So, is this the weekend life finally returns to normal? Well, no. But it looks like we’re getting there. With some museums and music venues slowly reopening while bands and movies light up the parking lot outside Soldier Field, little by little life is starting to resemble the Before Times. Still, with Taste of Chicago going virtual, beach volleyball moved to the grass, and protests still in full force, it doesn’t take long to snap back to 2020. Here’s everything you can do in Chicago this weekend.
Venture into the world, maybe hit a museum
Now
Various locations
The Chicago History Museum is reopening Friday, joining a growing list of attractions now open to the public including the Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Riverwalk, Garfield Park Conservatory, Green Mill, Music Box, and more. Choose Chicago has a handy list here. Just make sure to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Cost: Varies
Hit the Taste of Chicago... virtually
Now through Sunday
Virtual
One of Chicago’s largest summer festivals goes virtual for 2020 with Taste of Chicago To-Go offering free public programming, “community eats” meals from local restos, cooking demos, virtual music, and more.
Cost: Free
See live music -- in your car, at a drive-in -- during the Carpool Concert Tour
Now through Sunday
Schaumburg Boomers Stadium
It’s opening weekend for Duff Entertainment’s new Carpool Concert Tour at Schaumburg Boomers Stadium, with this weekend’s lineup including Dave Matthews and Beatles cover bands. Bet on hearing “Drive My Car.”
Cost: $30-$100
See live music and movies at Soldier Field during CHI-Together
Now through July 19
Soldier Field (South Lot)
It’s opening weekend for the new CHI-Together series at Soldier Field, which starts with a live music/DJ performance followed by a feature film to be viewed from your car in the parking lot (pedestrian tickets also available). This weekend’s films include Fast & Furious, Grease, and Shrek.
Cost: $55
Stand up for diversity at the ICE Protest
Friday 3 PM
Daley Center
Join local community organizers and nonprofit groups like ACTIVATE: CHI at this protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Cost: Free
See live music -- in an actual music venue -- at the Rosa’s reopening
Friday-Saturday, 7:30pm
Rosa’s Lounge
Logan Square’s iconic neighborhood blues club Rosa’s Lounge reopens this weekend with an all-star slate of artists including John Primer and Carl Weathersby Band. Yes, for real.
Cost: $25 per show
Nerd out at GENRETHON, a “digital celebration of nerdom in comedy”
Friday-Sunday
Virtual
Join the local sci-fi/fantasy nerds from Otherworld Theatre for this online virtual celebration of geek comedy with acts such as Improvised Jane Austen, Stupid Shakespeare, Improvised Star Trek, and more. Should be a good time.
Cost: Free
Play some beach volleyball…in the grass
Saturday 8am
Montrose Grass Fields
Chicago beaches may still be closed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show off your volleyball skills on the grass. Join Chicago Players Sport & Social for these men’s and women’s volleyball tourneys starting at 8am.
Cost: $135 per team
Say it loud and proud during the Andersonville Social Justice March
Saturday 10am
Starts at Clark & Catalpa
Join local block clubs and Andersonville neighborhood groups for this peaceful march through the neighborhood promoting social justice.
Cost: Free
Reacquaint yourself with a weekend tradition with the launch of Hubbard Inn’s weekend brunch
Saturday-Sunday
Hubbard Inn
The recently reconcepted Hubbard Inn launches its long-delayed brunch service this weekend with bottomless mimosas, Amish chicken and waffles, steak benedict, and more.
Cost: $30
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