20 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Weekend
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on May 20, 2016 4:11PM
It's Tulip Mania at Garfield Park Conservatory this Saturday. Photo courtesy of Garfield Park Conservatory.
The weekend is in full swing, and we're ready for some great weather and great events.
FRIDAY MAY 20
MAYFEST: Head to the outdoor beer garden at the 21st annual Mayfest where cover bands like Trippin Billies and Too White Crew will provide the entertainment. The main stage is under the big-top tent, so you’re covered in case of inclement weather. Admission is $10.
WIRED FRIDAY: Kevin Starke, better known as Kstarke, mans the decks at this edition of Wired Fridays at the Chicago Cultural Center. Starke is the man behind Kstarke Records, a mainstay of Chicago’s house music community. The mid-day party kicks off at noon. Free.
DAVID BOWIE COSTUME PARTY: Put on your red shoes and dance at Logan Theater’s opening night of Labyrinth. They’re throwing a David Bowie Best Dressed Party at 8:30 p.m. with prizes that include tickets to Pitchfork Music Festival. No cover.
CHARITY FASHION SALE: Shop designer resale fashion for charity at the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago where 100 percent of proceeds benefit Mary's Closet. The main “Encore” event is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but a preview party on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. gives you an early look with refreshments. Tickets to the sale are $5, and preview party tickets are $25.
WMG SPRING GALA: Woman Made Gallery’s 24th Annual Spring Gala Benefit is this Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Preview their new exhibition of code-based art, code/switch, and celebrate women’s STEAM achievements (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). They’ll have gala food and drink plus other surprises, too. Tickets are $50.
CRITICS FILM FESTIVAL: The Music Box Theatre hosts the fourth Chicago Critics Film Festival beginning on Friday. The festival brings in a wide range of films including recent festival favorites and as-yet-undistributed works. For schedule, tickets and more information, visit the festival’s website.
FERRIS FEST: Celebrate the iconic movie, from downtown all the way into Lake Forest during Ferris Fest this weekend. This summer marks the 30th anniversary of the John Hughes film’s release. The fest opens with the ‘Shermer High School 1986 Spring Dance’ where a few stars from the movie will be in attendance, and then continues with screenings of the film, a re-creation of the famous parade sequence and tours of filming locations (yes, including Cameron’s dad’s house) and the Ferris bedroom now on display at Virgin Hotels. Visit the fest’s website for more information on schedules and prices.
SATURDAY MAY 21
TULIP MANIA: Get tulip-crazy at Garfield Park Conservatory and re-purpose tulip bulbs pulled from public gardens around the city. Get there early, because you need to be in line by 9 a.m. to get bulbs at this popular event. The line starts at the Garfield Park Marketplace gates.
POP-UP BBQ MARKET: Get everything you need for BBQ season at Chicago Market’s BBQ Co-Op Pop-Up Market at the Swedish American Museum from 2 to 5 pm. They’ll have sustainably raised meat, fresh produce, hot dog and hamburger buns, BBQ sauce and more from local vendors. Free.
Photo via Lincoln Park Wine Festival's Facebook page.
LINCOLN PARK WINE FESTIVAL: Jonquil Playlot is transformed into an open-air market for the Lincoln Park Wine Festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There will be live music, tasty bites and brand ambassadors and sommeliers on hand to discuss the different wines for tasting. Tickets start at $50 and include a commemorative wine glass.
HUMBOLDT MILE ROAD RACE: It’s not too late to sign up to run the first annual Humboldt Mile Road Race this Saturday. The race is just one mile and all the proceeds benefit Hope For The Day’s suicide prevention and mental health education programs. Registration is $20. Step off is at 10 a.m.
RADIO LEGEND SALUTE: Celebrate the life of legendary radio host Doug Banks at a public salute hosted by iHeartMedia. Join other fans of the V103 host who passed away this year at the Harold Washington Cultural Center from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Webster's Wine Bar.
WINE TASTING: Learn about “the wine world’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” at Webster’s Wine Bar from 3 to 5 p.m. They’ll tell the difference and similarities between Syrah and Shiraz with a tasting that includes 20 wines and hors d'oeuvres. Tickets are $50.
FREE DANCE THEATRE: See one of the free presentations of “Stomping Grounds” presented by the Chicago Human Rhythm Project at the DuSable Museum at 7:30 p.m. Muntu Dance Theatre joins with Mexican Folkloric and BAM! Reserve a spot for guaranteed entry.
REPLACEMENTS BOOK EVENT: Bob Mehr discusses his biography of The Replacements, "Trouble Boys" at the Hideout at 3 p.m. This event is so much more than just a book signing, including a conversation with MTV’s Jessica Hopper and a DJ set from Mehr himself of songs the band used to listen to while on tour in the van. There will also be some other surprises including rare video footage and giveaways. Free.
Photo courtesy of Cerise.
DAYLIGHT DISCO: Cerise’s day party season kicks off today with the first Daylight Disco at 2 p.m. The Virgin Hotel’s rooftop party is co-presented with React Presents and will have a Wet Hot American theme. Attire is encouraged! DJ Breakbot will spin the tunes. $10 cover.
NEWCITY BLOCK PARTY: Experience the new NEWCITY at their Block Party weekend with live music, games, giveaways, food & drink and more. The celebration kicks off Friday evening with a luau and open house. Free. RSVP here.
FLEETMAC WOOD: Are you one of those people who love Fleetwood Mac? And we mean reaaaaally love Mick, Lindsey, Stevie, John and Christine. Then have we got the night for you. Fleetmac Wood is a touring experience that plays nothing but edits, remixes and original tracks from the legendary band. They’ve hosted parties in London, LA, New York and played at tons of music festivals, and Saturday they bring “Tango In The Night Disco Tour” to Schubas at 10 p.m. Wear all the scarves, shawls and waistcoats and lose yourself in the music. Tickets are $10 ($15 door).
SUNDAY MAY 22
COSPLAY COCKTAIL PARTY: To celebrate the release of the new X-Men: Apocalypse movie, Elixir Lounge is hosting a cosplay party at 5 p.m. with a costume party and themed cocktail specials. The costume contest is at 10 p.m. and prizes include LKH gift certificates. Free.
COCKTAIL SUMMIT: Dubbed as “two days of cocktail education and celebration,” Cocktail Summit begins today at Logan Theatre. Sunday’s program is for consumers and home cocktail enthusiasts with beginner and intermediate level seminars and panel discussions on cocktail history, bitters production, ingredient manipulation, and more from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday picks up with programming for bar and restaurant professionals. Passes start at $25. See website for schedule and pass options.