Don’t mess with the brass or you’ll get the horns—and a whole lot of them at the Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic on Saturday. It’s all music and culture the rest of the weekend with five more fests. Jam out at Retro on Roscoe, Northalsted Market Days and Reggae Fest, and celebrate Japanese and Cuban cultures at Ginza Holiday Festival and Festival Cubano.
Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic
When: Parade steps off at 9 a.m. Saturday, picnic to follow
Where: Parade route: Martin Luther King Drive from Oakwood Boulevard to 51st Street, Ellsworth Drive (through Washington Park) to 55th Street. Picnic: Washington Park
How much: Free
The skinny: Uplifting underprivileged Chicago youth since 1929, the Washington Park parade is the second largest in the nation. Catch high school marching bands, floats, drill teams, cheerleaders, dancers and more, followed by a picnic with food vendors and giveaways.
Retro on Roscoe
When: 5–10 p.m. Friday and noon–10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Roscoe Street and Damen Avenue
How much: $10 suggested donation
The skinny: For those looking for a blast from the past, this flashback-filled street fest in its 20th year is where it’s at. Along with antique vendors and a car and motorcycle show featuring about 50 vintage rides, catch cover bands on three stages, including Too White Crew (8 p.m. Friday, East Stage), Cowboy Jukebox (4 p.m. Saturday, East Stage) and American English (8 p.m. Sunday, Center Stage).
Northalsted Market Days
When: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Halsted Street between Belmont Avenue and Addison Street
How much: $10 suggested donation
The skinny: The LGBT street fest in Boystown celebrates 35 years this weekend with art, food and music on four stages. Catch big-name acts such as Sir the Baptist (8:30 p.m. Saturday, Addison Stage) and RJD2 (5 p.m Sunday, Belmont Stage) and cover bands such as Abba Salute (4:15 p.m. Saturday, Belmont Stage) and Boy Band Review (9 p.m. Sunday, Belmont Stage).
Festival Cubano
When: 4–10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Riis Park (6100 W. Fullerton Ave.)
How much: General admission: $5 Friday, $10 Saturday and Sunday. Three-day passes: $20. Tickets: thecubanfestival.com
The skinny: Billed as one of the largest Cuban and Latino festivals in the nation, this weekend-long event in its seventh year brings live entertainment and more. Along with a classic car show, carnival rides and cigar rolling, catch headliners on the Main Stage, including Juan Esteban on Friday (9 p.m.), Elvis Crespo on Saturday (7 p.m.) and India, the Princess of Salsa, on Sunday (8:30 p.m.). Plus, don’t miss getting a slice of the 90-foot long Cuban sandwich from 90 Miles Cuban Cafe and other bites from Estrella Negra, Venezuelan Bowl Grill and more.
Ginza Holiday Festival
When: 5:30–9 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Midwest Buddhist Temple (435 W. Menomonee St.)
How much: $6-$7 suggested donation. $12 admission fee after 7 p.m. Saturday. $15 three-day admission at the gate
The skinny: The annual festival of Japanese culture celebrates 61 years with an array of traditional food and entertainment. Feast on udon noodles, chicken teriyaki and sushi while watching performances by Taiko drummers and a folk dance troupe, martial arts demonstrations and folk-blues artist Yoko Noge and her band (8 p.m. Saturday). Shop merchants with ceramics, origami, jewelry and other giftable goods. Plus, don’t miss beautiful bonsai trees and Ikebana flower arranging inside the temple.
Reggae Fest
When: Noon–10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Addams/Medill Park (1301 W. 14th St.)
How much: General admission: $45. Tickets: reggaefestchicago.com
The skinny: “One day, one love” is the theme of this new fest celebrating reggae and similar genres including ska, reggaeton, roots reggae and world music. Headliners include Toots and the Maytals (8:45 p.m. North Stage), Lee “Scratch” Perry (8 p.m. South Stage), Iration (7 p.m. North Stage) and Hepcat (6:15 p.m. South Stage). Along with a merchant market with Caribbean style clothes, jewelry and homegoods, chow down on food from 10 restaurants including Jerk. Modern Jamaican Grill, Chicago Lunchbox food truck and more.
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