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Chicago House Music | History, Venues & Events Guide | Choose Chicago

May 29, 2024 Published by AI

Chicago boasts a rich musical history and is famous for many sonic innovations including gospel music, drill, Chicago-style blues — and house music.

Thanks to a massive international following, some music fans don’t realize that Chicago is where house music was born. Developed by Black DJs during the late 1970s and ‘80s, Chicago house music exploded from an underground dance scene into a worldwide phenomenon.

Learn more about Chicago’s house music legacy and where to experience it for yourself.

Chicago house music venues and clubs

Smartbar holds a strong legacy in the Chicago house scene. Opened in 1982, this tiny Wrigleyville basement club hosted Frankie Knuckles as its first DJ. Today, you’ll hear an assortment of house DJs from all over the world play, including legendary Chicago house DJ Derrick Carter, who maintains a residency at Smartbar.

Spybar is a subterranean nightclub that hosts international artists spinning a selection of techno and house music. This upscale River North spot features a rotating line-up of dance DJs from all over the world.

Stony Island Arts Bank offers a close-up view of house music history through Frankie Knuckles’ personal vinyl collection. The Grammy-award-winning artist cataloged roughly 5,000 records that chronicle the development of house music. A resident DJ incorporates selections from the collection in regular public shows.

Chicago house music festivals and events Chicago House Music Festival crowd Chicago House Music Festival

Chicago House Music Festival and Conference brings house music fans from around the country to Chicago for a free, multi-day celebration of the Chicago-born genre. The annual event kicks off summer with DJs and live performances showcasing the various sounds and styles of house music.

Chosen Few Picnic is the highlight of the year for house heads. This family-reunion-style event unfolds each July in Jackson Park and features over 12 hours of nonstop house music by the south side DJs who helped create it.

My House Music Festival is a two-day summer music fest in Harrison Park in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. The event includes dozens of house DJs, including iconic pioneers like Derrick Carter and Marshall Jefferson, plus local food, merch, and art.

ARC Music Festival takes place for three days in Union Park over Labor Day weekend.

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The Best June Events In Chicago

May 29, 2024 Published by AI

Chicago Pride Parade Photograph: Jordan Avery

Jump into summer in Chicago with our picks for the best festivals, fairs, exhibits and events.

Is there anything better than June in Chicago? The days are long, summer festival season has arrived and cold weather finally feels like a distant memory, giving us ample opportunity to enjoy afternoons at Chicago beaches and evenings spent sipping frozen cocktails at the city’s best rooftop bars. As always, you’ll find plenty of seasonal events to keep busy, from big summer music festivals like the Chicago Blues Festival and the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash to charming neighborhood art fairs. Plus, don’t miss the numerous Pride events happening. Say hello to summer with our list of the best things to do in Chicago this June.

RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2024

Featured events in June 2024

Do Division Street Fest

Kick off the start of summer festival season at Do Division, the street shindig with live music booked by Empty Bottle and Subterranean in West Town. Catch performances at two stages—including acts like Divino Niño, Arm’s Length, Susto and Avey Tare—and check out food trucks, a fashion show, vendors for shopping and a Family Fun Fest area with kids activities, among other attractions.

Maifest

No, you haven’t stumbled into an early Oktoberfest—this is just how Lincoln Square welcomes street-festival season and the beginning of spring. Hoist a stein, grab a pretzel, watch some lederhosen- and dirndl-costumed dancers and embrace the neighborhood’s German heritage over the course of one fun-filled weekend.

57th Street Art Fair

The oldest juried craft fair in Hyde Park features paintings, sculptures, jewelry and ceramics from nearly 200 artists. The event also features blues and jazz acts, presented by Buddy Guy’s Legends, as well as a family-friendly activity area and various food vendors. Attendees can shop for artwork created in a variety of mediums, including glass, jewelry, leather, photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, wood, ceramics or fiber.

Chicago House Music Festival and Conference

This annual fest and conference celebrating the iconic dance music genre born in Chicago brings a full day of DJ sets to Millennium Park. Acts this year include Wayne Williams,

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Things To Do In Chicago This Memorial Day Weekend: Beach Openings, Festivals And More

May 24, 2024 Published by AI

Memorial Day weekend is nearly here and there will be no shortage of things to do and ways to enjoy the long holiday weekend – no matter the weather — in Chicago.

As you look to plan your Memorial Day weekend in and around Chicago, here’s a roundup of events taking place, what to know if you plan to head to the beach and more.

Chicago’s N. Lake Shore Chicago Beaches Open

According to the Chicago Park District, beaches will open for the first time on Friday, and will remain open daily through the Labor Day holiday.

Additional security measures will be put into place once the summer swimming season begins, according to the park district.

Starting Friday, a beach mobile unit with six prominently marked vehicles and security officers in bright yellow will be visible along the lakefront.

Local

According to the the park district, swim conditions are updated each day around 11 a.m. “based on weather and surf conditions, and around 1:30 pm based on water quality conditions.”

“Flags may be updated throughout the day as needed,” the park district said.

Several beaches are currently closed due to erosion, including Fargo Beach, Howard Beach, Juneway Beach, and Rogers Beach. More information can be found on the park district website.

Beachgoers are reminded that there is no smoking or alcohol consumption allowed on beaches. No dogs are allowed except at designated dog-friendly beaches, and residents are not to feed birds or wildlife.

Here’s how to check the water temperature at Lake Michigan.

Memorial Day Things to Do

Festivals, flea markets, farmers markets, food and more will be on display this Memorial Day weekend in Chicago. Here’s a glimpse into some of the events planned across the city and suburbs.

Sueños Music Festival

The Latin music festival brings reggaeton and Latin artists from across the globe to Chicago. This year’s lineup includes Rauw Alejandro, Young Miko, Bizarrap and more, the fest takes place Saturday and Sunday in Grant Park. The event also features a number afterparties and other events. The full lineup can be found here.

Passes are currently on sale and begin at $310.

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How To Celebrate Juneteenth In Chicago | Choose Chicago

May 23, 2024 Published by AI

Dating back to 1865, Juneteenth is a nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of chattel slavery in the U.S. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers delivered the news to the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, that the Civil War had ended and they were now free. This was a full two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had become official in 1863.

Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday in 2021, after years of activism led by 95-year-old Texas grandmother Opal Lee. Today the holiday is honored across the country each year on June 19. Celebrate Juneteenth 2024 in Chicago by discovering Black history, culture, and traditions.

Chicago cultural events for Juneteenth

North Lawndale History Tour with Chicago Mahogany Tours
Learn about the history and fortitude of the west side’s North Lawndale neighborhood during this tour led by Chicago’s celebrated urban historian Sherman “Dilla” Thomas. The two-hour bus tour will stop at important landmarks and cultural sites that honor North Lawndale’s influence on Chicago.

African Diaspora International Film Festival Chicago
Experience culturally significant films that examine the Black and Indigenous experience at this film festival which runs from June 14 – 16 at Facets. This year’s film topics include colorism, the Harlem Renaissance, and Afro-Brazilian activism. The festival highlights 12 films and also hosts Q&As with the filmmakers.

They Not Like Us: Art, Music and Community, A Celebration of Juneteenth
View the artwork of inspiring emerging artists while listening to live music during this community art event at Pose Cultural Art Gallery on Saturday, June 15. The Black woman-owned space in West Town will also host a Juneteenth open mic with poets, singers, and dancers on Wednesday, June 19.

Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution at Court Theatre
This Tony-Award-winning theatre in Hyde Park presents the world premiere of Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution, which tells the true story of civil rights activist Kwame Ture. Grab tickets for shows through June 16.

Black Culture Week
This 10-day event centers community action and Black culture with a variety of events, including a poetry slam, yoga, fireworks, meditation, wellness events, and more to celebrate Juneteenth and beyond.

The Black Aura: A Weekend of Liberation and the Arts
In Austin,

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The Best Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Chicago

May 23, 2024 Published by AI

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Photograph: Chris Strong

Keep the little ones busy all year long with the best kid-friendly things to do in Chicago.

When kids are restless, they get antsy, irritated and, if we’re being honest, pretty overwhelming. Why not avoid boredom altogether by taking them on an adventure in Chicago? The city is packed with plenty of kid-friendly things to do, like swimming in a public pool or visiting a children’s museum, and many can be experienced for free. Some of the most notable Chicago attractions are perfect for the little ones, too. So here are our favorite things to do with kids throughout the city as well as the nearby suburbs—we’re willing to bet you’ll have as much fun as the kiddos.

Top things to do in Chicago with kids

1. Lincoln Park Zoo

What is it? One of the country’s last free zoos, situated on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Why go? The 35-acre attraction connects visitors with animals from all over the world—from aardvarks and African penguins to trumpeter swans and Western lowland gorillas—and a variety of seasonal events and special programming keep families coming back again and again.

2. Maggie Daley Park

What is it? Located in the heart of the Loop, this 20-acre public park houses one of the most epic playgrounds we’ve ever seen.

Why go? When the sun is shining, set the kids loose at the Play Garden or let them put their skills to the test on the Climbing Wall, with supervision from the park staff. The fun doesn’t stop when winter rolls around; return for a lap or two around the Skating Ribbon as the snow starts to fall.

3. Shedd Aquarium

What is it? One of the world’s largest indoor aquariums, home to thousands of scaled, finned and feathered animals.

Why go? For a chance to get up close and personal with schools of colorful fish, playful otters, beautiful stingrays, not-so-scary sharks and hard-shelled turtles. There are nine year-round exhibits to explore and additional experiences you can tack on during your visit, like 4-D shows, Animal Chats with Shedd experts and Animal Encounters where you and your little one can come face-to-face with beluga whales,

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The Best Places For Berry Picking Near Chicago

May 23, 2024 Published by AI

strawberry picking Photograph: Shutterstock

Take a short drive for a day spent berry picking on farms near Chicago, where you’ll find strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and more

Fresh berries are one of the great joys of summer in the Midwest, and you can find them at farmers markets or integrated into the seasonal menus of the best restaurants in Chicago. But if you want to enjoy strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries at their absolute freshest, take a drive to a local u-pick farm and grab them right from the field. It’s one of the best kid-friendly things to do, letting little ones get a sense of how food is grown while also enjoying other farm activities, ranging from train rides to petting zoos depending on the season. Just be sure to check ahead to make sure the produce you’re looking for is still available before you head out to one of these farms for berry picking near Chicago.

The top places for berry picking

1. Stade’s Farm and Market

This McHenry County mecca offers more than your average farm. In addition to summer berry picking, Stade’s has a full market, farm tours, sunset hayrides and a petting zoo at certain times of the year. Check out the stash of strawberries in mid-June, or head there later in the season for raspberries, blueberries, flowers and vegetables including green beans, snap peas, beets and kohlrabi.

2. Heider’s Berry Farm

Just over an hour northwest of downtown Chicago, you’ll find Heider’s Berry Farm in Woodstock, where five generations of the Heider family have been giving Chicagoland families a magical farm experience. Visit in mid-June to pick delicious strawberries, or grab an assortment of red, black and purple raspberries beginning in July. Visit their Facebook page for updates on hours and availability.

3. Thompson Strawberry Farm

Open from mid-June through early July, this Wisconsin farm offers the chance to fill baskets with strawberries right from the field or grab some that have already been picked fresh that day. With 97,000 plants across seven acres, you’ll find plenty of delicious fruit to snack on or turn into jam or baked goods.

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The Best Chicago Music Festivals To Rock Out At

May 21, 2024 Published by AI

Photograph: Courtesy VolleywoodThe best Chicago music festivals to rock out at in 2024

Explore the best summer music festivals in Chicago—from Lollapalooza to Pitchfork to Riot Fest.

There’s nothing quite like Chicago’s festival season, which brings a full roster of musical acts to town from May through September. Not sure where to start? Kick things off with reggaeton-focused Sueños Music Festival over Memorial Day weekend, or head to Chicago Blues Festival in early June. As summer goes on, make room in your schedule for returning favorites like Windy City Smokeout and Taste of Randolph plus big-name festivals in the city’s amazing parks, including Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival and Riot Fest. And if you’re hoping to save money, don’t forget about Chicago’s free summer music series programming! We’ll keep updating this list as more festivals announce lineups—in the meantime, take a look through some of the best summer music festivals coming to Chicago in 2024.

Sueños Music Festival

Started in 2022, this two-day extravaganza returns to Grant Park over Memorial Day weekend. Taking place on a single stage in Grant Park’s Hutchinson Field, Sueños will feature headlining sets from Peso Pluma, Ivan Cornejo, Rauw Alejandro and Maluma. Other notable names on the lineup include Bad Gyal, Mora, Manuel Turizo, Xavi, Gabito Ballesteros and more.

In addition to two days of music, you can try food from some of Chicago’s best Latin restaurants, a host of experiential activations and a Ferris wheel in the park that you can ride between (or during) sets. It’s one of the largest new festivals to come to launch in Chicago in years and a fitting addition to a summer festival calendar that’s more crowded than ever.

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival

Love cover bands? Head to Lakeview (right by the Belmont Red Line station) for three days of music, featuring local tribute acts like 16 Candles and Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press. A second stage hosts an eclectic array of community performers, plus karaoke with Trader Todd’s. Plus, you’ll find beer, wine and plenty of neighborhood vendors to browse while you hang out on the street.

Jazz’n on the Steps

The South Side Jazz Coalition hosts a series of free monthly jazz performances every summer on the steps of St.

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‘Events Like This To Bring People Together’: Block Party Brings Family-Friendly Summer Fun To Garfield Park

May 19, 2024 Published by AI

CHICAGO — With summer just around the corner, community organizations teamed up to offer West Side families a fun and safe way to spend their Saturday.

The “Peace in the Streets” Summer Block Party took over part of Garfield Park this weekend. The fun, family-friendly event was the first of three planned for communities across the city this summer.

“It’s really a positive vibe and I like it,” event attendee Thelma Gafford said.

The event, which was hosted by WGCI-FM and 1-800-Truckwreck, is the first of several block parties set to take place during the summer months.

“We don’t want to forget about the West Side because usually that’s the side that, you know, people forget about. We’re usually on the South Side or in the suburbs, but we want to make sure that we are on the West Side,” Maya Hightower, Director of Community Relations at Witherite Law Group, said.

Before the block party started, several children enjoyed a baseball clinic.

“V103’s Joe Soto is really passionate about baseball, we had a baseball camp out here for a lot of young people and they also got free gloves, bats, balls,” WGCI personality Tone Kapone said.

According to recent CPD statistics, violent crimes in District 11, where Garfield Park is located, are down by 19% over the past year. Residents in the area hope that the trend continues heading into summer.

“It’s a lot of kids that lose their lives during the summertime and a lot of people period, but if we can just get along it’ll be just great,” Gafford said.

Along with all of the perks associated with a block party, several community organizations attended the event, including Girls Inc., a nonprofit that offers mentorship and exposes young girls to a range of opportunities.

“We go on different field trips and experience different categories like STEM, anything that you are interested in,” La’Keyla Grant, from Girls Inc., said.

Residents say it makes a positive impact when events like this come around.

“It keeps a lot of kids out of trouble. It’s so much violence you know and they need events like this to bring people together,” Jacqueline Boyd, who attended the event, said.

The next “Peace in the Streets” block party is set to take place on June 29 in North Lawndale,

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Wait Wait…Don

May 18, 2024 Published by AI

Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! Recorded at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago, with guest host Alzo Slade, Not My Job guest Maya Hawke and panelists Faith Salie, Negin Farsad and Adam Burke.

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Saturday’s Show Maya Hawke attends the North Shore Animal League America's 2023 Celebration Of Rescue at Tribeca 360 in New York City.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Maya Hawke attends the North Shore Animal League America's 2023 Celebration Of Rescue at Tribeca 360 in New York City.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

‘Wait Wait’ for May 18, 2024: With Not My Job guest Maya Hawke

Recorded at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago, with guest host Alzo Slade, Not My Job guest Maya Hawke and panelists Faith Salie, Negin Farsad and Adam Burke.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

‘Wait Wait’ for May 18, 2024: With Not My Job guest Maya Hawke

Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!

Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for GLAAD

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for 30th Annual IFP

JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images

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Fun Things To Do With Kids In Chicagoland This Weekend

May 17, 2024 Published by AI

May offers so many great events and things to do with your kids, including plenty of summer festivals.

Check out the Flight of Butterflies at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and grab some sweet treats at Bittersweet Pastry Shop. Take advantage of the amazing weather and wander through Chicagoland’s most beautiful gardens.

Enjoy cookies at these places near Naperville and check out the farmers markets with your family for some local goodies.

My son, Jordan, and I are looking forward to checking out the summer festivals, including the Long Grove Chocolate Festival. We also love shopping at farmers markets and plan to check out a few this weekend.

Looking for more things to do with kids in Chicagoland? We have you covered to make it a great weekend with kid-friendly events, what’s going on around town and even at-home activities. Be sure to tag us on Instagram @chicagoparent if you enjoy any of these weekend events!

This article was recently updated on May 16, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding new Chicagoland events to the ChicagoParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best family events this weekend. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.

Events Photo credit: Dan Swinson

The city and suburbs continue to offer excellent options for family-friendly events. We picked some of our favorites going on this weekend below. Find more events on our calendar.

Poetry Making Playground at West Side Justice Center

May 16-19, 2024

Address: 601 S. California Ave., Chicago
Cost: $30/suggested donation

Teens and tweens can check out an immersive installation with original poems written by some of Chicago’s most renowned poets. It will include seven different works and fuse poetics, illustration, design, multimedia and more.

Long Grove Chocolate Festival in Historic Downtown Long Grove

May 17-19, 2024

Address: 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove
Cost: $5/day, $10/three-day pass

The fest is known for its chocolate-dipped treats like strawberries, donuts, cupcakes, cake pops,

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Category: Chicago

Chicago House Music | History, Venues & Events Guide | Choose Chicago

The Best June Events In Chicago

Things To Do In Chicago This Memorial Day Weekend: Beach Openings, Festivals And More

How To Celebrate Juneteenth In Chicago | Choose Chicago

The Best Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Chicago

The Best Places For Berry Picking Near Chicago

The Best Chicago Music Festivals To Rock Out At

‘Events Like This To Bring People Together’: Block Party Brings Family-Friendly Summer Fun To Garfield Park

Wait Wait…Don

Fun Things To Do With Kids In Chicagoland This Weekend

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