Things To Do In Chicago This Weekend | Live Music & Shows | Choose Chicago

Want to know what’s happening this weekend in Chicago? Look no further. There’s a whole calendar of exciting events, exhibits, and activities taking place all over the city this month in Chicago.

This weekend in Chicago is a jam-packed one, with jaw-dropping art and architecture events, culinary celebrations, riveting live theatre, family-friendly fun, exhilarating live music, outdoor adventures, and so much more. Plus, there are tons of events celebrating AAPI Heritage Month and the Chicago Humanities Festival.

Check out just a few of the top things to do this weekend in Chicago, May 17 – 19, 2024. Please note that all events are subject to change.

Chicago Cabaret Week 2024

May 10 – 19

Chicago Cabaret Week 2024

May 10-19, 2024 COOL ACTS. SMALL CLUBS. SWEET DEALS. This ten-day festival features a lineup of Chicago’s top cabaret artists performing blues, Broadway, burlesque, jazz,…

2024 AAPI Restaurants Week

May 17 – 19

2024 AAPI Restaurants Week

Celebrate 2024 Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with us as we support AAPI-owned restaurants all around the Chicagoland area. This year…

Chicago Mayfest 2024

May 17 – May 19

Chicago Mayfest 2024

Chicago Mayfest kicks off the summer festival season May 17th through the 19th! Located in the Historic District of Lincoln Park at Armitage & Sheffield,…

Chicago Jazz String Summit

May 17

Chicago Jazz String Summit

Tomeka Reid’s 10th Annual Chicago Jazz String Summit celebrates string instruments in jazz, improvised, and experimental music with a phenomenal lineup of musicians from Chicago…

Sensory-Friendly Morning

May 19

Sensory-Friendly Morning

About the Event Sensory-Friendly Morning is a free program for all people who benefit from visiting the MCA without large crowds and other sensitive environmental…

American Writers Festival

May 19

American Writers Festival

Join us for the American Writers Festival at the Harold Washington Library Center in downtown Chicago on Sunday, May 19, co-presented by the American Writers Museum and…

Hebru Brantley: The Art of Representation

May 18

Hebru Brantley: The Art of Representation

The Bronzeville native and preeminent Black pop artist of his generation,

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The Most Fun Dinner Spots In Chicago – Chicago – The Infatuation

Those seeking a polite meal, click away now. This guide is reserved for anyone who’s wondering, “Where’s the place to be?” and might have a penchant for mid-dinner photoshoots and post-dinner bar hopping. Chairs aren’t just for sitting in some of these restaurants and, while food is important, a good time takes priority. They range from new spots flooding your feeds to classics where successful meals are determined by how many Old Fashioneds you drink with your server. These places may not all be the best new restaurants in town, but you’ll always walk out with a story or two.

La Serre is a fun French-Mediterranean spot in Fulton Market with just the right amount of flowers and subwoofers. It’s buzzy but never too loud, and the shareable courses are thoughtful despite the presence of big mirrors that say corny things like “Merci Beaucoup.” The creamy angel hair pasta warrants the suggested 15g caviar on top, and other less-pricey classics like the tuna crudo and filet mignon are more than satisfying. Along with the monstrous bouquet at the center of its dining room, La Serre has the feel of a wedding party, without the immediate threat of running into estranged cousins.

Brasero seems to specialize in throwing a party every night. This Latin American spot in West Town is great for upbeat get-togethers of all sizes, with a mix of shareable dishes like fried quail and grilled half lobster, and catchy Bossa nova music that practically begs you to show up with the best gossip to match the secluded space and good-times vibe. But Brasero’s food is equally fun, with nearly everything nailing a balance between sweet and spicy. The moqueca has the perfect amount of chili to enhance the coconut broth, mahi mahi, and shrimp. Whatever you order, you’ll all leave with a light cologne of smoke, thanks to the wood-fire grill in the back and dessert sparklers that constantly float around.

If the pounding bass-heavy music bleeding onto the Fulton Market sidewalk indicates anything, it’s that Costera likes to party. The liberal use of straw, palm trees, and basket lights leans into its Tulum theme, while the dim lighting and loud DJ sets prove that it’s taken Clubstaurant 101. You’re not really here for the food—it ranges from just fine tacos to tableside flamebéed al pastor that fizzles out into a jammy disappointment.

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The Best Things To Do In Chicago This Week

Gallagher WayPhotograph: Courtesy Gallagher Way

Find the very best things to do in Chicago this week, including cultural events, festivals and shows.

Jeffy Mai

Looking for fun activities to do this week? You’ve come to the right place! Spring is here, which means it’s time to get outside and go hiking or plan an exciting day trip. Here in Chicago, catch a movie outside at Gallagher Way, learn how to play pickleball at a free academy or celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a host of events. There’s even more on our list below, so scroll through the roundup of the best things to do in Chicago this week and start planning your calendar.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago this weekend

Best events and things to do in Chicago this week

1. Movies at Gallagher Way

Wrigley Field-adjacent plaza Gallagher Way is once again showing free outdoor movie screenings this summer. Admission is free and attendees are welcome to bring their own food, enjoy on-site concessions or snag a meal from nearby restaurants like Big Star and Smoke Daddy. VIP seating is also available for $33—check out the Gallagher Way website for more details. Gates open at 6pm for each screening and the movies start at 7:30pm.

  • May 15: The Super Mario Bros Movie
  • May 29: High School Musical 2
  • June 12: Wonka
  • June 26: Barbie
  • July 10: School of Rock
  • July 17: Angels in the Outfield
  • July 31: Soul
  • August 14: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
  • August 28: TBA
  • September 11: Twilight

2. Asian American Showcase

Documentaries, dramas and shorts make up the 27th edition of the Asian American Showcase, which highlights new works by established and emerging Asian American filmmakers. This year’s lineup includes Sean Wang’s Sundance Award winner DìdiAshima by director Kenji Tsukamoto, Smoking Tigers by So Young Shelly Yo and many others.

3. AANHPI Dinner at BiXi Beer

Join BiXi Beer in celebrating Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month with a chef’s charity dinner benefitting Advancing Justice Chicago.

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The Best Things To Do In Chicago Right Now

LondonhousePhotograph: Neal O’BryanThe 57 best things to do in Chicago right now

Discover the best things to do in Chicago, from iconic venues and views to cultural musts and late-night shenanigans.

Jeffy Mai

May 2024: Spring is here and it’s time to head outside! Walk through a beautiful park, take a hike on a trail or go on an stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk. Plus, summer street fests and alfreso dining season are back. There are plenty of other options, too, so stay satisfied and busy with these fun activities in May.

No matter where your interests lie, you can always find something to get excited about in this no-nonsense Midwestern metropolis. The best things to do in Chicago run the gamut—from seriously fun to awesomely educational. Looking for culture? Spend a day exploring Chicago museums. Hungry? You’ve come to the right place, because Chicago is famous for its delicious cuisine. There are tons of amazing restaurants in Chicago that highlight the city’s rich and diverse culinary landscape. (And plenty of uniquely Chicago bars that do the trick, too.) We’ve searched all across the city to assemble this list of the best things to do in Chicago. Follow it and never get bored here again.

You can also find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world, or take a look at our list of the best things to do in the world right now.

Time Out Market Chicago

Time Out Market Chicago

We’ve rounded up the best chefs in the city to join us at Time Out Market Chicago, a culinary and cultural destination in the heart of Fulton Market featuring 18 kitchens, three bars and one drop-dead gorgeous rooftop terrace—all spread across three floors.

1. Find a summer street fest near your neighborhood

What is it? The annual slate of summer festivals that take over Chicago streets and parks every year. 

Why go? Shop artisan goods made by local vendors, enjoy delicious bites and watch live performances at beloved neighborhood bashes like Wicker Park Fest and Taste of Randolph from May through September.

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Parents React To Sudden Closure Of Lake In The Hills Spring Carnival After Fights

Parents are sharing their experiences at a far north suburban spring carnival that was canceled over the weekend after multiple reported fights broke out amongst the crowds at the event.

“I didn’t know what to do. I was so scared for my kids and myself,” said parent, Monique, who asked NBC 5 to only use her first name.

Monique was at the Lake in the Hills Spring carnival Saturday afternoon with her two young children. She was atop a fun house when she snapped a photo of what she describes as excessively large crowds.

“It was very crowded. More crowded than usual, and I’ve been in this area my whole life, so I’ve been to all these fests,” she said.

Another parent says her son called her to pick him up less than 30 minutes after he got there.

“He sounded frantic,” said Robyn Larson. “He said when he first walked in, it was so crowded. He got a bad feeling instantly.”

In a Snapchat video, one parent captured the moment a fight broke out on festival grounds.

Local

Amid the skirmishes, officials made the decision to close the carnival down early on Saturday, with safety officials opting not to allow the event to resume on Sunday.

In a Facebook post, the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce said the decision was made in conjunction with safety officials.

“After careful consultation with the Village of Lake in the Hills and our Chief of Police, it has been decided that reopening the carnival would not be in the best interest of public safety,” officials said. “This decision was made with the utmost consideration for the well-being of our community members and attendees.”

A similar incident happened at a carnival in Tinley Park last summer, prompting officials to make safety changes.

Authorities canceled the final day of the Armed Forces Weekend Carnival near the 80th Avenue train station after reports of a “flash mob” that saw more than 400 teens gather.

Several citations were issued, and a police officer was also injured.

“We learned something out of it. We prepared for our Ribfest in the coming months, and we had absolutely no problems with that,” said Pat Carr,

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The Best Outdoor Bars In Chicago

Kaiser TigerPhotograph: Courtesy Kaiser Tiger

Get in gear for alfresco season with our guide to the best outdoor bars and patios in Chicago.

Sure, going to one of the best bars in Chicago is always fun, but there’s something exhilarating about having a drink outdoors. And after making it through another winter in the city, we rightly deserve to order a few cold ones while basking in the sun. If you’re looking for a Saturday rager or calm post-work happy hour, these excellent wine programs or beer gardens have everything you might be looking for. We’ve tracked down waterfront patios, hidden gardens and rooftop bars where you can mix a little bit of alcohol with a lot of fresh air. Make a reservation (if necessary), pack some sunscreen, hit up the group chat and prepare to spend an afternoon at one of the best outdoor bars in Chicago.

RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor restaurants in Chicago

Outdoor bars and patios in Chicago

1. Park & Field

Though its kitchen and bar are housed in a former auto repair garage, Park & Field’s main draw is its gigantic 6,000-square-feet patio, which features a bocce court, hammocks, fire pits and a camper that has been retrofitted to serve as an outdoor bar. Even if you visit during the coldest months, you can stay warm by cozying up next to a fire. Summer, though, is when Park & Field turns into a lively adult playground packed with fun and games.

2. Big Star

People come to the Big Star patio to eat tacos al pastor while munching on chips and salsa, but they stay because someone at the table orders a second pitcher of margaritas or another round of beers. The moment temperatures in Chicago begin creeping up, the outdoor seating at the Wicker Park location seems to fill up instantly—and the newer locations in Wrigleyville and West Town. Be prepared to wait for your turn, but know that chips, guac and margs are in your future.

3. Recess

Set among a pile of shipping containers next to West Loop event space City Hall, Recess bills itself as one of the city’s largest patios, complete with a multi-level set-up and multiple bars.

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Top Things To Do In Chicago This Month | Events & Activities | Choose Chicago

May is a jam-packed month in Chicago — summer is on the horizon, tulips are blooming all over the city, and weekends fill up with endless food, drink, cultural, and musical events. From the start of festival season to spring flower shows to major art fairs and cultural celebrations, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in the city this month.

Check out these top picks for things to do in Chicago throughout the month of May, including theatre and film festivals, Memorial Day weekend events, Cinco de Mayo festivities, AAPI Heritage Month events, and more.

Top events in Chicago this MaySuenos Music FestivalSuenos Music Festival

Celebrate Mexican culture at Navy Pier (May 3 – 5): Head to Navy Pier for a free celebration of Mexican culture, bringing together music and dance performances, workshops, and over 30 vendors.

Take a tour of the historic Pullman neighborhood (May 5): Walk through history on this guided tour of the Pullman National Historical Park and surrounding area.

Attend the Asian American Film Showcase (May 17 – 23): This 27th annual film showcase provides a platform for new works by established and emerging Asian American filmmakers at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

Try a variety of cuisines during AAPI Restaurant Week (May 17 – 26): Discover a multitude of AAPI-owned restaurants across the city and suburbs, all offering special deals and discounts throughout the week.

Feast on Mexican cuisine at Mole de Mayo (May 24 – 26): Pilsen will be home to its annual outdoor mole cook-off, featuring an open-air mercado with local shops, music, dancing, and more.

Navy Pier fireworks

See fringe theatre at Rhino Festival (Starting May 25): This year is the 35th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, Chicago’s longest-running fringe theater festival, when 50 artists showcase their plays, music, and art throughout six venues across the city.

Feel the beat at Suenos Music Festival (May 25 – 26): Head to Grant Park for a two-day Latin music festival that features a variety of Reggaeton and Latin performers, as well as art, activities, a Ferris wheel, and more.

Be dazzled by the Navy Pier fireworks (starts May 25): Kick off the summer with the first fireworks display of the season at Navy Pier over Memorial Day weekend.

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10 Free Things To Do In Chicago This May | Choose Chicago

You don’t need to reach for your wallet to get your fill of fun things to do all around the city. Here are 10 of our favorite free events and activities this month in Chicago, including exciting new art events, outdoor adventures, iconic Chicago attractions, and so much more. Start planning your budget-friendly Chicago adventures for May 2024.

1. Watch the first summer fireworks show

NYE Fireworks at Navy Pier

The Navy Pier summer fireworks display is one of the most iconic parts of a Chicago summer. These twice-weekly shows take place on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 p.m. all summer long. The breathtaking display is accompanied by a soundtrack of popular music, with special themed nights for holidays.

The summer fireworks series kicks off for the season on Saturday, May 25, 2024 during Memorial Day weekend. The best places to watch the show include the Navy Pier Beer Garden, Offshore Rooftop, or along the nearby lakefront.

2. Honor AAPI Heritage MonthIrene Hsiao, photo by GlitterGutsIrene Hsiao performance, photo by GlitterGuts

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to honor and explore the rich cultures and contributions of the city’s diverse Asian community. Check out some of the free celebrations happening this month.

  • Music of Cambodia (May 4): This free performance will showcase the tradition and history of ancient Cambodian music at the Harold Washington Library Center.
  • Free Admission Night at Heritage Asian Art Museum (May 17): Enjoy free admission to this fascinating museum showcasing Asian art, with complimentary tours, wine, and appetizers.
  • Asia on Argyle Block Park (May 18) This free block party will showcase the vibrant Argyle corridor, cultural performances, live music, youth activities, and more.

Explore more: Find more things to do during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

3. Catch a new season of Art on theMARTArt on theMARTArt on theMART

A brand new season of Art on theMART is now showing along the Chicago Riverwalk. The spring edition of the massive waterfront display kicks off with a new commission by internationally acclaimed artist Nora Turato, in conjunction with EXPO CHICAGO. The spring program is on view nightly from 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. from now through June 5.

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The 22 Best Breweries In Chicago – Chicago – The Infatuation

Don’t tell Boston, Milwaukee, or whichever city the big silver train in those beer commercials comes from, but Chicago is filled with breweries, ranging from huge warehouse taprooms to coffee-shop-sized brew pubs. There’s approximately one for every Chicagoan, and not all are created equal—so we put together a list of the 22 best.

For the sake of defining what exactly constitutes a Chicago brewery, we’re talking about places that (1) brew and serve their own beer on-site, (2) may or may not have food, and (3) are within the city limits, meaning some of our favorite suburban, or Indianian breweries (sorry Three Floyd’s) didn’t make the cut.

THE SPOTS

photo credit: Michelle Horn

The taproom of Half Acre Beer Company in Lincoln Square isn’t trying to be a full-blown restaurant with 689 things on the menu. The short food menu here consists of tasty things like currywurst and a fried chicken sandwich with gochujang mayo that go really well with the house beers. Plus, they have a spacious beer garden, and host fun events like movie screenings, holiday markets, and even Magic: The Gathering game night if you’ve been wanting to show off that deck you’ve been building.

photo credit: John Ringor

The Marz taproom in Bridgeport feels like an art gallery from the future, has its own arcade, and serves excellent fried cheese tacos and smashburgers from their current resident pop-up, Taco Sublime. They also have karaoke, pub trivia, drink-and-draws, comedy shows, Super Smash Bros. tournaments, and more. Basically, this place is an event space as much as a taproom, but one where you can order a wine-cask-fermented wild ale.

photo credit: John Ringor

Whiner is inside a massive Back Of The Yards warehouse-research facility called The Plant. And while we’re not exactly sure what type of research goes on here, we support it because Whiner’s beers are fantastic. They focus on barrel-aged brews with a variety of funky beers ranging from mango coconut stout to lime and cucumber ale. And make sure to check out their resident pop-up Heffer BBQ, which happens to have one of our favorite burgers. Their industrial taproom makes you ask “Is that really a crack in the ceiling or is that an artistic choice?” But there’s plenty of room here,

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2024 Chicago Auto Show | Choose Chicago

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Feb19

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), producer of the Chicago Auto Show, announced the dates and plans for the 2024 public show, Feb. 10-19. Showgoers can once again expect an experiential show with both indoor and outdoor ride-and-drives and the return of Chicago Drives Electric, a one-stop-shop for electric vehicle test drives and education.

The 2024 show will host special themed days including:

  • Game Day at the Auto Show on Sunday, Feb. 11 (wear your favorite sports team apparel for a discount)
  • Automotive Career Day on Tuesday, Feb. 13 (students of all ages are encouraged to come learn more about various careers within the automotive industry through a series of presentations and activations; special ticket price offered for advanced sales at $10 per ticket)
  • Chicago Auto Show Food Drive held Wednesday-Friday, Feb. 14-16 (bring three cans of food for A Safe Haven’s Food Bank and get a $5 voucher off regular admission)
  • First Responders & Military Appreciation Day on Wednesday, Feb. 14 (present your applicable ID for a $5 voucher off regular admission)
  • Family Day on Monday, Feb. 19 (The Daily Herald hosts a day of family fun and programming; Presidents Day also means a school holiday for many children)

The 2024 Chicago Auto Show will once again produce fan-favorite events that bring the show floor to life including Chicago Friday Night Flights, a local craft beer sampling event, and the Toyota Miles Per Hour run, where runners can experience the auto show via a 2.4-mile loop inside McCormick Place before the event doors open to the public.

Tickets to the 2024 Chicago Auto Show are currently on sale at ChicagoAutoShow.com. The 2024 show runs Feb. 10-19 at McCormick Place and opens to the public daily at 10 a.m. Adult ticket prices are $17; seniors ages 62 and older are $12; children ages 4-12 are $12; kids 3 and younger are free. Show hours vary by day so please check the site for details.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.

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