As Chicago gears up for a vibrant weekend, residents and visitors can participate in a multitude of celebrations and festivals ranging from LGBTQ+ Pride events to cultural festivities honoring Juneteenth.
The bustling atmosphere will be palpable with Pride Fest Chicago leading the charge in Northalsted, alongside special shows from The Neo-Futurist Theater.
Additionally, the city will host a spectacular assortment of festivals including the Magnificent Mile Art Festival along Michigan Avenue, the Vegandale festival in Grant Park, and festivities at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Juneteenth activities are prominently featured throughout the weekend, with events highlighting cultural heritage and community spirit, such as a BBQ and block party at the DuSable Black History Museum and a Boxing Out Negativity community celebration.
Here’s a detailed roundup of 25 exciting things to do in Chicago this weekend:
**All Weekend Events**
**Vintage On The Avenue**
*10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday*
The Shops at North Bridge, 520 N. Michigan Ave.
A summer shopping extravaganza awaits at this three-day event where shoppers can discover high-end vintage clothing, jewelry, and more from seven premier local vendors including Wine & I, Shytowngirl Vintage, and JCR Luxury.
**Pride With The Neo-Futurists: 30 Queer Plays In 60 Straight Minutes**
*10:30 p.m. Friday, 7 and 10:30 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday (with ASL interpretation)*
The Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave.
As part of an annual Pride tradition, the Neo-Futurists will present 30 quick-paced plays filled with queer themes. This year, the Sunday performance will contribute all proceeds to Pushing Envelopes Chicago, a volunteer-based organization aiding LGBTQ+ individuals.
**The Magnificent Mile Art Festival**
*10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday*
875 N. Michigan Ave.
Art enthusiasts will enjoy this festival featuring the works of 60 juried artists from across the nation, showcasing unique jewelry, fashion, glasswork, paintings, and photography.
**Vegandale**
*11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday*
Grant Park-Butler Field, South Lake Shore Drive and East Monroe Street
As North America’s largest vegan festival, Vegandale will spotlight over 100 global food vendors and provide guests with live entertainment and interactive art experiences.
**Pride Fest**
*11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday*
Halsted Street from Addison to Grace streets
One of the biggest celebrations of LGBTQ+ culture is set to feature live music across multiple stages, drag performances, dance exhibitions, and numerous food and merch vendors.
**Thursday Events**
**Juneteenth BBQ & Block Party**
*8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday*
DuSable Black History Museum, 740 E. 56th Place
This celebration marks the 13th annual Juneteenth event with free museum admission, children’s activities, vendors, and a variety of food options.
**North Lawndale Juneteenth Freedom Day Parade**
*9 a.m. Thursday*
1457 S. Kenneth Ave. to 3401 W. Ogden Ave.
The inaugural North Lawndale Juneteenth parade promises a free community breakfast and lively performances.
**Boxing Out Negativity Juneteenth Celebration**
*3-8 p.m. Thursday*
1616 S. Avers Ave.
Join the Boxing Out Negativity street carnival featuring delicious local food, games for the family, live music, and raffles.
**Summer Nature Fest**
*4-8 p.m. Friday*
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive
This fest combines fun and education with live animals, live music, and a sneak peek at a new exhibit titled “By A Thread: Nature’s Resilience.”
**Friday Events**
**Black Culture Week Job Fair**
*11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday*
Urban Luxe Cafe, 2911 E. 79th St.
A great opportunity for networking and career connections, this job fair will bring together employers from various sectors, including government and healthcare.
**Navy Pier Open Air: CamelPhat**
*4 p.m. Friday*
Navy Pier – East End Plaza, 600 E. Grand Ave.
Enjoy a stellar performance by the DJ duo CamelPhat, joined by other artists, at this lively event.
**Saturday Events**
**Ruth Page Center School Of Dance Open House**
*Various classes from 9:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Saturday*
Ruth Page Center For The Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St.
Kids aged 3 to 7 are invited to join free dance classes at this open house event.
**312 RiverRun 5K**
*10 a.m.-noon Saturday*
Clark Park, 3400 N. Rockwell St.
This scenic 5K invites participants of all ages to enjoy a run through the parks, followed by an afterparty with snacks and refreshments.
**House Of Coffee Music Festival**
*10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday*
Grant Park – Butler Field, South Lake Shore Drive and East Monroe Street
Experience a unique fusion of coffee culture and house music in this vibrant festival practically bursting with energy.
**Bronzeville Vendor Fair & Wildflower Music Festival**
*10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday*
3201 S. State St.
A colorful outdoor market and music festival where families can shop, dine, and enjoy live performances while visiting local vendors.
**Color On iPad Workshop With Queer Fam Pride Jam**
*10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday*
Apple Michigan Avenue, 401 N. Michigan Ave.
This creative workshop encourages families to express themselves through art in a fun and interactive environment.
**South Side Fireflies: Kids Music Program**
*11 a.m. Saturday*
Arts + Public Life, 301 E. Garfield Blvd.
A musical introduction for kids featuring Earth, Wind & Fire songs that promises a delightful experience for toddlers and preschoolers.
**Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day**
*2-7 p.m. Saturday*
63rd Street Beach, 6300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
An essence of community and celebration, this beach day will feature music, food, and wellness activities.
**Daft Disko: A French House & Disco Party**
*9 p.m. Saturday*
Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave.
Dance enthusiasts can enjoy a night inspired by French house music, with a recognition for artists like Daft Punk and Justice.
**Sunday Events**
**Fight For Air Climb Chicago**
*8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday*
Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive
Participants can join in this stair-climbing challenge to raise funds for lung health, featuring a festive atmosphere with vendors and entertainment.
**Lakeview Coffee Stroll**
*10 a.m. Sunday*
1409 W. Addison St.
A delightful opportunity to sample various coffee offerings while exploring local shops in Lakeview.
**South Shore Juneteenth Pop-Up Shop**
*Noon Sunday*
Precious Jewels Boutique, 2602 E. 87th St.
Gather for music, food, and games all in celebration of community and culture.
**Chi City Bakes Summer Community Bake Sale**
*Noon-4 p.m. Sunday*
Gracie O’Malley’s Edgewater, 6334 N. Clark St.
Sweeten your day by supporting a bake sale aimed at benefiting the Broadway Youth Center.
**Chicago Plant Party**
*Noon-5 p.m. Sunday*
Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St.
Enthusiasts can shop among 30 plant vendors and enjoy a festive atmosphere, complete with music.
**Witch-O-Rama**
*Noon-6 p.m. Sunday*
1857 W. 16th St.
Participate in a celebration of creativity with vendors, tarot readings, and entertainment at this unique event.
**Back Porch Music Series**
*2-3:30 p.m. Sunday*
Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave.
Wrap up the weekend with a free concert featuring local artists in Jefferson Park.
Enjoy the myriad of activities and celebrate community spirit throughout Chicago this weekend!
image source from:blockclubchicago