28 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Weekend

By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 17, 2016 4:01PM

There's so much happening this weekend from Pride Fest to music fests to pet adoptions. We've also got a couple things for you to do with Dad on Sunday.

FRIDAY JUNE 17

TASTE OF RANDOLPH: Peter Bjorn & John—who may have just released the best album we've heard thus far this year, MS MR, Atlas Genius, The Motet, Devotchka...Taste of Randolph is much more than just food. The weekend street fest celebrating its 20th anniversary this year has always had a music lineup as good as its restaurant lineup. In addition to the 30+ acts scheduled to play, they’ll also show off the culinary talents of restaurant row including Alhambra, Belly Q, Forno Rosso and more from the West Loop. Entry is $10 suggested donation.

COUNTRY MUSIC FEST: Some of country music’s hottest stars shake up the lakeshore this weekend at LakeShake Country Music Festival on Northerly Island. Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum and Tim McGraw are among the headliners of the fest that boasts more than 30 acts. Three-day passes are $225, one-day passes are $99.50.

ALE FEST: Take in the views from Buckingham Fountain while taking in some of the best ales around at Chicago Ale Fest on Friday and Saturday. They’ll have more than 200 beers from more than 100 American craft breweries plus live music, food and souvenir glasses. Tickets are $50 ($25 for designated drivers).

FUNNY WOMEN FESTIVAL: Stage 773 hosts the 5th Annual Women’s Funny Festival running through the weekend. They’ll pack 400 artists from more than 95 groups into 83 shows over the four day fest. Some notable names include SNL writer Katie Rich, former SC Mainstage/Consultant for Onion News Network, Holly Laurent, and Improv veterans Susan Messing and Rachel Mason, plus a ton of up-and-comers. For schedule and ticket info, visit Stage 773’s website.

BREW TO BE WILD: The 2nd annual "Brew to Be Wild" craft beer event at Lincoln Park Zoo has expanded to two days this year. There will be 35 local and regional breweries pouring among the wild animals, plus there will be DJs and lawn games. Tickets are $49 (designated drivers $20).

CHARITY COCKTAIL PARTY: Support the Children’s Place Association as they celebrate 25 years of helping Chicago youth with “A Silver Soiree” at Chez. The cocktail party featuring a performance from Chicago Funk Mafia will raise funds for the non-profit to continue their work with children facing illness and extreme poverty. 7:30 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $90.

Q-TINE ANNIVERSARY: Like we need a reason to celebrate the existence of poutine. The Logan Square restaurant dedicated to the Canadian cuisine and BBQ is celebrating their one-year anniversary, and they’re giving us half off menu items like the Classic Poutine and Boozy Slushies. Specials are good all day Friday 'til 4 a.m.

FUNNY HA-HA: The Hideout comedy night brings The Cool Kids to the stage at 6:30 p.m. Storytellers, journalists, comedians and live lit stars come together to make you laugh at this reading series. Admission is $10 suggested donation toward Sit Stay Read.

HOT STOVE COOL MUSIC: Liz Phair returns to her hometown to headline the Hot Stove Cool Music benefit at The Metro on Friday. JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound is also one of the supporting acts, but the one that has us most excited is the female supergroup Band Of Their Own, featuring Kay Hanley (Letters To Cleo and the voice of Josie And The Pussycats), Freda Love Smith (Blake Babies, Some Girls), Jen Tryin (Lovelesss) and Gail Greenwood (Belly, L7). Tickets are $75.

EATALY STREET FOOD FEST: Pretend you’re on the rustic roads of Napoli and the seaside boulevards of Palermo during Eataly’s Italian Street Food Festival. This Friday and Saturday, they’ll host two sessions each evening with 15 food carts serving baked sandwiches, fried risotto balls and more. Tickets are $45 and include unlimited access to carts and one beer.

RIVER TO ROOFTOP PARTY: Start the evening with a New Orleans style second line marching band on the City Winery Riverwalk and end at Virgin Hotel’s rooftop bar, Cerise. Party tickets are $20 and include a complimentary drink at both locations.

ITALIAN GLAM: The last time we saw the Italian bubblegum glam quintet Giuda on a rare Chicago tour stop we left the venue sweaty, dazed and with big ol' smiles on our faces. The band traffics in the sort of bubblegum glam popularized by Sweet, The Bay City Rollers and T Rex, with a dose of Thin Lizzy rawness thrown in to keep things from getting too sugary. The mixture is intoxicating. Giuda plays Double Door Friday night and tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

LEGENDARY POWER POP: Chicago has a solid history of producing amazing power pop bands (and one could argue we produce the best power pop bands), and in the '90s Material Issue was one of the most promising combos our city had to offer. The band's run was tragically cut short by the death of their leader Jim Ellison, but every once in a great while the group's remaining members reunite with some friends to pay tribute to the amazing catalog the band produced in a relatively short window of time. Friday night original members Mike Zelenko and Ted Ansani will be joined by Phil Angotti and Lou Hallwas at Wire Friday night. Green—Chicago pop legends in their own right and also playing a rare show—opens. Tickets are $15.

SATURDAY JUNE 18

GREEN MUSIC FEST: The only street fest with a pedal-powered bike stage returns to Wicker Park this weekend. This is the 8th year for the eco-minded Green Music Fest which encourages the community to lead sustainable lifestyles with music, food and fun. Black Joe Lewis, King Khan & The Shrines, BRONCHO and Langhorne Slim are among the headliners as the fest expands to three stages this year. Entry is $5 suggested donation.

PRIDE FEST: Stand with Chicago's vibrant LGBTQ community in the wake of the Orlando nightclub shooting as Pride Week kicks off in Boystown. The big parade may be next weekend, but Chicago Pride Fest festivities kick off this weekend with Jordin Sparks, Daya, the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus and more performing on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is a $10 donation.

STRAY CAT STRUT: Walk to support TreeHouse Humane Society at the 11th Annual Stray Cat Strut in Warren Park at 9:30 a.m. Registration is $35 and includes a goodie bag with rainbow tie dye t-shirt and a post-walk celebration in the park. If you’re so inclined, cats and dogs in strollers are also welcome to join.

PET ADOPTION + OPEN HOUSE: Find a new furry family member at the Chicago Animal Care & Control Open House from noon to 2:30 p.m. Check out CACC’s new adoption pavilion, get a tour of the facilities and learn more about their programs and safe playgroups. Free.

POPSICLE STAND: Beat the heat with Cindy’s Popsicle Pop-Up. The Chicago Athletic Association restaurant hosts "Jove T’s Pops Shop" on the ground floor of the hotel from 12 to 2 p.m. every Saturday with rotating flavors. This week opens with rainbow-colored Pride Pops in celebration of Chicago Pride Fest. Proceeds will go to Equality Florida’s donation drive supporting victims and families affected by the Pulse Orlando Nightclub tragedy.

BBQ FEST: Portage Park holds the 6th Annual 6 Corners BBQ Fest this weekend with eats from Porkchop, Robinson’s Ribs, Blackhawk BBQ & Seafood and more, plus music from tribute bands like Too White Crew and Kashmir. Admission is $5 donation.

KIDS FAIR + MOVIE PREMIERE: Take the family to a free Outdoor Kid’s Fair in Rogers Park and then see a premiere of the new Disney film, Finding Dory. The New 400 Theatre is taking part in Loyola University’s “Summer on the Plaza” with ocean-themed music, games and complimentary face painting and balloon animals. Tickets to the movie are $15 at the box office and include popcorn and a beverage.

ROLLER DERBY: See the badass girls of Chicago Outfit battle it out in a bout against Grand Raggidy Roller Derby at Windy City Fieldhouse at 7 p.m. It’s a double header with the Syndicate and Shakedown facing off against Grand Rapids’ A and C teams. Tickets are $15 ($20 door).

BIKE WEEK PARTY: Cap off Active Transportation Alliance’s Inaugural Bike Week with a wrap party at Chop Shop from noon to 3 p.m. RSVP in advance for a complimentary brew from New Belgium Brewing.

PUNK RAWK: Radioactivity and Bad Sports have a history of touring together, and that makes sense since they complement each other's set perfectly. Radioactivity are the preppies writing tight songs that unravel at the edges, and Bad Sports are the dudes smoking in the parking lot with a heart of gold. Both bands play The Empty Bottle Saturday night, and we can say from experience this is a show worth hitting up. Tickets are $10.

SUNDAY JUNE 19: FATHER’S DAY

PUERTO RICAN PEOPLE’S PARADE: Humboldt Park is alive in celebration during the Puerto Rican People’s Parade down Division Street. The annual Fiestas Puertorriqueñas celebrates the culture with music, Caribbean cuisine, carnival rides and more over four days culminating with the parade which steps off at 2 .p.m. Free.

RETRO DAD GARAGE: Vintage Garage takes on a Record Ramp & Retro Dad theme this month in honor of Father’s Day. The vintage market takes place on the 3rd Sunday of each month and features 100 vendors selling vintage furniture, clothing, jewelry, decor, art and more. In addition to having extra vinyl for Dad, they’ll also have some classic cars on site. Admission is $5.

FATHER’S DAY DINNER + SHOW: Hard Rock Cafe is offering dinner and a show for you and Dad this Father’s Day. Their special deal includes tickets to the Blue Man Group and a prix fixe menu back at the Hard Rock Cafe. Choose from 4 or 7 p.m. performances. Tickets are $70. Contact Kristy Mendenhall for reservations at 312-943-5572 or Kristy_Mendenhall@hardrock.com.

MAXIMUM R'N'R: Against Me! may be the best punk band on the planet. Led by Laura Jane Grace, this outfit's last album, Transgender Dysphoria Blues, remains in frequent rotation on our stereo as we eagerly await any new output from this ferocious combo. And a live Against Me! show never fails to leave us exhausted, exhilarated and hopeful for our future. This show is gonna tear Metro apart in all the best ways on Sunday night. Tickets are $27.

FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS: Everyone’s favorite New Zealand-based folk comedy duo comes to the Pritzker Pavilion stage on Sunday. Flight of the Conchords' Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement had a hit show on HBO that only lasted two seasons, but gave us unforgettable musical numbers like “Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros,” “Business Time” and “Bowie.” Eugene Mirman also performs. Tickets start at $25.