Memorial Day weekend is almost here, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Chicago, regardless of the weather. Here’s a roundup of events, beach information, and more to help you plan your holiday weekend.
Chicago Beaches Open
The Chicago Park District will open beaches for the season starting Friday, with daily access through Labor Day. Enhanced security measures will be in place, including a beach mobile unit with six marked vehicles and security officers in bright yellow along the lakefront. Swim conditions are updated daily around 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. based on weather, surf, and water quality.
Beaches currently closed due to erosion include Fargo Beach, Howard Beach, Juneway Beach, and Rogers Beach. More information is available on the park district website. Beachgoers are reminded of no smoking, no alcohol, and no dogs (except at designated dog-friendly beaches). Feeding birds or wildlife is also prohibited.
Memorial Day Weekend Events
Sueños Music Festival
The Latin music festival in Grant Park features reggaeton and Latin artists like Rauw Alejandro, Young Miko, and Bizarrap. The festival runs Saturday and Sunday, with tickets starting at $310. More details on the lineup and afterparties can be found here.
Randolph Street Market
This vintage and antique market takes place Saturday and Sunday with over 200 vendors. Tickets start at $12, and the market runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1341 W. Randolph St.
Farmers Markets
The Chicago Farmers Market season is in full swing. The Daley Plaza Farmers Market is now open, and the Maxwell Street Market returns to its original home for the first time since 1994, happening on the last Sunday of each month during summer, starting May 26.
Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
The 39th annual festival features national tribute bands and local entertainers. It runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Navy Pier Fireworks
Navy Pier’s iconic fireworks displays return this Memorial Day weekend, with shows at 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 p.m. on Wednesdays throughout the summer.
Giant Bounce House in Orland Park
The “ultimate bounce house experience” is coming to Orland Square. Starting Saturday and running through June 9, the Bounce the City Tour offers an immersive obstacle course and several supersized bounce houses for all ages. Tickets are available for various dates:
• May 25-26: Tickets
• June 1-2: Tickets
• June 8-9: Tickets
Bluey X Camp
Fans of the Australian cattle dog Bluey can enjoy the “Bluey x Camp” immersive experience at 647 W. North Ave. in Old Town. This event offers a real-life version of Bluey’s house and a meet-and-greet with Bluey and her sister Bingo. Tickets provide a one-hour experience in a 5,000-square-foot recreation of Bluey’s house, where attendees can play games like “Keepy Uppy.”
Mayfestiversary
Dovetail Brewery and Begyle Brewing are teaming up for Mayfestiversary, an annual street festival benefiting The Friendship Center, a neighborhood food pantry. The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday between Begyle and Dovetail Breweries at the corner of Ravenswood and Belle Plaine Avenue in the Ravenswood Corridor.
WingOut Chicago
For chicken wing enthusiasts, WingOut Chicago is the ultimate block party. While pre-sold tickets are sold out, the fest will accept walk-ups at 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The event is held at Wrigleyville’s Gallagher Way, located at 3635 N. Clark Street.
Mole De Mayo Festival
Mole de Mayo is the only outdoor mole cook-off event celebrating Latino culture and Mexican cuisine. It runs from Friday through Sunday on 18th Street, between Morgan and Halsted in the Pilsen neighborhood.
Gaming Festival: Combo Breaker
Combo Breaker, an annual gaming festival dedicated to competitive fighting games, will be hosted at the Schaumburg Convention Center this weekend. The event takes place from Friday to Sunday at 1551 Thoreau Dr N. in Schaumburg.
Balkan Music Night
Celebrate Balkan and Klezmer music with Fugu Dugu, Cloud Farmers, and Vox Maris at Balkan Music Night on Friday. The festivities will be held at Reggies Comedy Shack, located at 2105 S. State St. in Chicago.
Concert: Gregory Porter with Special Guest Terisa Griffin
Jazz vocalist and songwriter Gregory Porter, along with Chicago singer Terisa Griffin, will bring smooth sounds to the Chicago area. Catch their performance on Friday at the Venue at Horseshoe Hammond, located at 777 Casino Center Dr. in Hammond, Indiana.
Additional Resources
For a full list of events and more information, check local listings and the Chicago Park District website. Enjoy a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend!