19 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Weekend
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on May 19, 2017 3:56PM
Red Giselle. Photo courtesy of Auditorium Theatre by Evgeny Matveev.
Summer vibes arrived with a bang in Chicago this week. Continue the fun this weekend with some of our favorite events.
FRIDAY MAY 19
MAYFEST: Kick off the summer street fest season with Mayfest this weekend at the intersection of Ashland & Barry avenues. They’ll have food, drink music and fun with popular cover bands playing the main stage and a beer garden under the big-top tent. Admission is $10.
RED GISELLE: The classic ballet is part of a real-life twist in Red Giselle. The original story ballet is inspired by the story of the famous Russian ballerina Olga Spessivtseva who fled the communist country and reprises her role of Giselle in Paris. Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg brings the story to life at Auditorium Theatre this Friday through Sunday. Tickets start at $33.
SHOW 'EM HOW IT'S DONE: The Meat Puppets have never failed to deliver an exciting live set, especially since the original trio started playing together again a few years back. There’s something magical about the group’s desert-fried romp through psychedelia, and the sheer force of noise that drives their concerts. For this show Mike Watt opens, backed by The Tom And Jerry Show. Watt is a DIY punk pioneer who can move adeptly from punk jazz to classic rock on the turn of double nickels on the dime. Catch both legendary acts at Lincoln Hall on Friday night.
Image courtesy of Equinox.
ART OF MEDITATION: Equinox has teamed up with the Museum of Contemporary Art to celebrate the launch of their Headstrong Meditation Podcasts. Master instructor Michael Gervais leads the special Meditation and silent Yoga experience from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free. Reserve your spot here.
ANTIQUES + ART + DESIGN: Where can you see (and possibly purchase) rare documents and letters from Alexander Hamilton and Abraham Lincoln? This weekend’s Chicago Antiques + Art + Design Show at the Merchandise Mart. The show features fine antiques, decorative and fine arts and pieces from the Alexander Hamilton Collection including a “somewhat erotic” handwritten letter from A. Hamilton to wife Eliza Schuyler. Tickets are $20 and include a show catalog.
FINS UP: Yacht rock and '80s beach jams? Count us in. This now semi-regular party led by captains Adam Melberth and Ryan Lynch promises to be a sleazy, easy, good time. Check in at EZ Inn Friday night and leave your bad vibes behind.
SATURDAY MAY 20
RIVERWALK CELEBRATION: The Riverwalk has become a hotbed for summer fun since beautification began a few years ago. The Riverwalk Celebration on Saturday will kick off the season’s programming with walking tours from Chicago Architecture Foundation, parades, paddles, puppets and the “Dance of the Bridges.” It all concludes with a pyrotechnic waterfall display. The celebration runs the whole day, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For a full schedule of events, visit the Riverwalk website. Free.
NRA SHOW: Foodservice professionals from around the world will gather at McCormick Place this weekend for the 2017 National Restaurant Association Restaurant Hotel-Motel Show. The NRA Show is the largest annual foodservice trade show in the country, naturally taking place in a foodie-city like Chicago, from Saturday, May 20 through Tuesday, May 23. Top Chef Masters winner Rick Bayless is among the celebrity chefs appearing. For more information on the convention’s pavilions, exhibitors, education sessions and more, visit their website.
Lincoln Park Wine Fest. Image courtesy of Special Events Management.
LINCOLN PARK WINE FEST: Lincoln Park Wine Fest in Jonquil Park this weekend boasts two acres for tastings tunes and shopping. Brand ambassadors and sommeliers will be on hand for questions, conversations and food-wine pairings. They’ll also have live music and an open-air market. One-day wine tasting passes are $50. There are also single day VIP passes available for $75 and two-day VIP for $90. For more details on ticketing, visit the fest’s website.
ACROYOGA FESTIVAL: Learn to flip, balance and fly at this year’s Acroyoga Festival at Moonlight Studios. The two-day festival features classes for all levels, whether you’re a pro or have never tried acroyoga. The partner practice combines yoga, acrobatics and therapeutics and encourages community, trust, communication and most importantly, play. Tickets are $95 for one day or $180 for both days. Get 10% off with the code “CHICAGOIST.”
FREE BARRE CODE: Honor Mom for more than just that one one day to “Get Strong As A Mother” with Hyatt Regency Chicago and The Barre Code. The two complementary classes recognizes the inner inner physical and mental strength of moms in honor of the Strong As A Mother community and brand. Prenatal class is 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Barre Code Class is 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register here.
Image via Garfield Park Conservatory's website.
TULIP MANIA: Getcher free tulip bulbs at Garfield Park Conservatory this Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. The event marks the end of the tulip show, with the loads of tulips from downtown’s medians collected and distributed to you for free. Get in line early because these bulbs are first come, first served.
SUNDAY MAY 21
SUNDAY FUNDAY: Goose Island’s hosts its 4th Annual Sunday Funday at the Goose Island Barrel House from 2 to 6 p.m. Take part in the Battle of the Breweries Dodgeball Tournament with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting Special Olympics. They’ll also have snacks and specialty brews on tap. Tickets are $25 and include beer tickets.
Image via Bark in the Park's Facebook event page.
BARK IN THE PARK: Oh em gee, it’s a stadium full of dogs. The Anti-Cruelty Society hosts the 23rd annual Bark in the Park in the Soldier Field Stadium Green from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your furry friend for the 5K walk, agility course, “pawdicure” spa and shopping at the open air “Barket Place.” Picnics encouraged. Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for kids. All proceeds benefit The Anti-Cruelty Society.
WINE CLASS: Enjoy and learn about Italian wines at ENO Wine Room’s next ENOversity Class. Over two intimate sessions, expert sommeliers will guide you through wines from the Piedmont region including Nebbiolo, Arneis, Dolcetto, Grignolino and more. 3 p.m. or 6 p.m. Tickets are $55.
Image via Vintage Garage's website.
VINTAGE GARAGE: The Vintage Garage season at Broadway and Argyle is in full swing. This weekend’s theme is Midcentury Modern. Find vintage furniture, clothing, jewelry, decor, art and more including appraisals from noon to 4 p.m. The garage is open for business from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5.
SPRING SUPER SUNDAY: Hyde Park Art Center is getting outside and into the season this Sunday. From 1 to 5 p.m. they'll show off new exhibitions, open studios, artist performances, and more. Activities include a Lead Zine Folding Gathering, Poetry Performances and The Future Fossil Factory.
TWIN PEAKS PREMIERE PARTY: David Lynch fans are pumped for the new Twin Peaks season premiering this weekend. Celebrate with a costume contest and specialty cocktails at The General's Twin Peaks Premiere Party at 7 p.m.
ROCKING ACTOR: Kiefer Sutherland is an animal, in all the best ways. We won't regale with war stories of how the man comports himself when not on a set acting, but let's just say the man has the credentials to claim himself a rock and roller. Sutherland plays Thalia Hall on Sunday.