CHICAGO — You can close out May with a Memorial Day jazz festival, the Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest, Mole de Mayo, a queer music celebration and more.
Here’s a roundup of 28 things to do in Chicago this weekend:
Mayfestiversary
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
At the corner of Ravenswood and Belle Plaine Avenues in the Ravenswood Corridor, between Begyle and Dovetail
This festival by Dovetail Brewery and Begyle Brewing returns this weekend with unique beers, food trucks, pop-ups and live music. People of all ages — and dogs — are welcome. There is a suggested $5 donation upon entry, which will benefit North Side food pantry The Friendship Center. The fest aims to raise $40,000, which is equivalent to 300,000 meals.
SummerSalt Market
Noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.
Herald in the summer with the return of The Salt Shed’s SummerSalt Market. There will be vendors selling vintage, vinyl, furniture and more, plus food and drinks. RSVP for free online.
Southside Memorial Day Parade
10 a.m.-noon Monday
7750 S. Emerald Ave.
The Southside Memorial Day Parade will pay homage to community veterans with a flag-folding ceremony, live band, keynote address, honoree awards, wreath-laying and more. You can also enjoy live patriotic music, free barbecue and veteran gifts. Register for free online.
Memorial Day Jazz Festival
1-3 p.m. Friday
4339 W. 18th Place
Enjoy a free live jazz concert by local musicians in honor of Memorial Day weekend. The event is hosted by Montclare Supportive Living, a community organization providing a residential alternative to a nursing home. Reserve your spot online.
Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
On Sheffield Avenue near the Belmont “L” station
Catch the School of Rock, Freddy Jones Band, Sam Fazio Quartet, Lucy Stoole and more at this street fest featuring local tribute bands, entertainers and DJ sets. You can also eat from local restaurants. More information is here. There is a suggested $10 donation upon admission.
South Side Chili Cook-Off
1-4 p.m. Sunday
The Quarry Chi: Art, Culture, Dining & Entertainment, 2423 E. 75th St.
The Greater Chatham Initiative is hosting a chili cook-off to see who can make the best vegan base chili, and you can help judge. Gather with neighbors to enjoy chili and music at this free event.
Game Of Thrones Night At Logan Square Bar
6 p.m. Thursday-2 a.m. Friday
The Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Every month, Logan Square cocktail lounge The Whistler explores literature through unique, book-themed cocktails. As part of its May “book club,” you can enjoy Game of Thrones-inspired drinks and music by DJs Sean Tanktop and Dustin Drase, the duo behind ice dragon Viserion’s screams in season seven. Walk-ins are welcome, and there is no cover.
Dog-Friendly Market
Noon-4 p.m. Sunday
Midwest Coast Brewing Company, 2137 W. Walnut St.
There will be beers, dogs and shopping at this pup-friendly market by Midwest Coast Brewing Company. Participants include Chicago Dog Co., Farm To Pet, Cosmicos Pet Bakery, One Tail at a Time and more.
Mole De Mayo
5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday
Along 18th Street between Ashland and Blue Island avenues
Mole, live music, dancing, artisans and more return to Pilsen’s 18th Street for this culinary and cultural street fest. Local chefs will compete to create the best mole, a Mexican sauce typically made with chili peppers, spices, nuts and chocolate and traditionally served over enchiladas and meats. There will also be lucha libre Mexican wrestling. Admission is free, but there is a suggested donation of $5 for individuals and $10 for families. Find the lineup here.
Queer Music In The Archives
7-9 p.m. Friday
Gerber/Hart Library & Archives, 6500 N. Clark St.
Rogers Park’s Gerber/Hart, one of the largest LGBTQ libraries & archives in the world, is hosting an evening of queer music with three local bands: THEM Queers, The Boi & The Ghouls and Measuring Marigolds. There is a $10 suggested donation at the door. RSVP online.
Seedling Giveaway
Noon-2 p.m. Saturday
Our Block Community Garden, 1500 N. Washtenaw Ave.
Stop by Our Block Community Garden and pick up free organic seedlings for tomatoes, peppers, flowers, herbs and other veggies. Supplies are limited, and you must bring your own box for the seedlings.
Fulton Market Fashion Show
10 p.m. Friday-2 a.m. Saturday
Fulton Market Kitchen, 311 N. Sangamon St.
This fashion show and party features two up-and-coming Chicago designers: Raj Patel, founder of Karmic Couture; and Haochen Song, founder of Haochen Design. There will be a runway from each designer, plus sets from House DJs Luke Fletcher and Kolbus. Tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door. This is a 21-and-older event.
Randolph Street Market
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
1341 W. Randolph St.
Shop art, antiques, vintage decor, fashion, jewelry, vinyl and more at this European style flea market. There will be vendors from across the country, market bars, live bands and more in the heart of West Loop. General admission tickets are $12 online, and there are ticket packages and discounts available. Kids younger than 12 get in free. See the schedule and list of vendors here.
National Italian Beef Day Celebration
11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. p.m. Saturday
Chicago Food Stop’s ground floor, 875 N. Michigan Ave.
In honor of National Italian Beef Day, you can get a free Italian Beef sandwich 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Chicago Food Stop. There will be more than 500 Al’s Beef sandwiches given away. Throughout the afternoon, you’ll also be able to sample products made in Chicago and meet the authors of “Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Bites” for a conversation about Chicago foods. At 5 p.m., there will also be a comedy showcase called Chicago, The Beef to wrap up the day. This event is free to attend. Find the schedule here.
The Fetch Club Open House
1-4 p.m. Sunday
The Fetch Club, 2940 N. Campbell Ave.
The Fetch Club is celebrating its new dog daycare with an open house this weekend. You can check out the facility and treat your pup to a photoshoot, custom bandanna and yummy treats at the event. RSVP online for free entry.
Author Talk With Chicago Music Historian Mark Guarino
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
Rattleback Records, 5405 N. Clark St.
Local author Mark Guarino will be at Rattleback Records to talk about his new book, “Country and Midwestern: Chicago in the History of Country Music and the Folk Revival.” It documents nearly 100 years of country and folk music in Chicago. Guarino will be interviewed by local country legend Lawrence Peters 11 a.m.-noon, followed by a live performance by Peters. Tickets for the book talk are $35 and include a copy of the book. The live performance is free and open to the public. Tickets for both events are available online.
The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody
Various days and times. See the full schedule here.
Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie Blvd.
This burlesque comedy show made its Midwest debut this week in Chicago after sold-out performances on the West Coast. The show transports audiences to “a galaxy far, far away,” where they’ll see scantily clad Star Wars characters in a hilarious and sultry performance and dance. There will also be themed cocktails and exclusive merch at this 18-and-older show. Tickets start at $19. Get yours online.
Englewood Community Family Sports Day
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Ogden (William) Park, 6500 S. Racine Ave.
Dancing, soccer, Double Dutch, basketball, relay races and more will be at this free family sports day by Urban Initiatives and Ogden Park District. You can also enjoy free food, raffles and play spaces with dominos, checkers, giant Jenga, bingo, corn hole and more.
Free Museum Tour For Children
2-3 p.m. Saturday
Heritage Museum of Asian Art, 3500 S. Morgan St.
On this free, hour-long tour, children will learn about the art and traditions of Asian countries like China, Japan and India. They can learn about the countries’ histories and influences, explore exhibits and see real artifacts. RSVP here.
A Dope Art Show
Noon-5 p.m. Monday
Ludlow Liquors, 2959 N. California Ave.
This pop-up art show is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a party on the Ludlow Liquors patio. There will be art from more than 50 artists, Birria-TaTaTacos, plants to buy from Plant Shop Chicago and a photo booth. This event is open to people of all ages and dogs. Tickets are donation-based, which means you can donate as little as $1. Get your ticket here.
Freestyle Art Workshop
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, 3015 W. Division St.
As part of the museum’s Mental Health Awareness Month program, there will be a freestyle art session at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture this weekend. Mixed-media papers, watercolors, colored pencils, drawing pencils and other materials will be provided so you can create anything you desire and express yourself through art. This workshop is open to all levels, whether you’re a seasoned artist or first-time doodler. RSVP online.
‘The Little Mermaid’ Immersive Screening Experience
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
Cinema Chatham, Powered by Emagine, 210 W. 87th St.
Watch Disney’s “Enchanting the Little Mermaid,” hear a talk from National Geographic Explorer and Fulbright alumna Alyea Pierce, groove to a live DJ, participate in interactive STEAM activities, enter a raffle, snap pictures in a photo booth and more. There will also be popcorn and beverages. This movie screening event is hosted by Girls Like Me Project. General admission tickets are $30 and raffle tickets are $5. They are available to buy online.
Picnic-Potluck With Sacred Roots Muslim Community
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
Cricket Hill at Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Ave.
Sacred Roots Muslim Community is hosting a picnic-potluck at Montrose Harbor this weekend. Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite dish, board games, a football, frisbee or anything else they desire. You should also bring your own picnic blankets and lawn chairs to ensure you’re seated comfortably.
Walk in Purpose Mental Health Awareness
1-3 p.m. Saturday
2423 E. 75th St.
The Walk in Purpose project is a free mental health awareness event featuring wellness resources, entertainment and more. There will be a display of nearly 100 pairs of shoes from passed loved ones, a special dance performance, mental health providers available to talk and more. Food and beverages will be provided.
Blind/Visually Impaired Soccer Clinics
10 a.m.-noon Friday (ages 5-21) and 10 a.m.-noon Sunday (ages 16 and older)
Midway Plaisance Park, 1130 Midway Plaisance North
These free clinics are intended for people who are blind or visually impaired and will help participants learn blind soccer through basic skills and drills. You can register by reaching out to Sheena Hager at Sheena.Hager@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Sharel Cassity Quartet Concert
8-9:30 p.m. Sunday
Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court
Sharel Cassity is a saxophonist, composer and educator who is well known in the New York and Chicago jazz scenes. You can hear her play at Jazz Showcase this weekend. Tickets are $30-$45 online.
Michele Clark Scholarship 5K Run/Walk/Bike
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday
Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd.
This 5K run/walk/bike returns to raise scholarship money for students headed to college. Organizers will give $1,500 to 10 high school seniors for college. Register for $20 here.
You Are Here: A Storytelling Show
7:30-9 p.m. Friday
Ponnopozz Studio & Store, 4839 N. Damen Ave.
You Are Here is an intimate show and creative community featuring local storytellers, poets and musicians. Admission is free, and donations are suggested in cash or by using Venmo to @youarehereshow. All donations will pay performers and help to organize future shows. Seating is limited and attendees are encouraged to RSVP online.
PLUS: Picks From Our Partners At 
Billy Porter, THE BLACK MONA LISA TOUR: VOLUME 1
8:00 p.m. Friday
The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.
Grammy, Emmy, and Tony winner Billy Porter brings passion and joy to Chicago with his first-ever career-spanning pop music concert tour: THE BLACK MONA LISA TOUR: VOLUME 1. Expect a full band, backed by a video installation, fronted by Billy Porter telling his life story through song. Buy tickets or enter to win a pair here.
Pedro The Lion Tour
8:00 p.m. Saturday
Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.
Pedro the Lion is celebrating the anniversaries of two albums — 1998’s It’s Hard to Find a Friend, which turns 25, and 2002’s Control, which turns 21 — by playing them in full on tour. Buy tickets or enter to win a pair here.
Seal World Tour 2023
7:30 p.m. Saturday
The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.
British singer Seal has sold over 20 million records worldwide, with hit songs like “Crazy” and “Killer”, the latter of which went to number one in the UK, and his most celebrated song, “Kiss from a Rose”, which was released in 1994. Seal is renowned for his distinctive soulful singing voice. Performing with special guest The Buggles. Buy tickets or enter to win a pair here.
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