this weekend →
THE BIG ONES
Square Roots Festival — Friday July 10, 5–10pm · Saturday July 11, 12–10pm · Sunday July 12, 12–8pm · Lincoln Square · Free
Lincoln Square’s summer street festival fills the neighborhood with live music, family fun, local craft beer, and more. One of Chicago’s most beloved neighborhood festivals — Dearborn Street comes alive with three stages, local vendors, and the energy of one of the city’s most architecturally distinctive neighborhoods.
Chosen Few Picnic & Festival — Saturday July 11, 11am–9pm · Jackson Park, South Side · tickets at chosenfewdjs.com
Now in its fourth decade — the nation’s longest-running house music celebration returns to the South Side lakefront. Founded by the legendary Chosen Few DJs, this daylong festival draws thousands of music lovers from around the globe for great beats, food, and summertime vibes in Jackson Park. One of the most important cultural institutions in Chicago’s history.
PRFBBQ 2026 — Thursday July 9 through Sunday July 12 · Color Club Tavern, Comfort Station, Logan Arcade, WholesomeStudio · $15–$30 per day / $60 weekend pass
The 18th annual PRFBBQ — four days, 29 bands, three venues, all-ages. Thursday at Color Club Tavern (Photo-Curio, Witches Wedding, Masonic Wave, Mayor for Life). Friday at Comfort Station (Robots Counterfeiting Money, Earl Gary, Cloud Houses, Daddy’s Boy, Small Awesome) and Logan Arcade (Fuzzbox DJs). Saturday and Sunday at WholesomeStudio (Body Futures, Vile Bees, High Priors, The Cell Phones, La Fea, Stomatopod and more). Sunday morning includes PenRF — readings of original fiction, poetry, and essays at Christy & John’s house in Logan Square. Weekend pass includes dinner and drinks Saturday and Sunday.
prfbbq.bandcamp.com for the full lineup.
Vintage House Chicago: Summer Heat — Saturday July 11 & Sunday July 12, 12–5pm · Artifact Events, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, Ravenswood · Free
90+ rotating vintage and handmade vendors across two days at Artifact Events — a new lineup each day. The best market of the summer so far.
vintagehousechicago.com · @vintagehousechicago.
Japan Fest Chicago 2026 — Saturday July 11, 11am–6pm & Sunday July 12, 11am–4pm · 3333 Oakton St, Skokie · tickets required
A premier Midwest festival celebrating Japanese culture and community — taiko drums, J-pop, kimono fashion, anime art, Japanese sweets and street food. Hosted by the Chicago Japanese American Council, a coalition of 12 Japanese and Japanese American organizations. A short drive or train ride to Skokie.
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ART OPENINGS & EXHIBITIONS
Southport Art Festival — Saturday July 11 & Sunday July 12, 10am–6pm · Southport Ave, Lakeview · Free
100 original artists along Southport Avenue — painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and photography. Kids Art Zone, face painting, food from local restaurants. A neighborhood art festival in one of Chicago’s most beloved streets.
Four Walls/Four Artists — Opening Friday July 10, 6–10pm · Fulton Street Collective, 1821 W Hubbard, West Town · Free
Four FSC artists — Michael Barr (@crookedtreeartist), Meredith Meyer (@meredithmeyerart), Adrian Johnson (@afroabstractionsart), and Lorenzo Dolce (@lorenzodolce333) — each take one wall in the main gallery. Free parking. Reservations recommended.
The Sensual Land: 50 Years of Bodyscapes — Opening Reception Friday July 10, 6–9pm · Jackson Junge Gallery, 1389 N Milwaukee Ave, Wicker Park · Free · runs through August 9
A retrospective of photographer Allan Teger’s Bodyscapes® series — 50 years of placing toys and miniatures on the body and shooting single exposures, capturing the coexistence of two realities: landscape and body simultaneously. Rare one-of-a-kind images with cancelled negatives, stereoscopic view cards, color bodyscapes, and a zodiac series.
Marya Kanakis: The Garden of Hygíeia — Opening Friday July 10, 5:45–8pm · International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 N Lake Shore Drive, Gold Coast · Free
Architect and SAIC educator Marya Demetra Kanakis — a Harvard GSD graduate and living kidney donor — installs a prairie within the historic halls of the International Museum of Surgical Science. Classical sculptures appear suspended between preservation and quarantine. Hygíeia, goddess of health, emerges among grasses and contaminated soils. The garden as the original architecture of care. One of the most conceptually interesting shows opening this weekend.
Ruti Modlin: Saltwater Lullabies — Artist Talk Saturday July 11, 1–2pm · ARC Gallery · Free · exhibition runs through July 31
Modlin grew up between horizons and cultures — raised in port cities across different continents and on merchant ships under the watch of her father, a sea captain. Through paint she revisits unsteady decks, women on docks, and the fevered visions of a child who belonged everywhere and nowhere. The artist talk is Saturday. Gallery hours Thurs–Fri 2–6pm, Sat–Sun 12–4pm. eventbrite.com.
Slow Look: The Vivian Girls — Saturday July 11, 10–11am · Intuit Art Museum, 756 N Milwaukee Ave, West Town · Free (before museum opens)
Before the museum opens and the galleries are still quiet — a guided slow look at Henry Darger’s portraits of the Vivian Girls, on view inside a recreation of the artist’s Lincoln Park apartment. 45 minutes with one work of art. Coffee in CLEO after. No expertise required, just presence.
First Friday Art Walk at the Flat Iron Arts Building (on the Second Friday) — Friday July 10, 6–9:30pm · Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N Milwaukee Ave, Wicker Park · Free
The Wicker Park Bucktown Art Walk pushed their July First Friday to the second Friday due to the holiday — which means two chances this month. Live music alongside rotating art exhibits from resident and guest artists. Phil Circle Music’s open mic and jam is also happening in Studio #344 same night — open mic sign-up at 6pm, performances at 7pm.
Gallery Night at Creative Coworking — Saturday July 11, 3–6pm · Creative Coworking, Evanston · Free
30+ local artists, wine, charcuterie, and a Q&A with primary featured artists at 3pm. Featured: Angela Williams (BFA Art Institute of Chicago, works in permanent collection at Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Director of Design at the Griffin MSI), Dorothy Mason (watercolor and oil paintings of natural landscapes, dual career in fine arts and graphic design), Joseph Masunas (unedited photography, Midwest farmhouse series), and Angela Murphy (interior designer turned fine artist, watercolor work exploring space, nature, and movement). 100+ works on display, 100% of sale price goes directly to artists.
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VINTAGE & MARKETS
Olio Chicago: Less is More — Friday July 10 · Olio Wicker Park · RSVP required
14 vintage vendors with unique collections — sip and shop with beverages and a DJ. RSVP for first pick of the best vintage and designer in the city.
SAUCED Night Market — Friday July 10 & Saturday July 11 · Ignite Glass Studios, 401 N Armour St, River West · Free
Back again — local vendors, food trucks, flameworking glass artists, and live DJs inside one of the city’s most distinctive industrial spaces.
@saucedmarket.
Oddball Market — Saturday July 11, 2–8pm · Color Club, 4146 N Elston Ave, Avondale · Free
A market full of handmade curiosities — ceramics, apparel, and jewelry all made by local Chicago artists. Color Club is a great room and Avondale is exactly the right neighborhood for this. Free, no ticket needed.
@oddballmarket
Belmont Cragin Vintage Market — Saturday July 11, 12–5pm · Yuyos Fresh Market, 5020 W Fullerton Ave, Belmont Cragin · Free
Vintage clothing, accessories, handmade goods, streetwear, and collectibles at an outdoor market in Belmont Cragin — live DJs all day and food and drinks from the indoor taqueria. An inclusive community market in a neighborhood that doesn’t always get covered.
@belmontcraginvintagemarket · eventbrite.com.
Shop Black Fest — Saturday July 11, 1–6pm · Burnham Park · tickets required
A celebration of Black-owned businesses at Burnham Park on the lakefront — vendors, live music, community, and a VIP box featuring gifts from Black-owned sponsors.
2nd Annual Skokie Vintage & Artisan Fest at Westfield Old Orchard — Saturday July 11 & Sunday July 12, 10am–7pm · Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie · Free with RSVP
60+ vintage and artisan vendors per day — different vendor lineup each day — with live entertainment and sponsor activations at Old Orchard. Worth pairing with Japan Fest if you’re making the Skokie trip.
COMMUNITY & WELLNESS
The Art of Wagashi: Nerikiri Workshop — Friday July 10, 6–7:30pm · Heritage Museum of Asian Art, 3500 S Morgan, 3F · tickets required
Learn to make Nerikiri — a traditional Japanese confection crafted from sweet white bean paste and mochi, shaped into seasonal designs and rarely available in the US. This beginner-friendly workshop produces four pieces (two fireworks, two Japanese fans) and includes all materials and a take-home container. Hosted by the Japanese Culture Center.
Dig + Disconnect: Art of the Dig — Friday July 10 · Miyagi Records, South Side · Free · RSVP required
Miyagi Records’ weekly Friday workshop series — this edition is Art of the Dig, a hands-on workshop on learning how to find what moves you. Led by TREW, a Chicago-based artist, archivist, educator, DJ, and founder of Miyagi Records. Curated crates, guided prompts, listening stations, and time to keep digging. For collectors, DJs, artists, and anyone looking to reconnect with sound in real life. Free.
Creative Connections: Adult Friendships — Sunday July 12, 12–2pm · Public Works Gallery, Chicago · tickets required
An art therapy workshop led by Registered Art Therapist Pierra D. Brown — exploring the complexities of making and maintaining friendships throughout adulthood through guided art activity. A guided art activity exploring what your ideal friend looks like while actually meeting people. All artistic levels welcome.
Grand Opening: GCYC Farmer’s Market & Food Sovereignty Hub — Friday July 10, 3–6pm · Gary Comer Youth Center, 7230 S South Chicago Ave, South Shore · Free
A community space built by and for young people to grow food, build skills, and make fresh produce accessible to everyone. The grand opening features food, farm tours, music, and workshops. South Side community building at its most meaningful.
Bucktown Neighborhood & Garden Walk — Saturday July 11 & Sunday July 12 · Bucktown · Free
The annual neighborhood garden walk lets you tour lush urban gardens throughout the funky Bucktown neighborhood. A lovely low-key Sunday alternative to the bigger events this weekend.
do312.com for details.
Together for Venezuela: A Chicago Cultural Relief Benefit — Sunday July 12, 3–6pm · Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center · Free
An ad-hoc collective of local arts presenters and advocates raising funds for Venezuelan earthquake relief.
MUSIC & PERFORMANCE & PARTIES:
Women in Film Night — Saturday July 11, 6–10pm · Kinowerks (former studio of the Wachowski Sisters), Chicago · tickets required
The fourth annual Women in Film Night — panels with acclaimed local filmmakers, screenings of femme-directed films, a vendor market with artwork, clothing, accessories, tattoos, and tarot readings, plus an open bar. Set at Kinowerks — the former studio of the Wachowski Sisters, now a multidisciplinary creative hub. One of the best events of the weekend.
Movements of Many: 10 Years of Ishti Collective — Friday July 10, 6–8pm · Independence Park, 3945 N Springfield Ave · Free
A free outdoor performance celebrating 10 years of Ishti Collective — dance performances including Bharatanatyam by internationally acclaimed artist Sarmishtha Sarkar, communal rangoli crafts, local makers, food vendors, and a BollyX dance party open to all. Also happening Saturday July 11, 1–3pm at Nichols Park, Hyde Park. Part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series.
Bronzeville Summer Nights — Friday July 10, 5–9pm · South Cottage Grove Ave, Bronzeville · Free
Follow the music through the corridors of Bronzeville — Commerce, Community, and Culture. Live music spilling directly into the shops and restaurants that make the neighborhood home. Check in at 43rd & Cottage Grove or 44th & Cottage Grove.
FOOD & DRINK:
No Somms Allowed: Wines of Austria — Saturday July 11, 2–3pm · Rogers Park Social · tickets required · 21+
Wine educator Kelly takes you through a flight of Austrian wines — stories of history, culture, production, and scandal. No pretension, just great wine. A portion of every ticket benefits the Rogers Park Business Alliance food access program.
World’s Best Spicy Marg Cocktail Competition — Sunday July 12, 6–9pm · TRUCE, Chicago · tickets required
Six iconic Chicago bartenders compete for the title of World’s Best Spicy Marg. Taste all six and vote for your favorite. Competing: Kristina Veltri (Trivoli Tavern), Elliot Nelson (Radicle), Daddy Long Legs (Bar Bambi), Carolina Urbana (CAÑA Chicago), Ramsey Musk (Mama’s Boy + Hi Lo), and Taylor Lauder (Moneygun + Pearl Club). Ticket includes a punch card for all six samples plus a welcome cocktail.
Windy City Smokeout — Thursday July 9 through Sunday July 12 · around the United Center, West Side · tickets required
Chicago’s massive country and BBQ festival returns for four days — headlined by Hootie & The Blowfish and Blake Shelton (Thursday), Lainey Wilson and Jordan Davis (Friday), and more through Sunday. A massive outdoor festival right in the city.
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on my radar →
Silver Room Sound System Block Party — Saturday July 18 · The Salt Shed · tickets required
The South Side staple moves to a new location — a full day of music at The Salt Shed. One of Chicago’s most beloved annual summer events. silverroom.com.
Vintage House Chicago: Summer Heat Part 2 — Saturday July 18 & Sunday July 19 · Revolution Brewing Taproom, 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Logan Square · Free
Vintage House Chicago’s next market lands at Revolution Brewing — a new lineup of curated vintage and handmade vendors both days, free. @vintagehousechicago.
Tacos y Tamales Festival — Friday July 17 through Sunday July 19 · Blue Island Ave between Wolcott and Ashland, Pilsen · Free
Three days in Pilsen celebrating Mexican street food and culture — modeled after a traditional Mexican market. One of the most authentic food festivals in the city.
Wicker Park Fest — July 24–26 · Milwaukee Ave, Wicker Park · Free
50+ local and national artists, 200+ small businesses, a pet fest, and kids zone from Damen to Wolcott. Our neighborhood’s biggest weekend. wickerparkfest.com.
Fiesta Del Sol — July 23–26 · Pilsen · Free
The 54th annual celebration of Mexican culture — live music on multiple stages, food, carnival rides, and cultural programming. One of the largest Latino festivals in the Midwest.
Chicago Gospel Music Festival — July 24–25 · Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park · Free
Free gospel music at the Pritzker Pavilion — powerful voices and uplifting performances. chicagogospelmusicfestival.us.
got something happening? →
if you’re a chicago creator, organizer, gallery, or maker with an event coming up — submit it below. no gatekeeping here. this newsletter exists to support the scene, not just cover it.
submit your event → here!!!!!
— the chicago aesthete
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