CHICAGO — The biggest art fair (that’s so much more than a fair) is coming to Chicago this weekend. There’s also a massive clothing swap, the Chicago Tea Festival, a celebration of Northwest Side breweries, a benefit concert with Chance the Rapper and DJ Oreo and more.
Here’s a roundup of 20 things to do in Chicago this weekend:
EXPO Chicago
Thursday-Sunday
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. and other venues
The city’s biggest art fair is this weekend for its 11th edition. EXPO Chicago kicks off 4 p.m. Thursday with VIP panel discussions, an evening benefit gala and a keynote with Chance the Rapper. Other EXPO events happening throughout the city include Art After Hours, which will keep select neighborhood galleries open late Friday.
Learn more about EXPO, find the weekend schedule and buy tickets online.
Mendelssohn’s ‘Elijah’
7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 220 S. Michigan Ave.
Celebrated conductor James Conlon will join the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Grammy Award-winning baritone Lucas Meachem for an English rendition of “Elijah,” an enduring piece of music by 19th-century German composer Felix Mendelssohn.
Tickets start at $35. Purchase tickets for Thursday, Friday and Saturday online.
Clothing Swap
Friday-Sunday
Envision Unlimited Westtown Center, 1801 N. Spaulding Ave.
A big community clothing swap is coming to Logan Square and Humboldt Park this weekend, hosted by Chicago Fair Trade. For three days, attendees can swap up to 10 items with thrifted finds, enjoy appetizers and adult beverages, get fashion tips from thrift stylists, spin a wheel for fair trade prizes and more. Find more information and a list of clothing drop-off spots here.
Tickets are $10-39 online.
‘Fundi: The Story Of Ella Baker’ Film Screening
5:30 p.m. Friday
Southside Together Organizing for Power, 602 E. 61st St.
Watch a documentary about Ella Baker, friend and adviser to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who played an instrumental role in shaping the Civil Rights Movement. The screening is organized by community organization Southside Together Organizing for Power, and snacks will be provided.
Learn more here.
‘Arte Diseño Xicágo II: From the World’s Fair to the Present Day’
6 p.m. Friday
National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St.
The National Museum of Mexican Art is unveiling its latest exhibition, which explores the 1893 World’s Fair and runs through Aug. 11. It features 19th-century artwork by some of the leading artists who participated in the fair from both sides of the border, plus contemporary art by Chicago-based artists who were born in Mexico.
The museum is also celebrating its ongoing “Mariachi Potosino: The Sound of Home” exhibit in the Xicágo Gallery. This exhibit tells the story of José Cruz Alba, a prominent figure in the Mexican American community who played in the Mariachi Potosino band.
Learn more here.
No Limits Music Festival
6 p.m. Friday
Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave.
The annual music fest will feature Chicago-based artists like outlaw country band Joe Wortell, indie rock band Getting Started, DJ Major Taylor and more. There will also be artwork by local artists available for purchase, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction and appetizers. The fest is presented by the junior board of OTR Housing, an Illinois nonprofit working to provide independent living solutions for people with physical disabilities.
Tickets are $43.90 online.
Esmé Art Gallery Dining Experience
6:30 p.m. Friday
Artruss Gallery, 4553 W. Diversey Ave.
In honor of EXPO Chicago, tasting-menu restaurant Esmé is hosting an exclusive one-night dining experience in an art gallery. Amid captivating artwork, diners will be served dishes by 2024 James Beard Award finalist Jenner Tomaska, paired with wines. Tickets are $250 online.
Deonte Baker
8 p.m. Friday
Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave.
West Side singer Deonte Baker is performing at Epiphany Center for the Arts this weekend. Baker, who’s working on his debut album set to release this summer, has been a professional singer since the age of 12, touring with gospel, jazz and R&B groups. He’s also competed in a variety of singing competitions, including “American Idol” in 2018.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the show. Buy them here.
Keyon Harrold
10 p.m. Friday
Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court
Chicagoans can catch acclaimed trumpeter Keyon Harrold at Jazz Showcase this weekend. Also a composer, vocalist and producer, Harrold has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment, from touring with Jay-Z and Cirque du Soleil to being signed by rapper Nas, writing the theme song for “The Queen Latifah Show,” collaborating with Chicago’s own Common and more.
Tickets start at $30 online.
Chicago Tea Festival
Saturday-Sunday
Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
This annual event unites tea lovers to celebrate the beloved beverage through workshops and cupping sessions. Attendees can learn how to make an easy cup of afternoon tea, explore tea cocktails, learn about Japanese tea production and more.
Tickets start at $25 for a one-day pass. Buy them here and here.
Jeanne Gang: The Art of Architectural Grafting
6:30 p.m. Saturday
​First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington St.
Prominent Chicago architect Jeanne Gang (Aqua Tower, The St. Regis Chicago, Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo) sits down with architecture critic Lee Bey for this Chicago Humanities Festival program. The pair will discuss Gang’s new book on how architecture can learn from nature to combat climate change
You can buy tickets and purchase books by Gang and Bey online. Find more Chicago Humanities Festival events happening this weekend and beyond here, delving into topics like the future of artificial intelligence, climate change and prison abolition with community organizers, acclaimed authors, award-winning photographers and more.
Handmade Market
Noon Saturday
Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave.
Shop jewelry, knitted items, handbags, clothing, paper crafts and more with a mimosa in hand at this weekend’s Handmade Market.
RSVP for free online.
Northwest Brewfest
Noon Saturday
Guild Row, 3130 N. Rockwell St.
Ten local brewers and fermenters are coming together for the 5th annual Northwest Brewfest, serving up an array of craft brews from lagers to stouts. Participating vendors include Bru Coffeeworks, Second City Meadery, Old Irving Brewing, Ravinia Brewing Company and more.
Tickets start at $25 online.
Chance The Rapper
7 p.m. Saturday
Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St.
Chance the Rapper is performing at the newly reopened Ramova Theatre this weekend, his second show at the Bridgeport theater this year. The upcoming concert with West Side native DJ Oreo will help raise money for SocialWorks, a youth empowerment organization Chance founded in 2016.
Tickets are $99.50 in advance and $125.50 on the day of the show. Purchase them online.
Word On 103rd: Spring Has Sprung
7:30 p.m. Saturday
Made Artisan Collaborative, 1802 W. 103rd St.
This regularly held “brazenly honest” storytelling night returns this weekend for its spring edition highlighting “obscure local celebrities.” There is a $10 donation at the door, which will go to the storytellers.
Beast Women Revue
8 p.m. Saturday
Sideshow Gelato, 4819 N. Western Ave.
Beast Women, an all-women performance revue that’s been performing for over 17 years, is coming to a Lincoln Square gelato shop this weekend. The Chicago group features women who showcase theatrical feats of strength and discipline. The show is geared toward an 18-and-older audience.
Tickets are $20 online.
Gnocchi-Making Workshop
Noon and 3 p.m. Sunday
Eataly, 43 E. Ohio St.
Learn how to make gnocchi and a seasonal sauce with an Eataly chef at this hands-on workshop. Guests will watch a cooking demonstration, mix, roll and shape their own ricotta gnocchi and take home their completed dish. They can also enjoy glasses of prosecco, wine or non-alcoholic drinks. Tickets for the 90-minute class are $99 online. Sign up for the noon class here and 3 p.m. class here.
Spring Affair: A Lovely Day Party
3 p.m. Sunday
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave.
Celebrate the warm weather this weekend at the Promontory’s day party, featuring DJ Craig Elliot, DJ Duane Powell, disco-poet Khari B. and the five-piece, women-led band Osun’s Waters.
Tickets start at $10 online.
‘Butterfly Lovers’ Violin Concert
6:30 p.m. Sunday
Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St.
Enjoy a concert of classic and contemporary compositions by the Jade Chinese Music Ensemble as they play alongside renowned Polish violinist Anna Filochowska.
Tickets are $15 online.
Oumou Sangaré
7 p.m. Sunday
Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave.
Grammy Award-winning singer Oumou Sangaré is taking Chicago “on a musical trip to West Africa” this weekend with contemporary African music and songs from her album “Timbuktu.” The Malian singer is often referred to as “the songbird of Wassoulou,” a genre of music that comes from the namesake historical region of West Africa south of the Niger River.
Tickets are $43-45 online.
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