Maifest (Thursday-Sunday)
No, you haven’t stumbled into an early Oktoberfest—this is just how Lincoln Square welcomes street-festival season and the beginning of spring. Hoist a stein, grab a pretzel, and embrace the neighborhood’s German heritage over the course of one fun-filled weekend.
Lincoln Park Greek Fest (Friday-Sunday)
The street in front of St. George Greek Orthodox Church hosts three days of gyros, spicy feta spread, dancing, traditional music and more during Lincoln Park’s annual celebration of Hellenic culture. Show up to feast on Greek delicacies, shop for gifts at the craft fair or catch some live music.
Do Division Street Fest (Friday-Sunday)
Kick off the start of summer festival season at Do Division, the street shindig with live music booked by Empty Bottle and Subterranean in West Town. Catch performances at two stages—including acts like Divino Niño, Arm’s Length, Susto and Avey Tare—and check out food trucks, a fashion show, vendors for shopping and a Family Fun Fest area with kids activities, among other attractions.
Bark at the Ballpark with the Chicago Dogs (Friday)
Bring your furry best friend to Impact Field, the home of independent professional baseball team The Chicago Dogs, for an evening of dog-friendly fun! The first 1,500 fans will receive a bandana for their pups upon entry, and all pets are welcome to run the bases after the game. Tickets start at $9.
John Cusack at the Auditorium Theater (Friday)
Join John Cusack for an intimate screening of his 2000 hit romantic comedy High Fidelity. Afterwards, the actor will sit down for a conversation about his career and the making of the film, and take questions from the audience.
Drain at Metro (Friday)
Hardcore heat-seekers Drain are back in Chicago for a two-night residency at the Metro for ‘Drain’s Beach Party’, a mini-festival in which they’ll be joined by the likes of Terror, Angel Du$t, God’s Hate, Mindforce, and more. This will surely go down as one of the craziest gigs of the year. At this time, limited tickets are still available.
Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls at the Aragon (Friday)
The legendary Frank Turner returns to the Aragon on Friday night for what should be a stellar show with his band The Sleeping Souls. Tickets can be purchased here.
Ceremony at Lincoln Hall (Saturday)
Ceremony is one of the greatest punk bands to ever exist. In fact, they were such a good punk band that they pivoted from blistering, hardcore intensity to eclectic new wave music, and they’re equally as good at that. On Saturday night, they’ll storm Lincoln Hall alongside Chicago standouts, Smut. Tickets can be purchased here.
Chicago Fire host the LA Galaxy (Saturday)
Bend it like Beckham at Soldier Field on Saturday as the struggling Chicago Fire kick off against the Galaxy on Saturday evening.
Windy City Hot Dog Fest in Portage Park (Saturday-Sunday)
Whether you like your hot dogs dragged through the garden or topped with ketchup, this Portage Park fest has you covered. Local favorites, including Byron’s, Chicago Doghouse and Lola’s Coney Island, will compete to see who makes the best frankfurter, as voted on by fest-goers. In addition, there will be live entertainment, arts and craft vendors, a kids area, a top dog parade and a hot dog eating competition.
