16 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Weekend
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 16, 2016 5:50PM
Photo via Riot Fest's website.
This may be one of the final weekends with true summer weather so let's get out there and take advantage of all the city has to offer this weekend!
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 16
RIOT FEST: Punk rock thrives at Riot Fest, which returns to Douglas Park for the weekend. The three-day music festival has been rocking the city for more than a decade, making the move from clubs to the outdoor festival setup they have now just a few years ago. The Flaming Lips, Ween, Morrissey and the reunion of the original Misfits are headlining (and yes, Gwar and Andrew W. K. both play again this year as well). Three-day VIP passes are still available for $329.98 and one-day passes are $159.98.
EATALY SEPTEMBERFEST: It’s the ultimate Eataly experience at Septemberfest beginning at 5 p.m. with and all-you-can-eat party of sorts at the Italian eatery. Pastas, pizzas, wine, beers, you name it all for the taking. Tickets are $45 in advance.
ELECTRONIC PSYCH DANCE-POP: Beaty Heart is a U.K. trio that plays slightly hazy, light psych dance jams that should keep a room swaying back and forth in a mild state of bliss. Their new album Till The Tomb mixes lovely vocals with sunny beats to build a collection that feels optimistic even as it slips into slightly hallucinatory moments here and there. The band plays Beat Kitchen on Friday and tickets are $12-14.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17
WEST LOOP ART FEST: The West Loop Art Fest showcases more than 150-juried artists from across the country this weekend with paintings, glass, ceramics, photography and jewelry. There will also be some interactive art tents where attendees of all ages can take a stab at making their own artwork. Music, food and fun for the whole family await.
HARVEST DAY: It’s Harvest Day in the City Garden at Garfield Park Conservatory. From noon to 4 p.m. get a peek at sustainable city living with demonstrations on composting and beekeeping, eggs from homegrown chickens, harvesting fruits and vegetables and more. There will also be activities and games for the kids. Entry is a $5 suggested donation.
Photo courtesy of Special Events Management.
LAKEVIEW TACO FEST: What’s better than a festival of tacos? The 4th Annual Lakeview Taco Fest takes place at the Southport Corridor this Saturday and Sunday. Chow down on tacos from local restaurants like Bar Mas, Café El Tapatio, Flaco's Tacos, Taco Joint and more. Two music stages complete the fest with performances from various tribute groups and local bands. Entry is a $7 gate donation benefiting the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce.
CITY MADE FEST: The 4th Annual Andersonville City Made Fest brings more sustainable city living to the forefront. The two-day street festival focuses on “city made” businesses with local vendors including Half Acre, Alicia Mohr Jewelry, Spice Heist and more. Local music and entertainment like the Vaudezilla Big Lebowski Burlesque show is also included.
24-HOUR PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL: The popular experimental theater group Neo-Futurists embark on a 24-hour performance fundraising festival they’re calling Can’t Stop//Won’t Stop beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday. The whole thing culminates with an entirely new version of their long-running show Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind created over the 24 hours. Tickets are $25 to $30 for “drop-ins” or “join the team” and raise $150 for an all-access pass.
TEQUILA DINNER: Cantina Laredo hosts a Casamigos Tequila Dinner beginning at 7 p.m. Yes, that’s the George Clooney tequila, and no, he won’t be there, but Chef Hector Rivera will create a four course modern Mexican menu that will pair with a different cocktail at each course. Tickets are $49.99. For reservations, call 312.955.0014.
BROWN ELEPHANT FASHION EVENT: The LGBTQ healthcare center Howard Brown Health presents The Best of Brown Elephant this weekend at their Lakeview location. The specially curated fashion event features vintage clothing and accessories and items from designers like Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Moschino, Ted Baker, Vivienne Westwood, MISSONI , Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and more.
THE RETURN OF BELLY: After being in The Throwing Muses and an early incarnation of The Breeders, Tanya Donelly led Belly to critical acclaim and some popular success in the early '90s before calling it quits with 1995's underrated alt-pop standout of the era, King. The band members went their separate ways—most notably with Donnelly releasing a few solo album and more recently bassist Gail Greenwood served a short stint in The Pixies—but recently decided to reunite for a 2016 reunion tour. We've heard no news on whether the band is working is working on new material, but even if they aren't, hearing classics like "Feed The Tree" and "Super-Connected" will be pretty great. Belly plays The Vic on Saturday and tickets are $29.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18
Photo via Vintage Garage's website.
VINTAGE GARAGE: Retro Chicago is the theme for this month’s Vintage Garage in Uptown. The market will feature plenty of local nostalgia including World's Fair, Cubs and Bears, postcards and more. They’ll also have the usual home decor, clothing, jewelry and other vintage vendors on hand. Free appraisals are available from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $5.
CHARCUTERIE CLASS: Make your own charcuterie--all the way from grinding the meat to enjoying with your favorite beverage--at Community Tavern this Sunday at 1 p.m. The hands-on class will teach how to make Country Pate and Spicy Italian Sausage. Tickets are $50 and include a charcuterie goodie bag. Call (773)-283-6080 or email brenna@communitytavern.com for reservations.
PEACE + MUSIC: The 606 partners with the city’s World Music Festival for a Walk with Peace & Music in honor of the International Day of Peace. Family friendly activities, a picnic and procession span the trail from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit the 606 website for the full schedule. Free.
Photo by Michael Skrzypek via "Mexico in a Bottle's" website.
MEZCAL TOUR: Taste ‘Mexico in a Bottle’ at Sunday’s Mezcal event at Chop Shop. From 3 to 7 p.m. learn about and try more than 100 different mezcals, raicillas and sotols with small bites from local restaurants. Tickets are $45.
CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH: Enjoy some Veuve high above the city at The Signature Room during their champagne brunch reception from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The all-inclusive event features a buffet with bite-sized brunch items including fresh seafood paired with Veuve Clicquot champagnes. Tickets are $75 and include a signature gift bag. For reservations, call 312-280-0465.