THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Memorial Day Weekend Welcomes Return of Summer!
Weekend Alert! Please note that this weekend in Chicago has been a long-time coming. It’s going to bring warmer, sunny days as well as the return of some of our favorite summer festivals as we celebrate the unofficial start of summer on this Memorial Day Weekend!!
Begin your extended Memorial Day weekend by attending the Wreath Laying ceremony at the eternal flame in Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St.) in The Loop on Saturday at 11 a.m. in remembrance of those who died while serving in the U.S. armed services. Then head on over to State Street between Lake and Van Buren Streets for Chicago’s annual Memorial Day Parade kicking-off at 12 p.m. Once again, crowds will be allowed to line State Street waving flags and paying their respects at this Chicago tradition dating back to 1870!
It’s back and ready to celebrate the beginning of Chicago’s iconic summer festival season! The Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival returns to the Lakeview neighborhood on Sheffield Avenue between Roscoe Street and Belmont Avenue this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.). Don’t miss top local tribute bands on the main stage (near Roscoe) featuring acts like Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press, Don’t Speak, Fletcher Rockwell, and others. Then an eclectic community entertainment stage (near Belmont) will be filled with fun neighborhood music acts, DJs, and other performers. Plus, you’ll find great eats, libations (beer and wine), and plenty of artisan vendors to browse while just hanging out and enjoying being out of the house!
The first-ever Sueños Chicago takes place at the historic Grant Park’s Hutchinson Field (337 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop on Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m. – 10 p.m.). Come experience this all-new multi-day Latin music festival featuring headlining sets from 15+ Latin performers. In addition to two days of music, attendees can also enjoy a curated selection of Chicago’s best Latin food, custom art installations, a Ferris wheel, merch, activities and more. There’s even after shows at local music venues! It’s going to be one of the largest new festivals to launch in Chicago that you likely don’t want to miss!!
Returning for its first in-person celebration since 2019, Mole de Mayo returns to the Pilsen neighborhood at Ashland Avenue and West 18th Street on Saturday (12 p.m. – 10 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m. – 9 p.m.) honoring the traditional Mexican sauce with a mole cook-off. In addition, this event features 2 stages of great live entertainment, including music, DJ, and dance along with some of the city’s finest food vendors, an open-air Mercado (market) filled to the brim with local businesses and crafters, and a lucha libre wrestling ring!
One of the best aerial displays you’ll find in Chicago during the summer are the Navy Pier Fireworks which are hosted twice-weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Stunning views are available from across the Pier’s public spaces located at 600 E. Grand Avenue in the Streeterville neighborhood, or you can take in the show from nearby beaches or on a cruise along the Lakefront Trail!
Finally, the Chicago White Sox are hosting the Chicago Cubs in a cross-town classic on Saturday (6:10 p.m.) and Sunday (1:10 p.m.) at Guaranteed Rate Field (333 W. 35th St.) in the Bridgeport neighborhood. Hopefully, each team will win a game so all fans can go home happy!!
Have a Happy and Safe Memorial Day Weekend!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
