17 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Weekend
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 12, 2016 3:25PM
Photo via Retro on Roscoe's Facebook page.
Summer winding down? Not yet! There's still plenty to do in the city this weekend including more street fests, parties and music.
FRIDAY AUGUST 12
RETRO ON ROSCOE: It’s the 20th year for Retro on Roscoe, the street festival that celebrates all things throwback. Many decades are represented from the gearheads of the '50s to coverbands of the '80s and '90s like 16 Candles and Too White Crew. Enjoy neighborhood food and other vendors at this family-friendly street fest. Entry is a $10 donation benefiting Roscoe Village Neighbors.
FESTIVAL CUBANO: Get a dose of Cuban culture during the three-day Festival Cubano in Riis Park. There will be live music and entertainment, carnival rides, classic cars, even cigar rolling. Three-day passes are $20, single day admission is also available.
CHICAGO BUZZ: New event space Hip Cat hosts Chicago Buzz, an evening with 100 Things to Do in Chicago author Molly Page at 7 p.m. They’ll also have complimentary wine and coffee to sip while you peruse photos by local photographer Elliot Vernon among their regular collection of art and antiques.
Image courtesy of Temporal Exhibitions.
ROCK ART SHOW: See art from Eli Dixon of the Smoking Popes and other local artists at Art At The Burlington beginning Friday at 9 p.m. Temporal Exhibitions presents the show, which will run for two weeks and Dixon will also be there to DJ opening night.
BEER COLLABORATION RELEASE: Lumpen Magazine and Half Acre Beer celebrate their beer collaboration with a release party at Half Acre’s Lincoln Brewing facility at 11 am. and then again at 5 p.m. at Maria’s Package Goods and Community Bar. “Omnolithic,” as the Imperial Red Lager is called, also marks the 25th anniversary of the magazine, and they’ll be giving away back issues at both events. Free.
JETSET PARTY: The Jetset Series at ROOF on theWit continues this weekend with an “Escape to Bangkok” Imagine you're in the Eastern party capital with inspired drinks, food and decor all weekend long. Doors open at 2 p.m. each day. For table reservations, call 312.239.9502.
FANCY WINE: Le Dîner en Blanc Chicago is doing a tasting for Apothic White tonight in a secret location. In addition there will be food and a very, very fancy atmosphere. Check out their site for ticket information and cross your fingers you get let in on the location.
SATURDAY AUGUST 13
Bit Bash 2016 Festival Trailer from Bit Bash on Vimeo.
BIT BASH INTERACTIVE ARTS FESTIVAL: Gamers will be flocking to the Bit Bash Interactive Arts Festival on Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m. at Revel: Fulton Market. The fest puts the spotlight on alternative games and interactive arts every summer from VR to “wacky art installations.” There will also be a lot of local indie developers represented this year. Tickets are $25 in advance.
BUD BILLIKEN PARADE: The second largest parade in the U.S. takes place the second Saturday of every August down south on King Drive. The Bud Billiken Parade has a long history of uniting the African American community—87 years to be exact—beginning with the Chicago Defender newspaper and charities. The parade commences at 10 a.m. and concludes in Washington Park with a picnic and other treats.
MARKET DAYS: It’s a celebration on the streets of Northalsted during “the largest outdoor street festival in the Midwest.” Market Days has four stages with all-day entertainment from DJs to cover bands plus an early appearance from the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus and Drag Revue. There will also be plenty of vendors with arts, crafts and food and drink. Entry is $10 suggested donation benefiting the neighborhood and The Legacy Project.
Photo courtesy of Ruth Page Center for the Arts.
FREE DANCE CLASSES: Ruth Page Center for the Arts is offering free dance and fitness classes for adults and children alike this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Try a 30-minute beginner class in Pilates, Tai Chi, Ballet and more. Check out the full open house schedule on their website.
FREE YOGA: Head on over to the InterContinental for a complimentary poolside yoga class courtesy of CorePower. They’ve got mats, towels and water, so all you have to focus on is your Warrior 1s and 2s. 9:30 a.m. Reservations are required in advance. Email laura@imrchicago.com for a spot.
STAR WATCHING: See Northerly Island by night and see the Perseid meteor shower from 7: 30 to 11 p.m. The family-friendly Star Watching and Camp-fire evening will feature telescopes and education from the Chicago Astronomer among other fun. Free.
REGGAE FEST: It’s a weekend full of Reggae music and inspired genres at Reggae Fest in Addams Medill Park. Toots & The Maytals, Iration, Lee “Scratch” Perry, HEPCAT and more headline. Noon to 10 p.m. Tickets are $45.
SUNDAY AUGUST 14
SUDS + SAUSAGE: Chow down on meats and brews at Chop Shop as they bring back their Suds & Sausage series. Frontier Chef Brian Jupiter will join The Chop Shop team for an afternoon of grilling and drinking on the restaurant's patio. Tickets are $20.
SKA FEST: Hub City Stompers headline Midwest Ska Fest at Double Door this Sunday. The party gets started at 1 p.m. with a dozen bands playing throughout the day including locals Bumsy and the Moochers and Beat The Smart Kids. Tickets are $22 in advance.
HANDMADE ART BAZAAR: The Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar and Farmer's Market is back for another edition at Promontory from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The music venue opens up to welcome some of the South Side neighborhood’s best artisans and farmers. Plus, DJs. Free.