The Walkmen, reuniting at the Metro (Wednesday-Saturday)

Acclaimed New York City rock band The Walkmen have reunited to play their first shows in Chicago in a decade. A band that rose up the ranks alongside bands like Interpol and The Strokes, they’re best known for their song “The Rat”, which was a hit, but should’ve been The Biggest Hit. They’re currently in the midst of a four-show run at the Metro, all of which have sold out.

The National at The Auditorium Theatre (Thursday-Sunday)

The National, a band that shares a lot of qualities with the aforementioned Walkmen, are on a four-show run themselves at the hidden gem of Chicago venues, the Auditorium Theatre. Indie rock legends at this point, they’re kicking off their nationwide tour for their new record, First Two Pages of Frankenstein, with this set of shows. A microscopic amount of tickets have been released for Friday’s show. The weekend gigs are sold out.

Anime Central at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (Friday-Sunday): For fans of Japanese pop-culture (including anime, video games, musicians and strange snack foods), there’s no larger Midwest celebration of the Land of the Rising Sun than Anime Central. Tickets can be found here.

Margarita & Sangria Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo (Friday): Experience Lincoln Park Zoo like never before at this after-hours, 21+ only event. Guests will sample a variety of margaritas and sangrias while walking around and enjoying views of the blooming gardens and animals. There will also be live music, food offerings for purchase, interactive games and salsa and bachata dancing. More information can be found here.

Cursive at Bottom Lounge (Friday) 

Iconic emo standouts Cursive head to the Bottom Lounge on Friday for a tour celebrating the release of 2000’s heartbreaking Domestica album. This event is sold out.

Natalie Merchant at Chicago Theater (Friday) 

10,000 Maniacs frontwoman Natalie Merchant will be at the Chicago Theater on Friday. Merchant is currently on tour celebrating the release of her most recent record, Keep Your Courage. Limited tickets remain. If you can’t make it to the Chicago Theater this weekend, we still recommend bumping the 10,000 Maniacs album In My Tribe this weekend. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Narrow Head at Lincoln Hall (Friday) 

Narrow Head are an up-and-coming band from Dallas, Texas who released the incredible album, Moments of Clarity, earlier this year. Incorporating a sound reminiscent of bands like Hum with a more punk edge, Narrow Head hit on familiar alt-rock leanings while also pushing the boundaries. Tickets still remain for what should be an epic show. We highly recommend snagging them.

the moss at Schubas (Friday) 

the moss are yet another exciting new band on the scene, and they’ll be across town from another Lincoln Hall-owned venue, Schubas, on Friday. This band is surging in popularity and rightfully so. Their event at Schubas is sold out.

White Sox hosts the Royals (Friday-Sunday)

The SURGING White Sox host divisional rivals this weekend. Ever since I (Case the Producer) called them losers, they’ve been playing better…funny how that works.

Giovannie & the Hired Guns at Joe’s on Weed St (Saturday) 

THEY’RE ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

PIQNIQ artists Giovannie & the Hired Guns will stop by Chicago on Saturday at Joe’s for their first gig since Q101’s epic Halloween Pop Up with them last year. Tickets are available here.

Pilsen Cantina Crawl (Saturday): Explore everything Pilsen has to offer by going on a cantina crawl through the neighborhood. You’ll get to sample craft cocktails from eight different restaurants and bars plus enjoy live music and drink specials. The fundraising event supports Pilsen Fest. Tickets can be purchased here.

Renegade Craft Fair in Andersonville (Saturday-Sunday): Renegade Craft’s flagship event takes over a stretch of Clark Street spanning from Bryn Mawr to Edgewater Avenue. Attendees will be able to shop the handmade wares of more than 225 vendor booths, selling everything from candles and screenprints to jewelry and pottery. Information can be found here.

Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 10K (Sunday): Say hello to spring with a half marathon or 10K on the Lakefront Trail. Why anyone would do this, I don’t know. Details are here.