No Pressure at Bottom Lounge (Friday): Parker Cannon of pop-punk royalty The Story So Far brings his hardcore side project, No Pressure, to the Bottom Lounge on Friday night with a slew of other bands including Koyo and Riot Fest 2023 band Fleshwater. This show sold out very quickly, but we still highly recommend giving these bands a listen.
Laura Stevenson at Lincoln Hall (Friday)
Laura Stevenson has been a prominent voice in the underground punk scene for the better-half of two decades. A frequent collaborate with Jeff Rosenstock (who just announced a show at The Salt Shed), Stevenson brings her sultry singer-songwriter songs to Lincoln Hall on Friday. Tickets can be purchased here.
Tigercub at Gman Tavern (Friday)
Q101 welcomes Tigercub to the Gman Tavern, which is located next door to the Metro, on Friday night. After nearly a decade across the pond, Tigercub are embarking on what should be a tone-setting US tour. The same record industry titans that discovered Queens of the Stone Age have backed Tigercub, making them a band that needs to be paid attention to. Tickets can be purchased here.
Cubs host the Reds (Friday-Sunday)
The struggling Chicago Cubs bring the Reds to town for a three-game divisional series this weekend.
Mole de Mayo (Friday-Sunday)
Pilsen’s annual Mole de Mayo street festival, which honors the traditional Mexican sauce with a mole cook-off, plus a market full of vendors, returns to the neighborhood over Memorial Day weekend. More information can be found here.
Summer Camp Music Festival (Friday-Sunday)
Chillicothe’s premier music festival, Summer Camp, kicks off on Friday with camping, art, and over 100 acts, notably PIQNIQ artist Badflower. Tickets can be purchased here.
Memorial Day Parade (Saturday)
After a wreath is laid at the eternal flame in Daley Plaza at 11am in remembrance of those who died serving in the U.S. armed services, Chicago’s annual Memorial Day Parade marches down State Street (from Lake to Van Buren streets) beginning at noon. Crowds line the street waving flags and paying their respects as part of this Chicago tradition, which dates all the way back to 1870.
Navy Pier Fireworks Begin (Saturday)
The best place to see fireworks in America begins firework season this weekend.
Seal at Chicago Theater (Saturday)
Legendary soul singer Seal will be at the Chicago Theater on Saturday. If you are in the mood to make a baby, we highly recommend grabbing a ticket before they’re gone.
The Bollweevils at Chop Shop (Saturday)
Chicago punk legends The Bollweevils, recently removed from opening for Rise Against on the first night of their Metro residency, are back at The Chop Shop on Saturday night. You can grab a ticket for the show here.
Pet Symmetry at Sleeping Village (Saturday)
Chicago power-pop-punk legends are playing at Sleeping Village on Saturday night in celebration of their 2013 EP, “Two Songs About Cars. Two Songs With Long Titles.” turning 10. A veteran of Riot Fest and a prolific touring act for a decade, Sleeping Village will surely be a party on Saturday night when these boys take the stage. Grab a ticket here. Say AHOY to me (Case the Producer) if you spot me there.
Pedro the Lion at Thalia Hall (Saturday)
Indie legend Pedro the Lion heads to Thalia Hall on Saturday night for a night full of emotional tunes and heart-wrenching hooks. He’ll be playing both 1998’s “It’s Hard to Find a Friend” and 2002’s “Control” in full. Bring Kleenex. Tickets can be found here.
Vet Fest ft. Spin Doctors for the American Appreciation Concert Series at 115 Bourbon Street (Saturday)
Get ready to rock at Vet Fest’s American Appreciation Concert Series on May 27th, located at Bourbon Street! Enjoy a night filled with the unforgettable sounds of the ’90s with Spin Doctors headlining, and the dynamic duo Mike and Joe warming up the stage. This event will be a Buy One, Give One initiative meaning, that for every ticket you purchase, Vest Fest will donate one to a veteran, first responder, or local hero. Celebrate their service while immersing yourself a live music experience! Support our heroes with this amazing BOGO concert event! Buy tickets here.
Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival (Saturday-Sunday)
Head to Lakeview (right by the Belmont Red Line station) for two days of music, featuring local tribute acts like Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute and Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press. You’ll find beer, wine and plenty of area vendors to browse while you hang out on the street. Get more information here.
Sueños Music Festival (Saturday-Sunday)
The two-day, Memorial Day weekend extravaganza returns to Grant Park in 2023. Taking place on a single stage in Grant Park’s Hutchinson Field, Sueños will feature headlining sets from Mexican band Grupo Firme and Puerto Rican reggaeton duo Wisin y Yandel. Other notable names on the lineup include Feid, Nicky Jam, Becky G, Arcangel and more. Get tickets here.
Mayfestiversary (Saturday-Sunday)
Ravenswood Corridor neighbors Dovetail and Begyle return this year for their annual Memorial Day weekend street fest on Malt Row, where attendees can sip beer from both breweries and grab bites from Beard and Belly, Donerman, Happy Lobster and more. Learn more here.
Randolph Street Market (Saturday-Sunday)
The beloved Randolph Street Market Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with two days of curated, European-style vintage and antique shopping. Browse wares from more than 200 vendors, including This Old Book (for rare novels and coffee table books), Tarkington Antiques (for MCM furniture) and Lottie Dottie Vintage (for fun and funky items), or grab a cocktail and bite to eat from restaurant vendors while tapping your toes to live music.
Maxwell Street Market (Sunday-Monday)
This market sets up on nearby Desplaines Street (between Roosevelt and Howard) every Sunday, where visitors will find vendors hawking their wares, an abundance of delicious Mexican food and occasional performances by local bands and dance troupes. Get more information here.
