August 12, 2021 – Here’s what’s going on in Chicago this weekend and beyond to make this summer your best one yet!

Blast from the past

Turn back the clock at the 24th annual Retro on Roscoe with music, food, and family fun.

Listen to your favorite oldies, put the pedal to the medal at the Antique/Classic Car and Motorcycle Show, and shop local artisans and antiques.

Taste the best of Roscoe Village’s top restaurants. Suggested donation is $10.

Friday, August 13 to Sunday, August 15

Roscoe Village, 2000 West Roscoe Street

 More info: Roscoe Village Neighbors

Acquire art at the annual Wells Street Art Festival

Decorate your walls with great art from the annual Wells Street Art Festival, where more than 225 local, regional, and international artists will display their works.

Pick your favorite traditional paintings, sculptures, artisan woodworking, metalsmithing, jewelry, digital arts, and more.

Check out local musical performances and cover bands while you enjoy excellent food and drink from the Old Town restaurants.

August 14–15 – 10:00 a.m. to dusk

Old Town

 More info: Wells Street Art Festival

Shine the light on Edison Park Fest

This annual event got its start in 1972 as a sidewalk sale but has grown into one of Chicago’s most popular neighborhood festivals.

Join the fun with live music, beer garden, street festival food, kids’ entertainment, Business Expo, and Basketball Clinic (grades 6-8). Photo by David Markowski

$5 suggested donation will benefit local community, civil, and school fundraisers.

August 13-15

6730 North Olmstead Avenue

March over to the Bud Billiken Parade

All hail the Bud Billiken Parade, now in its 92nd year, the largest African-American parade in the United States. This year’s theme is “Back to School, Back to Life, Back to Bud Billiken,” and commemorates the past and future of the African-American community on the South Side of Chicago. Rolling down Martin Luther King Jr. Drive for two miles through historic Bronzeville and into Washington Park, the parade features colorful floats, marching bands, dance teams, and more.

Chicago Sky forward Candace Parker, two-time WNBA Most Valuable Player, has been named grand marshal of the parade and festival.

Thrill to marching bands, drill teams, and more at the annual Bud Billiken Parade. Photo provided by ChooseChicago.

After the parade, hang around for the Bud Billiken Festival at Washington Park for vendors, food, entertainment, and coronavirus vaccine stations.

Saturday, August 14 – 10:00 a.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

 More info: Bud Billiken Parade

Score big at a Chicago Fire soccer game

Chicago Fire will once again take on the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer at Soldier Field. Chicago Fire has already played against Columbus Crew in three matches this season. Currently, Chicago Fire ranks 11th, while Columbus Crew is 7th.

Sunday, August 15 – 5:00 p.m.

Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Drive

 More info: Chicago Fire FC

Dancin’ in the Streets at Maxwell Street SummerDance Pop Up

Put your dance moves to the test at the SummerDance party on Maxwell Street. Sponsored by the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

Grab your partner and let the pros teach you how to Swing, do Steppin’, and Salsa. Photo provided by ChooseChicago.

Shop the Maxwell Street Market for home handmade crafts, resale housewares, T-shirts, and more. Keep the beat with live music, family fun, and awesome street food.

August 15 – 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

800 South Desplaines Street

 More info: Chicago SummerDance

Bright nights ahead!

Get your fill of psychedelic fun at Neon Summer Chicago – A Pop Up Adventure. Bring the gang for go-karts, pop mini-golf, axe throwing, and refreshing cocktails. Located across two acres in Goose Island, you’ll own plenty of bragging rights and Instagramable photo ops. So cool, day or night.

The best nighttime summer fun under the stars. Photo provided by Neon Summer Chicago.

Through August 28

1265 West LeMoyne Street

 More info: Neon Summer Chicago

Hungry for classical music?

Enjoy the 6th annual Thirsty Ears Festival, Chicago’s only classical music street festival.

Hear 17 stellar ensembles/soloists perform Beethoven, Shostakovich, Reich, and other classical composers.

Thirsty Ears Festival really is music to your ears! Photo provided by Access Contemporary Music.

Craft beer from Empirical Brewing, kid-friendly activities, and food trucks. $10 suggested donation. All proceeds support the ACM School of Music.

August 14–15

1758 West Wilson Avenue

 More info: Thirsty Ears Festival 2021