The warm weather ushers in a season of festivals in Chicago. Memorial day weekend jumpstarts“summertime Chi” – a season when locals and tourists enjoys the city’s great weather and events. Below are some events….
, June 2nd at 7pm, First Midwest Bank Amphitheater, $30-$130
Details: See Drake live in concert featuring WakaFlocka Flame, Meek Mill, 2 Chainz, French Montana & J. Cole.
, June 1st at 8pm, Lincoln Park Zoo, $110-$150
Details: The premier social event of the spring a one-of-a-kind gala in the heart of Lincoln Park Zoo. Guests will have exclusive access to the spectacular zoo grounds while enjoying cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, music and dancing under the stars. The Underground Chicago will host Zool-ologie’s after party!
, June 1st-2nd at 7pm, Union Station, $60
Details: Put on by Second Glass, this is your all access pass to 250 wines from across the globe. Die-hard experts offer interactive booths, crash courses on tackling the wine world.
, May 31st at 7pm, Fitz’s Spare Keys, Elmhurst, $30
Details: All you can drink and eat with raffles, split the pot, music and HOT men- 19 firefighters being auctioned off! Evening benefits the American Cancer Society with proceeds going directly to Relay for Life.
, June 1st-June 3rd at 8am, Toyota Park, $20-$100
Details: The Midwest’s largest 3-day bike rally with the entire cast from the hit show “Full Throttle Saloon” on truTV. Get the chance to meet the cast, watch Blitz Pro Wrestling, see The Wall of Death and more live entertainment.
Must be 18+
, June 2nd at 11:15 am, Arlington Racetrack, $25-$30
Details: Watch and wager on the heart pounding sport of Thoroughbred horse racing while enjoying a sampling of over 300 domestic and international wines from Binny’s that’s 100 more wines than last year’s event! Plus, top Chicagoland restaurants will be providing a sampling of signature dishes to pair with your favorite wine.
, June 3rd ALL DAY, Chicago, $35
Details: Tour Chicago like a local tourist, enjoying exclusive events and deals and collect stamps in your Passport.
Hop around from place to place with you free CTA Day Pass to destinations including restaurants, museums, boutiques and tours, plus exclusive access to the official after party at Public House.
, June 1st at 7:30pm, Allstate Arena, $25
Details: Kick off Pride Month with the WNBA Chicago Sky as they celebrate Pride Month.
, June 1st at 6pm, Fischman Liquors, $35
Details: Enjoy all of the featured rare and favorite craft beers at this tavern with live music from Soulio. All of the proceeds will help the National Kidney Foundation.
, June 6th at 9am, Hilton Chicago, FREE
Details: Employment fair for Veterans, Guard and Reserve members, and eligible spouses.
, May 31st-June 3rd at 5pm, Lincoln & Leland, FREE
Details: Celebrate the arrival of spring in Lincoln Square with another year of great German food, dancing, live entertainment. This festival voted Best Fest of 2009 by Chicagoans in RedEye.
, June 1st-June 3rd at 11pm, Wicker Park, FREE
Details: This family fun festival on Division St. includes live music, sidewalk sales, and al fresnodining at the local restaurants and bars. Three days long for the first time and includes participants like theShedd Aquarium who will bring live animals to the event.
, June 2nd at 7:30pm, Allstate Arena, $41-$71.75
Details: See the new British-Irish teen pop sensation One Direction, The X Factor’s third place winners who signed here in the states with Columbia Records, on their US tour.
, June 3rd at 6:30pm, Jay Pritzker Pavillion, FREE
Details: Symphonic music lovers have the chance to preview works scheduled to be performed by the Youth Symphony during their upcoming 10-day tour of Spain at a tour departure concert. Seating first come/first served.
, June 3 at 4pm, Rockit Burger Bar, $30
Details: A benefit for the Anti-Cruelty Society hosted by David Love & Bridget Halanski. Come see adoptable dogs & puppies and a fashion presentation featuring Chosen Models. Bid on items in the silent auction with 100% of the proceeds from the auction going to the Anti-Cruelty Society.
, May 31st at 5:30 pm, Ryan Family Atrium of Northwestern University Lurie Center, $10-$50
Details: A juried exhibition of more than 150 emerging and established artists benefiting the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago’s Art Therapy Program. Proceeds allow the hospital to maintain an Art Therapist to work with patients. James Rondeau, Curator of the Modern wing at The Art Institute of Chicago will serve as juror of the 2011 submissions and award three prizes ranging from $300 to $1,000.
, May 31st at 9am, Navy Pier, FREE
Details: College fair that aims to bring together all of the components needed to develop an understanding of college admissions, college life and the resources available for success. Speakers include best-selling authors, deans of admissions, and Chicago Cubs general manager.
, May 31st at 7pm, AMC River East 21, $5 and FREE under 21
Details: Presented by the Chicago International Film Festival, opening night features director Jonathan Levine (50/50, The Wackness). The theater will screen clips from his films and engage in audience Q&A. Reception follows at Lucky Strike Lanes.
, June 1st at 5pm, Maya Polsky Gallery, FREE
Details: Andy Paczos is a plein air artist who has dedicated himself to painting Chicago cityscapes. He works strictly on site, never in the studio and never relying on photographs. Last year he decided to paint underground, directly on the platforms of Chicago CTA.
, June 1st & June 2nd, Sundance Saloon, $15 (All active duty military, 1/2 price)
Details: Listen to some of Chicago’s hottest local bands while you support a great cause- The Wounded Warrior Project Fundraiser, a chance to win a guitar signed by National/Platinum Recording Artists The band Chevelle & special guest appearance from Jimmy Sohns from The Shadows of Night. Must be 18+
, June 5th at 6 pm, Rockit Bar and Grill, $75 – $200
Details: Join us for a night benefitting Saturday Place, a Rashied Davis charity. Appearances from Brian Urlacher, Earl Bennett, Lance Briggs, Johnny Knox, Jason McKie, Jerry Azumah, Robbie Gould and more.
, June 1st at 6:30pm, Congress Theater, $22
Details: Catch The Cult during their Choice of Weapon: American tour.
, June 1st at 6pm, Kohl Children’s Museum, Glenview, $65-$75
Details: Daddies and their daughters can start their pre-Father’s day celebration with a night of memorable fun and dancing. Event features special princess appearances, music by DJs from A to Z entertainment, dinner by Bravo and other special activities.
, June 1st at 8pm, The Den Theatre, $15
Details: In celebration of Asian Pacific American culture and universal motherhood, Chicago’s only pan-Asian dramatic theater company, A-Squared Theatre Workshop, presents an evening of 10-minute World Premiere one-act plays- a twelve show extension of the previously sold out show.
June 1st at 8pm, The House of Blues, $47.60
Details: The official Queen tribute show, as seen recently on American Idol and produced by Queen drummer Roger Taylor, will celebrate and pay tribute to the music and live experience of Queen.
, June 2nd – 3rd at 12pm, Sheffield & Addison,
Details: It’s all about encased meat treats at this tasty and tantalizing fest held adjacent to iconic Wrigley Field.
, June 2nd at 9am, Columbia Yacht Club, $35
Details: Don’t miss the 5k Walk/Run for Pancreatic Cancer Research with top fundraiser Joan Cusack. NBC Chicago will be the media sponsor of this event with anchor Rob Stafford as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.
, June 1, 7, 14, 21 & 28, Beauty Bar (1444 W. Chicago)
Details: Buy a glass of bubbly (or wine) and get a free manicure and Santa Margherita nail polish to take home. Additionally, Beauty Bar will be giving away beauty prizes, including full nail polish kits on the dates above. The brand will also be giving away 200 kits on its Facebook page through June 30.
, June 2nd at 11am, Grant Park, $20
Details: Self Magazine’s wildly popular outdoor health, fitness and wellness festival is back. The day is filled with fun, invigorating classes from CRUNCH gym, beauty and fashion consultations, nutritional know-how, and tons of freebies and giveaways.
, June 2nd at 12pm, Grant Park, FREE
Details: The is the first year that this parade will take place and celebrate vegan/vegetarian lifestyles led by Miss Chicago, Marisa Buchheit. Put on byChicagoVeg, the day will include guest speakers, a costume contest and will raise awareness about the benefits of this diet.
, June 3rd at 1pm, Amazing Edibles Catering, $65
Details: Bottle and Bottega is partnering with Amazing Edibles Gourmet Catering for a day filled of cooking and painting. Assorted drinks included but also BYOB! You will also get instruction from expert chefs when cooking tapas and for painting.
, June 3rd at 7:30 pm, Metropolis, Arlington Heights, $22,
Details: The Chicago Bar Association is taking their 88th Annual Christmas Spirits Show on the road! It’s a hilarious, musical lampoon performed by area lawyers and judges as they take on current events, celebrities, sports icons, political figures and more with biting wit in this hilarious show.
, June 4th at 4pm, Sax Hotel, $50 (admits 2)
Details: The Wedding Salon is putting on a magical bridal show and expo for Chicago brides featuring countless luxury wedding vendors to help plan your big day.
, June 4th at 7:30pm, Humboldt Park, FREE
Details: Come enjoy the breathtaking views of the night sky. Learn about the phases of the moon, look at other planets, star clusters, and more. Bring a blanket and enjoy a night in the park. All ages are welcome to this FREE event.
o, June 4th at 6:30pm, Millennium Park, FREE
Details: Jonathan Richman brings his unaffected blend of rock and roll and folk music to Millennium Park after over 40 years of performing in small to mid-size venues. Bobby Broom and The Deep Blue Organ Trio start off the night with smooth and classic jazz sounds.
, June 5th at 6:30 pm, Merchandise Mart Plaza, $25
Details: For those with an awesome business idea without knowing how to make it work, take this class to learn the top-to-bottom basics of initiating into the startup world including online marketing techniques, and startup language and methodology from Entrepreneurs Unplugged founders.
, June 5th at 7:30 pm, Broadway Playhouse, $81.45
Details: The worldwide party musical and five time Tony nominee, Rock of Ages, features 28 80s tunes including Don’t Stop Believin‘, We Built This City, Can’t Fight This Feeling and many more. The show is a love story told through the songs of Journey, Night Ranger, Styx, Twisted Sister and many more.
, June 6th at 5:30 pm, The Plaza at Park Grill, $60
Details: HighSight, an academic and social support to Chicago high school students, will host its twelfth annual charity event with a casual upscale event that features open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, music, silent auction and cash raffle with all proceeds benefittingHighSight’s scholarship proceeds benefitting High Sight’s scholarship program.
