THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – An All-Star Chicago Weekend!
Filling in for the great Sue Moss this weekend, Chicago hits an All-Star high this weekend with several signature summer festivals (Gospel Fest, anyone?) as well as being the center of the women’s basketball universe as host for the WNBA All-Star Weekend at the United Center!
Hey, is that Caitlin Clark walking down Michigan Avenue? Look for your favorite WNBA stars, including Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, Olivia Miles, Paige Bueckers and A’ja Wilson as Chicago plays host to WNBA All-Star Weekend, a premier event in the league’s 30th anniversary season. There’s lots of events around the city: McCormick Place hosts an interactive Fan Festival (Friday and Saturday, 10am-7pm) with player appearances, panel discussions, interactive exhibits and games, and lots of swag; WNBA 3-Point Contest and the WNBA Shooting Stars at Wintrust Arena on Friday, July 24th (7pm), and the WNBA
Friday exhibition matching 24 top players at the United Center. The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center is on Saturday, July 25th (7:30 pm). It’s the second time in four years that Chicago’s hosted this event; this one’s much bigger!
In Millennium Park, Chicago Gospel Music Festival returns for two days, (Friday, 5:45-9pm. and Saturday, Noon – 9pm) at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. This free inspirational music festival brings audiences of all ages and backgrounds together to celebrate the power of music. Hosted by Inspiration (Radio) 1390’s Sonya Blakey, musical guests include Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Jabari Johnson, Ricky Dillard and New G, Chicago Youth United, Love Fellowship Choir, and Hezekiah Walker.
Note: Enter Millennium Park at Michigan Avenue & Washington Street, Michigan Avenue & Madison Street, Randolph Street or Monroe Street.
Wicker Park Fest, (Friday, 5pm-10pm, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-10pm) now in its 22nd year, celebrates the eclectic neighborhood’s lively musical heritage, unique businesses and top-notch restaurants. Voted Chicago’s Best Street Festival of the Summer” by the Chicago Tribune, Wicker Park Fest features the festival’s stellar indie music line-up of 50+ emerging local and nationally recognized artists performing original music, including The Frights, the Shannon Shaw Band, and Ovlov. Also featured are 200+ participating small businesses, installations by local artists, a Pet Fest, kid-friendly spaces, and a wide range of local food vendors! Wicker Park suggests a $10 donation, which benefits local community resources.
The 46th Annual Chinatown Summer Fair (Saturday 11am-10pm, and Sunday 10am-7pm), on South Wentworth Avenue from Cermak Avenue to 24th Place, calls itself “one of the most ethnically unique free outdoor events in Chicago and the Midwest.” Attracting more than 40,000 people, the fair features musical acts like Too Much Molly, a K-Pop dance competition, Asian performances, kung fu demonstrations, samplings from Chinatown’s restaurants & unique gift shops, arts & crafts exhibits, street vendors with an array of merchandise, and a children’s area.
Pilsen’s Fiesta del Sol (Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-10pm) takes place on the bustling blocks of Cermak Road between Ashland Avenue and Morgan Street. Chicago’s favorite family-friendly Latino festival is back for its 54rd Annual Celebration. This year’s festival brings together live music and entertainment on multiple stages, local and regional food vendors, carnival rides and games, an Art Expo, Keeping Healthy Expo, and Kid’s Expo, a Citizenship & Immigration Expo, and cultural programming.
Finally there’s action abound at Chicago’s baseball parks. With the Cubs out of town on the North Side, the Savannah Bananas take over Wrigley Field with Banana Ball, emphasizing showmanship, fan participation, dance routines, comedic sketches, and quick-paced games. On the South Side, the first-place Chicago White Sox take on the Houston Astros at Rate Field.
Here’s to an All-Star weekend for everyone!
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
