday night and with two day games on Saturday and Sunday. White Sox games are always an affordable and fun way to spend a summer afternoon.
Photo by Jennifer Griffin on Unsplash